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. There are several over-the-counter (OTC) products, supplements that people use to help manage anxiety symptoms. Some of these include L-Theanine, melatonin, magnesium, chamomile, and kava.
These foods are included in my Free Grocery Shopping Guide for Optimal Mental Health. Many individuals, especially in the Western world, are magnesium-deficient and would benefit from supplementation. Along with its anxiety-reducing properties, chamomile also exhibits antidepressant activity (30).
However, Xanax and similar benzos are extremely addictive, and can’t always be relied upon as a long-term solution for anxiety issues. And I’ll say your list has many effective things, at least in my experience. Users are advised to take a test to determine the severity of their anxiety to determine whether Aniracetam is a viable option for them.
- If you are currently taking Xanax and want to get off of it, be sure to read about Xanax withdrawal.
- While meditation is not a direct pharmaceutical alternative like Xanax, consistent meditative practice offers meaningful benefits.
- Xanax is considered a powerful benzodiazepine that works extremely well for anxiety.
- It is important to carefully taper off of this medication before you consider pursuing an alternative option for your anxiety.
- The problem with a medication like Xanax is that taking it not only may make it difficult to concentrate at work or school, but it may make you drowsy or tired.
There are other safe options for managing anxiety that may work better for you. Kava is used short-term to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, however, the research on long-term improvement is not as well researched yet. Benzodiazepines work by increasing the activity of GABA – an inhibitory neurotransmitter that is involved in relaxation. Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that work by slowing down the central nervous system. Popular benzodiazepines include Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam) and Valium (diazepam). Research shows that taking a high-quality multivitamin can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and improve general well-being.
All of these neurotransmitters play a crucial role in mood regulation and anxiety control (49). As research progresses, there’s growing evidence linking adequate B vitamin intake with improved mood and reduced anxiety. If you’re interested in supplementing with theanine, this anti-anxiety supplement contains it. 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).
Best Xanax Alternatives: Natural Treatments For Anxiety
However, there are non-medication strategies for treating anxiety that actually have sufficient scientific research backing up their effectiveness. There’s nothing like the feeling of coming home to a wagging tail or a purring cat after a stressful day. The responsibility of caring for an animal can also provide structure and purpose, which can be beneficial for managing symptoms of anxiety. Connect with experienced healthcare professionals who can guide you through personalized treatment options and tips for managing your anxiety. They will be able to help you find the best option based on your medical history, the severity of your anxiety symptoms, and discuss the pros and cons of each alternative with you.
- There are plenty of natural alternatives to Xanax that are generally considered to be much safer.
- Quitting Xanax on your own can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to go through it alone.
- There are many things that researchers still don’t fully understand about how the human body works.
- But, I also see too many potential problems with the herb to recommend it at this time.
- CBT promotes balanced thinking, which improves coping abilities during stressful situations.
Natural Alternative 3. Valerian root
What’s more, it increases dopamine levels, leading to less stress and anxiety. A 5,000-year old Ancient medicine, Gotu Kola is also a viable treatment for mental fatigue, memory loss, and insomnia. But one its most praised benefits is its ability to vanquish depression and anxiety. There is no shortage of benzo drugs including Dalmane, Librium, Klonopin, Restoril, Valium, and Serax.
Are There Any Natural Alternatives to Xanax?
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. Moderate anxiety symptoms often improve within 30 minutes after taking l-theanine and the effects can last for up to 10 hours. Amino acids are building blocks of proteins, and two of them are among the top natural alternatives to Xanax.
For those prone to panic attacks, excessive caffeine can trigger these episodes or intensify their severity due to its excitatory effects on the nervous system (73). Exercise is a universal remedy with a myriad of benefits for both the body and the mind. While many find anxiety relief through yoga, it might not resonate with everyone. Deep breathing exercises, on the other hand, stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which counteracts stress and promotes relaxation (63).
Who can prescribe medication?
Similarly, journaling offers a safe space to express your thoughts and feelings, serving as a therapeutic tool to explore emotions, reflect on experiences, and track progress over time. Both activities encourage mindfulness and can significantly reduce anxiety levels when practiced regularly. It increases the levels of calming neurotransmitters in the brain – such as GABA, serotonin, and dopamine – to regulate mood and reduce stress. A systematic review of these studies indicated that Kava is a beneficial and effective treatment for anxiety. The researchers concluded it has positive effects similar to the effects of standard anti-anxiety medications (20-22).
The anti-anxiety sensation of L-theanine is a little bit difficult to describe. N-A-C (N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine) is a powerful antioxidant amino acid and precursor to glutathione. Xanax is a notoriously addictive, and in natural version of xanax many cases dangerous prescription drug. You should always speak with a doctor before coming off of any prescription medication.
Prescription alternatives to Xanax
It was one of the first herbal remedies I took many years ago to manage my anxiety. Several studies have explored the effectiveness of passionflower in treating anxiety. One study has revealed that people who participate in laughter interventions experience faster stress relief.
Natural Alternatives to Xanax (available Over-the-Counter)
These drugs are effective at combating anxiety or alleviating panic attacks. Unfortunately, over time and with long-term use, not only does the medication become less effective, but it also has the potential to affect the brain’s regular function. Combined with its addictive potential, Xanax continues to be a fairly controversial drug, for good reason.
How Effective Are Alternatives to Xanax?
Learn more about how factors like your health insurance, where you live, and brands affect pricing. It primarily interacts with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in the brain, which regulates the body’s stress response. Unlike Xanax — which provides quick, short-term relief — SSRIs are meant for long-term anxiety management. For Alternatives to Benzodiazepines for Anxiety, benzodiazepines can cause a number of significant side effects that may outweigh the benefits.
Quitting Xanax on your own can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to go through it alone. With the right support, it’s possible to feel calm, clear, and in control again—without relying on a pill. ACT teaches people how to sit with uncomfortable emotions and anxiety without trying to suppress or control them. It emphasizes mindfulness, values-based living, and psychological flexibility — skills especially useful during withdrawal and early recovery. We accomplish this by teaching our clients how to remain healthy and happy without drugs.