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

Prescription psychiatric medications that are used to treat anxiety often quell excessive neuronal firing and reduce levels of GABA in the brain, thereby promoting calm and relaxation. Some people use valerian root for anxiety because it may promote sleep and relaxation and can significantly reduce anxiety in some people. Its sedative effects make it a popular choice for people looking for a natural way to manage both anxiety and insomnia. However, like prescription medications, valerian can have side effects and can negatively interfere with other natural supplements or prescription meds.

Reclaim Your Brain and Mental Health

Another type of medication used for anxiety is buspirone, in a class of medications called anxiolytics. Alcohol can also intensify over the counter xanax alternative the side effects of benzodiazepines, so it’s important to avoid drinking while using them. On top of that, Xanax can increase the risk of life-threatening problems when used in conjunction with certain other medications.

• The reason behind this is, just like with drugs like Xanax and Lorazepam, it seems to build a tolerance quite rapidly.
• We’ll use your data to find the right medication so you can get you back to being you.
• It virtually eliminated all feelings of anxiety, lifted my mood, and increased my confidence.
• Florida has been at the center of the opioid crisis for years, with thousands of residents affected by addiction and overdose deaths.
• Clinical trials showed it provides similar pain relief to opioids, but with fewer side effects.
• If you want to explore trying antidepressants or another kind of medication to treat your anxiety symptoms, take Talkiatry’s quick online assessment.
• In 2021, the state reported nearly 8,000 drug overdose deaths, with opioids — especially fentanyl —being the leading cause, according to the Florida Department of Health.

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

There is a wide variety of herbal compounds, amino acids, and other supplements that can be tried to treat different mental health conditions. The approval of Journavx, a non-opioid pain medication, could provide a safer alternative for pain management. Opioids are a class of drugs, including prescription painkillers like oxycodone and morphine, as well as illegal substances like heroin.

Gabapentin as a Xanax alternative

Valerian root ostensibly mitigates anxiety and improves sleep by enhancing GABA interaction with GABA-A receptors. These over-the-counter treatments are commonly used for anxiety, depression, fatigue, or sleeplessness. Many people in recovery from substance abuse have found yoga to be a great method for building healthy habits and reducing drug or alcohol cravings. Zoloft may be an alternative to Xanax for those who experience both anxiety and depression or who have a co-occurring substance use disorder. 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.

Effective Alternatives to Xanax

In many instances, limiting or abstaining from alcohol can be a constructive step towards managing anxiety, presenting itself as a natural lifestyle alternative to medications like Xanax. Multiple clinical trials have investigated the effects of specific probiotic strains on mood and anxiety. Researchers have found that certain strains can alleviate anxiety and improve overall mood (57). Theanine has gained attention for its calming and cognitive-enhancing properties. As a result, it’s a compelling natural option for those seeking relief from stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that chamomile extract can help reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) (28).

Magnesium Supplements

Similar to Passion flower, Valerian root affects GABA levels in the brain. By inhibiting the breakdown of GABA, Valerian can help calm anxiety (5). For instance, combining it with lemon balm or valerian root can provide a more potent calming effect.

• When practiced consistently, it can help decrease heart rate, lower blood pressure, and provide a sense of calm.
• Xanax is available in its brand form, and its generic form, alprazolam, but buspirone is only available in its generic form.
• If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns, Brightside Health is here to help.
• If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, or similar, a psychiatrist may be a good place to start.
• Anxiolytic medications help restore this balance by enhancing GABA effects.
• While these drugs aren’t habit-forming, it usually isn’t recommended that a person take them on a long-term basis.
• They should also avoid taking more than one product that contains any type of sedative.

Using therapy in addition to medication for anxiety disorders is proven to give you up to a 60% better chance of recovery as opposed to just one treatment alone. Generally, antidepressant medications are just as effective and can be more effective in the long term. 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.