Non-Addictive Anxiety Medications: Xanax Alternatives

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. They work by keeping serotonin — a mood-regulating neurotransmitter — active in the brain longer to stabilize mood and gradually alleviate anxiety symptoms. However, using the medication long-term can substitute for xanax lead to dependency, withdrawal, and other harmful side effects. There are other safe options for managing anxiety that may work better for you. 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.

• Instead, they recommend plenty of vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and turmeric.
• Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate things like mood, sleep, and emotional response.
• Each one of these medications acts upon the brain in a very similar way, so each one of these benzodiazepines could be an effective Xanax alternative.
• Rooted in a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors, it’s a condition that can drastically reduce one’s quality of life.
• You can find this specific ingredient in Transparent Labs KSM-66® Ashwagandha capsules.

What is the best benzodiazepine for anxiety?

Weighing these drawbacks against the immediate relief Xanax offers brings to light the pressing need for alternatives. While it might be a lifeline for some, it’s essential to understand its implications fully. While Xanax has gained widespread recognition for its immediate relief against anxiety, relying on it isn’t without its pitfalls. Understanding these drawbacks can empower individuals to make more informed choices regarding their treatment path. Xanax is addictive, and if a person thinks they are depending on Xanax to cope with day-to-day life, they should contact an addiction support service for more information and assistance.

• Ativan and Alprazolam both work as CNS depressants, and so any medication with the same property can amplify their effects.
• Some studies suggest that lavender can also enhance cognitive function, especially in high-stress situations.
• Loved for its soothing, pleasant scent, lavender is commonly used in essential oils for anxiety, sachets, diffusers, and candles.
• Alprazolam has a half-life of 11.2 hours with side effects including dizziness, Akathisia, drowsiness, lightheadedness, and others.
• If you’re in emotional distress, text HOME to connect with a counselor immediately.
• A person should speak with their doctor before taking Xanax, as it can interact with other types of medication.
• My recommendation is to limit your caffeine intake, have caffeine-free days, and/or stop caffeine consumption several hours before bedtime to prevent potential sleep disruptions.

Physical Treatments for Anxiety and Insomnia

Lastly, chronic inflammation is often linked to anxiety and mood disorders, and chamomile’s potent anti-inflammatory properties can help counteract this (31). Some participants in these studies experienced a reduction in anxiety comparable to certain psychiatric drugs (29). Chamomile contains apigenin, which is an antioxidant that binds to certain receptors in the brain, which then promotes relaxation and reduces insomnia. Its mild sedative effect is one reason why chamomile tea is a popular bedtime drink (27).

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That’s true because this medication is quite beneficial for the relief of serious anxiety. However, Xanax use comes with some significant drawbacks, including risks for dependence and full-blow addiction. Are there safer alternatives that can help you avoid the need for Xanax addiction treatment?

Effective Alternatives to Xanax

Another type of medication used for anxiety is buspirone, in a class of medications called anxiolytics. Commonly prescribed Alprazolam alternative antidepressant medications used to help with anxiety include Zoloft (sertraline), Prozac (fluoxetine), or Lexapro (escitalopram). If you or a loved one exhibits multiple signs of addiction, it’s imperative to consult a healthcare professional. A dedicated doctor can provide tailored advice and recommend specialist addiction services or therapists.

Omega-3s also influence the release and function of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which are both essential for optimal mental health (45). Clinical trials have found that Ashwagandha can effectively reduce stress and anxiety (23). Clinical trials have shown that Silexan is effective at reducing anxiety. It even compares favorably to some conventional benzodiazepines and antidepressants, but without the potential for addiction or significant drowsiness (15). In some research, the anxiety-reducing effects of lavender were found to be comparable to anti-anxiety medications (14).

Xanax is in the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines, a type of anti-anxiety medication. This prescription medication works by binding to the GABA-A receptor to raise neurotransmitter levels in the brain, creating a calm, relaxed state. Several alternative medications for Xanax work well to alleviate anxiety, both in the same and different classes of drugs.

It involves directing full attention toward one’s internal experiences, such as thoughts, feelings, and sensations while attuning to the external environment. 5 Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) include meditation, yoga, or guided mindfulness exercises, which help participants stay present and reduce anxiety. Anxiolytic medications are typically prescribed for short-term use, as they can be habit-forming and may lead to dependence if taken for extended periods. They are often used alongside therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

Good sleep for anxiety

Mechanistically, caffeic acid is a potent antioxidant that fights inflammation and may protect against cancer 25. Moreover, caffeic acids in lemon balm appear to inhibit an enzyme called GABA transaminase, which is responsible for metabolizing GABA to succinate semialdehyde. Major nootropic constituents of lemon balm are caffeic acid and caffeic acid derivatives, notably rosmarinic acid and ursolic acid 24. Despite having a similar name as the stimulant alkaloid caffeine, caffeic acids are unrelated to the former in their structure and mechanisms of action. Valerenic acid and its derivatives are structurally similar to the GABA molecule and bind to subtype-A GABA receptors 16.

A new kind of pain medication has been approved for sale by the Food and Drug Administration. This new nonaddictive alternative is the first of its kind that interrupts the pain signal before it reaches the brain. “We have the opportunity to change the paradigm of acute pain management and establish a new standard of care,” Kewalramani said.