Other therapeutic protocols at Alternative to Meds can reduce anxiety significantly, such as yoga, meditation, and practicing mindfulness, massage therapy, and acupuncture. Please explore more about them on our services overview page, including IV + NAD, nebulized glutathione, art therapy, neurotransmitter rehabilitation, and many others. Your treatment team, professionals in their field, will customize your program uniquely for you.
- Due to a high potential for drug abuse and addiction, Xanax is a controlled substance in the United States.
- Root extracts from this herb contain kavalactones, which act within the limbic system to modulate GABA production.
- Clinical trials have found that Ashwagandha can effectively reduce stress and anxiety (23).
- Several forms of therapy are used to successfully manage anxiety — often without the use of medication.
- Prior to providing these nutritional treatments, lab testing identifies deficiencies, toxicity levels, and other imbalances.
- In some research, the anxiety-reducing effects of lavender were found to be comparable to anti-anxiety medications (14).
This may reduce cortisol production, helping to lower stress levels, and increase serotonin and GABA levels to create a more relaxed and calm mental state. However, it works more gradually, promoting sleep and possibly lowering cortisol levels — without the risk of dependency. This non-sedative effect makes L-theanine a gentler alternative to medications like Xanax which may cause sleepiness and dependency. Studies have shown that L-theanine can reduce stress responses — such as increased cortisol levels (a hormone linked to stress) — without causing drowsiness, making it suitable for daily use. This medication typically starts improving anxiety symptoms in three to four weeks. SNRIs help manage anxiety by preventing the quick reabsorption of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.
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. While benzodiazepines are still commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders, there are better options that are generally safer, with a lower risk of addiction. Xanax is a benzodiazepine medication that has the potential for misuse, dependence, and addiction. Integrating natural alternatives into your routine while phasing out Xanax should be approached gradually and with careful planning. Start by consulting with a healthcare professional to create a tailored plan that aligns with your specific needs and ensures safety.
Anxiolytic medications help restore this balance by enhancing GABA effects. There are many different types of benzodiazepine and non-benzodiazepine medications used to treat anxiety. Given the potential side effects and risk of dependency on Xanax and other anxiety medications, many people look for natural alternatives.
Psychodynamic therapy
- This makes it unique, as it calms the mind without causing drowsiness, a common side effect of many anti-anxiety medications.
- The brain’s net effect is the modulation of excitatory pathways and neurotransmitters (MAO, glutamate, and glycine).
- Lexapro (escitalopram) is another SSRI that treats anxiety and depression.
- Controlled substances may not be appropriate for all patients and any mention of these medications is for educational purposes only, not for marketing or encouraging self-diagnosis.
- TMS is not FDA-approved for treating anxiety, although some research suggests it might help manage anxiety symptoms when other medications haven’t worked.
- However, Valium vs. Xanax metabolism comparison shows that the metabolism of Valium is slightly slower in people of Asian and African descent, which makes the effects of the drug last longer.
Through investigative techniques such as lab testing, we are able to identify the source of the symptoms and then fix them. Individualized treatment plans, addressing underlying conditions and incorporating a holistic approach to anxiety management are key for success in treating anxiety while avoiding Xanax dependence. By broadening the understanding of available alternatives, individuals and healthcare professionals can make informed decisions that prioritize both anxiety relief and long-term well-being. People with generalized anxiety disorder seeking natural alternatives to Xanax have multiple options. Many of the following remedies and holistic coping techniques may help with anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals manage anxiety symptoms by addressing avoidant behaviors and safety-seeking habits that hinder correcting faulty beliefs.
Xanax is a popular FDA-approved drug prescribed to people with anxiety because of its effectiveness. Although used to treat anxiety, trazodone may not treat panic attacks as effectively as Xanax. Other antidepressant medications used to treat anxiety not listed here include Lexapro (escitalopram), Prozac (fluoxetine), and buspirone. Halcion is a benzodiazepine medication that is primarily prescribed to temporarily treat symptoms of insomnia. Ativan is a benzodiazepine drug that is also an anti-anxiety medication.
What is the best benzodiazepine for anxiety?
In this blog post, we’ll delve into alternative drugs similar to Xanax that provide relief without the addictive pitfalls. It can help people manage racing thoughts, panic attacks, and other symptoms of anxiety. Unlike the other Xanax alternatives on our list, Spravato (esketamine) is a nasal spray.
Antidepressant Alternatives For Xanax
While Xanax has gained widespread recognition for its immediate relief against anxiety, relying on it isn’t without its pitfalls. Understanding these drawbacks can empower individuals to make more informed choices regarding their treatment path. Thankfully, research shows that improving either one can also relieve the other. Make time to get a full 7 to 9 hours per night and follow the same sleep schedule every day. To fall asleep, practice anxiety-relieving breathing and mindfulness alternative to xanax otc techniques.
Research has established that neurotoxins collect in a person’s body throughout their lifetime, resulting in an over-stimulated nervous system. Toxins could include aspartame, heavy metals, pesticides, mycotoxins from mold, and literally thousands of other toxic chemicals in our food, hygiene, and cleaning products, in our homes and workplaces. Additional factors such as an overly demanding workplace, a foundering marriage, or other stressors can overwhelm a person. But if toxic impairment has not been tested for and corrected, other therapies such as counseling may not be effective until eliminating the toxic burden.
About the Medical Reviewer
Every year, doctors in the U.S. write millions of prescriptions for the powerful sedative Xanax or its generic equivalent, alprazolam. That’s true because this medication is quite beneficial for the relief of serious anxiety. However, Xanax use comes with some significant drawbacks, including risks for dependence and full-blow addiction. Are there safer alternatives that can help you avoid the need for Xanax addiction treatment? But these alternatives are best used when following the advice of your doctor. Nootropic supplements — commonly referred to as “smart drugs” — can improve cognitive function and reduce anxiety.
It’s not FDA-approved for generalized anxiety but is used off-label for it. Side effects from Zoloft include nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, fatigue, and changes in appetite or libido. Valium treats anxiety, as well as alcohol withdrawal, seizures, and muscle spasms. 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).
Birth Control Prescriptions
Research indicates that lemon balm can elevate mood, ease nervousness, and counteract anxiety-related stress (9). Researchers have found that Valerian reduces the physiological symptoms of anxiety, such as palpitations and trembling (6). Similar to Passion flower, Valerian root affects GABA levels in the brain.