Sign up for Jordan’s newsletter and join the 50,000 readers who are using his practical solutions to improve their brain function and mental health. Alcohol alters levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin and GABA. These imbalances can then result in increased anxiety levels later (75).
Counseling and Other Therapeutics as Xanax Alternatives
- Deficiency in vitamins has been shown to be a precipitating factor for the development of psychiatric illnesses and dull response to antipsychotics.
- Diane is an avid supporter and researcher of natural mental health strategies.
- Research shows that combining magnesium with vitamin B6 can enhance the absorption and effectiveness of magnesium.
- Similarly, meditation can help reduce anxiety by supporting normal brain functions and regulating the secretion of GABA.
- Xanax, also known as alprazolam, has undoubtedly provided relief to countless individuals who struggle with anxiety.
- As a result, Xanax helps reduce feelings of anxiety, panic, or tension.
- Passionflower contains a substance known as apigenin, which seems to bind to the GABA receptor.
Over half of these visits are due to interactions between Xanax and alcohol or other drugs. However, 70% of Americans take at least one prescription drug, and two-thirds consume alcohol regularly. Xanax comes with a long list of side effects that range from unpleasant to life-threatening.
Xanax Should Not Be Mixed With Alcohol and Other Drugs
Research shows that taking a high-quality multivitamin can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and improve general well-being. B complex is a group of 8 essential vitamins that all play a significant role in mental health and the ability to deal with stress. While all vitamins and minerals are essential for ideal mental health, here are a few that are particularly critical if you have anxiety. While you can get l-theanine from drinking tea, it’s not practical to rely on tea alone to reduce anxiety. Moderate anxiety symptoms often improve within 30 minutes after taking l-theanine and the effects can last for up to 10 hours. Amino acids are building blocks of proteins, and two of them are among the top natural alternatives to Xanax.
Natural Alternatives To Alprazolam
While meditation is not a direct pharmaceutical alternative like Xanax, consistent meditative practice offers meaningful benefits. The gut and the brain communicate through multiple pathways, including the vagus nerve, neurotransmitters, and the immune system (51-53). Omega-3s also play a protective role against the onset of anxiety and depression, particularly when consumed in adequate amounts from an early age (47). Clinical trials have also shown promise in using omega-3 supplements to alleviate anxiety (43). If you’re interested in supplementing with theanine, this anti-anxiety supplement contains it.
Nature Therapy Alternatives to Benzodiazepines for Anxiety
- It’s almost impossible to live a lifestyle that provides all the nutrients needed for good brain health and performance.
- The Calm Clinic offers a free 7-minute test that will help you to figure out just how anxious you are.
- Numerous studies show that L-theanine can simultaneously enhance mental acuity and reduce stress 6.
- Neuroimaging studies have shown that consistent meditation can lead to changes in the structure and function of the brain.
- A balanced autonomic nervous system means there’s a healthy balance between the sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) responses (71).
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. In today’s fast-paced world, feelings of anxiety and overwhelming stress are common.
Valerian root
The vast majority of these alternatives have been proven to not only have terrific efficacy but also a scarcity of major side effects. Some have said that there are certain people who should never take natural xanax alternative drugs like Xanax or Ativan. Acute withdrawal side effects can even include hallucinations, seizures, and psychosis. By clicking the “Check Insurance Coverage” button and submitting this form, I affirm that I have read and agree to this Site’s Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. I consent to receive SMS text messages to my cell number provided above for notifications, alerts, and general communication purposes including promotions from a paid advertiser.
AddictionResource fact-checks all the information before publishing and uses only credible and trusted sources when citing any medical data. The Verified badge on our articles is a trusted sign of the most comprehensive scientifically-based medical content. Inositol is a substance that is found in high concentrations in the brain. Inositol helps neurotransmitters to relay messages between brain cells.
Clinical trials have shown that Silexan is effective at reducing anxiety. It even compares favorably to some conventional benzodiazepines and antidepressants, but without the potential for addiction or significant drowsiness (15). The allure of natural Xanax alternatives lies in their potential to alleviate anxiety without the accompanying risks of traditional medications like Xanax. I’ve started treating my life long depression/anxiety with some new supplements, and hoped Inositol would be a good, safe addition instead of phenibut. But I just found a note about phenibut also impacting Dopamine mildly, not just GABA like I’d thought. The good news for most is that the overwhelming number of these natural alternatives are available over the counter in your neighborhood drugstore or online by visiting nootropic vendors’ websites.
Neither this site nor anyone who answers the call receives a commission or fee dependent upon which treatment provider a visitor may ultimately choose. For those seeking addiction treatment for themselves or a loved one, our calls are confidential and are available for 24/7 help. In some cases, alprazolam may be a better solution, and in others, a Xanax alternative may be better.
But of all the naturally relaxing herbs, two are standouts for anxiety. Participants who received l-theanine had lower baseline anxiety than those who took Xanax. Taurine is considered very safe and, in fact, naturally occurs in high concentrations in the brain. You’ll notice that the majority of these work like Xanax, by increasing the calming brain chemical GABA. And since seniors often take other medications, they are at greater risk for interactions.
By working closely with a healthcare provider, you can ensure a safe and effective transition to natural anxiety management strategies, optimizing your mental well-being while minimizing risks. Herbal supplements like ashwagandha, Rhodiola, and kava are increasingly popular holistic options for treating anxiety. These natural remedies work by interacting with the body’s stress-response system or impacting neurotransmitters to offer a calming effect and reduce anxiety symptoms. Alprazolam, the active ingredient in Xanax, is a benzodiazepine first marketed in 1981. It works by modulating gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission in the central nervous system (CNS). Discover five alternatives to benzodiazepines and learn how these natural remedies can help reduce anxiety symptoms and improve your mental and physical health.