Natural Alternatives to Benzodiazepines

Techniques for vagal stimulation include cold exposure, humming, and the practice of certain yoga poses, all of which have been shown to engage the parasympathetic nervous system 27. 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. The term ”natural Xanax” is somewhat misleading since alprazolam is not a naturally occurring chemical, nor does it refer to any specific natural substances. Natural remedies have been scientifically proven to treat anxiety in humans effectively without causing the user to experience side effects.

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The information presented herein by The Herb Prof is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own healthcare provider. Benzos can cause addiction, withdrawal symptoms, and physical dependence with long-term use. The study by Hilimire et al., published in _Psychiatry Research_, shows this link clearly.

The Ugly Truth About Anti-Anxiety Drugs

• In contrast, the plant roots commonly extracted for herbal remedies have a pungent, putrid odor that’s tough to subdue with masking agents and flavoring.
• The information in this article is for education and informational purposes only and should never be substituted for medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.
• Beyond supplements and teas, lemon balm is also used in essential oil form for aromatherapy.
• We’re a national psychiatry practice that provides virtual in-network are.
• Unlike Xanax —  which provides quick, short-term relief — SSRIs are meant for long-term anxiety management.
• Many of the following remedies and holistic coping techniques may help with anxiety.
• It can be consumed as a tea or a supplement, and studies suggest it can effectively reduce symptoms of anxiety and improve overall psychological well-being.

In some cases, alprazolam may be a better solution, and in others, a Xanax alternative may be better. It all depends on the individual situation and the different side effects of alprazolam and its substitutes. Although the choice of switching to natural over the counter Xanax alternatives ultimately lies with the patients, the doctor’s insight on the best course of action should come into play. It is crucial to consult a doctor before taking any medication listed below. Treating anxiety by own can worsen the condition and lead to the appearance of unpredictable adverse effects.

• The bottom line here is that plenty of alternatives are much better to take than Xanax, both in terms of their benefits and side effects.
• Only trained and licensed medical professionals can provide such services.
• They bind to the GABA-A ligand-gated chloride channel neuron at its benzodiazepine receptor.
• If you’re new to meditation, start with just a few minutes each day and then gradually increase the time as you become more comfortable with the practice.
• With modern scientific methodologies, we’re now beginning to understand its profound beneficial effects and its ability to reduce stress and anxiety.
• While medications and natural supplements can be effective, lifestyle and behavioral changes are essential for managing anxiety sustainably over the long term.
• GABA has been shown in numerous studies to have a calming effect, and GABA deficiency is believed to play a part in several anxiety disorders 8.

Reasons To Find Xanax Alternatives

We do, however, recommend that you seek professional help if your symptoms of anxiety do not improve or if they worsen. Engaging in light exercise is another effective natural remedy for reducing anxiety. Physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural mood elevators.

Doctors can offer advice on safe treatments and check for any health issues that could be causing anxiety. They may suggest therapy types such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or medications that won’t interfere with what you’re already taking. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment to ensure it’s safe and right for you. It is common for anxiety symptoms to interfere with your daily life and cause significant distress.

For example, if you have mild anxiety, L-theanine or mindfulness practices may be helpful. But if your symptoms are severe, SNRIs or SSRIs will likely offer longer-term benefits. They will be able to help you find the best option based on your medical history, the severity of your anxiety symptoms, and discuss the pros and cons of each alternative with you. Eating well and exercising regularly can improve the body’s natural ability to manage stress, which may help with overall health.

Prescription Alternatives For Xanax

There are plenty of natural alternatives to Xanax that are generally considered to be much safer. These Xanax alternatives may also be able to produce a calming effect on the brain and may possibly reduce symptoms related to anxiety, panic, stress, and more. When it comes to some seriously dangerous and addictive prescription medications, Xanax always appears to be at or near the top of the list.

What About GABA as an Alternative to Xanax?

While valerian has been used as popular herbal medicine for ages to reduce stress, treat insomnia, and alleviate anxiety, there is still a lack of clinical research supporting its anecdotal benefits. Hopefully, future human studies of valerian root will focus on treating mental health conditions. If anxiety is stopping or getting in the way of your routine activities, you are not alone. As anxiety is such a common problem that affects many different people, anxiety disorders are often treated using prescription anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) medications such as Xanax (Alprazolam). While Xanax is one of the most commonly prescribed psychotropic medications in the US (48 million prescriptions in one year alone – 2013) the drug can have serious risks and drawbacks.

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. Xanax is a benzodiazepine medication that is used to treat generalized anxiety disorder and panic attacks. It is a short-acting drug that typically starts working within natural alternatives to xanax 30 minutes of taking it. Because of the potential for experiencing negative side effects and addiction to benzodiazepines, many people seek over-the-counter alternatives to Alprazolam for anxiety and similar conditions.