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Natural Alternatives to Xanax: Safe and Effective Options
Written by VictoriaDenison
For this reason, some psychiatrists are now reluctant to prescribe it. Check out our blog posts and resource links for the latest information on substance abuse. One safer long-term alternative to Xanax is trazodone, an SARI antidepressant that does not have the addictive qualities that Xanax does. There are several similar medications available that are considered safer to take over long periods of time. It can also be dangerous to attempt to quit Xanax without tapering off in a healthcare setting. Even someone taking low doses may experience withdrawal after stopping the use of the drug.
Illicit Alprazolam can contain other unknown and potentially harmful sedative drugs, and has been linked with a number of deaths in both the UK and US when mixed with other potent drugs. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a long-living flowering plant with a naturally sweet scent that has been used for centuries in perfumes. In contrast, the plant roots commonly extracted for herbal remedies have a pungent, putrid odor that’s tough to subdue with masking agents and flavoring. Preliminary findings suggest a mechanism mediated by the HPA axis — a key regulator of the stress hormone cortisol — and the GABAergic system 13.
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KSM-66® Ashwagandha tends to be the most popular extract used in clinical studies. You can find this specific ingredient in Transparent Labs KSM-66® Ashwagandha capsules. The term “natural Xanax” is somewhat misleading since alprazolam is not a naturally occurring chemical, nor does it refer to any specific natural substances.
Good sleep for anxiety
- Common side effects include headache, dry mouth, nausea, difficulty sleeping, and dizziness.
- Today, the first-line medications for anxiety are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
- Throughout this article, we’ll detail how prescription drugs like Xanax work and further detail these five Xanax alternatives.
- And, it doesn’t relax your muscles like Xanax, so it’s less likely to cause sedation or tiredness.
- These medications are safer for long-term use, whereas benzodiazepines become less effective over time.
It has strong muscle-relaxing, sedative, and calming effects, so it xanax alternatives is sometimes used as a pre-anesthetic before surgery. If you’re considering stopping the use of Xanax, seek the medical advice of your doctor and ask what they recommend as an alprazolam alternative. With the right treatment, you can reduce your symptoms and significantly improve your quality of life.
Xanax is unequivocally an effective prescription medication for treating anxiety and panic disorders 2. It also alters wakefulness and sleep-wake cycles by regulating brainwave activity. Research suggests that Xanax significantly decreases the length of rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep stages and the frequency of REM burst activity 3. REM sleep is when dreaming typically occurs and paradoxically exhibits similar neurophysiology to being awake. In fact, energy use by the brain during REM sleep is commensurate with energy use during waking hours 4.
Risks and negative effects of Xanax
This shows people how to reduce the intensity of their anxiety symptoms and manage stress over time. Working with a mental health professional through CBT is a great way to address the root cause of your anxiety — often while you treat symptoms with medication. While medications and natural supplements can be effective, lifestyle and behavioral changes are essential for managing anxiety sustainably over the long term.
Acupuncture for anxiety
Anxiety is an invisible yet potent force, shaping the lives of millions around the globe. For many, medication serves as a refuge from the relentless grip of worry and panic. He is uniquely Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in Adult as well as Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. At Talkspace he is a part of the Peer Consultation Team and a member of the Clinical Media team.
The addiction treatment experts at Spring Hill Recovery Center in Ashby, MA can help. Our personalized addiction treatment programs take into consideration all of your mental health needs. Seek medical advice from your doctor or other healthcare provider before using any supplements. Natural treatments can range from movement therapy to herbal supplements. Lifestyle changes can go a long way in managing short-term anxiety or stress.
Side Effects Of Xanax Use
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. 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.
Alternatives To Xanax: Natural & Prescription
Nausea, constipation, and decreased appetite are more common with Pristiq. Engaging in light exercise is another effective natural remedy for reducing anxiety. Physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural mood elevators. Additionally, regular exercise can improve sleep, increase self-esteem, and reduce the symptoms of both anxiety and depression 28. 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.
Here are some tips to help you find the right approach to treating bipolar disorder. The practices below may effectively provide lasting support for mental and physical well-being. It primarily interacts with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in the brain, which regulates the body’s stress response. Be sure to consult your doctor before trying any of the Xanax alternatives below to ensure they’re safe and suited to your needs. Higher dosages can lead to withdrawal and dependency issues in the long run. It’s essential to remember that addiction isn’t a sign of weakness or a mere lifestyle choice.
Discontinuing the use of long-term benzodiazepines like Xanax should happen under the supervision of a doctor. Although medical detox cannot prevent withdrawal symptoms, specialists can help reduce the severity of symptoms, alleviate discomfort, and develop a treatment plan. But it also has powerful side effects and serious risks of dependence. People who do not want to deal with these side effects and risks can either use antidepressants or natural remedies to alleviate anxiety.
Because of the potential for experiencing negative side effects and addiction to benzodiazepines, many people seek over-the-counter alternatives to Alprazolam for anxiety and similar conditions. These drugs are central-nervous-system depressants that can both have calming effects. Trazodone, which might be sold under the brand name Desyrel, is an antidepressant classified as a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI).
Remember, consistency is more important than intensity when it comes to exercise for anxiety relief. Clinical trials of lemon balm extract have shown this herb can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression by as much as 30% 22. There is also limited data suggesting lemon balm promotes healthy sleep-wake cycles and may combat anxiety-related insomnia 23. Given the potential side effects and risk of dependency on Xanax and other anxiety medications, many people look for natural alternatives.
Long-term Xanax use is also linked to serious side effects, including memory issues, loss of coordination, worsening depression or anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Be sure to carefully follow a healthcare provider’s instructions on how to take the medication. Transitioning to a non-addictive anxiety medication or exploring therapeutic alternatives can make a world of difference, but it’s essential to approach this transition with professional guidance.
This medication typically starts improving anxiety symptoms in three to four weeks. Xanax is a popular FDA-approved drug prescribed to people with anxiety because of its effectiveness. At Sober Sidekick, we’re committed to guiding individuals on their path to wellness. We believe in the strength of community, the power of knowledge, and the potential for recovery and growth. Remember, every step taken towards understanding and managing anxiety or medication dependence is a step closer to a brighter, more balanced future.
Like SSRIs, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) have a lower risk of misuse, dependence, and addiction. Our writers and reviewers are experienced professionals in medicine, addiction treatment, and healthcare. AddictionResource fact-checks all the information before publishing and uses only credible and trusted sources when citing any medical data. Taking any of these natural remedies could potentially help to reduce anxiety. The great thing about natural remedies is that they tend to be cheaper and safer. However, it’s still not recommended to experiment with these remedies without consulting a specialist as they may cause allergy or other unpredictable effects.