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As a result, it has been a staple in traditional medicine across various cultures, and it’s a potential alternative to pharmaceuticals like Xanax. In some studies, the reduction in anxiety with Ashwagandha supplementation rivalled those achieved by some psychiatric drugs (24). Research indicates that lemon balm can elevate mood, ease nervousness, and counteract anxiety-related stress (9). As a result, Valerian root is an attractive natural sedative and compelling alternative to drugs like Xanax. For instance, combining it with lemon balm or valerian root can provide a more potent calming effect. Passion flower can be safely combined with other natural anti-anxiety remedies, amplifying its effects.
These medications are safer for long-term use, whereas benzodiazepines become less effective over time. These drugs work by acting on two key messenger chemicals in the body, adrenaline and noradrenaline. When the body gets anxious, these chemical messengers cause certain unwanted side effects, such as sweating, shaking, and elevated heart rate. Beta-blockers block the effects of these chemical messengers, reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety and partially helping with psychological symptoms as well. Breathwork has been proven to improve anxiety symptoms, both on a day-to-day basis and in acute episodes of anxiety, like panic attacks.
AUD Medications: The Medications to Stop Drinking Alcohol
Some people prefer not to take any prescription medications and would rather try natural methods of treatment. 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.
To incorporate light exercise into your routine, consider walking (preferably outdoors in nature), gentle yoga, or tai chi. Even short bouts of physical activity can make a significant difference in your overall stress and reduce anxiety symptoms. Remember, consistency is more important than intensity when it comes to exercise for anxiety relief. One of the simplest and most effective natural methods to alleviate anxiety is through deep breathing exercises. Deep breathing works by activating the body’s parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for promoting relaxation and reducing stress 26. When practiced consistently, it can help decrease heart rate, lower blood pressure, and provide a sense of calm.
It can take some exploration to find which method resonates with you. 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.
Ashwagandha
- When considering the best choice of anxiety medication, any underlying conditions and/or coexisting mental health issues must be taken into account.
- Anxiolytic medications help restore this balance by enhancing GABA effects.
- Discover more about how trauma-focused therapy works, its benefits, and how to get started with coping strategies.
- 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.
- After my stay, not only did I feel prepared and ready for this change in my life, but I had been provided additional contacts and outside resources to assist in my road to recovery.
- By practicing daily healthy habits and self-care, you can reduce your symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Inhaling lavender essential oil has been linked to xanax alternatives reduced stress and anxiety, and even improved sleep (16). In some research, the anxiety-reducing effects of lavender were found to be comparable to anti-anxiety medications (14). This makes it unique, as it calms the mind without causing drowsiness, a common side effect of many anti-anxiety medications.
Non-medication alternatives to Xanax
Despite all the great research behind yoga, I’m personally not a big fan of it. While yoga isn’t a direct pharmaceutical counterpart to Xanax, its consistent practice can substantially aid in managing anxiety and stress. Like physical exercise, the benefits of meditation are often most pronounced with regular and consistent practice. This bi-directional communication means that the state of your gut can influence your mental health.
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Xanax Alternatives Compared
- These medications attach themselves to specific receptors in the brain, enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and depressing the central nervous system.
- In summary, natural alternatives offer a multifaceted approach to handling anxiety and stress.
- In fact, many people can reduce their symptoms with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) alone.
- As a result, nerve cell activity is more strongly suppressed, leading to feelings of sedation, relaxation, and a reduction in anxiety.
- Alcohol alters levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin and GABA.
- Regular exercise can help regulate and reduce the release of cortisol, the primary stress hormone, promoting a more balanced emotional state (69).
When other thoughts come up, you accept them without judgment and turn back to what you are focusing on. For example, a visual meditation can help you focus on a peaceful place you imagine, such as a shady spot by a beach. Yoga also incorporates mindfulness and has shown to be effective at relieving anxiety. Therapy helps with anxiety, and can be an effective alternative to Xanax or a complement to Xanax or another medication. Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent psychiatric disorder in the world, affecting 40 million adults in the United States. Similar to SSRIs, SNRIs increase the amount of serotonin available in the brain.
If you’d like to ease off of Xanax in favor of a safer alternative, that is always an option. Just make sure you speak with a licensed professional to help you as it is unsafe to stop abruptly. A licensed provider can support you and help ensure you’re taking the necessary precautions. If you experience insomnia and want an alternative treatment that may work as successfully as Xanax, CBT is often also used.
Contact Neuro Wellness Spa today to gain further insight into how Spravato may positively impact your well-being. Taking charge of your mental health is a step towards a happier and healthier life. Discover the various treatment options for adults living with ADHD and how, when used in combination, can help effectively manage the condition. Discover some common misconceptions about schizophrenia, as well as how symptoms can be managed with proper treatment. 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.
Other antidepressant medications used to treat anxiety not listed here include Lexapro (escitalopram), Prozac (fluoxetine), and buspirone. Preliminary findings suggest a mechanism mediated by the HPA axis — a key regulator of the stress hormone cortisol — and the GABAergic system 13. However, by virtue of its synthetic origin, alprazolam is much more potent than any GABA agonists that occur in nature (e.g. L-theanine and constituents of valerian root). Comparing Xanax to natural GABA agonists is like comparing apples to oranges. Throughout this article, we’ll detail how prescription drugs like Xanax work and further detail these five Xanax alternatives. Our blog is a space dedicated to sharing information and expert advice to help you improve your overall mental health.