Seek medical advice from your doctor or other healthcare provider before using any supplements. Natural treatments can range from movement therapy to herbal supplements. Lifestyle changes can go a long way in managing short-term anxiety or stress.
Ashwagandha is also used to treat arthritis, anxiety, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), balance, trouble sleeping (insomnia), etc. However, the effectiveness of ashwagandha to treat these illnesses is debated. The reason why this herb is said to alleviate anxiety is that it increases serotonin and decreases cortisol. Increasing serotonin levels is the fundamental underlying principle that is used with antidepressants. So, the fact that ashwagandha can do this naturally is potentially beneficial for anxiety sufferers. Because of the potential for experiencing negative side effects and addiction to benzodiazepines, many people seek over-the-counter alternatives to Alprazolam for anxiety and similar conditions.
Engaging in light exercise is another effective natural remedy for reducing anxiety. Physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural mood elevators. Additionally, regular exercise can improve sleep, increase self-esteem, and reduce the symptoms of both anxiety and depression 28.
Valium shouldn’t be used by people with severe breathing or liver problems, sleep apnea, or myasthenia gravis (an autoimmune condition that causes muscle weakness). While Xanax can be taken with or without food, taking Valium after a high-fat meal can delay its effects. Given the complexities surrounding Xanax and similar medications, the search for non-addictive alternatives has become paramount.
Effective Alternatives to Xanax
Keep in mind that individuals metabolize caffeine at different rates and have varying thresholds for its effects. Some people might be particularly sensitive to caffeine and experience heightened anxiety even with small amounts. While yoga isn’t a direct pharmaceutical counterpart to Xanax, its consistent practice can substantially aid in managing anxiety and stress.
Anxiety sufferers need treatments that align with long-term well-being without compromising on effectiveness. It’s often prescribed as a second-line or additional treatment alongside SSRIs and SNRIs to treat other mental health conditions. Despite the popularity of Xanax, many people look for alternative prescription medications that offer anxiety relief without the same risks of dependency and withdrawal. Chamomile, a commonly used natural remedy for anxiety, is known for its calming properties. It can be consumed as a tea or a supplement, and studies suggest it can effectively reduce symptoms of anxiety and improve overall psychological well-being.
Holistic Treatments
In some cases, alprazolam may be a better solution, and in others, a Xanax alternative may be better. It all depends on the individual situation and the different side effects of alprazolam and its substitutes. Deep breathing exercises can calm you during an intense bout of anxiety.
Exploring Alternatives: Drugs Similar to Xanax Without the Risks
Beta-blockers are typically taken to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).7 However, they are also sometimes used to treat the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as shaking or sweating. Two commonly prescribed beta-blockers for this off-label use are atenolol and propranolol. The term «natural Xanax» is somewhat misleading since alprazolam is not a naturally occurring chemical, nor does it refer to any specific natural substances.
- The American College of Physicians also recommend CBT as a first-line treatment for insomnia.
- The FDA now requires a boxed warning on all benzodiazepines to improve safety outcomes.
- When it comes to managing anxiety, it’s important to note that benzodiazepines are not the only option.
- The information in this article is for education and informational purposes only and should never be substituted for medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.
Are Natural Xanax Alternatives Better than Xanax Itself?
This shows people how to reduce the intensity of their anxiety symptoms and manage stress over time. While medications and natural supplements can be effective, lifestyle and behavioral changes are essential for managing anxiety sustainably over the long term. Xanax is an FDA-approved medication primarily used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Research has shown that high doses of vitamin B can reduce anxiety, stress, and depression. There are several over-the-counter (OTC) options that can help alleviate anxiety symptoms.
Affordable, caring anxiety treatment is a click away
It also relaxes your muscles, creating a calming effect in your mind and body. Xanax kicks in fast — in 1 to 2 hours — making it an effective treatment for relieving intense anxiety or panic attacks. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Xanax (alprazolam) is one of the most prescribed anti-anxiety medications available. There are other medications, therapies, and even natural Xanax alternatives.
It can take some exploration to find which method resonates with you. Like physical exercise, the benefits of meditation are often most pronounced with regular and consistent practice. Meditation can also stimulate the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins, all of which play roles in the mitigation of anxiety (62). Neuroimaging studies have shown that consistent meditation can lead to changes in the structure and function of the brain. The gut and the brain communicate through multiple pathways, including the vagus nerve, neurotransmitters, and the immune system (51-53). Omega-3 fatty acids are considered “essential fatty acids”, meaning your body cannot create them.
It’s worth noting that while antidepressants usually take a few weeks before noticeable results, they are much safer to take in the long term compared to benzodiazepines. Another type of medication used for anxiety is buspirone, in a class of medications called anxiolytics. It is a prescription drug that works to block the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor in the brain, which is involved in regulating mood and anxiety.
Zoloft as a Xanax alternative
At Brightside, we encourage our members to use the Unified Protocol, an evidence-based treatment based on CBT. AddictionResource aims to present the most accurate, trustworthy, and up-to-date medical content to our readers. Our team does their best for our readers to help them stay informed about vital healthcare decisions. Addiction Resource team has compiled an extensive list of the top drug rehabilitation facilities around the country.
A person should talk to their doctor if they still cannot sleep after making changes to their sleep routine. A doctor may be able to suggest CBT or an alternative medication over Xanax. If medications or supplements are not working, a person could make some changes to their sleep routine. They also found that about 67% of the participants saw improvements in sleep, but the improvements did fluctuate over time.
Purchasing Xanax online without a prescription is a) a federal crime, b) highly unsafe, and c) more likely to cause problems than solve them. Xanax is used to treat anxiety disorders, but it can be habit-forming and isn’t right for everyone. There are several alternatives to consider for people with a history of substance abuse and those concerned about Xanax’s side effects.
Multiple clinical trials have investigated the effects of specific probiotic strains on mood and anxiety. Researchers have found that certain strains can alleviate anxiety and improve substitute for xanax overall mood (57). An imbalanced gut can also lead to chronic inflammation, which is increasingly linked to various mood disorders, including anxiety.