There are many natural Xanax alternatives proven to reduce anxiety effectively and safely. For instance, SSRIs act slowly on the serotonin system; while SRNIs act on both serotonin and norepinephrine. These medications are safer for long-term use, whereas benzodiazepines become less effective over time. The study also reported that most people who seek professional help for anxiety tend to have GAD, panic disorder, or social anxiety disorder. People with specific phobias are least likely to seek professional help.

Xanax Alternatives Compared

However, the potential for addiction and dependence on Xanax and other anxiety medications like Lorazepam (Ativan), Valium, Klonopin, and Librium is HUGE. There are literally THOUSANDS of stories of people being addicted to it, and the withdrawal from it can be an absolute nightmare. 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.

It was one of the first herbal remedies I took many years ago to manage my anxiety. This empowers individuals to take control of their mental health in diverse ways, from dietary shifts to mindfulness practices. Melissa officinalis, more commonly known as lemon balm, is an herb with similar properties as valerian and appears to have cognitive benefits as well 20. It has been used for thousands of years as a calming and relaxing herb in traditional Chinese medicine.

Limit Caffeine

• It basically reduces your anxiety, all while keeping you alert and focused.
• 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.
• Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax and Valium, are the oldest and most well-known controlled substances for anxiety.
• Only trained and licensed medical professionals can provide such services.
• Pregabalin (Lyrica) is a type of medication known as a calcium channel modulator.
• While these drugs work quickly and effectively, they carry a high risk of dependence, sedation, and tolerance buildup.

Lifestyle changes can go a long way in managing short-term anxiety or stress. There are ways to protect your brain from alcohol, but you’re better off avoiding it completely or significantly reducing best xanax alternative your consumption if you’re trying to reduce anxiety. One of the primary ways Ashwagandha combats stress and anxiety is by regulating cortisol levels.

• Researchers found that CBD reduced anxiety scores in nearly 80% of the study participants.
• Xanax is a fast-acting benzodiazepine, and a person may take it before bed to help with their anxiety and to fall asleep.
• Its sedative effects make it a popular choice for people looking for a natural way to manage both anxiety and insomnia.
• Supplementing vitamin B1 (thiamine) has been shown to ameliorate anxiety, nightmares, chronic fatigue, insomnia, depression, anorexia, nausea, headache, among others.
• Halcion is a benzodiazepine medication that is primarily prescribed to temporarily treat symptoms of insomnia.
• Spring Hill Recovery Center provides residential treatment for addiction and co-occurring mental health issues.
• At Brightside, we encourage our members to use the Unified Protocol, an evidence-based treatment based on CBT.

Signs and Symptoms of Benzo Misuse

The information in this article is for education and informational purposes only and should never be substituted for medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. If you or someone you know may be in danger, call 911 or the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 right away. 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. There are several similar medications available that are considered safer to take over long periods of time.

According to prior research, Phenibut is a central depressant and analog of the inhibitory neurotransmitter y-aminobutyric acid, which is a fancy technical term for GABA. I first tried Phenibut XT by itself to gauge it’s effectiveness, dosing with 2 capsules, which is about 1 gram. However, the FDA released a statement in November, 2017, effectively issuing a public health advisory on Kratom. If you’re not feeling anything, then gradually increase the dose by 1 – 3 grams every 1/2 hour until you reach the desired effect. If you’re just starting out with Kratom as an alternative to Xanax, I would suggest you stick to a low dose for the first few tries.

Therapy and Counseling: Alternatives to Benzodiazepines for Sleep and Anxiety

Yoga is excellent for not only mental health but physical health too. Although used to treat anxiety, trazodone may not treat panic attacks as effectively as Xanax. Other antidepressant medications used to treat anxiety not listed here include Lexapro (escitalopram), Prozac (fluoxetine), and buspirone. Halcion is a benzodiazepine medication that is primarily prescribed to temporarily treat symptoms of insomnia.

Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent psychiatric disorder in the world, affecting 40 million adults in the United States. Propranolol is a short-acting medication approved to treat high blood pressure and heart problems. It’s also prescribed off-label for anxiety – particularly for performance anxiety.

The study notes that, because anxiety is often linked with sleep disorders, alleviating anxiety symptoms may also improve sleep quality. The FDA have only approved Xanax for the treatment of panic disorders and anxiety. If a person is taking Xanax, they may be at a greater risk of an opioid overdose, as many people have a prescription for both drugs.