7 Xanax Alternatives: How Else You Can Help Treat Your Anxiety

The primary active compounds in Kava are kavalactones, which are believed to affect neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly GABA and dopamine (19). But beyond its aromatic allure, lemon balm has a longstanding reputation in herbal medicine. Numerous studies have delved into Valerian’s effectiveness for anxiety. Similar to Passion flower, Valerian root affects GABA natural substitute to xanax levels in the brain. By inhibiting the breakdown of GABA, Valerian can help calm anxiety (5). In the next sections, I’ll explore these natural Xanax alternatives in depth.

Supplements Used as Xanax Alternatives

The term “therapist” can apply to a range of professionals including social workers, mental health counselors, psychologists, professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, and psychoanalysts. Working with a therapist generally involves regular talk therapy sessions where you discuss your feelings, problem-solving strategies, and coping mechanisms to help with your condition. Breathwork has been proven to improve anxiety symptoms, both on a day-to-day basis and in acute episodes of anxiety, like panic attacks. Xanax works by binding to specific receptors in the brain that are sensitive to GABA and enhancing GABA’s effect on them.

• He is uniquely Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in Adult as well as Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
• In addition, the bioactive constituents in ashwagandha, including withanolides, can modulate brain chemistry and create a favorable stress response, thereby reducing anxiety.
• It works by enhancing GABA, a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity and produces a calming effect.
• The US National Institutes of Health reports that the risk of liver damage from taking a kava supplement is less than one in one million.
• The soothing effects of Chamomile could be attributed to the presence of compounds in it, such as quinones, flavonoids, and phenolic acids.
• Through investigative techniques such as lab testing, we are able to identify the source of the symptoms and then fix them.
• 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.

If you’re feeling super stressed and anxious, one of the best things you can do for your health is to simply take a moment to meditate.

Xanax: The Most Widely Prescribed Anti-Anxiety Medication

Multiple studies have indicated that individuals with higher omega-3 intake or higher blood levels of omega-3s tend to have reduced symptoms of anxiety (42). Studies have shown that chamomile extract can help reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) (28). Clinical trials have found that Ashwagandha can effectively reduce stress and anxiety (23). Multiple clinical studies have investigated the effectiveness of Kava in treating anxiety.

• Maintaining optimal adrenal health by supplementing with Vitamin B5 can help in managing the body’s stress response (50).
• Many individuals, especially in the Western world, are magnesium-deficient and would benefit from supplementation.
• However, some conditions may require treatment beyond our capabilities, and we reserve the right to medically discharge a patient for a higher level of mental health care.
• It was and is currently used during social and religious ceremonies for its calming effect and ability to promote sociability.
• Begin incorporating natural remedies, such as herbal supplements or mind-body practices, into your daily routine in small, manageable doses.
• However, while effective, Xanax comes with its own set of side effects.

Kava

Setting a strict sleep schedule to ensure you’re getting in at least seven to nine hours per night can help reduce stress, decrease anxiety and stabilize your mood. Aside from these short-term symptoms, anxiety can also take a real toll on other components of health. It can impair immune function, wreck libido, zap energy levels and may even be linked to the development of heart problems, respiratory issues and digestive disorders.

Natural alternatives to benzodiazepines

We’re a modern 64-bed inpatient facility in Loveland, Colorado, with leading-edge medical technology and a strong reputation for clinical excellence and healthcare quality. If you have a valid prescription, your doctor can help you stay addiction-free. However, your risks for addiction increase if you ignore the restrictions that come with your prescription.

Amino Acids

While meditation is not a direct pharmaceutical alternative like Xanax, consistent meditative practice offers meaningful benefits. The gut and the brain communicate through multiple pathways, including the vagus nerve, neurotransmitters, and the immune system (51-53). The nervous system relies heavily on B vitamins, especially B1 (thiamine), B3 (niacin), and B12, for its proper function.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Magnesium is an essential mineral often called “nature’s Valium” because of its ability to make you feel more relaxed. Vitamin C is the most popular vitamin supplement of all and is usually taken for preventing colds and reducing allergy symptoms. Vegetarians, seniors, and those who use acid-suppressing drugs are most at risk for B12 deficiency. In one study, participants were given either l-theanine or Xanax and subjected to artificially induced stress. Xanax is not appropriate for children or teens and should not be prescribed to teens since they commonly abuse this drug.