There is a wide variety of herbal compounds, amino acids, and other supplements that can be tried to treat different mental health conditions. Xanax can help people with anxiety disorders and panic attacks, but it isn’t right for everyone. Due to Xanax’s addictive qualities, many people seek Xanax alternatives instead. A systematic review of these studies indicated that Kava is a beneficial and effective treatment for anxiety.
Since benzodiazepines’ duration of action is relatively short and they have a litany of adverse effects, steering toward a different anxiolytic drug category may be best. Antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine, and anticonvulsants, like Lyrica or gabapentin, can be used for fast-acting relief. Still, a longer-lasting and better-tolerated option may be found in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) classes. These Xanax alternatives provide a more steady action by increasing the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the spaces between nerve cells. Of course, no perfect option exists, so you should understand the detailed pros and cons.
Exposure therapy is a specific type of CBT that involves gradually and systematically confronting feared situations or objects. This approach is particularly effective for treating specific phobias, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. Mindfulness and meditation practices have gained significant attention in recent years for their potential to reduce anxiety and improve overall mental health. These techniques focus on bringing attention to the present moment and cultivating a non-judgmental awareness of thoughts and feelings. It’s important to note that while these supplements may be natural, they can still interact with medications and have potential side effects.
Numerous studies have evaluated CBT’s impact on conditions ranging from mental and physical disorders to behavioral problems. Research suggests that CBT can be effective for conditions like anxiety, depression, and many other mental health concerns 8. Learn more about treatment and how to receive access to prescription medications online.
They can also promote overall well-being instead of just simply suppressing symptoms. It’s these potential pitfalls of Xanax that lead many to search for alternatives. Over time, the body can build a tolerance to Xanax, meaning that higher doses may be required to achieve the same therapeutic effects. This includes drowsiness and dizziness, and even more severe issues like respiratory depression and memory problems (1). Unlike with Kratom, you generally have to take VERY large dose to get the anti-anxiety effects you’re looking for. Their Kava extract is without a doubt the most effective all natural alternative to lorazepam you’ll find in the market.
However, in the majority of people, side effects are mild and disappear after the first few days, and the treatment benefits outweigh the issues. Other antidepressant medications used to treat anxiety not listed here include Lexapro (escitalopram), Prozac (fluoxetine), and buspirone. Serotonin-modulator antidepressants are considered some of the safest long-term alternatives to Xanax. Halcion is a benzodiazepine medication that is primarily prescribed to temporarily treat symptoms of insomnia. Alcohol alters levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin and GABA. These imbalances can then result in increased anxiety levels later (75).
Alprazolam has a half-life of 11.2 hours with side effects including dizziness, Akathisia, drowsiness, lightheadedness, and others. On the other hand, when comparing Xanax vs. Ativan, the half-life of Alprazolam is slightly shorter than that of Ativan, i.e., 12 hours. Learn more about how factors like your health insurance, where you live, and brands affect pricing. The practices below may effectively provide lasting support for mental and physical well-being. It primarily interacts with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in the brain, which regulates the body’s stress response.
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. Xanax (alprazolam) is a popular prescription drug used to treat symptoms of anxiety disorders and panic disorders. While it’s generally effective and safe, Xanax use is not suitable for everyone. Some people seek Xanax alternatives because they don’t like the common side effects they experience, or they’re concerned about Xanax dependence and substance abuse. Buspirone is a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic medication that has gained popularity as an alternative to Xanax for treating generalized anxiety disorder. Unlike Xanax, buspirone does not carry a risk of dependence and has a lower potential for abuse.
Connect with experienced healthcare professionals who can guide you through personalized treatment options and tips for managing your anxiety. Whether you’re looking for support for mental health conditions or exploring alternatives to Xanax, LifeMD can help. A healthcare provider can guide you on gradually reducing your dosage of Xanax, helping to minimize side effects and ensure a smooth transition to an alternative. If you’re looking for an alternative to Xanax, it’s important to speak to a healthcare provider first. While medications and natural supplements can be effective, lifestyle and behavioral changes are essential for managing anxiety sustainably over the long term.
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.
A person should talk to their doctor if they still cannot sleep after making changes to their sleep routine. A doctor may be able to suggest CBT or an alternative medication over Xanax. If medications or supplements are not working, a person could make some changes to their sleep routine.
While medication can be an important part of anxiety treatment, many individuals find relief through natural and lifestyle approaches. These methods can be used alone or in combination with medication to provide comprehensive anxiety management. It is important to note that the most effective treatment approach for anxiety disorders often involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication management. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure that sends magnetic pulses to the brain, which can alter nerve cell activity in specific areas of the brain that help regulate mood. TMS is not FDA-approved for treating anxiety, although some research suggests it might help manage anxiety symptoms when other medications haven’t worked.
Only trained and licensed medical professionals can provide such services. If you or anyone you know is undergoing a severe health crisis, call a doctor or 911 immediately. Taurine is an amino acid that helps to create a calming effect in the brain. It is very similar to GABA, a calming neurotransmitter that makes people feel more relaxed. If you are already taking Alprazolam, do not try to quit cold turkey and substitute it with natural Xanax alternatives without consulting a doctor. By leveraging its proprietary technology platform, 50-state medical group, and nationwide mail-order pharmacy network, LifeMD is increasing access to amazing healthcare that is affordable to everyone.
These medications can treat depression and anxiety, which is helpful since symptoms of both commonly occur at the same time, making them a good substitute for Xanax. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns, Brightside Health is here to help. We can connect you to a therapist, or to a medical provider that can help you reduce anxiety and get feeling better. Pregabalin has been approved for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder in several countries, although not in the United States. Gabapentin, while not officially approved for anxiety treatment, is sometimes prescribed off-label for this purpose. It is a prescription drug that works to block the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor in the brain, which is involved in regulating mood and anxiety.
A study published in 2022 compared meditation and the antidepressant Lexapro for anxiety and found that the two were equally effective at managing symptoms. otc substitute for xanax The researchers say that meditation works because it combines breathwork with an emphasis on staying present—so you’re not dwelling in worries about the past or the future. 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.