Natural Xanax alternatives aren’t always clinically proven to work as a substitute. For those who don’t know, CBD or cannabidiol is considered to be a non-psychoactive component of hemp and cannabis, one that has many potential benefits without the risk of getting you high. CBD oil may very well be able to help you get in a better mood and relax your mind.
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). 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.
However, benzodiazepine drugs can have serious side effects and have a high potential for drug abuse. All our psychiatrists (and all psychiatrists in general) are medical doctors with additional training in mental health. In order to find out which medications might be appropriate, they need to conduct a full evaluation. These drugs are central-nervous-system depressants that can both have calming effects. Trazodone, which might be sold under the brand name Desyrel, is an antidepressant classified as a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI). It is primarily used to treat depression but is also prescribed off-label to help with sleep because of its sedating effects lowering your heart rate.
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods
Dr. Samuel Lee is a board-certified psychiatrist, specializing in a spiritually-based mental health discipline and integrative approaches. He graduated with an MD at Loma Linda University School of Medicine and did a residency in psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. He has also been an inpatient adult psychiatrist at Kaweah Delta Mental Health Hospital and the primary attending geriatric psychiatrist at the Auerbach Inpatient Psychiatric Jewish Home Hospital.
Recent guidelines from mental health experts emphasize the importance of a gradual reduction in prescription medications under medical supervision. Abruptly stopping a medication like Xanax can cause serious side effects, including rebound anxiety, insomnia, and even seizures in some cases. A healthcare professional can help you taper off the medication slowly while integrating natural alternatives, such as herbal supplements, amino acids, or mind-body practices, into your daily routine. This approach not only minimizes the risk of adverse effects but also maximizes the effectiveness of the natural remedies. It’s also important to maintain a holistic approach during this transition.
- Yoga works by improving your awareness of the inner self through conscious breathing.
- This method offers immediate relief, especially in acute stress situations.
- Studies have shown that chamomile extract can help reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) (28).
- It is suspected of endocrine disruption, which means it may interfere with hormones and neurotransmitters.
- Its effects can be far-reaching, often affecting daily activities and diminishing an individual’s overall quality of life.
- These approaches empower individuals to achieve calmness naturally, marking a significant shift towards holistic health management.
- Yoga might also modify the response of the brain to stressful situations by lowering cortisol levels and regulating heart rate and blood pressure.
Practice yoga and meditation
Unfortunately, neurofeedback isn’t very mainstream, generally isn’t covered by insurance, and will not work for everyone. It can also take many sessions before a person notices improvement – therefore it isn’t recommended for those who lack patience. Keep in mind that there is a potential for liver damage from this supplement, so be careful of your dosing and the type that you use. Also make sure you are aware of any contraindications (interactions) that this has with any other drugs or supplements that you take. While therapy will certainly not work for everyone, many people will find that it helps just as much as medication.
More Xanax Alternatives
- This effect of passionflower can lower the activities of the brain, thus reducing stress and anxiety.
- The scientific consensus has been that these supplements cannot work because GABA molecules are too large to enter the brain, yet some people swear that GABA supplements work for them.
- Benzos can cause addiction, withdrawal symptoms, and physical dependence with long-term use.
- There are multiple reasons that Xanax is so widely used for treating anxiety.
- Meditation is a mindfulness practice that involves focusing on the present moment and quieting the mind.
- It is one of the markers linked to an increased risk issues related to heart health.
When it comes to managing anxiety, it’s important to note that benzodiazepines are not the only option. While they can be prescribed for anxiety, it’s crucial to consider their negative effects that can occur in the long term. While Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan, and Valium are some examples benzodiazepines, your doctor may not prescribe any of them, preferring antidepressants medications instead. Antidepressants are effective, have lower risk of side effects, and the primary choice among psychiatrists to help treat anxiety. In a 2011 study, researchers hypothesized that applying essential oil to the skin would alleviate anxiety and/or depression. To gauge the effect of the oils, researchers measured blood pressure, pulse rate, breathing rate, and skin temperature.
Natural Alternatives to Benzodiazepines
Once again,GABA is thought to produce a calming effect and is believed to play a major role in controlling anxiety, fear, and stress. Instead, it displays nootropic effects on the mind by crossing the blood-brain barrier, ultimately affecting GABA receptors, as evidenced bythis study. L-Theanine is a naturally occurring non-dietary amino acid found mostly in green tea leaves. This amino acid is so special because it isn’t incorporated into other proteins like other amino acids.
Xanax is considered a powerful benzodiazepine that works extremely well for anxiety. If you are experiencing a panic attack, popping a Xanax will quickly reduce all symptoms of stress and anxiety – both physical and mental. The problem with a medication like Xanax is that taking it not only may make it difficult to concentrate at work or school, but it may make you drowsy or tired. These effects of yoga and meditation can help stabilize moods and reduce stress and anxiety. Backed by research studies, yoga and meditation have earned a great reputation as effective herbal methods to reduce anxiety and improve physical and emotional wellness. Diane is an avid supporter and researcher of natural mental health strategies.
With patience and regular practice, therapy can help people learn to redirect unhelpful thought patterns and ground themselves in the midst of stressful life circumstances. It is a very fast-acting drug, causing effects within an hour of taking it. As modern medicine evolves, it has begun to embrace, study, and confirm the benefits of some of these age-old practices. But if you’re struggling with chronic stress and anxiety, I wouldn’t recommend high doses of caffeine. However, it’s important to point out that coffee is definitely good for brain function. There is a lot of research showing it is very healthy and can be protective against dementia.
Let’s unwind with the Natural Xanax Remedies and its calming relationship with our favorite herbal hub, TheHerbProf.com. These approaches empower individuals to achieve calmness naturally, marking a significant shift towards holistic health management. If experiencing severe reactions like increased anxiety, panic attacks, or thoughts of harm, seek immediate help by calling 911 or the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. Over time, this process can lead to lasting positive changes in your life. Each activity offers a unique xanax natural way to manage anxiety through movement and focus. Studies show that Chamomile, Lavender, and Valerian Roots can lessen anxiety.