March 2024

Yes, in many cases, withdrawal symptoms emerge with sudden discontinuation or rapid dose reduction of benzodiazepines, especially if these drugs have been taken over prolonged periods. While benzodiazepines aren’t classified as traditional sleeping medicine, they have a strong sedative effect that can cause sleepiness. In some cases, benzodiazepines are prescribed to individuals suffering from anxiety-related insomnia. Another important consideration when taking psychopharmaceutical medications such as benzodiazepines is the potential for interactions with other drugs and substances.

The Importance of Consulting a Healthcare Professional

It’s not fully understood how benzodiazepines work, but it’s widely agreed that they enhance the activity of the brain chemical GABA. It belongs to a family of drugs called benzodiazepines that work as sedatives. Alternatives to Xanax include SSRIs, SNRIS, and propranolol, which don’t have the same potential for misuse. Natural Xanax alternatives aren’t always clinically proven to work as a substitute. If you’re considering stopping the use of Xanax, seek the medical advice of your doctor and ask what they recommend as an alprazolam alternative.

Your addiction does not have to define who you are.

If you’re seeking Xanax alternatives to help manage your symptoms of anxiety, Talkspace can help. Psychobiotics are probiotics that offer specific mental health benefits, including alleviating anxiety. There are many natural Xanax alternatives proven to reduce anxiety effectively and safely. The top two medical treatments for anxiety are anti-anxiety medication and psychotherapy. Natural alternatives to Xanax, a widely used anti-anxiety drug, are not only effective but avoid this medication’s serious side effects and addictiveness.

• The main bioactive constituents in ashwagandha are withanolides, notably withaferin-A.
• At Talkiatry, first visits are generally scheduled for 60 minutes or more to give your psychiatrist time to learn about you, work on a treatment plan, and discuss any medications that might be included.
• This is one of the best known herbs for anxiety and has an extremely long history of use.
• If you try some of these ingestible natural Xanax alternatives and don’t get the relief you’re looking for, don’t get discouraged.
• While many find anxiety relief through yoga, it might not resonate with everyone.
• This includes drowsiness and dizziness, and even more severe issues like respiratory depression and memory problems (1).

Whether it’s walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, dancing, or weightlifting, personal preference plays a crucial role in adherence. A balanced autonomic nervous system means there’s a healthy balance between the sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) responses (71). Exercise is a universal remedy with a myriad of benefits for both the body and the mind. While many find anxiety relief through yoga, it might not resonate with everyone. Many yoga practices activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for relaxation and recovery. This counteracts the “fight or flight” stress response driven by the sympathetic nervous system (66).

Seven Ashwagandha Benefits for Female Health

However, it’s important to remember that what works for one person may not work for another. It may take some experimentation to find the right combination of activities and practices that suit your needs. Similarly, journaling offers a safe space to express your thoughts and feelings, serving as a therapeutic tool to explore emotions, reflect on experiences, and track progress over time. Both activities encourage mindfulness and can significantly reduce anxiety levels when practiced regularly. There’s nothing like the feeling of coming home to a wagging tail or a purring cat after a stressful day.

• Xanax can help people with anxiety disorders and panic attacks, but it isn’t right for everyone.
• Even short bouts of physical activity can make a significant difference in your overall stress and reduce anxiety symptoms.
• To incorporate light exercise into your routine, consider walking (preferably outdoors in nature), gentle yoga, or tai chi.
• An excellent source of information on chemicals added to cosmetics and other hygiene products is called Skin Deep 65 which can help identify products you may want to avoid.
• Many yoga practices activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for relaxation and recovery.

Natural Xanax Alternatives

Learning to manage anxiety and reduce stress takes more than just the list below, but it’s a good start. Don’t underestimate the power of these simple suggestions from functional medicine pro, Dr. Josh Axe – be honest with yourself and take a good look at how you’re doing on each point.. To incorporate light exercise into your routine, consider walking (preferably outdoors in nature), gentle yoga, or tai chi. Even short bouts of physical activity can make a significant difference in your overall stress and reduce anxiety symptoms. Remember, consistency is more important than intensity when it comes to exercise for anxiety relief.

One study found that people who took an herbal extract containing passionflower saw significantly reduced symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). People with generalized anxiety disorder seeking natural alternatives to Xanax have multiple options. Many of the following remedies and holistic coping techniques may help with anxiety. Keep in mind that just because “natural” remedies or OTC options natural substitute to xanax don’t require a prescription, it doesn’t mean they are completely safe. While research into the potential health benefits of CBD is ongoing, many people have reported success in using CBD to manage anxiety symptoms.

The Best Supplements and Nutrient Alternatives to Xanax

There are over 550 prescription medications that should not be taken along with Xanax. Other withdrawal symptoms are restlessness, insomnia, nausea, blurred vision, muscle tightness, and irritability. Alarmingly, benzodiazepines, including Xanax, are among the hardest drugs to kick, along with hardcore drugs like heroin, cocaine, and crystal meth. There are multiple reasons that Xanax is so widely used for treating anxiety.

One of the primary ways Ashwagandha combats stress and anxiety is by regulating cortisol levels. Elevated cortisol, especially chronically, can lead to a myriad of health issues, including increased anxiety. Inhaling lavender essential oil has been linked to reduced stress and anxiety, and even improved sleep (16). Along with Passion flower, Valerian was one of the first herbal remedies I took many years ago to manage my anxiety. These effects of yoga and meditation can help stabilize moods and reduce stress and anxiety.