For example, if you’re undergoing exposure therapy for social anxiety, your therapist might walk through an anxiety-inducing scenario with you, such as a birthday party. Therapy helps with anxiety, and can be an effective alternative to Xanax or a complement to Xanax or another medication. Oral Ativan takes a little longer than Xanax to kick in, up to 2 hours. Xanax lasts a bit longer too, up to 11 hours compared to Ativan’s 6 to 8. The oral tablet is usually taken over 2 to 3 doses a day for anxiety.
Specifically, researchers recommend avoiding sugar, artificial sweeteners, and gluten. Instead, they recommend plenty of vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and turmeric. High-fat, low-carb diets, such as the ketogenic diet, may also be helpful.
Non-Benzodiazepine Medications
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, trouble sleeping, dry mouth, and delayed ejaculation. It’s used to treat depression, OCD, panic disorder, and bulimia nervosa. But, it does have a boxed warning for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Typical side effects of Prozac for anxiety include sleepiness, nausea, diarrhea, and changes in libido or appetite. But, it is a controlled substance, so it has a potential for misuse and dependence if not used as directed. Some people develop a tolerance to Xanax and start feeling like they need to take more to get the same effects.
Benefits of Xanax Alternatives
You’ll need to experiment to find which technique works best for you. Shallow or rapid breathing is a typical response during stressful situations, activating the sympathetic (“fight or flight”) nervous system. Deep breathing exercises, sometimes referred to as diaphragmatic or abdominal breathing, have been practiced across various cultures and traditions as a method to calm the mind. The nervous system relies heavily on B vitamins, especially B1 (thiamine), B3 (niacin), and B12, for its proper function. They also play a key role in mood regulation and the alleviation of anxiety.
The Importance of Preventing Xanax Addiction
In summary, natural alternatives offer a multifaceted approach to handling anxiety and stress. Its ability to alleviate anxiety and stress is backed by a wealth of scientific evidence, and it’s an attractive natural alternative to medications like Xanax. 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 alternative to xanax otc and reuptake inhibitor (SARI).
Ativan Vs. Xanax and Other Xanax Alternatives
They act as agonists to GABA and help with the influx of chloride ions into neurons resulting in a stabilization and hyperpolarization effect on the cell membrane. They bind to the GABA-A ligand-gated chloride channel neuron at its benzodiazepine receptor. Ativan and Xanax both have addictive properties, which makes them unsuitable for a long-term prescription.
- Lexapro (escitalopram) is another SSRI that treats anxiety and depression.
- So, the fact that ashwagandha can do this naturally is potentially beneficial for anxiety sufferers.
- Numerous studies show that L-theanine can simultaneously enhance mental acuity and reduce stress 6.
- Melissa officinalis, more commonly known as lemon balm, is an herb with similar properties as valerian and appears to have cognitive benefits as well 20.
Signs of Xanax Addiction
These medications attach themselves to specific receptors in the brain, enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and depressing the central nervous system. As a result, nerve cell activity is more strongly suppressed, leading to feelings of sedation, relaxation, and a reduction in anxiety. Join LifeMD today and experience amazing healthcare, discounted labs and prescription medications… Whether you’re looking for support for mental health conditions or exploring alternatives to Xanax, LifeMD can help.
Xanax alternatives for anxiety relief
It also has the potential for dependency, which prompts many to seek more natural solutions. However, while effective, Xanax comes with its own set of side effects. From sudden bouts of panic to prolonged periods of unease, anxiety affects millions worldwide.
But if toxic impairment has not been tested for and corrected, other therapies such as counseling may not be effective until eliminating the toxic burden. Canadian scientist David Suzuki describes one such chemical that is now banned in the US but not elsewhere, called Triclosan. Triclosan is used in thousands of common household products like bedsheets, garbage bags, toys, and even hand sanitizer and mouthwash. This chemical does not easily degrade but does easily pass through human skin. It is suspected of endocrine disruption, which means it may interfere with hormones and neurotransmitters.
Are There Any Natural Alternatives to Xanax?
If one’s goal is to avoid beginning a prescription of benzodiazepines, alternatives (as will be discussed below) can support health before ever starting on neuroleptic drugs. 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.
Theanine has gained attention for its calming and cognitive-enhancing properties. As a result, it’s a compelling natural option for those seeking relief from stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that chamomile extract can help reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) (28). Ashwagandha is one of the main herbs I took to reduce stress and anxiety as I came off my psychiatric medications. Multiple clinical studies have investigated the effectiveness of Kava in treating anxiety. Clinical trials have shown that Silexan is effective at reducing anxiety.
While they can be prescribed for anxiety, it’s crucial to consider their negative effects that can occur in the long term. While Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan, and Valium are some examples benzodiazepines, your doctor may not prescribe any of them, preferring antidepressants medications instead. Antidepressants are effective, have lower risk of side effects, and the primary choice among psychiatrists to help treat anxiety. Are you tired of feeling tethered to anxiety, but concerned about the potential pitfalls of relying on Xanax? Many people seek alternatives to Xanax, because they’re worried about its habit-forming nature, which can be a real concern for some people.
Due to a high potential for drug abuse and addiction, Xanax is a controlled substance in the United States. Purchasing Xanax online without a prescription is a) a federal crime, b) highly unsafe, and c) more likely to cause problems than solve them. In contrast, Xanax alternative medicine includes the use of natural remedies that can be derived from a broad range of different types of foods, herbs, vitamins, nutrients, minerals, and supplements. Nutritional therapy means designing and implementing a corrected diet along with these natural substances to stabilize brain chemistry. Prior to providing these nutritional treatments, lab testing identifies deficiencies, toxicity levels, and other imbalances.
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. These natural alternatives to Xanax offer a range of options for those seeking to manage anxiety without relying on prescription medications.
