5 Natural Xanax Alternatives to Help Reduce Anxiety and Stress

what is the over the counter alternative to xanax

If you’re considering natural Xanax alternatives, L-theanine should be near the top of your list. L-theanine is a non-dietary amino acid found predominantly in green tea leaves. Instead of being incorporated into proteins like other amino acids in the body, theanine exerts nootropic effects by crossing the blood-brain barrier and regulating brainwaves and GABA receptors [5]. At Talkiatry, we specialize in psychiatry, meaning the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions.

Non-addictive Anxiety Medication Options

Xanax is an addictive medication, so if a person feels they are becoming dependent on it, they should reach out to an addiction center or talk to their doctor. Valerian contains numerous phytochemicals, notably the eponymous sesquiterpenoid valerenic acid and its natural derivatives (e.g. acetoxy valerenic acid and hydroxy https://sober-home.org/alcohol-effects-in-the-brain-short-and-long-terms/ valerenic acid). Valerian root ostensibly mitigates anxiety and improves sleep by enhancing GABA interaction with GABA-A receptors. 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.

Benzodiazepine Xanax Alternatives

You may have life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the medicine suddenly after long-term use. By practicing daily healthy habits and self-care, you can reduce your symptoms of anxiety and depression. Alcohol can also intensify the side effects of benzodiazepines, so it’s important to avoid drinking while using them.

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A study published in 2022 compared meditation and the antidepressant Lexapro for anxiety and found that the two were equally effective at managing symptoms. 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 18 essential coping skills for addiction get 24 7 help 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. 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.

  1. They’ll typically lower your Xanax dosage to reduce your risk for side effects as much as possible.
  2. Team USA sent 594 athletes to Paris this year — the most of any nation — and they will be competing in 253 medal events.
  3. Zoloft may be an alternative to Xanax for those who experience both anxiety and depression or who have a co-occurring substance use disorder.
  4. A study published in 2022 compared meditation and the antidepressant Lexapro for anxiety and found that the two were equally effective at managing symptoms.
  5. If you’re just starting out with Kratom as an alternative to Xanax, I would suggest you stick to a low dose for the first few tries.

I’ve done a ton of research on the subject and tested dozens of anti-anxiety supplements, and the vast majority are garbage. As an alternative to Xanax, then I would recommend using a higher dose of Kratom. Some people have reported a worsening of their anxiety when using small doses. These over-the-counter treatments are commonly used for anxiety, depression, fatigue, or sleeplessness. Many people in recovery from substance abuse have found yoga to be a great method for building healthy habits and reducing drug or alcohol cravings.

Addiction means continuing to take a drug even if it’s causing you harm. Dependence happens when your body gets used to a drug and needs the drug to feel normal. In fact, Xanax has boxed warnings for these effects from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Boxed warnings appear on the drug’s label and alert you to possible serious risks. But it’s best to talk with your medical professional or pharmacist before using any new drugs while taking Xanax. The typical starting dosage of Xanax for panic disorder is 0.5 mg three times per day.

what is the over the counter alternative to xanax

Spring Hill Recovery Center provides residential treatment for addiction and co-occurring mental health issues. However, some conditions may require treatment beyond our capabilities, and we reserve the right to medically effects of molly signs of mdma and ecstasy use discharge a patient for a higher level of mental health care. If you’re considering stopping the use of Xanax, seek the medical advice of your doctor and ask what they recommend as an alprazolam alternative.

what is the over the counter alternative to xanax

A lower risk than most SSRIs of sexual dysfunction and weight gain could be appealing too. If you have any symptoms of withdrawal from Xanax, tell your medical professional right away. They’ll monitor your condition closely to help prevent your symptoms from becoming worse. They may recommend certain treatments to help relieve your withdrawal symptoms.

While Klonopin does not avoid these problems, it does have an advantage over how Xanax works. It has a longer duration of action, having a half-life of 12 to 40 hours, compared to the short-acting benzo Xanax which has a half-life of one to 12 hours. The longer-lasting effects can provide a more steady degree of anxiety relief and reduce the chance of withdrawal when stopping. Keep in mind that common side effects could last longer as well, though. This helps your body keep a steady level of the drug so it’s most effective for treating your condition. Xanax, lorazepam, clonazepam, and diazepam belong to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines.

If Xanax is being used to treat anxiety-related disorders, a much safer and equally effective natural alternative is therapy. Over time, they build skills and develop better responses to stressful and anxiety-inducing stimuli. Addiction Resource is an educational platform for sharing and disseminating information about addiction and substance abuse recovery centers.

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). Some people prefer not to take any prescription medications and would rather try natural methods of treatment. As a fellow benzodiazepine (benzo), Klonopin does not escape the hazards or side effects of Xanax, namely the potential for abuse and physical dependence, as well as sedation and unsteadiness.

The effects of Valium vs. Xanax are dependent on different factors. Effects of Valium do not show variations with race, health conditions, diseases, or use of alcohol. Benzodiazepines generally work the same way and help control nerve stimulation, which causes a relaxing or calming effect that helps with the treatment of anxiety and other psychiatric conditions. They act as agonists to GABA and help with the influx of chloride ions into neurons resulting in a stabilization and hyperpolarization effect on the cell membrane.

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