Scheduling regular aromatherapy massages can result in reduced stress and anxiety levels, improved sleep, and increased feelings of relaxation and calmness. While the natural remedies below may not provide rapid relief on their own, they can be used in moderation to support other anxiety treatments. Several healthcare providers prefer to prescribe SSRIs to treat anxiety disorders because they’re less likely to be misused and cause dependency. 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.
Natural Alternative 8. Magnesium citramate
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). 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. Serotonin promotes physical and mental relaxation and provides relief from stress and anxiety. I had a chance to try pure CBD oil from Colorado – and it was highly-effective at treating my anxiety symptoms. And, people typically use N-A-C because glutathione lowers your oxidative stress, detoxifies your liver, and reduces the anxiety symptoms that you experience.
Always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your anxiety management strategy, especially if you’re currently taking medication. Exercise is a highly effective non-medical solution to preventing and treating anxiety. This is especially true for cardiovascular exercise, but don’t worry if you’re not a runner. 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). Xanax is a common brand name for alprazolam, a medication prescribed to help treat panic and anxiety disorders. Here’s aninteresting study that suggests that this extract has the potential to help improve memory function and learning.
There’s nothing like the feeling of coming home to a wagging tail or a purring cat after a stressful day. The responsibility of caring for an animal can also provide structure and purpose, which can be beneficial for managing symptoms of anxiety. The companionship of an emotional support animal (ESA) can provide incredible comfort and relief for those dealing with anxiety. Instead, their presence alone offers emotional stability and unconditional love, which can significantly reduce feelings of anxiety and loneliness. Postpartum depression and anxiety is a common experience many new mothers go through. Discover effective and evidence-based approaches to managing ADHD that go beyond prescription medications.
This positions it uniquely, as it offers both relaxation and mental clarity (17). Much like Valerian and Passion flower, lemon balm is believed to positively influence GABA levels in the brain. As a result, it promotes relaxation and reduces overactivity in the nervous system (10).
- It is designed to produce a calming effect on the brain, which it does by enhancing the effects of GABA, a natural chemical found in the body.
- The protocols we use provide safe, effective, and proven solutions to stabilize the brain and balance the body.
- Many of the following remedies and holistic coping techniques may help with anxiety.
- As a result, it’s a compelling natural option for those seeking relief from stress and anxiety.
- Loved for its soothing, pleasant scent, lavender is commonly used in essential oils for anxiety, sachets, diffusers, and candles.
Practice yoga and meditation
Omega-3s, especially EPA, exhibit potent anti-inflammatory effects, which can then benefit brain health and alleviate symptoms of anxiety (46). Omega-3s also influence the release and function of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which are both essential for optimal mental health (45). Multiple studies have indicated that individuals with higher omega-3 intake or higher blood levels of omega-3s tend to have reduced symptoms of anxiety (42). Clinical trials have found that Ashwagandha can effectively reduce stress and anxiety (23). It even compares favorably to some conventional benzodiazepines and antidepressants, but without the potential for addiction or significant drowsiness (15). In some research, the anxiety-reducing effects of lavender were found to be comparable to anti-anxiety medications (14).
Antidepressants are effective, have lower risk of side effects, and the primary choice among psychiatrists to help treat anxiety. Are you tired of feeling tethered to anxiety, but concerned about the potential pitfalls of relying on Xanax? Many people seek alternatives to Xanax, because they’re worried about its habit-forming nature, which can be a real concern for some people.
- If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, or similar, a psychiatrist may be a good place to start.
- While natural tools won’t replace the need for medical support during detox, they can play a helpful role in recovery.
- Some studies say they work by enhancing brain health and neurotransmitter function.
- As research progresses, there’s growing evidence linking adequate B vitamin intake with improved mood and reduced anxiety.
- The combination of these amino acids has been proven to reduce stress responses among those with high trait anxiety.
- Deficiency has been linked to anxiety, depression, panic, memory loss, and other physical and psychiatric symptoms.
Natural Xanax Alternatives To Reduce Your Anxiety and Stress
Research indicates that lemon balm can elevate mood, ease nervousness, and counteract anxiety-related stress (9). As a result, Valerian root is an attractive natural sedative and compelling alternative to drugs like Xanax. For instance, combining it with lemon balm or valerian root can provide a more potent calming effect.
Natural Alternative 3. Valerian root
Long-term Xanax use is also linked to serious side effects, including memory issues, loss of coordination, worsening depression or anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Be sure to carefully follow a healthcare provider’s instructions on how to take the medication. 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. As the name implies, antidepressants are designed to treat depression, but they can be effective against anxiety as well.
Anxiolytic medications target key neurotransmitters in the brain, which serve as chemical messengers that send signals between different nerve cells in the brain. The primary neurotransmitter involved in anxiety is gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter that decreases nerve cell activity in the brain. Prescription psychiatric medications that are used to treat anxiety often quell excessive neuronal firing and reduce levels of GABA in the brain, thereby promoting calm and relaxation.
Individuals who use SNRIs may also experience temporary, mild side effects like dry mouth, nausea, and constipation. If Xanax is not taken properly or is used for longer than prescribed, it may lead to a high risk of misuse and physical dependence. For anyone struggling with anxiety, the need for fast relief alternative to xanax natural can be overwhelming. GABA is an amino acid and also a neurotransmitter responsible for relaxing and calming your nervous system.
These options may help ease symptoms without creating new dependencies, especially when used alongside therapy, structure, and professional care. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you or a loved one on the journey to healing and reclaiming a life free from Xanax addiction. Immersing yourself in the world of books can be a wonderful escape from the stresses of daily life. Reading can transport you to another universe, provide new perspectives, and even help develop coping strategies by identifying with characters’ struggles and resolutions. Learn more about the effectiveness, side effects, and other uses of antidepressants like citalopram.
Amino Acids
Cognitive behavioral therapy works by addressing faulty patterns of thinking and correcting them, while simultaneously attempting to make behavioral changes. It combines a cognitive element of therapy with a behavioral element to help a person cope with or overcome their anxiety. During CBT, a therapist will attempt to understand what may be contributing to a person’s anxiety, and then help them change their perspective and coping mechanisms. 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.
It’s also available as an over-the-counter herbal remedy for anxiety, stress, and insomnia in the US and many other parts of the world. In one study, participants were given either l-theanine or Xanax and subjected to artificially induced stress. Taurine is considered very safe and, in fact, naturally occurs in high concentrations in the brain. It should certainly not be taken with alcohol or other drugs,either prescription or recreational. ” Benzodiazepines, including Xanax, are among the hardest drugs to quit, along with hardcore drugs like heroin, cocaine, and crystal meth.
