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Xanax Alternatives: Anxiety Med Comparison Guide

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). You and your doctor may consider alternatives to Xanax to manage symptoms of depression. These alternatives include prescribed medications, OTC options, natural remedies, and therapy. Natural alternative treatments to Xanax for anxiety include natural remedies, over-the-counter supplements, acupuncture, and mindfulness techniques.

#1. Xanax Alternative – Kratom

Some people might be particularly sensitive to caffeine and experience heightened anxiety even with small amounts. Regular exercise can help regulate and reduce the release of cortisol, the primary stress hormone, promoting a more balanced emotional state (69). Despite all the great research behind yoga, I’m personally not a big fan of it. While yoga isn’t a direct pharmaceutical counterpart to Xanax, its consistent practice can substantially aid in managing anxiety and stress.

  • However, Valium vs. Xanax metabolism comparison shows that the metabolism of Valium is slightly slower in people of Asian and African descent, which makes the effects of the drug last longer.
  • Many people seek alternatives to Xanax, because they’re worried about its habit-forming nature, which can be a real concern for some people.
  • Along with consuming LeanBean, you should exercise regularly to transform your sense of physical well-being.
  • It balances your mood and energy levels so that you remain motivated throughout the day.
  • Nutritional therapy means designing and implementing a corrected diet along with these natural substances to stabilize brain chemistry.
  • Of course, before consuming natural weight loss pills, consult a healthcare provider first.
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals manage anxiety symptoms by addressing avoidant behaviors and safety-seeking habits that hinder correcting faulty beliefs.

Zoloft as a Xanax alternative

Work with a qualified healthcare practitioner or psychiatrist to determine what’s best for you. Relying on black-market sources for an addictive drug is a slippery slope, and it most certainly won’t lead be a safe and effective long-term solution for treating anxiety disorders. 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. Several herbal treatments and over-the-counter or holistic medicines are believed to help manage anxiety symptoms.

Studies have shown that Ashwagandha can significantly reduce cortisol levels (25). Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera, is a herb used in Ayurvedic medicine, an ancient Indian system of natural healing. However, kava still has the potential for side effects, especially skin problems at higher doses. My recommendation is to follow the instructions on the product that you buy and cycle kava on and off. Kava is known to produce quick results, with many users reporting anxiety-reducing effects within an hour or even minutes of consumption.

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. Rooted in a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors, it’s a condition that can drastically reduce one’s quality of life. But what amplifies its impact is its deceptive nature; it xanax substitute otc often remains cloaked, concealed behind daily stresses, making diagnosis and treatment a challenge. 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.

Alternatives To Xanax: Natural & Prescription

Some of the commonly cited herbal options are chamomile, valerian root, lavender, and kava. Over-the-counter remedies like the amino acid L-Theanine, melatonin, and magnesium are also frequently recommended as alternative anxiety treatments. There are a wide variety of nonaddictive anxiety medications that have proven effective at treating anxiety disorders, often just as effective as Xanax, with less risk of dependence. Paxil (paroxetine) is an SSRI FDA-approved to treat social anxiety disorder, depression, OCD, panic disorder, and PTSD. Common side effects include nausea, trouble sleeping, and changes in libido.

It’s essential to take SSRIs exactly as prescribed by a health-care professional, like a psychiatrist, and to follow their guidance regarding dosage adjustments, tapering, and discontinuation. Besides these side effects, one of the main downsides of Xanax is that it can be habit-forming. If you take it as directed, the chance of becoming addicted is very low. However, another concern with Xanax or any benzodiazepines is the chance of increased risk for dementia, the higher your dose and the longer you use it.

  • Medications like sertraline (Zoloft) and escitalopram (Lexapro) increase serotonin levels in the brain, offering a non-addictive alternative to Xanax.
  • If you find that you are unable to manage your anxiety with a combination of therapy and self-care practices, you may need medication to help reduce your symptoms and improve functioning.
  • Many Xanax users report significant sedative and hypnotic effects, thereby helping alleviate symptoms of anxiety and tension.
  • While many find anxiety relief through yoga, it might not resonate with everyone.
  • Get an evaluation and prescription online from a licensed psychiatric provider to improve your well-being.
  • In some instances, another type of medication is replaced with Xanax to help ease withdrawal symptoms.
  • They are typically prescribed for short-term use or for specific anxiety-causing situations, such as a big meeting or performance.

Alternatives at Your Local Shops

In summary, natural alternatives offer a multifaceted approach to handling anxiety and stress. Lastly, a balanced gut can more efficiently absorb essential nutrients, including those vital for brain function and mental health, such as B vitamins, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids (58). Multiple studies have indicated that individuals with higher omega-3 intake or higher blood levels of omega-3s tend to have reduced symptoms of anxiety (42). One of the primary ways Ashwagandha combats stress and anxiety is by regulating cortisol levels. Elevated cortisol, especially chronically, can lead to a myriad of health issues, including increased anxiety.

Moreover, understanding the potential pitfalls of medications like Xanax can inform more empowered treatment decisions. When it comes to anxiety or medication dependence, a multifaceted approach can provide the most holistic relief. While Xanax has gained widespread recognition for its immediate relief against anxiety, relying on it isn’t without its pitfalls. Understanding these drawbacks can empower individuals to make more informed choices regarding their treatment path. Valerian contains numerous phytochemicals, notably the eponymous sesquiterpenoid valerenic acid and its natural derivatives (e.g. acetoxy valerenic acid and hydroxy valerenic acid). Valerian root ostensibly mitigates anxiety and improves sleep by enhancing GABA interaction with GABA-A receptors.

Xanax Alternatives for Natural Mental Health

Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 3. If you’re looking for safe anxiety treatment, Brightside can match you with a licensed provider to prescribe you medication that’s delivered right to your door. We’ll use your data to find the right medication so you can get you back to being you. 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.

There is a growing awareness of what these neurotoxic substances can do to our health. An excellent source of information on chemicals added to cosmetics and other hygiene products is called Skin Deep 65 which can help identify products you may want to avoid. Xanax and other benzodiazepines do not amend themselves well to rapid detox modalities. Our residential center has been focusing on this patient population and these types of benzodiazepine transitions for nearly 2 decades. Unlike with Kratom, you generally have to take VERY large dose to get the anti-anxiety effects you’re looking for.

LeanBean is a workout supplement created using clinically-studied ingredients to induce weight loss in women. This product is helpful for any woman who finds it difficult to lose weight while following a busy lifestyle. You may have read about the use of sleep deprivation as an “enhanced interrogation technique.” If nothing else, these reports reveal the disastrous physical and mental consequences of sleep deprivation. In extreme or chronic situations these can include psychosis, sickness, and even death. The use of sleep deprivation in torture has fallen largely out of use at the present time because cognitive impairment makes any information gained unreliable. Research has established that neurotoxins collect in a person’s body throughout their lifetime, resulting in an over-stimulated nervous system.

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