A person should talk to their doctor before taking an over-the-counter sleep aid or allergy medication to help them fall asleep. xanax substitutes They should also avoid taking more than one product that contains any type of sedative. Before taking Xanax or other medication for insomnia, a person should consider CBT. Research suggests CBT could be more effective than medication for long-term insomnia relief.
Everything you need to know about beta-blockers for anxiety
Postpartum depression and anxiety is a common experience many new mothers go through. Learn how genetic testing and pharmacogenomics are helping psychiatrists personalize care by identifying genetic syndromes and optimizing medication plans. Bipolar depression is a mental health condition with a complex history and unique treatment approach. 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. A balanced diet can support brain health, reduce inflammation, and regulate the activity of neurotransmitters. These coping mechanisms can teach people effective stress management techniques, potentially minimizing the need for prolonged medication use.
What can I take in place of alprazolam?
Like SSRIs, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) have a lower risk of misuse, dependence, and addiction. If you’re seeking Xanax alternatives to help manage your symptoms of anxiety, Talkspace can help. Research has shown that high doses of vitamin B can reduce anxiety, stress, and depression. It’s also important not to stop using Xanax without consulting your healthcare provider because this can lead to withdrawal or worsening symptoms. It increases the levels of calming neurotransmitters in the brain – such as GABA, serotonin, and dopamine – to regulate mood and reduce stress.
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. This article aims to shed light on some of these options, spanning from benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepines to the innovative approach of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
Studies have shown that Ashwagandha can significantly reduce cortisol levels (25). 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.
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- From sudden bouts of panic to prolonged periods of unease, anxiety affects millions worldwide.
- It’s these potential pitfalls of Xanax that lead many to search for alternatives.
- Some of the commonly cited herbal options are chamomile, valerian root, lavender, and kava.
- In this article we’ll detail the dangers of Xanax and other ways you can treat your anxiety.
- Full effectiveness for SSRIs can take six to eight weeks as opposed to a matter of hours for benzos.
- 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.
Doctors prescribe Xanax for short periods of time (up to 6 weeks) due to its addictiveness. People should also speak with their doctor if they feel they are experiencing withdrawal symptoms after stopping Xanax or reducing the amount of Xanax they are taking. Researchers found that CBD reduced anxiety scores in nearly 80% of the study participants. Alternative treatments may include not only different medications but also therapy. In some circumstances, a doctor may prescribe fast-acting benzodiazepines if a person struggles to fall asleep. While these drugs aren’t habit-forming, it usually isn’t recommended that a person take them on a long-term basis.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (antidepressants) that treat anxiety
Over time, the body can build a tolerance to Xanax, meaning that higher doses may be required to achieve the same therapeutic effects. This includes drowsiness and dizziness, and even more severe issues like respiratory depression and memory problems (1). L-theanine, for example, is derived from green tea extract and has been used for anxiety, although studies have thus far found both negative and positive results. Ashwagandha is another extract used for anxiety, with some successful clinical trials, although the data is limited. Based on your selections, Neuro Wellness Spa TMS therapy may be able to help.Schedule a free consultation to learn more. It’s important to note that not all people will encounter these side effects, and there may be additional side effects not listed here.
Many people seek alternatives to Xanax, because they’re worried about its habit-forming nature, which can be a real concern for some people. Xanax is a commonly prescribed psychiatric medication that can be safe and effective when used as directed by a doctor. But does come with a risk of misuse and serious drawbacks that can put your health at risk, which is why some prefer not to prescribe it. The potential for side effects with alprazolam, other benzodiazepines, or other anxiolytic drug categories could be a compelling reason for you to look for other solutions.
If you’d like to ease off of Xanax in favor of a safer alternative, that is always an option. Just make sure you speak with a licensed professional to help you as it is unsafe to stop abruptly. A licensed provider can support you and help ensure you’re taking the necessary precautions. Commonly prescribed Alprazolam alternative antidepressant medications used to help with anxiety include Zoloft (sertraline), Prozac (fluoxetine), or Lexapro (escitalopram).
On top of that, Xanax can increase the risk of life-threatening problems when used in conjunction with certain other medications. As an alternative to using Xanax as a sleep aid, a person may want to try different medications, supplements, or routine changes, such as going to bed at the same time each night. However, the authors of the study state that more studies are needed to fully understand how probiotics help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Deep breathing exercises, on the other hand, stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which counteracts stress and promotes relaxation (63).
- Keep in mind that individuals metabolize caffeine at different rates and have varying thresholds for its effects.
- In some circumstances, a doctor may prescribe fast-acting benzodiazepines if a person struggles to fall asleep.
- Regular practice of Tai Chi has been shown to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
- 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). There are several over-the-counter (OTC) options that can help alleviate anxiety symptoms. Supplements and herbal remedies can be appealing to those seeking fast relief without the need for a prescription. OTCs are easily accessible and readily available in most areas or by ordering online.
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.
We’ll also explore the power and benefits of psychotherapy and the holistic options that provide avenues for anxiety relief. By unveiling these alternatives, we hope to empower those seeking relief to examine a variety of paths toward managing anxiety and regaining control over their lives. If Xanax is being used to treat anxiety-related disorders, a much safer and equally effective natural alternative is therapy. Over time, they build skills and develop better responses to stressful and anxiety-inducing stimuli.
Studies have indicated that theanine can also help reduce the physiological responses to stress. Individuals taking theanine experience a reduction in heart rate and salivary immunoglobulin A, both of which typically spike during stress (40-41). Lastly, chronic inflammation is often linked to anxiety and mood disorders, and chamomile’s potent anti-inflammatory properties can help counteract this (31). Chamomile contains apigenin, which is an antioxidant that binds to certain receptors in the brain, which then promotes relaxation and reduces insomnia.