They are typically prescribed for short-term use or for specific anxiety-causing situations, such as a big meeting or performance. Xanax is a common brand name for alprazolam, a medication prescribed to help treat panic and anxiety disorders. Buspirone — often referred to by its brand name, BuSpar — is another alternative to Xanax for managing anxiety long-term. This medication is commonly prescribed to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

Important Information on CAPTA & Medication-Assisted Treatment

However, it’s also worth noting that some healthy alternative to xanax medical professionals believe taking too much N-A-C can be a bad thing. There are many things that researchers still don’t fully understand about how the human body works. So, there’s a lot of research happening because of the amazing connection between your liver and the amount of mental illness that you face.

• Natural alternative treatments to Xanax for anxiety include natural remedies, over-the-counter supplements, acupuncture, and mindfulness techniques.
• As a pretty harsh pharmaceutical, it brings with it a pretty long list of possible side effects and even symptoms of withdrawal.
• Researchers have found that certain strains can alleviate anxiety and improve overall mood (57).
• A more straightforward summary is that Xanax, along with other benzodiazepines like Valium, enhances the effects of the GABA your body naturally produces.
• And, it doesn’t relax your muscles like Xanax, so it’s less likely to cause sedation or tiredness.
• Reading can transport you to another universe, provide new perspectives, and even help develop coping strategies by identifying with characters’ struggles and resolutions.

For informational purposes only, a link to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Open Payments web page is provided here. Our science-backed approach boasts 95% of patients reporting no withdrawal symptoms at 7 days. Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine drug in the class of allergy medications but also has some sedating and anxiolytic effects. The LifeMD Affiliated P.C.s are administratively led by LifeMD Southern Patient Medical Care, P.C., with registered office 1200 South Pine Island Road, Plantation, FL 33324. Medical treatment from licensed providers is provided by the “LifeMD Affiliated P.C.s,” an affiliated network of medical Professional Corporations and Associations. Here are some tips to help you find the right approach to treating bipolar disorder.

Valerian root

For instance, when paired with Valerian root, the combination can be particularly effective in treating insomnia and restlessness. But beyond its aromatic allure, lemon balm has a longstanding reputation in herbal medicine. Similar to Passion flower, Valerian root affects GABA levels in the brain.

However, you should be aware of the possible interactions that 5-HTP can have while using certain medications. It’s also worth noting that magnesium deficiency is a major problem across the United States. So, you may want to take magnesium just for the sake of your general health. This can work great if your anxiety sometimes prevents you from falling asleep. The anti-anxiety sensation of L-theanine is a little bit difficult to describe. While I normally get my daily dose of L-theanine by drinking green tea – it’s sometimes more convenient to take L-theanine in capsule form.

Practice mindfulness and meditation

• The most common ones include drowsiness, headaches, and changes in sexual drive.
• However, Xanax use comes with some significant drawbacks, including risks for dependence and full-blow addiction.
• Immersing yourself in the world of books can be a wonderful escape from the stresses of daily life.
• Overall, I definitely see the massive potential benefits of using kratom as an alternative to Xanax.
• Incorporating these natural Xanax alternatives into your lifestyle can offer a holistic approach to managing anxiety.
• It’s almost impossible to live a lifestyle that provides all the nutrients needed for good brain health and performance.

It serves plenty of purposes, including bone mineralization, protein formation, muscle contractions, nerve impulse transmission, and maintaining healthy immune function. Magnesium deficits – i.e., taking in less than ideal – have been linked with increased levels of stress and anxiety. Valerian root constituents also seem to boost serotonin receptor activity, though we don’t have too clear a picture on this. We don’t know which particular compounds aside from valerenic acid might do this. All we know is that it seems to increase activity in the serotonin receptors, which goes hand in hand with valerian root’s calming, sedative effects. This doesn’t mean that it’s medically relevant for us to be prescribed something like Xanax.

Baclofen for Opiate Withdrawal & Addiction Treatment

Xanax lasts a bit longer too, up to 11 hours compared to Ativan’s 6 to 8. Some people shouldn’t take Xanax too, including women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Experiencing a Xanax addiction is challenging, and it may feel overwhelming to consider switching from Xanax to an alternative on your own. Some people find individual therapy to be the most helpful, while others prefer group or family therapy.

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. Although it has not been proven beyond a shadow of a doubt, this is assumed to be a result of magnesium’s interaction with theHPA axis, which regulates cortisol, a stress hormone, as well as GABA.

Some prettystrong research shows that supplementing magnesium may help support immune function, reduce oxidative stress, and promote good health in general. To round things off, here we have a double-blind and placebo-controlledclinical study that evaluated the effectiveness of ashwagandha root extract in 58 participants with anxiety and stress. The results were very promising, especially when compared to the placebo. Talkspace articles are written by experienced mental health-wellness contributors; they are grounded in scientific research and evidence-based practices. Articles are extensively reviewed by our team of clinical experts (therapists and psychiatrists of various specialties) to ensure content is accurate and on par with current industry standards. Getting therapy and a practical, personalized treatment plan that fits your needs from the comfort of your home is possible.

This prescription medication works by binding to the GABA-A receptor to raise neurotransmitter levels in the brain, creating a calm, relaxed state. Several alternative medications for Xanax work well to alleviate anxiety, both in the same and different classes of drugs. These drugs work by acting on two key messenger chemicals in the body, adrenaline and noradrenaline. When the body gets anxious, these chemical messengers cause certain unwanted side effects, such as sweating, shaking, and elevated heart rate. Beta-blockers block the effects of these chemical messengers, reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety and partially helping with psychological symptoms as well. While medications and natural supplements can be effective, lifestyle and behavioral changes are essential for managing anxiety sustainably over the long term.

In so doing, it can reduce symptoms and severity of depression and anxiety by up to a third. It may also help to combat insomnia springing from anxiety whilst also promoting healthy sleep-wake cycles. Benzodiazepines like Xanax basically boost GABA’s effective role within your body. This reduces stress and anxiety, allowing for greater calm and relaxation. It is essentially the reverse of caffeine, which works to stimulate the CNS, including increasing symptoms of anxiety, in addition to limiting the effect of adenosine in the brain. In addition to CBT, there are other therapeutic approaches that can help manage anxiety.

Abrupt discontinuation of benzodiazepines can lead to withdrawal symptoms and potentially worsen anxiety. It’s important to note that while these supplements may be natural, they can still interact with medications and have potential side effects. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen. Z-drugs, such as zolpidem (Ambien) and eszopiclone (Lunesta), are primarily prescribed for insomnia but can also help with anxiety-related sleep disturbances.