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. If you’re struggling with anxiety and are looking for natural alternatives to Xanax or prescription medications, try out these five options. We do, however, recommend that you seek professional help if your symptoms of anxiety do not improve or if they worsen. These medications work similarly to Xanax by enhancing GABA activity in the brain, which helps promote relaxation and reduce anxiety symptoms. However, they vary in onset time, duration, and potential side effects, so consult your doctor before switching medications. Nootropic supplements — commonly referred to as “smart drugs” — can improve cognitive function and reduce anxiety.
Contact: 11 Natural Alternatives to Xanax – Natural Remedies for Stress Relief
- Both activities encourage mindfulness and can significantly reduce anxiety levels when practiced regularly.
- Work closely with your healthcare provider to taper off benzodiazepines safely and discuss alternative holistic treatment approaches to manage symptoms of anxiety.
- SNRIs help manage anxiety by preventing the quick reabsorption of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.
- Studies have shown that chamomile extract can help reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) (28).
- If you’re somebody who likes to have the occasional beer, being on Xanax would prevent you from doing so.
Xanax has some pretty serious side effects that many people experience, even with lower doses. Many people may experience dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, decreased appetite, increased saliva production, and a change or decrease in sex drive and sexual abilities. If you’re new to yoga or meditation, plenty of resources are available to help you get started. Many yoga classes are offered at gyms and community centers or take an online course on how to meditate from the comfort of home.
The vagus nerve plays a crucial role in regulating the body’s relaxation response. Stimulating this nerve can rapidly promote feelings of calm and reduce anxiety symptoms. Techniques for vagal stimulation include cold exposure, humming, and the practice of certain yoga poses, all of which have been shown to engage the parasympathetic nervous system 27. KSM-66® Ashwagandha tends to be the most popular extract used in clinical studies. You can find this specific ingredient in Transparent Labs KSM-66® Ashwagandha capsules.
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Particularly in aging adults or those with circulatory concerns, Ginkgo offers a non-stimulant alternative that can still yield profound mental clarity. Running out of Adderall unexpectedly can be an anxiety-inducing experience, especially if work, study, or critical life activities depend heavily on sustained focus and motivation. Knowing what to take if you run out of Adderall is key to mitigating these challenges effectively. Supplements like Rhodiola rosea, caffeine paired with L-theanine, or even high-dose omega-3 fatty acids can provide immediate cognitive benefits. 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.
- All of these neurotransmitters play a crucial role in mood regulation and anxiety control (49).
- Yes, in many cases, withdrawal symptoms emerge with sudden discontinuation or rapid dose reduction of benzodiazepines, especially if these drugs have been taken over prolonged periods.
- Several alternative medications for Xanax work well to alleviate anxiety, both in the same and different classes of drugs.
But, it can cause various gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and nervous system-related side effects. People with breathing disorders, including asthma, shouldn’t take propranolol for anxiety. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your anxiety management strategy, especially if you’re currently taking medication. However, while Xanax and similar alprazolam drugs can be effective treatments for anxiety disorders including Generalized Anxiety Disorder, some findings show that the drug can be addictive when abused. The most effective alternative to benzodiazepines has been found to be phenibut (or picamilon) which is one of my favorite supplements, along with L-theanine, taurine, kava root extract or passionflower.
Talk with your doctor about natural alternatives
As research progresses, there’s growing evidence linking adequate B vitamin intake with improved mood and reduced anxiety. Some studies suggest that omega-3 supplementation can reduce cortisol (a primary stress hormone) in response to stressful situations (44). Research shows that combining magnesium with vitamin B6 can enhance the absorption and effectiveness of magnesium. And some studies suggest this combination can be particularly effective in alleviating anxiety (36-37). Beyond teas, chamomile is available in various forms, including supplements, essential oils, and topical applications.
Additionally, tracking your focus, energy, and mood daily in a journal can help you adjust dosages and combinations over time. Consultation with a healthcare professional ensures that any underlying conditions are addressed properly during this transition. Here’s aninteresting study that suggests that this extract has the potential to help improve memory function and learning. This is yetanother study that suggests that Rhodiola Rosea can be an effective treatment to reduce symptoms of natural alternative to xanax general anxiety disorder. Effective substitutes for Xanax include herbal remedies like Kava and Passion Flower or L-Theanine supplements that may help with symptoms of anxiety when taken daily. These options don’t have dangerous long-term consequences like prescription drugs do, which makes it a safe option if you’re looking at Alternatives to Benzodiazepines for Anxiety.
therapy complements or alternatives to Xanax
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. In circumnavigating medical entanglement and getting rid of the potential side effects, you are also losing a degree of potency in the benefits themselves. Xanax is a very good medication for treating stress, anxiety, and panic disorders. The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice.
Work closely with your healthcare provider to taper off benzodiazepines safely and discuss alternative holistic treatment approaches to manage symptoms of anxiety. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces neuronal excitability throughout the nervous system. This has a calming and sedative effect, making these drugs effective for treating many anxiety symptoms. Benzodiazepines are widely used to treat anxiety, sleep disorders, and depression. However, benzodiazepine drugs can have serious side effects and have a high potential for drug abuse. Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and essential vitamins and minerals offer the raw materials necessary for brain repair, neurotransmitter synthesis, and mitochondrial energy production.
Natural Xanax is found in a variety of different herbs and can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress. By dedicating some time to practicing yoga, you are allowing the trapped tension within your muscles to be released. Additionally, it may help you calm down mentally, reducing your high frequency brain waves (shifting from beta waves to alpha waves). Like meditation, practicing yoga over the long-term can lead to significant improvements in anxiety. In addition to becoming lethargic and experiencing brain fog from the medication, you may notice that Xanax becomes addicting.
Alternatives at Your Local Shops
In studies of mice taking GLP-1 agonists, researchers have found the drugs stimulate FGF21. People with type 2 diabetes typically have impaired GLP-1 function, leading to issues with blood sugar control, which is why Ozempic and other GLP-1 agonists work as treatments. For instance,this study indicates that CBD may be able to increase levels of dopamine in the human mind, withdopamine being responsible for feelings of reward and pleasure. 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.
This can create a vicious cycle, because anxiety itself can be exacerbated by poor sleep quality. One way to approach getting better sleep is taking steps to prepare yourself to get the best sleep possible. If you’re looking for medical alternatives to Xanax, you might consider, beta blockers, antidepressants, or other anxiety medications like BusPar. Fortunately, many alternative treatments that offer relief from anxiety do exist, ranging from other medications to proven non-medical strategies. In this article we’ll detail the dangers of Xanax and other ways you can treat your anxiety.
Sadly, most magnesium supplements contain an inferior form –magnesium oxide – which has poor bioavailability 14. Transparent Labs Magnesium Bisglycinate capsules contain chelated magnesium which is gentle on the gut and readily absorbed 15. Meanwhile, in humans, some studies suggest that those with genetic variants for the FGF21 hormone are about 20 percent more likely to be top-ranking consumers of sweet foods. Ashwagandha, Rhodiola rosea, L-theanine, magnesium, and CBD oil can all be taken instead of Xanax.
The researchers say that meditation works because it combines breathwork with an emphasis on staying present—so you’re not dwelling in worries about the past or the future. In the study, the meditating participants took regular mindfulness classes, but if you’re interested in trying meditation, you can easily start on your own with meditation apps or other online resources. Getting adequate sleep is extremely important for mental health, but sometimes anxiety makes it hard to fall or stay asleep.
While they may not provide the same immediate relief as Xanax, their long-term benefits and lower risk of side effects make them valuable components of a holistic approach to mental wellness. As always, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or herbal regimen, especially when transitioning away from prescription medications like Xanax. 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).
