Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage. Not all providers on Klarity Health prescribe all medications, particularly medications that are controlled substances. There are several prescription drugs that are Xanax alternatives, including other benzodiazepines, antidepressants, and more.
The Benefits of Natural Alternatives to Xanax
Along with its anxiety-reducing properties, chamomile also exhibits antidepressant activity (30). Studies have shown that Ashwagandha can significantly reduce cortisol levels (25). Many people today are turning to Ashwagandha as a natural alternative to pharmaceuticals like Xanax.
Multiple clinical studies have investigated the effectiveness of Kava in treating anxiety. Beyond supplements and teas, lemon balm is also used in essential oil form for aromatherapy. Much like Valerian and Passion flower, lemon balm is believed to positively influence GABA levels in the brain. As a result, it promotes relaxation and reduces overactivity in the nervous system (10). For instance, combining it with lemon balm or valerian root can provide a more potent calming effect.
Alcohol alters levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin and GABA. These imbalances can then result in increased anxiety levels later (75). 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). While they don’t directly replace medications like Xanax, B vitamins can be an instrumental part of a holistic approach to mental health.
Do You Suffer From Stress and Insomnia?
When it comes to some seriously dangerous and addictive prescription medications, Xanax always appears to be at or near the top of the list. If you aren’t familiar with it, Xanax is used to treat a variety of all natural xanax panic and anxiety disorders. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your anxiety management strategy, especially if you’re currently taking medication. Scheduling regular aromatherapy massages can result in reduced stress and anxiety levels, improved sleep, and increased feelings of relaxation and calmness. Lexapro (escitalopram) is another SSRI that treats anxiety and depression. Like other SSRIs, it can take weeks for the drug to build up in your system and be fully effective.
Another benefit of ashwagandha is that it can also reduce low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and decrease markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP). It is one of the markers linked to an increased risk issues related to heart health. In fact, modern science confirms many of ashwagandha’s various health benefits. Many different deep breathing exercises are available, so be sure to find one that works for you. If you’re new to yoga or meditation, plenty of resources are available to help you get started.
- If you are experiencing a panic attack, popping a Xanax will quickly reduce all symptoms of stress and anxiety – both physical and mental.
- Rather compelling research has shown that treatment with magnesium supplements can rapidly relieve anxiety and panic attacks 11.
- L-theanine is a non-dietary amino acid found predominantly in green tea leaves.
- Some great options include leafy greens, berries, and citrus fruits.
Instead, they recommend plenty of vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and turmeric. High-fat, low-carb diets, such as the ketogenic diet, may also be helpful. Benzodiazepines are psychoactive drugs that are often prescribed to treat the physical symptoms of anxiety disorders, anxiety-related insomnia, depression, and seizures. Clinical trials of lemon balm extract have shown this herb can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression by as much as 30% 22.
While has a range of health benefits, it’s primarily relied on to manage chronic stress. So, if you’re looking to naturally relieve stress, include plenty of fresh produce in your diet. Some great options include leafy greens, berries, and citrus fruits.
Herbal Beta Blockers for Anxiety
Some individuals will find that it helps keep their anxiety under control, while others will get minimal to no benefit. There is scientific evidence that supports the practice of meditation for anxiety disorders. However, these psychoactive drugs have serious side effects, interact with various prescription medications, and have a high potential for addiction and drug abuse. If you have been prescribed benzodiazepines and are considering natural alternatives, it’s crucial not to stop taking your anxiety medication without consulting a healthcare provider. Rather compelling research has shown that treatment with magnesium supplements can rapidly relieve anxiety and panic attacks 11.
How do benzodiazepines work?
Like other SSRIs, it has a boxed warning for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Native to the South Pacific, kava kava was used for centuries as a ceremonial beverage by native islanders, according to the UMMC. Kava kava is known as a “feel good” herb that may be beneficial in treating anxiety, insomnia and other nervous disorders.
TMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate parts of your brain that regulate your mood. The pulses are delivered via a magnetic coil placed over your scalp. Therapists may use TMS to treat generalized anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder.
- However, benzodiazepines can have serious side effects and are habit-forming, and even short-term use may lead to addiction and drug abuse.
- Magnesium deficits – i.e., taking in less than ideal – have been linked with increased levels of stress and anxiety.
- Taurine is considered very safe and, in fact, naturally occurs in high concentrations in the brain.
It may take some experimentation to find the right combination of activities and practices that suit your needs. There’s nothing like the feeling of coming home to a wagging tail or a purring cat after a stressful day. The responsibility of caring for an animal can also provide structure and purpose, which can be beneficial for managing symptoms of anxiety. Mindfulness exercises focus on tuning into the present moment, without judgment.
Magnesium
But regular practice can help in making deep breathing a more spontaneous response to stress. While they’re not an exact substitute for medications like Xanax, they can still be a potent tool in managing your anxiety and stress. Deep breathing exercises, sometimes referred to as diaphragmatic or abdominal breathing, have been practiced across various cultures and traditions as a method to calm the mind. An imbalanced gut can also lead to chronic inflammation, which is increasingly linked to various mood disorders, including anxiety. As you may know, chronic inflammation has been linked to mood disorders, including anxiety. Theanine also increases the production of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin, and GABA.
Xanax Should Not Be Mixed With Alcohol and Other Drugs
It’s been used for millennia in traditional Chinese forms of medicine for its ability to promote calm and relaxation. You can take it as an extract (the efficient way) or drink it in tea (the tasty way). Either way, both have been pretty widely studied for their effects on stress and anxiety symptoms, including attacks and stress-related eating behaviors.