It is crucial to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to ensure that any supplement or alternative remedy is appropriate, safe, and effective for your specific health needs and conditions. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before making any changes to your healthcare regimen. While Xanax may be effective for some, the FDA warns of serious side effects and the potential for addiction while taking it. Benzodiazepines often cause the user to become physically dependent, possibly leading to withdrawal symptoms. Luckily, there are safer Xanax replacements and alternatives out there.
Despite the potential side effects, it’s worth considering as a safer alternative to Xanax for managing anxiety. 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. By practicing daily healthy habits and self-care, you can reduce your symptoms of anxiety and depression.
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- When practiced consistently, it can help decrease heart rate, lower blood pressure, and provide a sense of calm.
- One safer long-term alternative to Xanax is trazodone, an SARI antidepressant that does not have the addictive qualities that Xanax does.
- In comparison, Xanax starts working in 1 to 2 hours and can last up to 40 hours.
- Just make sure you speak with a licensed professional to help you as it is unsafe to stop abruptly.
- Medical treatment from licensed providers is provided by the “LifeMD Affiliated P.C.s,” an affiliated network of medical Professional Corporations and Associations.
Hopefully, future human studies of valerian root will focus on treating mental health conditions. Some medical alternatives to Xanax include antidepressants like Zoloft, Prozac, and Lexapro, as well as buspironeand beta-blockers. These are known for their effectiveness in treating anxiety disorders and managing the physical symptoms of anxiety. Zoloft (sertraline) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
- If a person changes the way they are taking Xanax or stops taking it altogether without the appropriate guidance of a doctor, they could endure severe withdrawal effects, which in some cases are fatal.
- Deficiency has been linked to anxiety, depression, panic, memory loss, and other physical and psychiatric symptoms.
- We’ll also explore the power and benefits of psychotherapy and the holistic options that provide avenues for anxiety relief.
- Although medical detox cannot prevent withdrawal symptoms, specialists can help reduce the severity of symptoms, alleviate discomfort, and develop a treatment plan.
- Studies have shown that L-theanine can reduce stress responses — such as increased cortisol levels (a hormone linked to stress) — without causing drowsiness, making it suitable for daily use.
- Elevated cortisol, especially chronically, can lead to a myriad of health issues, including increased anxiety.
- Payment of benefits are subject to all terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the member’s contract at time of service.
But some states consider it a Schedule IV controlled substance and regulate its use at the state level. At Sober Sidekick, we’re committed to guiding individuals on their path to wellness. We believe in the strength of community, the power of knowledge, and the potential for recovery and growth. Remember, every step taken towards understanding and managing anxiety or medication dependence is a step closer to a brighter, more balanced future. In summary, natural alternatives offer a multifaceted approach to handling anxiety and stress.
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Taking this drug with alcohol, barbiturates, or opioids can result in respiratory depression, coma, or even death due to compounded central nervous system depression. Lemon balm extract and tea are often studied as treatments for anxiety symptoms, like panic attacks and stress-related eating behaviors. Indeed, there is substantial evidence that lemon balm extract has a potent calming effect by acting on GABA 21. It is important to note that the most effective treatment approach for anxiety disorders often involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication management. Long-term Xanax use is also linked to serious side effects, including memory issues, loss of coordination, worsening depression or anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Be sure to carefully follow a healthcare provider’s instructions on how to take the medication.
Affordable, caring anxiety treatment is a click away
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. While benzodiazepines are still commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders, there are better options that are generally safer, with a lower risk of addiction. Alternatives to Xanax (sold as alprazolam) include natural medicine, calming therapies, relaxing practices, herbal remedies, counseling, change in diet, and much more. Natural and alternative treatments for anxiety have been used for ages, long before prescription drugs like benzodiazepines were developed. It is a blessing from nature that these straightforward, but powerful alternatives exist.
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Over half of these visits are due to interactions between Xanax and what is an alternative to xanax alcohol or other drugs. However, 70% of Americans take at least one prescription drug, and two-thirds consume alcohol regularly. Second, by this time, addiction has set in and it becomes extremely hard to quit. Xanax comes with a long list of side effects that range from unpleasant to life-threatening.
Stopping Xanax use can cause uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous withdrawal symptoms. It is recommended to work with your provider to determine a plan to transition safely from Xanax to an alternative medication. Taking any of these natural remedies could potentially help to reduce anxiety. The great thing about natural remedies is that they tend to be cheaper and safer. However, it’s still not recommended to experiment with these remedies without consulting a specialist as they may cause allergy or other unpredictable effects. Ashwagandha is considered an “adaptogen,” meaning it helps the body adapt to various problems.
Practice Good Sleep Habits
Some antihistamines, like diphenhydramine, are occasionally used for their mild sedative effects to alleviate anxiety symptoms. While not specifically designed for anxiety, they can offer a non-addictive option for certain individuals. While other benzodiazepines share similarities with Xanax, certain options have a less pronounced risk of addiction. Medications such as lorazepam (Ativan) and clonazepam (Klonopin) offer anxiolytic effects with a more extended duration of action, potentially reducing the risk of dependence compared to Xanax. Connect with experienced healthcare professionals who can guide you through personalized treatment options and tips for managing your anxiety. 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.
In CBT, your therapist works with you to identify the intrusive thoughts and behaviors contributing to your anxiety. Then, they give you tools to replace them with healthier coping strategies. If you or a loved one exhibits multiple signs of addiction, it’s imperative to consult a healthcare professional.