The researchers concluded it has positive effects similar to the effects of standard anti-anxiety medications (20-22). The allure of natural Xanax alternatives lies in their potential to alleviate anxiety without the accompanying risks of traditional medications like Xanax. If you’re considering natural Xanax alternatives, L-theanine should be near the top of your list. 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.
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As a fast-acting anti-anxiety medication, people may seek Xanax as a quick fix for their symptoms. However, antidepressants and therapy can be a safe alternative to Xanax and a more effective treatment. In 2017, over 120 million people left the doctor’s office with a benzo prescription. That is, millions of people can find safer alternatives to benzodiazepines for anxiety. While various medications effectively treat anxiety and sleep issues, the two most common include antidepressants and sedatives.
Non-Addictive Anxiety Medications: Xanax Alternatives
These issues include mood swings, hallucinations, dependence, and overdose. Even when taken as prescribed, the body can develop a dependence on the drug. As a result, you will go through withdrawals if you suddenly stop taking benzos.
Ashwagandha
They have sedative effects that can help promote sleep and reduce anxiety. While anxiety can be a warning of something dangerous, it is also a good source of motivation. Benzos often help, but there are alternatives to benzodiazepines for anxiety. Psychobiotics are probiotics best alternative to xanax that offer specific mental health benefits, including alleviating anxiety.
- Physical dependence can begin within a few days of taking the drug, even when taking it as prescribed, depending on the individual and their proclivity to develop physical dependence.
- As a result, individuals can experience decreased feelings of stress and anxiety (68).
- Transparent Labs Magnesium Bisglycinate capsules contain chelated magnesium which is gentle on the gut and readily absorbed 15.
- It’s not fully understood how benzodiazepines work, but it’s widely agreed that they enhance the activity of the brain chemical GABA.
- If you want to explore trying antidepressants or another kind of medication to treat your anxiety symptoms, take Talkiatry’s quick online assessment.
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All of these neurotransmitters play a crucial role in mood regulation and anxiety control (49). As research progresses, there’s growing evidence linking adequate B vitamin intake with improved mood and reduced anxiety. Clinical trials have also shown promise in using omega-3 supplements to alleviate anxiety (43). If you’re interested in supplementing with theanine, this anti-anxiety supplement contains it. Research shows that combining magnesium with vitamin B6 can enhance the absorption and effectiveness of magnesium.
Alternatives to Xanax: What are some safer options for anxiety?
- Buspirone (Buspar) belongs to a group of medications known as azapirones.
- Finally, because Xanax is highly addictive, it should not be taken by anyone prone to addictions of any kind.
- These neurotransmitters play a pivotal role in relaxation, mood regulation, and overall brain function (39).
- Major nootropic constituents of lemon balm are caffeic acid and caffeic acid derivatives, notably rosmarinic acid and ursolic acid 24.
- In other words, it boosts the power of that brake pedal, making it even more effective at calming down the activity of neurons.
Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine drug in the class of allergy medications but also has some sedating and anxiolytic effects. The symptoms of Xanax withdrawal can be severe, especially when stopping the drug abruptly.3 Quitting after prolonged use can be dangerous, with withdrawal lasting weeks to months. If your treatment plan includes medication, your psychiatrist will prescribe and manage it. If needed, your psychiatrist can also refer you to a Talkiatry therapist. It’s important to note that although SSRIs are not habit-forming in the traditional sense, they do require careful management. It’s essential to take SSRIs exactly as prescribed by a health-care professional, like a psychiatrist, and to follow their guidance regarding dosage adjustments, tapering, and discontinuation.
Other tips to help get to sleep
The main bioactive constituents in ashwagandha are withanolides, notably withaferin-A. Alprazolam is an allosteric modulator of the benzodiazepine-GABA-A-chloride ionophore receptor complex expressed in neurons of the limbic, thalamic, and hypothalamic regions of the brain. An “allosteric modulator” is a molecule that binds to a receptor at a locus distinct from the endogenous ligand and enhances or reduces the affinity of that ligand for the receptor.