19 Natural Xanax Alternatives To Reduce Your Anxiety and Stress

Working with a therapist generally involves regular talk therapy sessions where you discuss your feelings, problem-solving strategies, and coping mechanisms to help with your condition. For most patients, Talkiatry treatment is just as effective as in-person psychiatry (American Psychiatric Association, 2021), and much more convenient. That said, we don’t currently provide treatment for schizophrenia, primary eating disorder treatment, or Medication Assisted Treatment for substance use disorders. If you want to explore trying antidepressants or another kind of medication to treat your anxiety symptoms, take Talkiatry’s quick online assessment. You will be matched with one of our psychiatrists, who can work with you to decide what treatment path makes sense for you.

Safer Xanax Alternatives Looking for a Better Way?

Xanax is an FDA-approved medication primarily used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. The addiction treatment experts at Spring Hill Recovery Center in Ashby, MA can help. Our personalized addiction treatment programs take into consideration all of your mental health needs. Seek medical advice from your doctor or other healthcare provider before using any supplements.

natural alternatives to Xanax

An imbalanced gut can also lead to chronic inflammation, which is increasingly linked to various mood disorders, including anxiety. As you may know, chronic inflammation has been linked to mood disorders, including anxiety. Theanine also increases the production of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin, and GABA. These neurotransmitters play a pivotal role in relaxation, mood regulation, and overall brain function (39).

All of these neurotransmitters play a crucial role in mood regulation and anxiety control (49). As research progresses, there’s growing evidence linking adequate B vitamin intake with improved mood and reduced anxiety. Omega-3 fatty acids are considered “essential fatty acids”, meaning your body cannot create them. Some studies suggest that omega-3 supplementation can reduce cortisol (a primary stress hormone) in response to stressful situations (44).

Canadian clinical practice guidelines for the management of anxiety, posttraumatic stress and obsessive-compulsive disorders. CBT is typically short-term, lasting between 12 to 20 sessions, and has been shown to produce long-lasting improvements in anxiety symptoms. 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. By reducing the physical manifestations of anxiety, beta-blockers can help individuals feel more in control and better able to cope with anxiety-provoking situations. Mindfulness is a practice that revolves around cultivating a calm and open awareness of the present moment.

Side effects of Xanax

They’re not regulated in the same way as prescription medications, so their potency, purity, and safety of herbal supplements especially can vary significantly between brands and products. Additionally, these treatments may interact with other medications or health conditions and could be harmful to you. It’s crucial to consult with a health-care professional before starting any holistic treatment. That means that other types of medication are better choices when it comes to treating anxiety. Are you tired of feeling tethered to anxiety, but concerned about the potential pitfalls of relying on Xanax?

Xanax kicks in fast — in 1 to 2 hours — making it an effective treatment for relieving intense anxiety or panic attacks. Xanax (alprazolam) is one of the most prescribed anti-anxiety medications available. There are other medications, therapies, and even natural Xanax alternatives. For this reason, Xanax is often taken to treat sudden-onset symptoms or short-term anxiety.

Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage. Not all providers on Klarity Health prescribe all medications, particularly medications that are controlled substances.

• While it might be a lifeline for some, it’s essential to understand its implications fully.
• Xanax is highly addictive, has a high risk of abuse, can come with many harsh reactions — and can be incredibly difficult to stop taking.
• Antidepressants like SSRIs and SNRIs are much safer options for long-term treatment.
• In some studies, the reduction in anxiety with Ashwagandha supplementation rivalled those achieved by some psychiatric drugs (24).

The Best Lifestyle Alternatives to Xanax

• Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage.
• There are many different types of benzodiazepine and non-benzodiazepine medications used to treat anxiety.
• Beyond teas, chamomile is available in various forms, including supplements, essential oils, and topical applications.
• This is especially true for cardiovascular exercise, but don’t worry if you’re not a runner.
• Valium is used to treat anxiety as well as seizures and alcohol withdrawal.

The FDA now requires a boxed warning on all benzodiazepines to improve safety outcomes. The most common side effect that comes with Xanax is daytime grogginess and fatigue because of the ways in which it slows your central nervous system. We accomplish this by teaching our clients how to remain healthy and happy without drugs.

Despite the popularity of Xanax, many people look for alternative prescription medications that offer anxiety relief without the same risks of dependency and withdrawal. There is a wide variety of herbal compounds, amino acids, and other supplements that can be tried to treat different mental health conditions. Its ability to alleviate anxiety and stress is backed by a wealth of scientific evidence, and it’s an attractive natural alternative to medications like Xanax. Lastly, a balanced gut can more efficiently absorb essential nutrients, including those vital for brain function and mental health, such as B vitamins, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids (58). Studies have shown that chamomile extract can help reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) (28).

Health & Wellness

Some of the commonly cited herbal options are chamomile, valerian root, lavender, and kava. alternative to xanax otc Over-the-counter remedies like the amino acid L-Theanine, melatonin, and magnesium are also frequently recommended as alternative anxiety treatments. They are typically prescribed for short-term use or for specific anxiety-causing situations, such as a big meeting or performance. Xanax is a common brand name for alprazolam, a medication prescribed to help treat panic and anxiety disorders.

How Do I Soothe Anxiety and Manage Medication Dependence?

Hopefully, future human studies of valerian root will focus on treating mental health conditions. If Xanax is being used to treat anxiety-related disorders, a much safer and equally effective natural alternative is therapy. Over time, they build skills and develop better responses to stressful and anxiety-inducing stimuli. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals manage anxiety symptoms by addressing avoidant behaviors and safety-seeking habits that hinder correcting faulty beliefs. This process supports stress management, reducing stress-related disorders and enhancing overall mental health.

This can create a vicious cycle, because anxiety itself can be exacerbated by poor sleep quality. One way to approach getting better sleep is taking steps to prepare yourself to get the best sleep possible. Magnesium is a mineral found in various green vegetables and some lentils and supports bone mineralization, protein building, muscular contraction, nerve impulse transmission, and immunity. If you’re considering natural Xanax alternatives, L-theanine should be near the top of your list. L-theanine is a non-dietary amino acid found predominantly in green tea leaves.