In order to find out which medications might be appropriate, they need to conduct a full evaluation. There is a wide variety of herbal compounds, amino acids, and other supplements that can be tried to treat different mental health conditions. Taking any of these natural remedies could potentially help to reduce anxiety. The great thing about natural remedies is that they tend to be cheaper and safer. However, it’s still not recommended to experiment with these remedies without consulting a specialist as they may cause allergy or other unpredictable effects.
Propranolol for anxiety: What to know
As you may know, chronic inflammation has been linked to mood disorders, including anxiety. Theanine also increases the production of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin, and GABA. These neurotransmitters play a pivotal role in relaxation, mood regulation, and overall brain function (39). Inhaling lavender essential oil has been linked to reduced stress and anxiety, and even improved sleep (16). Multiple studies have revealed that lavender oil can effectively reduce generalized anxiety (13).
Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (antidepressants) that treat anxiety
- It’s also important to maintain a holistic approach during this transition.
- Since GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, an increase in GABA receptor activity elicits anticonvulsant, hypnotic, muscle-relaxant, and ataxic effects.
- When it comes to managing anxiety, it’s important to note that benzodiazepines are not the only option.
- Medications such as lorazepam (Ativan) and clonazepam (Klonopin) offer anxiolytic effects with a more extended duration of action, potentially reducing the risk of dependence compared to Xanax.
- Pregabalin (Lyrica) is a type of medication known as a calcium channel modulator.
Inositol is a substance that is found in high concentrations in the brain. Inositol helps neurotransmitters to relay messages between brain cells. Inositol can be found in pill or powder form at most health and vitamin shops. Ativan and Alprazolam both work as CNS depressants, and so any medication with alternatives to xanax the same property can amplify their effects. Alprazolam is metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A, and so any drug interacting with this compound can alter the rate of clearance of Xanax from the body. Administration of Ativan with clozapine, valproate, probenecid, theophylline, and aminophylline can alter its effects.
Illicit Alprazolam can contain other unknown and potentially harmful sedative drugs, and has been linked with a number of deaths in both the UK and US when mixed with other potent drugs. Mark Bayley, 63, of Jeremy Road, Wolverhampton, was sentenced to six years and five months. He also previously pleaded guilty to five charges, including conspiracy to supply Class C drugs and possession with intent to supply Class B drugs.
Non-addictive Anxiety Medication Options
Always check with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement, especially if you are on other medications. Some people use valerian root for anxiety because it may promote sleep and relaxation and can significantly reduce anxiety in some people. Its sedative effects make it a popular choice for people looking for a natural way to manage both anxiety and insomnia. However, like prescription medications, valerian can have side effects and can negatively interfere with other natural supplements or prescription meds. Unlike the other Xanax alternatives on our list, Spravato (esketamine) is a nasal spray.
Valium does not cause severe withdrawal symptoms like Alprazolam, but it does cause more drowsiness as a side effect. In people with depression and anxiety, valium has been shown to be more effective for the treatment of anxiety. Ativan and Alprazolam both belong to the class benzodiazepine, and they are prescribed for the treatment of sleep disorders, anxiety, and various psychiatric conditions.
So the Klonopin dosage frequency is reduced among Klonopin vs. Xanax. Alprazolam, however, leaves the body quickly, and so frequent consumption of Xanax pills is needed. The half-life contracts of Klonopin vs. Xanax are quite big; the half-life of Klonopin is longer, i.e., 30 to 40 hours. Both have the potential for dependence and addiction with long-term higher doses. Individualized treatment plans, addressing underlying conditions and incorporating a holistic approach to anxiety management are key for success in treating anxiety while avoiding Xanax dependence. By broadening the understanding of available alternatives, individuals and healthcare professionals can make informed decisions that prioritize both anxiety relief and long-term well-being.
Ashwagandha
Thankfully, research shows that improving either one can also relieve the other. Make time to get a full 7 to 9 hours per night and follow the same sleep schedule every day. To fall asleep, practice anxiety-relieving breathing and mindfulness techniques. 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.
Prescription alternatives to Xanax
SNRIs are also a good alternative to Xanax because they provide long-term anxiety relief. They work by keeping serotonin — a mood-regulating neurotransmitter — active in the brain longer to stabilize mood and gradually alleviate anxiety symptoms. However, using the medication long-term can lead to dependency, withdrawal, and other harmful side effects.
It is important to know the Ativan vs. Xanax difference and natural Xanax alternatives to be aware of all the risks and benefits. To incorporate light exercise into your routine, consider walking (preferably outdoors in nature), gentle yoga, or tai chi. Even short bouts of physical activity can make a significant difference in your overall stress and reduce anxiety symptoms. Remember, consistency is more important than intensity when it comes to exercise for anxiety relief.
Natural Xanax Alternatives To Reduce Your Anxiety and Stress
Individuals with anxiety must work closely with their healthcare professionals to find the most suitable alternative based on specific needs and responses. While beta-blockers like propranolol are not traditional anxiolytics, they can be effective in managing physical symptoms of anxiety, such as tremors and increased heart rate. Drugs like buspirone (BuSpar) and hydroxyzine (Vistaril) are non-benzodiazepine anxiolytics. They work differently from Xanax while still providing relief from anxiety. These alternatives may be considered for individuals seeking options with a lower risk of addiction. Clinical trials of lemon balm extract have shown this herb can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression by as much as 30% 22.
AUD Medications: The Medications to Stop Drinking Alcohol
While yoga isn’t a direct pharmaceutical counterpart to Xanax, its consistent practice can substantially aid in managing anxiety and stress. Initially, it might feel unnatural or even challenging to breathe deeply, especially if you’re used to shallow breathing. But regular practice can help in making deep breathing a more spontaneous response to stress. An imbalanced gut can also lead to chronic inflammation, which is increasingly linked to various mood disorders, including anxiety.
In the next sections, I’ll explore these natural Xanax alternatives in depth. Natural solutions can often be gentler on the body and mind, with fewer side effects. They can also promote overall well-being instead of just simply suppressing symptoms. It’s these potential pitfalls of Xanax that lead many to search for alternatives. This includes drowsiness and dizziness, and even more severe issues like respiratory depression and memory problems (1).
The primary neurotransmitter involved in anxiety is gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter that decreases nerve cell activity in the brain. Prescription psychiatric medications that are used to treat anxiety often quell excessive neuronal firing and reduce levels of GABA in the brain, thereby promoting calm and relaxation. In recent years, the medical field has significantly advanced in understanding anxiety and developing alternative treatments.
For this reason, Xanax is often taken to treat sudden-onset symptoms or short-term anxiety. Other commonly prescribed drugs of this class include diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), clonazepam (Klonopin), temazepam (Restoril), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), and midazolam (Versed). All our psychiatrists (and all psychiatrists in general) are medical doctors with additional training in mental health. They can prescribe any medication they think can help their patients.