Non-Addictive Anxiety Medications: Xanax Alternatives

Like SSRIs, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) have a lower risk of misuse, dependence, and addiction. SSRIs take around four to eight weeks to take effect and may produce side effects like headache, nausea, trouble sleeping, and dizziness. However, in the majority of people, side effects are mild and disappear after the first few days, and the treatment benefits outweigh the issues. For most patients, Talkiatry treatment is just as effective as in-person psychiatry (American Psychiatric Association, 2021), and much more convenient.

• Like SSRIs, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) have a lower risk of misuse, dependence, and addiction.
• These natural remedies work by interacting with the body’s stress-response system or impacting neurotransmitters to offer a calming effect and reduce anxiety symptoms.
• Alprazolam, the active ingredient in Xanax, is a benzodiazepine first marketed in 1981.
• Deep breathing exercises, sometimes referred to as diaphragmatic or abdominal breathing, have been practiced across various cultures and traditions as a method to calm the mind.
• Its mild sedative effect is one reason why chamomile tea is a popular bedtime drink (27).
• Studies corroborate that Xanax tends to be as effective as Valium (diazepam) for treating clinical anxiety disorders, but it’s not without drawbacks.

Alternatives to Xanax: What are some safer options for anxiety?

• 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.
• Pristiq shares some side effects with Xanax, including dry mouth and sleepiness.
• In CBT, your therapist works with you to identify the intrusive thoughts and behaviors contributing to your anxiety.
• This is another herbal Xanax alternative, also referred to as Indian pennywort.
• Despite having a similar name as the stimulant alkaloid caffeine, caffeic acids are unrelated to the former in their structure and mechanisms of action.
• While they can be prescribed for anxiety, it’s crucial to consider their negative effects that can occur in the long term.

Get online psychiatry and medication prescriptions and management from Talkspace by reaching out today. Get an evaluation and prescription online from a licensed psychiatric provider to improve your well-being. Discover why ketamine is growing in popularity as a possible treatment option for those with depression. The practices below may effectively provide lasting support for mental and physical well-being.

Why There’s A Growing Need for Natural Xanax Alternatives

Physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural mood elevators. Additionally, regular exercise can improve sleep, increase self-esteem, and reduce the symptoms of both anxiety and depression 28. For short-term relief from feelings of anxiety, opt for natural alternatives such as developing and maintaining helpful self-care habits, eating nutritious foods, and exercising regularly. Exercise helps release endorphins and increases the availability of xanax alternatives neurotransmitters. It can also help support good sleep, which can simulate some of the sedative effects of Xanax. Addiction Resource is an educational platform for sharing and disseminating information about addiction and substance abuse recovery centers.

Are There Any Natural Alternatives to Xanax?

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). Several studies have explored the effectiveness of passionflower in treating anxiety. This, in turn, leads to physical dependence and addiction, where the body becomes reliant on the drug to function normally.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Beta-blockers prevent the stress hormone adrenaline (epinephrine) from contacting the beta receptors in the heart, which prevent the heart from pumping harder or faster. This helps to decrease the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as a fast heart rate, a shaky voice, or hands, sweating, and dizziness. Like any medication, beta-blockers may cause side effects like fatigue, dizziness, and low blood pressure. In individuals with anxiety disorders, GABA imbalance leads to heightened anxiety and excessive worry. Anxiolytic medications help restore this balance by enhancing GABA effects. There are many different types of benzodiazepine and non-benzodiazepine medications used to treat anxiety.

Gabapentin as a Xanax alternative

Magnesium supplements come in several forms; some are well-absorbed, some are not. Sadly, most magnesium supplements contain an inferior form –magnesium oxide – which has poor bioavailability 14. Transparent Labs Magnesium Bisglycinate capsules contain chelated magnesium which is gentle on the gut and readily absorbed 15. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) stands out as one of the most promising adaptogens due to its multifarious benefits in the human body. Brightside Health can offer help for a full spectrum of conditions and severity levels. If you’re in emotional distress, text HOME to connect with a counselor immediately.

In today’s fast-paced world, feelings of anxiety and overwhelming stress are common. Exposure therapy works by exposing you to things that trigger your anxiety. For example, if you’re undergoing exposure therapy for social anxiety, your therapist might walk through an anxiety-inducing scenario with you, such as a birthday party. Effexor isn’t a controlled substance like Xanax, so there’s no risk of dependence.