Andreas Kaiser (09736)1035 Many of the following remedies and holistic coping techniques may help with anxiety. Xanax is used to treat anxiety disorders, but it can be habit-forming and isn’t right for everyone. There are several alternatives to consider alternative to xanax otc for people with a history of substance abuse and those concerned about Xanax’s side effects.
Xanax Alternatives Compared
- Be sure to talk with your provider about how you can decrease your dependence and manage withdrawal symptoms safely.
- This non-sedative effect makes L-theanine a gentler alternative to medications like Xanax which may cause sleepiness and dependency.
- Meditation can be done by anyone and can provide many mental health benefits.
Lifestyle changes can go a long way in managing short-term anxiety or stress. Beta-blockers are typically taken to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).7 However, they are also sometimes used to treat the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as shaking or sweating. Two commonly prescribed beta-blockers for this off-label use are atenolol and propranolol. Hydroxyzine pamoate (Vistaril) is an antihistamine that’s sometimes prescribed to treat anxiety or insomnia. It’s a short-term medication that can be used as an alternative to benzodiazepines.
Trazodone and Gabapentin for Dogs’ Anxiety: A Comprehensive Guide to…
- Fortunately, there are a variety of other options if you don’t want to or can’t take Xanax.
- While the natural remedies below may not provide rapid relief on their own, they can be used in moderation to support other anxiety treatments.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based therapy are 2 types of therapy for anxiety known for their efficacy in reducing symptoms.
- By stabilizing levels of serotonin passed across neurons, these medications may help decrease feelings of anxiety and regulate mood swings—making them effective in managing symptoms of depression.
- This allows mood-regulating chemicals to stay active in the brain longer, balance emotional responses, and improve anxiety symptoms.
- Snorting both drugs can cause increased abuse potential and additional side effects.
They will be able to help you find the best option based on your medical history, the severity of your anxiety symptoms, and discuss the pros and cons of each alternative with you. Working with a mental health professional through CBT is a great way to address the root cause of your anxiety — often while you treat symptoms with medication. However, using the medication long-term can lead to dependency, withdrawal, and other harmful side effects. There are other safe options for managing anxiety that may work better for you.
In some instances, another type of medication is replaced with Xanax to help ease withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, because Xanax increases the activity of GABA, neurons adapt to the presence of the drug and become underactive when withdrawn. As a result, it is common for people to develop a physical dependence on Xanax and other similar medications over time. It’s important to note that while these supplements may be natural, they can still interact with medications and have potential side effects.
However, although this medication is commonly prescribed, it can have a lot of side effects. Taking this drug with alcohol, barbiturates, or opioids can result in respiratory depression, coma, or even death due to compounded central nervous system depression. Valium also has a similar mechanism of action and is prescribed for the same conditions as other benzodiazepines such as Alprazolam. The half-life gap of Valium vs. Xanax is very big; Valium has a longer half-life, i.e., 48 hours, but it starts its action slightly faster.
Prescription alternatives to Xanax
Withdrawal symptoms are different for everyone, but Xanax withdrawal may include headaches, blurred vision, tremors, sweating, anxiety, panic, loss of appetite, and insomnia. Katzman, M. A., Bleau, P., Blier, P., Chokka, P., Kjernisted, K., & Van Ameringen, M. Canadian clinical practice guidelines for the management of anxiety, posttraumatic stress and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Additionally, maintaining stable blood sugar levels by eating regular, balanced meals can help prevent anxiety symptoms triggered by low blood sugar. While beta-blockers don’t directly address the psychological aspects of anxiety, they can be particularly helpful for people who experience performance anxiety or social anxiety.
Alternatives to Paxil
Getting therapy and a practical, personalized treatment plan that fits your needs from the comfort of your home is possible. Talkspace offers an accessible, affordable way to enhance your mental well-being and take control of your anxiety. The LifeMD Affiliated P.C.s are administratively led by LifeMD Southern Patient Medical Care, P.C., with registered office 1200 South Pine Island Road, Plantation, FL 33324.
These over-the-counter treatments are commonly used for anxiety, depression, fatigue, or sleeplessness. Ativan is a benzodiazepine drug that is also an anti-anxiety medication. It has strong muscle-relaxing, sedative, and calming effects, so it is sometimes used as a pre-anesthetic before surgery. Physical dependence can begin within a few days of taking the drug, even when taking it as prescribed, depending on the individual and their proclivity to develop physical dependence. Propranolol (Inderal) belongs to a group of medications called beta-blockers. These drugs block the effects of the stress hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline.
Inositol helps neurotransmitters to relay messages between brain cells. Inositol can be found in pill or powder form at most health and vitamin shops. Ashwagandha is considered an “adaptogen,” meaning it helps the body adapt to various problems. Ashwagandha is also used to treat arthritis, anxiety, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), balance, trouble sleeping (insomnia), etc. However, the effectiveness of ashwagandha to treat these illnesses is debated.
Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), work by blocking the absorption of released serotonin across neurons. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate things like mood, sleep, and emotional response. By stabilizing levels of serotonin passed across neurons, these medications may help decrease feelings of anxiety and regulate mood swings—making them effective in managing symptoms of depression. SNRIs, such as venlafaxine (Effexor), impact both serotonin and norepinephrine levels.
By clicking “Submit,” you certify that you have provided your legal name and phone number, agree to the terms and conditions and privacy policy, and authorise Paid Advertiser to contact you. You consent to receive SMS notifications and promotions from Paid Advertiser. Addiction Resource team has compiled an extensive list of the top drug rehabilitation facilities around the country. Click on the state you are interested in, and you’ll get a list of the best centers in the area, along with their levels of care, working hours, and contact information. In some cases, alprazolam may be a better solution, and in others, a Xanax alternative may be better.
You can reap the benefits of exercise for your mental health with just committing to a brisk walk a few days a week, a bike ride, or even a dance class (or a dance party in your living room). Several herbal treatments and over-the-counter or holistic medicines are believed to help manage anxiety symptoms. Some of the commonly cited herbal options are chamomile, valerian root, lavender, and kava. Over-the-counter remedies like the amino acid L-Theanine, melatonin, and magnesium are also frequently recommended as alternative anxiety treatments. Fast-acting and short-lasting effectiveness is a hallmark of hydroxyzine, making it similar to Xanax in these ways, but hydroxyzine produces anxiety relief via an antihistamine action. It is not a controlled substance like Xanax, however, so it could be a more appealing short-term or as-needed option in conjunction with an SSRI or SNRI.
Xanax is a commonly prescribed psychiatric medication that can be safe and effective when used as directed by a doctor. But does come with a risk of misuse and serious drawbacks that can put your health at risk, which is why some prefer not to prescribe it. While Klonopin does not avoid these problems, it does have an advantage over how Xanax works. It has a longer duration of action, having a half-life of 12 to 40 hours, compared to the short-acting benzo Xanax, which has a half-life of one to 12 hours. The longer-lasting effects can provide a more steady degree of anxiety relief and reduce the chance of withdrawal when stopping.
Research has established that neurotoxins collect in a person’s body throughout their lifetime, resulting in an over-stimulated nervous system. Toxins could include aspartame, heavy metals, pesticides, mycotoxins from mold, and literally thousands of other toxic chemicals in our food, hygiene, and cleaning products, in our homes and workplaces. Additional factors such as an overly demanding workplace, a foundering marriage, or other stressors can overwhelm a person.
Loved for its soothing, pleasant scent, lavender is commonly used in essential oils for anxiety, sachets, diffusers, and candles. Research shows that inhaling lavender for just 3 minutes can decrease anxiety and enhance mood. Get an evaluation and prescription online from a licensed psychiatric provider to improve your well-being.
