Natural Alternatives to Xanax: Safe and Effective Options

If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, or similar, a psychiatrist may be a good place to start. 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. Engaging in light exercise is another effective natural remedy for reducing anxiety.

Therapy

The drug works by blocking pain signals in peripheral nerves before they reach the brain. For short-term relief from feelings of anxiety, opt for natural alternatives such as developing and maintaining helpful self-care habits, eating nutritious foods, and exercising regularly. Exercise helps release endorphins and increases the availability of neurotransmitters. It can also help support good sleep, which can simulate some of the sedative effects of Xanax. If you or a loved one is struggling with anxiety, depression, or other forms of mental illness, contact Neuro Wellness Spa.

Xanax Alternatives: Compare Nonaddictive Anxiety Meds

• It is a melatonin receptor agonist, which helps to balance chemicals in the brain.
• Some people seek Xanax alternatives because they don’t like the common side effects they experience, or they’re concerned about Xanax dependence and substance abuse.
• A new kind of pain medication has been approved for sale by the Food and Drug Administration.
• It has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States.
• Natural remedies for anxiety and stress have been employed for centuries across various cultures, each with its own set of plant-based remedies, relaxation techniques, and holistic philosophies.
• There are a wide variety of nonaddictive anxiety medications that have proven effective at treating anxiety disorders, often just as effective as Xanax, with less risk of dependence.

As the popularity of yoga has spread globally, scientific studies have begun to validate its effectiveness as a tool for optimal mental health. While they’re not an exact substitute for medications like Xanax, they can still be a potent tool in managing your anxiety and stress. Meditation is personally one of my favorite daily activities to maintain optimal brain function and mental health. With modern scientific methodologies, we’re now beginning to understand its profound beneficial effects and its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. Some studies even suggest that individuals with a balanced gut microbiome have a healthier physiological response to stress, which includes a more regulated cortisol (stress hormone) response (56).

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• They are also prescribed for insomnia, alcohol withdrawal, and other conditions as an off-label drug.
• This is another herbal Xanax alternative, also referred to as Indian pennywort.
• Connect with experienced healthcare professionals who can guide you through personalized treatment options and tips for managing your anxiety.
• Weighing these drawbacks against the immediate relief Xanax offers brings to light the pressing need for alternatives.
• Some of these include L-Theanine, melatonin, magnesium, chamomile, and kava.
• These coping mechanisms can teach people effective stress management techniques, potentially minimizing the need for prolonged medication use.

This may reduce cortisol production, helping to lower stress levels, and increase serotonin and GABA levels to create a more relaxed and calm mental state. Ashwagandha is a natural herb traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to reduce stress and support overall wellness. This medication typically starts improving anxiety symptoms in three to four weeks. Individuals without chronic anxiety often use Xanax to experience its calming effects, but this can lead to a dangerous addiction to the medication. This type of brain activity leads to symptoms like an increased heart rate and hypervigilance. Xanax is a popular FDA-approved drug prescribed to people with anxiety because of its effectiveness.

Seven Ashwagandha Benefits for Female Health

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Thursday approved Journavx (suzetrigine), a new non-opioid painkiller that promises to be nonaddictive. Acute pain is something more than 80 million Americans fill prescriptions to treat each year, according to Vertex. One of the drug trials followed abdominoplasty surgeries – known colloquially as a “tummy tuck” – while the other followed bunionectomies, or an operation on toes. Both trials involved randomly administering placebos and the active drug, and all participants were able to use ibuprofen if the pain became too great. Data released by the National Institutes for Health (NIH) found that almost half of U.S. adults don’t consume enough magnesium to meet daily requirements, leaving them at increased risk of anxiety. “Ashwagandha is one of the most potent adaptogens as it helps maintain balanced levels of the neurotransmitter GABA, which promotes stress resilience and calms the nervous system,” explains Dr. Berg.

They don’t generally cause harm even with months or years of use, but regular checkups can help make sure they aren’t impacting your health. Notably, a person should get their blood pressure checked more regularly when using beta blockers. Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine drug in the class of allergy medications but also has some sedating and anxiolytic effects. SSRIs take around four to eight weeks to take effect and may produce side effects like headache, nausea, trouble sleeping, and dizziness.

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. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) stands out as one of the most promising adaptogens due to its multifarious benefits in the human body.

What are safer, alternative anti-anxiety medications to Xanax?

It’s believed to increase levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA lowers the activity of some brain cells, promoting a sense of relaxation (2). As a result, it presents a promising natural alternative to pharmaceutical drugs like Xanax. This includes drowsiness and dizziness, and even more severe issues like respiratory depression and memory problems (1).

5 Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) include meditation, yoga, or guided mindfulness exercises, which help participants stay present and reduce anxiety. Contact Neuro Wellness Spa today to gain further insight into how Spravato may positively impact alternatives to xanax your well-being. Taking charge of your mental health is a step towards a happier and healthier life. Addiction Resource does not offer medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice.

By boosting the production of endorphins and serotonin, exercise is known to improve mood, ease tension, and reduce irritability. Research shows that the benefits of CBT last beyond each session and gradually reduce the need for long-term medication use. However, it works more gradually, promoting sleep and possibly lowering cortisol levels — without the risk of dependency.

Generally, antidepressant medications are just as effective and can be more effective in the long term. These medications can treat depression and anxiety, which is helpful since symptoms of both commonly occur at the same time, making them a good substitute for Xanax. Additionally, because Xanax increases the activity of GABA, neurons adapt to the presence of the drug and become underactive when withdrawn. As a result, it is common for people to develop a physical dependence on Xanax and other similar medications over time. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns, Brightside Health is here to help. We can connect you to a therapist, or to a medical provider that can help you reduce anxiety and get feeling better.