For short-term relief from feelings of anxiety, opt for natural alternatives such as developing and maintaining helpful self-care habits, eating nutritious foods, and exercising regularly. Exercise helps release endorphins and increases the availability of neurotransmitters. It can also help support good sleep, which can simulate some of the sedative effects of Xanax. SNRIs, such as venlafaxine (Effexor), impact both serotonin and norepinephrine levels. These medications are prescribed for various mood disorders and may be considered as non-addictive alternatives to Xanax for anxiety management.
What are other benzodiazepines?
- Our staff are highly trained with dual mental health and substance use licensing.
- This allows mood-regulating chemicals to stay active in the brain longer, balance emotional responses, and improve anxiety symptoms.
- It can also be dangerous to attempt to quit Xanax without tapering off in a healthcare setting.
- Theanine also increases the production of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin, and GABA.
- Its sedative effects make it a popular choice for people looking for a natural way to manage both anxiety and insomnia.
From other anxiety medications and holistic treatments to therapeutic approaches, Talkspace makes accessing complete mental health support easy. There are several self-help techniques that can be incorporated into daily routines to drastically reduce symptoms and help manage anxiety over time. Many work as an effective stand-alone treatment, and others have enhanced effectiveness when combined with additional forms of treatment like medication or natural alternatives. Xanax is in the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines, a type of anti-anxiety medication. This prescription medication works by binding to the GABA-A receptor to raise neurotransmitter levels in the brain, creating a calm, relaxed state. Several alternative medications for Xanax work well to alleviate anxiety, both in the same and different classes of drugs.
Other tips to help get to sleep
For this reason, Xanax is often taken to treat sudden-onset symptoms or short-term anxiety. Other commonly prescribed drugs of this class include diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), clonazepam (Klonopin), temazepam (Restoril), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), and midazolam (Versed). Despite the popularity of Xanax, many people look for alternative prescription medications that offer anxiety relief without the same risks of dependency and withdrawal. Lorazepam is in a group of drugs called benzodiazepines and is used to treat anxiety disorders …
Are There Any Natural Alternatives to Xanax?
Stopping Xanax abruptly can cause severe withdrawal symptoms — such as seizures, panic attacks, and psychosis — that may last weeks or even months. Xanax binds to GABA receptors to amplify the calming effects of the neurotransmitter. This slows neuron activity down, which creates a relaxing effect and eases anxiety symptoms. This type of brain activity leads to symptoms like an increased heart rate and hypervigilance. Xanax is a popular FDA-approved drug prescribed to people with anxiety because of its effectiveness. If you want to explore trying antidepressants or another kind of medication to treat your anxiety symptoms, take Talkiatry’s quick online assessment.
Non-Benzodiazepine Medications
Passion flower can be safely combined with other natural anti-anxiety remedies, amplifying its effects. Another showed that it can reduce pre-surgery anxiety, comparable to standard medications (4). It’s believed to increase levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain.
- Xanax can help people with anxiety disorders and panic attacks, but it isn’t right for everyone.
- If you’re in emotional distress, text HOME to connect with a counselor immediately.
- From sudden bouts of panic to prolonged periods of unease, anxiety affects millions worldwide.
- It’s important to note that Xanax and other benzodiazepines have the potential to create dependence and should only be used under the guidance of a medical practitioner 4.
But does come with a risk of misuse and serious drawbacks that can put your health at risk, which is why some prefer not to prescribe it. As a fellow benzodiazepine (benzo), Klonopin does not escape the hazards or side effects of Xanax, namely the potential for abuse and physical dependence, as well as sedation and unsteadiness. These concerns are heightened for anyone with a history of substance abuse or older adults with a greater risk of falls. These agents are also best avoided with the use of concurrent opiate pain relievers due to the danger of respiratory depression (reduced breathing) and death. Since Xanax and other benzodiazepines such as Ativan are habit-forming and can lead to physical dependence, you should take some precautions when deciding to stop using them. Be sure to talk with your provider about how you can decrease your dependence and manage withdrawal symptoms safely.
They don’t generally cause harm even with months or years of use, but regular checkups can help make sure they aren’t impacting your health. Notably, a person should get their blood pressure checked more regularly when using beta blockers. Like SSRIs, what is a substitute for xanax serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) have a lower risk of misuse, dependence, and addiction. Discover effective and evidence-based approaches to managing ADHD that go beyond prescription medications. Eating well and exercising regularly can improve the body’s natural ability to manage stress, which may help with overall health. A balanced diet can support brain health, reduce inflammation, and regulate the activity of neurotransmitters.
Mild side effects tend to be more common, but one of the most serious side effects is the risk of addiction. Getting therapy and a practical, personalized treatment plan that fits your needs from the comfort of your home is possible. Talkspace offers an accessible, affordable way to enhance your mental well-being and take control of your anxiety. Kratom is a plant based substance that comes from the Coffee family, and has been used by people in the Southeast Asian region to help improve mood, give you energy, and lower anxiety. If you’re having a medical or mental health emergency, call 911 or go to your local ER.
As an alternative to Xanax, then I would recommend using a higher dose of Kratom. Some people have reported a worsening of their anxiety when using small doses. It’s effects on anxiety have never really been studied in a clinical setting, but anecdotal reports are very favorable to the substance. I have personally tested ALLof the below mentioned otc Xanax alternatives, and KNOW they work. These are all ranked in terms of effectiveness, and I outline exactly how you should be taking each to get the best possible results. The latest research, insights, and news for clinicians and healthcare professionals.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into alternative drugs similar to Xanax that provide relief without the addictive pitfalls. It is important to note that the prescribed medication will depend on the individual’s needs and preferences and their healthcare provider’s recommendations. Medication is often used with other therapies, such as psychotherapy, to treat anxiety disorders effectively.
The potential side effects of Buspirone are similar to SNRIs and often improve as the body adjusts. Buspirone is used to treat symptoms of anxiety, such as fear, tension, irritability and dizziness … Venlafaxine is used to treat major depressive disorder, anxiety, and panic disorder. Besides these side effects, one of the main downsides of Xanax is that it can be habit-forming. However, another concern with Xanax or any benzodiazepines is the chance of increased risk for dementia, the higher your dose and the longer you use it.
By stabilizing levels of serotonin passed across neurons, these medications may help decrease feelings of anxiety and regulate mood swings—making them effective in managing symptoms of depression. Luckily, there are alternative anti-anxiety medications with less risk and less severe side effects and withdrawal symptoms. Xanax (alprazolam) belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines and works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain. Several herbal treatments and over-the-counter or holistic medicines are believed to help manage anxiety symptoms. Some of the commonly cited herbal options are chamomile, valerian root, lavender, and kava. Over-the-counter remedies like the amino acid L-Theanine, melatonin, and magnesium are also frequently recommended as alternative anxiety treatments.
In many instances, limiting or abstaining from alcohol can be a constructive step towards managing anxiety, presenting itself as a natural lifestyle alternative to medications like Xanax. Its ability to alleviate anxiety and stress is backed by a wealth of scientific evidence, and it’s an attractive natural alternative to medications like Xanax. Regular practice of Tai Chi has been shown to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol. As a result, individuals can experience decreased feelings of stress and anxiety (68). A systematic review of these studies indicated that Kava is a beneficial and effective treatment for anxiety.