It has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress by promoting relaxation and increasing awareness of thoughts and emotions. Kava is a well-studied herbal remedy that has been found to be a safe and effective alternative to prescription anti-anxiety drugs but without side effects. Ironically, withdrawal symptoms that occur when quitting Xanax include anxiety and panic attacks — the very reasons it’s prescribed in the first place.
Use Alprazolam Alternatives Safely
- That means that other types of medication are better choices when it comes to treating anxiety.
- Begin incorporating natural remedies, such as herbal supplements or mind-body practices, into your daily routine in small, manageable doses.
- CBD oil is a type of oil that is derived from the hemp plant and contains cannabidiol (CBD) as its primary active ingredient.
- Kava is known to produce quick results, with many users reporting anxiety-reducing effects within an hour or even minutes of consumption.
- Don’t underestimate the power of these simple suggestions from functional medicine pro, Dr. Josh Axe – be honest with yourself and take a good look at how you’re doing on each point..
- Learning to manage anxiety and reduce stress takes more than just the list below, but it’s a good start.
Most studies on the effectiveness of L-Theanine have been conducted in mice and healthy human beings. The brain’s net effect is the modulation of excitatory pathways and neurotransmitters (MAO, glutamate, and glycine). This ultimately reduces depression, anxiety and improves cognitive functioning. For people who do not want to take Alprazolam or other prescription antidepressants, there are some natural over-the-counter Xanax alternatives, herbs, supplements, minerals, or vitamins. If you have been prescribed benzodiazepines and are considering natural alternatives, it’s crucial not to stop taking your anxiety medication without consulting a healthcare provider.
- Both have the potential for dependence and addiction with long-term higher doses.
- Addiction Resource does not offer medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice.
- We do, however, recommend that you seek professional help if your symptoms of anxiety do not improve or if they worsen.
- While it might offer short-term relief from anxiety for some individuals, the long-term relationship between alcohol and anxiety is more complicated.
- A study published in 2022 compared meditation and the antidepressant Lexapro for anxiety and found that the two were equally effective at managing symptoms.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
It should certainly not be taken with alcohol or other drugs,either prescription or recreational. ” Benzodiazepines, including Xanax, are among the hardest drugs to quit, along with hardcore drugs like heroin, cocaine, and crystal meth. natural substitute to xanax GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that slows brain activity, enabling you to relax.
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. If you are already taking Alprazolam, do not try to quit cold turkey and substitute it with natural Xanax alternatives without consulting a doctor. Common withdrawal symptoms include rebound anxiety, tremors, insomnia, sweating, agitation, and, in severe cases, seizures and delirium tremens. Your doctor can offer guidance on treatment options based on your needs, ensuring a comprehensive approach to managing anxiety while monitoring your symptoms.
Multivitamin Supplement
Chamomile, a commonly used natural remedy for anxiety, is known for its calming properties. It can be consumed as a tea or a supplement, and studies suggest it can effectively reduce symptoms of anxiety and improve overall psychological well-being. A review of 38 studies found that taking psychobiotics can effectively reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental disorders. Gotu kola can reduce symptoms of anxiety and increase calmness by reducing the stress hormone cortisol and increasing the levels of feel-good neurotransmitters.
Natural Alternatives to Xanax (in-depth guide)
By reducing REM sleep duration and frequency, Xanax may help users get more deep sleep. Since Xanax targets GABAergic transmission exclusively, natural ingredients with similar pharmacology can also induce relaxation, improve sleep, and foster feelings of well-being. A more straightforward summary is that Xanax, along with other benzodiazepines like Valium, enhances the effects of the GABA your body naturally produces. GABA receptor activity subsequently modulates the function of several different neurotransmitter systems to engender a restful, calm state of mind. Our writers and reviewers are experienced professionals in medicine, addiction treatment, and healthcare.
Theanine is an amino acid predominantly found in tea leaves (especially green tea). Many individuals, especially in the Western world, are magnesium-deficient and would benefit from supplementation. Studies have shown that Ashwagandha can significantly reduce cortisol levels (25). Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera, is a herb used in Ayurvedic medicine, an ancient Indian system of natural healing.
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. Fortunately, there are a variety of other options if you don’t want to or can’t take Xanax.