9 Alternatives To Xanax: Natural & Prescription

Katzman, M. A., Bleau, P., Blier, P., Chokka, P., Kjernisted, K., & Van Ameringen, M. Canadian clinical practice guidelines for the management of anxiety, posttraumatic stress and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Therefore, lemon balm extract is a natural Xanax alternative that putatively synergizes with other natural alternatives like valerian root and L-theanine. Constituents of valerian root also appear to increase serotonin receptor activity, though the specific compounds responsible for this effect — aside from valerenic acid — remain unclear 19. The serotonergic and GABAergic properties of valerian are likely responsible for its sedative and calming effects.

The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. Antidepressants like SSRIs and SNRIs are much safer options for long-term treatment.

Exercise

• Some people develop a tolerance to Xanax and start feeling like they need to take more to get the same effects.
• From other anxiety medications and holistic treatments to therapeutic approaches, Talkspace makes accessing complete mental health support easy.
• Also, suzetrigine has thus far only been shown to work in acute pain settings — and it is in the chronic pain arena where the need for safer, non-opioid alternatives is most pressing.

A 2020 study found that probiotics could be an effective additional treatment option, alongside traditional antianxiety medication. The study notes that, because anxiety is often linked with sleep disorders, alleviating anxiety symptoms may also improve sleep quality. The FDA have only approved Xanax for the treatment of panic disorders and anxiety.

Be sure to carefully follow a healthcare provider’s instructions on how to take the medication. According to a 2017 expert opinion piece, pregabalin can improve sleep problems (common in people with anxiety disorders) earlier than with the SSRIs or SNRIs. All our psychiatrists (and all psychiatrists in general) are medical doctors with additional training in mental health. In order to find out which medications might be appropriate, they need to conduct a full evaluation. At Talkiatry, first visits are generally scheduled for 60 minutes or more to give your psychiatrist time to learn about you, work on a treatment plan, and discuss any medications that might be included. When it comes to managing anxiety, it’s important to note that benzodiazepines are not the only option.

Are Natural Xanax Alternatives Better than Xanax Itself?

Mindfulness and meditation practices have gained significant attention in recent years for their potential to reduce anxiety and improve overall mental health. These techniques focus on bringing attention to the present moment and cultivating a non-judgmental awareness of thoughts and feelings. It’s important to note that while these supplements may be natural, they can still interact with medications and have potential side effects.

Expert care for anxiety is here. See if Talkiatry is right for you.

Spring Hill Recovery Center provides residential treatment for addiction and co-occurring mental health issues. However, some conditions may require treatment beyond our capabilities, and we reserve the right to medically discharge a patient for a higher level of mental health care. If you’re looking for medical alternatives to Xanax, you might consider, beta blockers, antidepressants, or other anxiety medications like BusPar.

Therapy

• Anxiety disorders are the most common group of psychiatric disorders in both adults and adolescents.
• Studies have indicated that theanine can also help reduce the physiological responses to stress.
• Halcion is a benzodiazepine medication that is primarily prescribed to temporarily treat symptoms of insomnia.
• For instance, when paired with Valerian root, the combination can be particularly effective in treating insomnia and restlessness.
• Contact Neuro Wellness Spa today to gain further insight into how Spravato may positively impact your well-being.

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns in the United States, impacting more than 40 million people 9. Its effects can be far-reaching, often affecting daily activities and diminishing an individual’s overall quality of life. Among the array of treatments, Xanax has emerged as a frequently prescribed medication to address anxiety. Still, it’s vital to recognize that this is just one among many anxiolytic medications and one of many options to treat generalized anxiety disorder. Shedding light on alternatives to Xanax can lead individuals struggling with anxiety to try other treatments that are less habit-forming yet just as effective for long-term anxiety management.

Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen. Beta-blockers, such as propranolol and atenolol, are primarily used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions. However, they can also be effective in managing the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, and trembling. 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. KSM-66® Ashwagandha tends to be the most popular extract used in clinical studies.

Conditions

While SNRIs work similarly to SSRIs, they focus on the neurotransmitter norepinephrine and can have energizing effects. If you’ve been using benzodiazepines for a long time, this process may take several months. In some instances, another type of medication is replaced with Xanax to help ease withdrawal symptoms. If you have insomnia, you may want to talk to your provider about a Xanax substitute like trazodone to help aid in sleep.

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. Eating well and exercising regularly can improve the body’s natural ability to manage stress, which may help with overall health. Regular exercise and a balanced diet are effective and natural ways to manage anxiety. Regular mindfulness practices — such as deep breathing exercises, guided meditation, and journaling can lower cortisol levels and improve emotional regulation. SNRIs help manage anxiety by preventing the quick reabsorption of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. While SSRIs are generally well-tolerated, some people may experience mild side effects, like nausea, headaches, and insomnia.

These medications often work differently than benzodiazepines and may offer long-term benefits with fewer risks of dependence. Panic grips your chest, but the little white pill in your hand might not be the hero you’ve been led to believe. For millions of people struggling with anxiety disorders, Xanax has long been a go-to solution, offering quick relief from overwhelming symptoms. However, as concerns about benzodiazepine dependence and long-term side effects grow, many are seeking alternatives to this popular medication. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore effective alternatives to Xanax for anxiety, providing you with a range of options to consider in your journey towards better mental health. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals.

This bi-directional communication means that the state of your gut can influence your mental health. Certain B vitamins, notably vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), are involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA. 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.

A 2016 systematic review found that propranolol may be as effective as benzodiazepines in the short-term treatment of panic disorder. Propranolol (Inderal) belongs to a group of medications called beta-blockers. These drugs block the effects of the stress hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline. Today, the first-line medications for anxiety are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). The addiction treatment alternative to xanax experts at Spring Hill Recovery Center in Ashby, MA can help.