Remember, consistency is more important than intensity when it comes to exercise for anxiety relief. Clinical trials of lemon balm extract have shown this herb can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression by as much as 30% 22. There is also limited data suggesting lemon balm promotes healthy sleep-wake cycles and may combat anxiety-related insomnia 23. Rather compelling research has shown that treatment with magnesium supplements can rapidly relieve anxiety and panic attacks 11. Magnesium supplementation can also support immune function and reduce oxidative stress, imperative for overall health and longevity 12.
About the Medical Reviewer
SNRIs target 2 neurotransmitters — serotonin and norepinephrine — as opposed to just one, like the SSRIs on this list. It’s available in an immediate-release and extended-release (XR) form. Immediate-release Effexor is used to treat generalized anxiety (an off-label use), social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, depression, and OCD. It’s used to treat depression, OCD, panic disorder, and bulimia nervosa. But, it does have a boxed warning for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Typical side effects of Prozac for anxiety include sleepiness, nausea, diarrhea, and changes in libido or appetite.
- Alprazolam, however, leaves the body quickly, and so frequent consumption of Xanax pills is needed.
- An alternative treatment for insomnia is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
- Unlike the other Xanax alternatives on our list, Spravato (esketamine) is a nasal spray.
- And, it doesn’t relax your muscles like Xanax, so it’s less likely to cause sedation or tiredness.
- Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 3.
prescription alternatives to Xanax
Administration of Ativan with clozapine, valproate, probenecid, theophylline, and aminophylline can alter its effects. Snorting both drugs can cause increased abuse potential and additional side effects. Mindfulness is a practice that revolves around cultivating a calm and open awareness of the present moment.
Sleep hygiene
- Chamomile contains apigenin, which is an antioxidant that binds to certain receptors in the brain, which then promotes relaxation and reduces insomnia.
- Zoloft is indicated for panic disorder, PTSD, and social anxiety disorder.
- Initially, it might feel unnatural or even challenging to breathe deeply, especially if you’re used to shallow breathing.
- With a multitude of therapeutic alternatives available, there’s hope for everyone, irrespective of where they are on their mental health journey.
- A small 2018 animal and clinical trial study found similar results when researchers gave rats and humans matcha (ground-up green tea leaves).
- Before taking Xanax or other medication for insomnia, a person should consider CBT.
- But some states consider it a Schedule IV controlled substance and regulate its use at the state level.
Many other well-known pharmaceuticals also fall within the class of benzodiazepines. They all have slightly different effects and are used to treat various mental and physical ailments. 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. Rooted in a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors, it’s a condition that can drastically reduce one’s quality of life. But what amplifies its impact is its deceptive nature; it often remains cloaked, concealed behind daily stresses, making diagnosis and treatment a challenge. Valerian contains numerous phytochemicals, notably the eponymous sesquiterpenoid valerenic acid and its natural derivatives (e.g. acetoxy valerenic acid and hydroxy valerenic acid).
non-medication alternatives to Xanax
This is important, as they could experience severe withdrawal effects, which in some cases are fatal. For most persons, rapid Xanax cessation doesn’t relieve their trouble as anxiety will stay behind even if the medication is gone. Medical research has conclusively shown that exposure to toxic mold can cause neurological impairment. Toxic mold syndrome causes symptoms like confusion, depression, dizziness, anxiety, and many others. Xanax and other benzodiazepines do not amend themselves well to rapid detox modalities. Our residential center has been focusing on this patient population and these types of benzodiazepine transitions for nearly 2 decades.
In some circumstances, a doctor may prescribe fast-acting benzodiazepines if a person struggles to fall asleep. Benzodiazepines help a person fall asleep by enhancing the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is a neurotransmitter that calms brain activity, which can help a person relax and fall asleep. By Xanax alternatives, we are not alprazolam alternative suggesting we help you find a “better” drug.
Alternatives to Xanax: What are some safer options for anxiety?
It is suspected of endocrine disruption, which means it may interfere with hormones and neurotransmitters. If one is already on a prescribed benzodiazepine that a person wants to stop taking, alternatives can be used to support health before, during and after the reduction of dosage. Gradual reduction is the recommended and most reliable route to recovery.
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. While Xanax may be effective for some, the FDA warns of serious side effects and the potential for addiction while taking it. Benzodiazepines often cause the user to become physically dependent, possibly leading to withdrawal symptoms. Luckily, there are safer Xanax replacements and alternatives out there.
Signs of Xanax Addiction
Research suggests that CBT can be effective for conditions like anxiety, depression, and many other mental health concerns 8. Beta-blockers prevent the stress hormone adrenaline (epinephrine) from contacting the beta receptors in the heart, which prevent the heart from pumping harder or faster. This helps to decrease the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as a fast heart rate, a shaky voice, or hands, sweating, and dizziness. Like any medication, beta-blockers may cause side effects like fatigue, dizziness, and low blood pressure. Lexapro (escitalopram) is another SSRI that treats anxiety and depression.
Additional factors such as an overly demanding workplace, a foundering marriage, or other stressors can overwhelm a person. But if toxic impairment has not been tested for and corrected, other therapies such as counseling may not be effective until eliminating the toxic burden. Canadian scientist David Suzuki describes one such chemical that is now banned in the US but not elsewhere, called Triclosan. Triclosan is used in thousands of common household products like bedsheets, garbage bags, toys, and even hand sanitizer and mouthwash. This chemical does not easily degrade but does easily pass through human skin.
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. Several herbal treatments and over-the-counter or holistic medicines are believed to help manage anxiety symptoms.