Anxiety, while complex, doesn’t have to dictate the terms of one’s life. With a multitude of therapeutic alternatives available, there’s hope for everyone, irrespective of where they are on their mental health journey. Yet, it’s vital to note that while some of these medications offer quick relief, others aim for a long-term balance, each with its set of benefits and potential drawbacks. As we navigate this landscape, it’s crucial to be informed understanding not just the benefits but also the implications of each treatment option. If you’re seeking Xanax alternatives to help manage your symptoms of anxiety, Talkspace can help. Join LifeMD today and experience amazing healthcare, discounted labs and prescription medications…
Natural Alternatives to Xanax
Lemon balm extract and tea are often studied as treatments for anxiety symptoms, like panic attacks and stress-related eating behaviors. Indeed, there is substantial evidence that lemon balm extract has a potent calming effect by acting on GABA 21. Rather compelling research has shown that treatment with magnesium supplements can rapidly relieve anxiety and panic attacks 11. Magnesium supplementation can also support immune function and reduce oxidative stress, imperative for overall health and longevity 12. Spring Hill Recovery Center provides residential treatment for addiction and co-occurring mental health issues.
- By boosting the production of endorphins and serotonin, exercise is known to improve mood, ease tension, and reduce irritability.
- In comparison, Xanax starts working in 1 to 2 hours and can last up to 40 hours.
- Canadian scientist David Suzuki describes one such chemical that is now banned in the US but not elsewhere, called Triclosan.
- Improving your diet may also relieve anxiety, thanks to the gut-brain connection.
- This medication typically starts improving anxiety symptoms in three to four weeks.
Good sleep for anxiety
Unlike benzodiazepines and beta-blockers, which act quickly, SSRIs and SNRIs work by gradually increasing the levels of serotonin and/or norepinephrine in the brain. They do not produce immediate mood-altering effects, and users do not typically experience feelings of euphoria or intoxication, the way they might with benzodiazepines, for example. As the name implies, antidepressants are designed to treat depression, but they can be effective against anxiety as well. If you’re looking for medical alternatives to Xanax, you might consider, beta blockers, antidepressants, or other anxiety medications like BusPar. Fortunately, many alternative treatments that offer relief from anxiety do exist, ranging from other medications to proven non-medical strategies.
Medical treatment from licensed providers is provided by the “LifeMD Affiliated P.C.s,” an affiliated network of medical Professional Corporations and Associations. Learn more about the effectiveness, side effects, and other uses of antidepressants like citalopram. For example, if you have mild anxiety, L-theanine or mindfulness practices may be helpful. But if your symptoms are severe, SNRIs or SSRIs will likely offer longer-term benefits.
Magnesium is perhaps the most “natural” anxiolytic, being an essential mineral. That said, the magnesium salt you pick matters– avoid magnesium citrate or oxide, and opt for magnesium threonate, glycinate or malate instead. Magnesium threonate is the most effective form of magnesium for anxiety, but it is also the most expensive, so it’s often mixed with other magnesium salts for cost reasons. When you quit Xanax, you usually have to taper the dosage to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Other benzos, because of their long half-lives, are effectively self-tapering.
Sleep hygiene
With that said, I do have some moments of anxiety / jittery feelings (pretty much everyone does, right?), usually when I load up on caffeine or pre workout supplements. I first discovered Phenibut when I was researching all natural anti-anxiety supplements. I was contacted by the makers of a product called Phenibut XT, and they were looking for someone to test out there product and write a review. If you’re just starting out with Kratom as an alternative to Xanax, I would suggest you stick to a low dose for the first few tries.
- My recommendation is to limit your caffeine intake, have caffeine-free days, and/or stop caffeine consumption several hours before bedtime to prevent potential sleep disruptions.
- Given the potential side effects and risk of dependency on Xanax and other anxiety medications, many people look for natural alternatives.
- Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health.
- Some studies say they work by enhancing brain health and neurotransmitter function.
- Xanax binds to GABA receptors to amplify the calming effects of the neurotransmitter.
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Many Xanax users report significant sedative and hypnotic effects, thereby helping alleviate symptoms of anxiety and tension. These are in NO WAY close to the effectiveness of Xanax or other anti anxiety medications. However, the potential for addiction and dependence on Xanax and other anxiety medications like Lorazepam (Ativan), Valium, Klonopin, and Librium is HUGE.
At Brightside, we encourage our members to use the Unified Protocol, an evidence-based treatment based on CBT. Medical research has conclusively shown that exposure to toxic mold can cause neurological impairment. Toxic mold syndrome causes symptoms like confusion, depression, dizziness, anxiety, and many others. Psychodynamic therapy aims to uncover the repressed thoughts and feelings behind your anxiety. Sessions focus on digging into your past experiences, so you can identify unresolved conflicts and work through them. Oral Ativan takes a little longer than Xanax to kick in, up to 2 hours.
Contact us today and start your journey towards a calmer, happier life. 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. It may take several weeks for SSRIs and SNRIs to alleviate anxiety symptoms, and they should be taken consistently to maintain effectiveness. While these natural remedies for anxiety can be beneficial, their effects may be more subtle and take longer to notice than those of prescription medications. Always check with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement, especially if you are on other medications.
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). Chamomile, a commonly used natural remedy for anxiety, is known for its calming properties.
From sudden bouts of panic to prolonged periods of unease, anxiety affects millions worldwide. Statements regarding supplement benefits have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Transparent Labs products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. A simple way to stimulate the vagus nerve is by practicing the « Valsalva maneuver. » To perform this, take a deep breath and hold it while bearing down as if you are straining to have a bowel movement.
Sadly, most magnesium supplements contain an inferior form –magnesium oxide – which has poor bioavailability 14. Transparent Labs Magnesium Bisglycinate capsules contain chelated magnesium which is gentle on the gut and readily absorbed 15. The main bioactive constituents in ashwagandha are withanolides, notably withaferin-A. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) stands out as one of the most promising adaptogens due to its multifarious benefits in the human body.
This article will delve into these natural Xanax alternatives, presenting a holistic approach to managing anxiety and stress. The allure of natural Xanax alternatives lies in their potential to alleviate anxiety without the accompanying risks of traditional medications like Xanax. Therefore, lemon balm extract is a natural Xanax alternative that putatively synergizes with other natural alternatives like valerian root and L-theanine. Magnesium is a mineral found in various green vegetables and some lentils and supports bone mineralization, protein building, muscular contraction, nerve impulse transmission, and immunity. If you’re considering natural Xanax alternatives, L-theanine should be near the top of your list. L-theanine is a non-dietary amino acid found predominantly in green tea leaves.
A dedicated doctor can provide tailored advice and recommend specialist addiction services or therapists. 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. For informational purposes only, a link to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) otc substitute for xanax Open Payments web page is provided here.
Studies have indicated that theanine can also help reduce the physiological responses to stress. Individuals taking theanine experience a reduction in heart rate and salivary immunoglobulin A, both of which typically spike during stress (40-41). Research shows that combining magnesium with vitamin B6 can enhance the absorption and effectiveness of magnesium. And some studies suggest this combination can be particularly effective in alleviating anxiety (36-37). Lastly, chronic inflammation is often linked to anxiety and mood disorders, and chamomile’s potent anti-inflammatory properties can help counteract this (31).