Natural Xanax Alternatives to Lower Anxiety and Boost Mood

When benzodiazepines are taken temporarily and as prescribed, they are viewed as generally safe. However, they are habit-forming, and any misuse or long-term use can cause various health issues. These issues include mood swings, hallucinations, dependence, and overdose. 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.

• In other words, it boosts the power of that brake pedal, making it even more effective at calming down the activity of neurons.
• The use of sleep deprivation in torture has fallen largely out of use at the present time because cognitive impairment makes any information gained unreliable.
• Another important consideration when taking psychopharmaceutical medications such as benzodiazepines is the potential for interactions with other drugs and substances.
• Chamomile, a commonly used natural remedy for anxiety, is known for its calming properties.
• It’s these potential pitfalls of Xanax that lead many to search for alternatives.
• It has a long history of use for relieving stress and tension and helping people feel calm and relaxed.

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. Research has shown that high doses of vitamin B can reduce anxiety, stress, and depression. With investigative techniques such as lab testing and thorough patient assessment, we can more easily identify the source of alprazolam natural alternatives anxiety, inability to sleep, panic attacks, and other problematic symptoms. The vagus nerve plays a crucial role in regulating the body’s relaxation response.

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• They increase levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which can improve mood and reduce anxiety.
• This increased resilience can help alleviate anxiety-related symptoms such as irritability, sleep issues, and difficulty concentrating.
• Theanine has gained attention for its calming and cognitive-enhancing properties.
• Holistic therapies are not an instant fix, and some therapies such as yoga and meditation take practice.
• Kava is known to produce quick results, with many users reporting anxiety-reducing effects within an hour or even minutes of consumption.
• How much and how often you take benzos depends on the severity of your symptoms.

Throughout this article, we’ll detail how prescription drugs like Xanax work and further detail these five Xanax alternatives. Alcohol alters levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin and GABA. These imbalances can then result in increased anxiety levels later (75). While they’re not an exact substitute for medications like Xanax, they can still be a potent tool in managing your anxiety and stress. Neuroimaging studies have shown that consistent meditation can lead to changes in the structure and function of the brain.

Best Xanax addiction treatment in Lake Forest, Orange County, CA

It takes longer to act, i.e., several weeks compared to Alprazolam (a benzodiazepine), but among Buspirone vs. Xanax, Buspirone is more effective for long-term treatment of anxiety. The half-life of Buspirone vs. Xanax is different; that of Buspirone is 2 to 3 hours. Xanax is available in its brand form, and its generic form, alprazolam, but buspirone is only available in its generic form. In comparative studies, it has shown a significantly lower risk of dependence and addiction. If you’re struggling with anxiety and are looking for natural alternatives to Xanax or prescription medications, try out these five options.

#3. Xanax Alternative – Kava Root Extract

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Natural Alternatives to Xanax

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). People struggling with daily anxiety often stay up at night with thoughts racing through their minds.

Meditation

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. Other therapeutic protocols at Alternative to Meds can reduce anxiety significantly, such as yoga, meditation, and practicing mindfulness, massage therapy, and acupuncture. Please explore more about them on our services overview page, including IV + NAD, nebulized glutathione, art therapy, neurotransmitter rehabilitation, and many others. Your treatment team, professionals in their field, will customize your program uniquely for you. We offer Xanax alternatives, meaning drug-free solutions that can help you achieve lasting relief.

Getting adequate sleep is extremely important for mental health, but sometimes anxiety makes it hard to fall or stay asleep. This can create a vicious cycle, because anxiety itself can be exacerbated by poor sleep quality. One way to approach getting better sleep is taking steps to prepare yourself to get the best sleep possible.