Herbal Alternatives to Xanax


Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns in the United States, impacting more than 40 million people 9. Its effects can be far-reaching, often affecting daily activities and diminishing an individual’s overall quality of life. Among the array of treatments, Xanax has emerged as a frequently prescribed medication to address anxiety. Still, it’s vital to recognize that this is just one among many anxiolytic medications and one of many options to treat generalized anxiety disorder. Shedding light on alternatives to Xanax can lead individuals struggling with anxiety to try other treatments that are less habit-forming yet just as effective for long-term anxiety management.

Valerian root (valeriana officinalis) is a herb derived from the root of Valerian plant, that was originally found growing in Europe and Asia. Valerian supplements are not, as yet, FDA-approved for any medical use but Valerian is generally considered safe for adults for short-term use 11. Xanax in particular slows down the movement of brain chemicals that may have become unbalanced, resulting in a reduction in nervous tension and anxiety. Xanax does this by boosting the effects of a natural chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is made in the brain 4.

  • During CBT, a therapist will attempt to understand what may be contributing to a person’s anxiety, and then help them change their perspective and coping mechanisms.
  • If you or a loved one is struggling with anxiety, depression, or other forms of mental illness, contact Neuro Wellness Spa.
  • When you drink alcohol or take a Xanax, GABA is released into the brain, making you feel less anxious.
  • Not only is tolerance rapidly built from taking Xanax, many people are completely ignorant to the long-term effects of benzodiazepines.

It may take several weeks for SSRIs and SNRIs to alleviate anxiety symptoms, and they should be taken consistently to maintain effectiveness. In individuals with anxiety disorders, GABA imbalance leads to heightened anxiety and excessive worry. Anxiolytic medications help restore this balance by enhancing GABA effects. There are many different types of benzodiazepine and non-benzodiazepine medications used to treat anxiety.

For people that don’t have a good reaction to Kava, consider trying some Passionflower. Keep in mind that there is a potential for liver damage from this supplement, so be careful of your dosing and the type that you use. Also make sure you are aware of any contraindications (interactions) that this has with any other drugs or supplements that you take. You may also want to read about a combination of Yoga and CBT called “Y-CBT” which has shown benefit in treating symptoms of generalized anxiety. In one particular study, 22 patients that completed a “Y-CBT” program and pre-post anxiety ratings changed significantly – they experienced major reductions in both “state” as well as “trait” anxiety. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting new supplements or treatments.

Exercise

Theanine also increases the production of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin, and GABA. These neurotransmitters play a pivotal role in relaxation, mood regulation, and overall brain function (39). This makes it unique, as it calms the mind without causing drowsiness, a common side effect of many anti-anxiety medications. For instance, combining it with lemon balm or valerian root can provide a more potent calming effect. This article will delve into these natural Xanax alternatives, presenting a holistic approach to managing anxiety and stress. Yoga works by improving your awareness of the inner self through conscious breathing.

natural zanax

) Your Body Chemistry

It is believed to work by increasing the secretion of a feel-good hormone called serotonin in the brain. Endorphins work to naturally boost your mood, as well as the exercise itself giving your brain something else to focus on instead of anxiety. Getting out of the house is another way to break up your routine and try to change your triggers, hopefully leading to less anxiety. While yoga can seem a little intimidating if you’ve never done it before, there are plenty of YouTube videos online that can help you learn without even having to leave the privacy of your own home. If you’d rather learn from a teacher, yoga studios regularly offer beginner classes for people with absolutely no experience. It’s a great way to get out of the house, try something new, and help reduce your anxiety naturally.

Some brave souls will try to go “cold turkey,” kicking the habit without medical assistance. This is extremely dangerous as withdrawal symptoms can include panic attacks, trembling, sleep disturbance, heart palpitations, muscle pain and more. These are in NO WAY close to the effectiveness of Xanax or other anti anxiety medications. However, the potential for addiction and dependence on Xanax and other anxiety medications like Lorazepam (Ativan), Valium, Klonopin, and Librium is HUGE.

  • In a 2011 study, researchers hypothesized that applying essential oil to the skin would alleviate anxiety and/or depression.
  • Silexan is a branded extract of lavender oil created by Wilmar Schwabe GmbH, a German pharmaceutical company.
  • If using Xanax, you are advised to closely follow the doctor’s instructions to reduce the risk of side effects.
  • Benzos can be effective for managing severe anxiety and panic disorders, but they may not be suitable for individuals with a history of addiction or a family history of addiction.
  • One particular study revealed that participants who consumed lemon balm reported improved mood and significantly reduced levels of anxiety (11).

Including healthier supplements and therapies designed to support emotional balance can help improve sleep and calm the nervous system. In addition to becoming lethargic and experiencing brain fog from the medication, you may notice that Xanax becomes addicting. This drug is considered a “controlled-substance” and falls within the class of benzodiazepines – which are considered addictive drugs.

The Best Dosage of Passionflower for Treating Anxiety

Alarmingly, benzodiazepines, including Xanax, are among the hardest drugs to kick, along with hardcore drugs like heroin, cocaine, and crystal meth. This brain supplement meets all 12 of my requirements for a high-quality brain supplement, including effectiveness, safety, purity, and value. So it’s easier for you to be mentally sharper, positive, and more productive.

It Comes with Serious Side Effects

Alcohol alters levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin and GABA. In many instances, limiting or abstaining from alcohol can be a constructive step towards managing anxiety, presenting itself as a natural lifestyle alternative to medications like Xanax. Meditation is personally one of my favorite daily activities to maintain optimal brain function and mental health. Some studies even suggest that individuals with a balanced gut microbiome have a healthier physiological response to stress, which includes a more regulated cortisol (stress hormone) response (56). Probiotics can help restore balance to the gut microbiome, reducing inflammation and its detrimental effects on your mental health (55).

natural zanax

Contact Neuro Wellness Spa today to gain further insight into how Spravato may positively impact your well-being. Taking charge of your mental health is a step towards a happier and healthier life. Benzodiazepines are a class of sedative-hypnotic prescription drugs used to treat conditions such as anxiety, natural zanax epilepsy, and insomnia.

My #2 Xanax OTC Alternative – Phenibut

Consistently practicing yoga is regarded as healthy for the body as well as the mind. Yoga practice helps reduce the level of arousal that a person experiences when they are highly anxious or having a panic attack. If you notice the “fight-or-flight” response and flooding of adrenaline throughout your body, the best way to deactivate this response is to relax.

This is one of the main reasons why alcohol is use by millions to “take the edge off” when you’re feeling stressed out. It virtually eliminated all feelings of anxiety, lifted my mood, and increased my confidence. Kratom is widely believed to help people get off of opioid medications like oxycodone, vicodin, Hydrocodone, and Percocet, and is actually a very suitable alternative for these medications. Kratom is a plant based substance that comes from the Coffee family, and has been used by people in the Southeast Asian region to help improve mood, give you energy, and lower anxiety. However, it’s important to point out that coffee is definitely good for brain function.

These oils can help relax the mind, ease tension in the body, and improve overall mood. The modern world has no corner on the market when it comes to day-to-day stress and anxiety. After a tough day at the forum, even the ancient Romans turned to medicinal herbs to calm their nerves.

L-Theanine is another booster for your mental health, especially when paired with GABA in supplement form. In this way, the mechanism of action for Silexan seems to be similar to anxiolytic and antidepressant drugs like SSRIs and Benzodiazepines (Xanax) 17. Possible side effects of Xanax should be differentiated by the treatment duration (i.e. whether it’s being used over the short or medium/long term). If a person has used Xanax regularly for a long time or in high dosages, withdrawal symptoms can/will occur if they suddenly stop taking it. Usually, to prevent this, a doctor will reduce the dosage of Xanax gradually.

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