While not specifically designed for anxiety, they can offer a non-addictive option for certain individuals. While other benzodiazepines share similarities with Xanax, certain options have a less pronounced risk of addiction. 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. The best way to use Xanax alternatives is determined by the end goal you want to achieve.
Antabuse (Disulfiram) Side Effects
Research shows that inhaling lavender for just 3 minutes can decrease anxiety and enhance mood. Check out our blog posts and resource links for the latest information on substance abuse. Yoga incorporates the mindfulness of meditation with physical movement to relax and restore the muscles. Practicing meditation can help with anxiety by strengthening the ability to direct focus away from racing thoughts and distressful sensations. One safer long-term alternative to Xanax is trazodone, an SARI antidepressant that does not have the addictive qualities that Xanax does.
While many find anxiety relief through yoga, it might not resonate with everyone. Many yoga practices activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for relaxation and recovery. This counteracts the “fight or flight” stress response driven by the sympathetic nervous system (66). The best way to know if you’re on the right track is by using the EmWave2 device. For beginners, guided deep breathing sessions, available through apps or online videos, can also be helpful. There are various deep breathing techniques, such as the method (inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8), box breathing, and paced respiration.
Having already explored the potential drawbacks of Xanax and the encouraging alternatives available, it’s equally crucial to be vigilant about the more insidious signs of addiction. AddictionResource aims to present the most accurate, trustworthy, and up-to-date medical content to our readers. Our team does their best for our readers to help them stay informed about vital healthcare decisions.
Often called the “Indian ginseng,” this adaptogenic herb has been used for over 3,000 years to relieve stress, increase energy levels, and improve concentration. Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera, is a herb used in Ayurvedic medicine, an ancient Indian system of natural healing. However, kava still has the potential for side effects, especially skin problems at higher doses.
Are Natural Xanax Alternatives Better than Xanax Itself?
- Increasing serotonin levels is the fundamental underlying principle that is used with antidepressants.
- Be sure to carefully follow a healthcare provider’s instructions on how to take the medication.
- A study published in 2022 compared meditation and the antidepressant Lexapro for anxiety and found that the two were equally effective at managing symptoms.
- Herbal supplements like ashwagandha, Rhodiola, and kava are increasingly popular holistic options for treating anxiety.
For people who do not want to take Alprazolam or other prescription antidepressants, there are some natural over-the-counter Xanax alternatives, herbs, supplements, minerals, or vitamins. However, Valium vs. Xanax metabolism comparison shows that the metabolism of Valium is slightly slower in people of Asian and African descent, which makes the effects of the drug last longer. 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.
These drugs work by acting on two key messenger chemicals in the body, adrenaline and noradrenaline. When the body gets anxious, these chemical messengers cause certain unwanted side effects, such as sweating, shaking, and elevated heart rate. Beta-blockers block the effects of these chemical messengers, reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety and partially helping with psychological symptoms as well. Discontinuing the use of long-term benzodiazepines like Xanax should happen under the supervision of a doctor. Although medical detox cannot prevent withdrawal symptoms, specialists can help reduce the severity of symptoms, alleviate discomfort, and develop a treatment plan.
What is Similar to Xanax but Not Addictive?
Our writers and reviewers are experienced professionals in medicine, addiction treatment, and healthcare. AddictionResource fact-checks all the information before publishing and uses only credible and trusted sources when citing any medical data. Calls to our general hotline may be answered by private treatment providers. We may be paid a fee for marketing or advertising by organizations that can assist with treating people with substance use disorders. It has a currently accepted medical use in treatment alternative to xanax otc in the United States.
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Get an evaluation and prescription online from a licensed psychiatric provider to improve your well-being. Experiencing a Xanax addiction is challenging, and it may feel overwhelming to consider switching from Xanax to an alternative on your own. Some people find individual therapy to be the most helpful, while others prefer group or family therapy. Melatonin is a hormone that the brain uses to regulate the sleep-wake cycle. This means that it doesn’t have to be taken as many times during the day, which reduces the risk of misuse and addiction.
Cognitive behavioral therapy
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. The practices below may effectively provide lasting support for mental and physical well-being.
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. In order to find out which medications might be appropriate, they need to conduct a full evaluation. At Talkiatry, first visits are generally scheduled for 60 minutes or more to give your psychiatrist time to learn about you, work on a treatment plan, and discuss any medications that might be included. 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.
Recent guidelines from mental health experts emphasize the importance of a gradual reduction in prescription medications under medical supervision. Abruptly stopping a medication like Xanax can cause serious side effects, including rebound anxiety, insomnia, and even seizures in some cases. A healthcare professional can help you taper off the medication slowly while integrating natural alternatives, such as herbal supplements, amino acids, or mind-body practices, into your daily routine.
There are several alternatives to consider for people with a history of substance abuse and those concerned about Xanax’s side effects. Clonazepam (brand name Klonopin) is another oral benzodiazepine used to treat panic disorder. Unlike Xanax, it’s also FDA-approved to treat certain seizure disorders. It’s not FDA-approved to treat anxiety disorders, but is approved to treat panic disorder. Clonazepam shouldn’t be used by people with certain eye or liver issues. Clonazepam typically starts working in 30 to 60 minutes and lasts 8 to 12 hours.
A more straightforward summary is that Xanax, along with other benzodiazepines like Valium, enhances the effects of the GABA your body naturally produces. GABA receptor activity subsequently modulates the function of several different neurotransmitter systems to engender a restful, calm state of mind. I learned to love myself for the first time…I’m going to start a new chapter in my life because of Silver Ridge.
Mechanistically, caffeic acid is a potent antioxidant that fights inflammation and may protect against cancer 25. Moreover, caffeic acids in lemon balm appear to inhibit an enzyme called GABA transaminase, which is responsible for metabolizing GABA to succinate semialdehyde. Major nootropic constituents of lemon balm are caffeic acid and caffeic acid derivatives, notably rosmarinic acid and ursolic acid 24.
Therapy
Lee Lloyd, 48, of Shakespeare Road, Tipton, was sentenced to seven years and two months, after earlier admitting six charges, including conspiracy to supply Class C drugs. He said the ringleader controlled every part of the drugs operation and was constantly involved in it. Pitts, who had earlier pleaded guilty to six charges, including conspiracy to supply Class C drugs, was described by Judge John Butterfield as “the beating heart of this enterprise”.
