Xanax Alternatives Options For Anxiety Relief

These side effects, while manageable, can still hamper an individual’s daily life, adding another layer of distress on top of their anxiety. Withdrawal symptoms are different for everyone, but Xanax withdrawal may include headaches, blurred vision, tremors, sweating, anxiety, panic, loss of appetite, and insomnia. Commonly prescribed Alprazolam alternative antidepressant medications used to help with anxiety include Zoloft (sertraline), Prozac (fluoxetine), or Lexapro (escitalopram). Alcohol can also intensify the side effects of benzodiazepines, so it’s important to avoid drinking while using them.

In severe cases, these side effects can escalate to increased heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, sweating, heightened anxiety, insomnia, hallucinations, and severe cravings. Please note that the information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is crucial to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to ensure that any supplement or alternative remedy is appropriate, safe, and effective for your specific health needs and conditions. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before making any changes to your healthcare regimen. Since Xanax and other benzodiazepines such as Ativan are habit-forming and can lead to physical dependence, you should take some precautions when deciding to stop using them. Be sure to talk with your provider about how you can decrease your dependence and manage withdrawal symptoms safely.

Non-medication alternatives to Xanax

• Magnesium is a mineral found in various green vegetables and some lentils and supports bone mineralization, protein building, muscular contraction, nerve impulse transmission, and immunity.
• Magnesium supplements come in several forms; some are well-absorbed, some are not.
• At Talkspace he is a part of the Peer Consultation Team and a member of the Clinical Media team.
• AddictionResource fact-checks all the information before publishing and uses only credible and trusted sources when citing any medical data.
• Yoga also incorporates mindfulness and has shown to be effective at relieving anxiety.
• Benzodiazepines all have a basic chemical structure that increases the activity of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

Given the potential side effects and risk of dependency on Xanax and other anxiety medications, many people look for natural alternatives. In this article, we outline several safe and effective alternatives — from other medications to natural remedies and lifestyle changes — so you find the best choice for your mental health. Exercise is a highly effective non-medical solution to preventing and treating anxiety. This is especially true for cardiovascular exercise, but don’t worry if you’re not a runner. You can reap the benefits of exercise for your mental health with just committing to a brisk walk a few days a week, a bike ride, or even a dance class (or a dance party in your living room). Importantly, patients should always consult with their healthcare provider before switching medications or attempting new treatments.

There are several prescription drugs that are Xanax alternatives, including other benzodiazepines, antidepressants, and more. Connect with experienced healthcare professionals who can guide you through personalized treatment options and tips for managing your anxiety. A healthcare provider can guide you on gradually reducing your dosage of Xanax, helping to minimize side effects and ensure a smooth transition to an alternative.

Xanax is addictive, and if a person thinks they are depending on Xanax to cope with day-to-day life, they should contact an addiction support service for more information and assistance. Researchers found that CBD reduced anxiety scores in nearly 80% of the study participants. A person should talk to their doctor before taking an over-the-counter sleep aid or allergy medication to help them fall asleep.

Get online psychiatry and medication prescriptions and management from Talkspace by reaching out today. Loved for its soothing, pleasant scent, lavender is commonly used in essential oils for anxiety, sachets, diffusers, and candles. Research shows that inhaling lavender for just 3 minutes can decrease anxiety and enhance mood. Here are some tips to help you find the right approach to treating bipolar disorder. It primarily interacts with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in the brain, which regulates the body’s stress response.

How to safely switch from Xanax to an alternative medication

The exact way through which this herb produces anxiolysis is not well understood. Taurine is an amino acid that helps to create a calming effect in the brain. It is very similar to GABA, a calming neurotransmitter that makes people feel more relaxed. By combining these ingredients, MDcalm offers a natural and effective solution for managing anxiety. Our blog is a space dedicated to sharing information and expert advice to help you improve your overall mental health. Kyle struggled with depression for most of his life, but when his girlfriend encouraged him to seek treatment, he knew it was time to alternatives for xanax get the help he needed…

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

For short-term relief from feelings of anxiety, opt for natural alternatives such as developing and maintaining helpful self-care habits, eating nutritious foods, and exercising regularly. Exercise helps release endorphins and increases the availability of neurotransmitters. It can also help support good sleep, which can simulate some of the sedative effects of Xanax.

• This helps to decrease the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as a fast heart rate, a shaky voice, or hands, sweating, and dizziness.
• Chamomile, a commonly used natural remedy for anxiety, is known for its calming properties.
• One of these neurotransmitters is called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
• They’re not regulated in the same way as prescription medications, so their potency, purity, and safety of herbal supplements especially can vary significantly between brands and products.
• Studies have shown that Ashwagandha can significantly reduce cortisol levels (25).
• A small 2018 animal and clinical trial study found similar results when researchers gave rats and humans matcha (ground-up green tea leaves).

Affordable, caring anxiety treatment is a click away

It activates certain serotonin receptors in the brain to create a feeling of relaxation. 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. The information in this article is for education and informational purposes only and should never be substituted for medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. If you or someone you know may be in danger, call 911 or the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 right away. Besides these side effects, one of the main downsides of Xanax is that it can be habit-forming.

By modulating the activity of NMDA receptors in the brain, magnesium can help regulate neural excitability, preventing overstimulation and promoting calmness (32). Along with its anxiety-reducing properties, chamomile also exhibits antidepressant activity (30). Many people today are turning to Ashwagandha as a natural alternative to pharmaceuticals like Xanax.

Like any medication, beta-blockers may cause side effects like fatigue, dizziness, and low blood pressure. In individuals with anxiety disorders, GABA imbalance leads to heightened anxiety and excessive worry. Anxiolytic medications help restore this balance by enhancing GABA effects. There are many different types of benzodiazepine and non-benzodiazepine medications used to treat anxiety. A 2020 study found that probiotics could be an effective additional treatment option, alongside traditional antianxiety medication.

Improving your diet may also relieve anxiety, thanks to the gut-brain connection. 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.