9 Alternatives To Xanax: Natural & Prescription

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. A seasoned musician and public speaker herself, she is no stranger to the very real fear and anxiety that can strike right before a high-pressure situation. Then all subjects had to cross a suspended bridge for a stimulus of stress.

Xanax’s Misuse Potential

• This article will delve into these natural Xanax alternatives, presenting a holistic approach to managing anxiety and stress.
• Additionally, these gut bacteria help anxiety by significantly reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
• For most patients, Talkiatry treatment is just as effective as in-person psychiatry (American Psychiatric Association, 2021), and much more convenient.
• Xanax is in the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines, a type of anti-anxiety medication.

It should certainly not natural xanax alternatives for anxiety otc xanax replacements be taken with alcohol or other drugs,either prescription or recreational. There are multiple reasons that Xanax is so widely used for treating anxiety. ” Benzodiazepines, including Xanax, are among the hardest drugs to quit, along with hardcore drugs like heroin, cocaine, and crystal meth.

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He graduated with an MD at Loma Linda University School of Medicine and did a residency in psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. He has also been an inpatient adult psychiatrist at Kaweah Delta Mental Health Hospital and the primary attending geriatric psychiatrist at the Auerbach Inpatient Psychiatric Jewish Home Hospital. In addition, he served as the general adult outpatient psychiatrist at Kaiser Permanente. His specialty is in natural healing techniques that promote the body’s innate ability to heal itself. Working with a therapist generally involves regular talk therapy sessions where you discuss your feelings, problem-solving strategies, and coping mechanisms to help with your condition.

Find Relief With a Safe, Supported Plan

Daily use requires consistency and a clear understanding of your unique neurological needs. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure that sends magnetic pulses to the brain, which can alter nerve cell activity in specific areas of the brain that help regulate mood. TMS is not FDA-approved for treating anxiety, although some research suggests it might help manage anxiety symptoms when other medications haven’t worked. This can be extremely important for people who have addictive personalities or who have a history of substance abuse. After all, drug addiction itself often causes a lot of anxiety, so it may be counterproductive for many people to use alprazolam, Valium, or other similar drugs to treat anxiety.

Get Help For A Xanax Addiction

Is the anxiety primarily mental, or does it manifest physically through restlessness, racing heart, or panic attacks? For example, someone experiencing adrenal fatigue might benefit more from rhodiola or reishi mushroom, while someone with intrusive thoughts might respond better to lemon balm or lavender extract. While herbs play a central role in natural anxiety relief, nutritional supplements also contribute significantly. Magnesium, particularly in the glycinate or threonate forms, helps calm the nervous system by regulating NMDA receptors and supporting GABA synthesis. L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, promotes alpha brain wave activity and is often included in otc xanax formulations for its ability to induce calm focus.

• While the natural remedies below may not provide rapid relief on their own, they can be used in moderation to support other anxiety treatments.
• The top two medical treatments for anxiety are anti-anxiety medication and psychotherapy.
• When someone is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a healthcare provider may categorize it as bipolar 1 or bipolar 2.
• Hydroxyzine has a fast onset of action like Ativan, but it is not labeled as having a potential for abuse.

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. This neurotransmitter is involved in learning and memory and increases levels of glutamate, which may help restore neural pathways disrupted in depression and anxiety. A treatment center will attempt to verify your health insurance benefits and/or necessary authorizations on your behalf. We cannot guarantee payment or verification eligibility as conveyed by your health insurance provider will be accurate and complete.

As a result, Valerian root is an  attractive natural sedative and compelling alternative to drugs like Xanax. 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). In a society increasingly leaning towards organic, chemical-free, and holistic approaches to well-being, interest in natural Xanax alternatives is both understandable and timely. Some over-the-counter products blend several of these ingredients, aiming for a synergistic effect.

With modern scientific methodologies, we’re now beginning to understand its profound beneficial effects and its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. Some studies even suggest that individuals with a balanced gut microbiome have a healthier physiological response to stress, which includes a more regulated cortisol (stress hormone) response (56). Probiotics can help restore balance to the gut microbiome, reducing inflammation and its detrimental effects on your mental health (55). The adrenal glands, responsible for releasing stress hormones, require adequate amounts of vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) for proper function. Maintaining optimal adrenal health by supplementing with Vitamin B5 can help in managing the body’s stress response (50).

In other words, it boosts the power of that brake pedal, making it even more effective at calming down the activity of neurons. There is plenty of anecdotal evidence showing people experiencing a calmer state and reduced anxiety after taking GABA supplements 11. Two (more detailed) studies carried out in 2006 looked at the effects of GABA supplements on the brain 13. Xanax is most commonly used for its sedative and calming effects in order to relieve the symptoms of anxiety and promote sleep. Psychobiotics are probiotics that offer specific mental health benefits, including alleviating anxiety.

Multivitamin Supplement

In people with depression and anxiety, valium has been shown to be more effective for the treatment of anxiety. Besides Alprazolam, other benzodiazepines can be prescribed for the treatment of anxiety. These include chlordiazepoxide or Librium, clorazepate or Tranxene, diazepam or Valium, lorazepam or Ativan, and midazolam.

Natural and alternative treatments for anxiety have been used for ages, long before prescription drugs like benzodiazepines were developed. It is a blessing from nature that these straightforward, but powerful alternatives exist. Xanax is highly addictive, has a high risk of abuse, can come with many harsh reactions — and can be incredibly difficult to stop taking. Many individuals would be blown away by the power of natural Xanax alternatives and how efficient they are. The benzodiazepine alternatives we provide are targeted to correct underlying causes of symptoms as well as to obtain immediate relief from symptoms.