SNRIs, such as venlafaxine (Effexor), impact both serotonin and norepinephrine levels. These medications are prescribed for various mood disorders and may be considered as non-addictive alternatives to Xanax for anxiety management. Anxiolytic medications, also known as anti-anxiety drugs, are psychiatric medications used to prevent and treat anxiety disorders. 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.
- SSRIs take around four to eight weeks to take effect and may produce side effects like headache, nausea, trouble sleeping, and dizziness.
- These medications attach themselves to specific receptors in the brain, enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and depressing the central nervous system.
- The symptoms of Xanax withdrawal can be severe, especially when stopping the drug abruptly.3 Quitting after prolonged use can be dangerous, with withdrawal lasting weeks to months.
Seek medical advice from your doctor or other healthcare provider before using any supplements. If you find that you are unable to manage your anxiety with a combination of therapy and self-care practices, you may need medication to help reduce your symptoms and improve functioning. When you talk to your doctor, make sure to disclose any history of substance use disorder or drug misuse.
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. 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. Our holistic approach supports your physical, mental, and spiritual health through a range of evidence-based treatment modalities.
The practices below may effectively provide lasting support for mental and physical well-being. This may reduce cortisol production, helping to lower stress levels, and increase serotonin and GABA levels to create a more relaxed and calm mental state. Ashwagandha is a natural herb traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to reduce stress and support overall wellness. This non-sedative effect makes L-theanine a gentler alternative to medications like Xanax which may cause sleepiness and dependency. Individuals without chronic anxiety often use Xanax to experience its calming effects, but this can lead to a dangerous addiction to the medication.
Prescription alternatives to Xanax
However, another concern with Xanax or any benzodiazepines is the chance of increased risk for dementia, the higher your dose and the longer you use it. For this reason, some psychiatrists are now reluctant to prescribe it. In your brain, there are communication centers called neurons that send messages to each other using chemicals called neurotransmitters. One of these neurotransmitters is called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It helps calm down the activity of neurons, which can prevent feelings of anxiety.
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Alcohol can also intensify the side effects of benzodiazepines, so it’s important to avoid drinking while using them. On top of that, Xanax can increase the risk of life-threatening problems when used in conjunction with certain other medications. Xanax, or alprazolam, is a prescription medication that is part of a class of medications called benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines all have a basic chemical structure that increases the activity of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
Because of this, it’s important for people with anxiety to have alternatives to benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax and Valium, are the oldest and most well-known controlled substances for anxiety. While they have the advantage of working very quickly, they carry the risk of dependence, sedation, and tolerance buildup.
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Alprazolam is a prescription medication that is prescribed for anxiety or depression. 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. Besides Alprazolam, other benzodiazepines can be prescribed for the treatment of anxiety. These include chlordiazepoxide or Librium, clorazepate or Tranxene, diazepam or Valium, lorazepam or Ativan, and midazolam. It is important to know the Ativan vs. Xanax difference and natural Xanax alternatives to be aware of all the risks and benefits.
Non-pharmacological interventions, including therapy and lifestyle changes, should be considered in conjunction with medication. These approaches can enhance the overall effectiveness of anxiety management. On top of all of the scientific ways of combating anxiety and medically supervised methods of safe alprazolam discontinuation, we have found that simple, relaxing techniques have profound effects. Therefore, we provide yoga, massage, acupuncture, art therapy, trainer-led exercise, and other adjunctive treatments that make staying with us that alternative to alprazolam much more enjoyable and comfortable. You can view a comprehensive list of our services overview for more information.
What is Similar to Xanax but Not Addictive?
These medications work by modulating calcium channels in the brain, which can help reduce anxiety symptoms. It takes longer to act, i.e., several weeks compared to Alprazolam (a benzodiazepine), but among Buspirone vs. Xanax, Buspirone is more effective for long-term treatment of anxiety. The half-life of Buspirone vs. Xanax is different; that of Buspirone is 2 to 3 hours. Xanax is available in its brand form, and its generic form, alprazolam, but buspirone is only available in its generic form. In comparative studies, it has shown a significantly lower risk of dependence and addiction.
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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. Herbal supplements like ashwagandha, Rhodiola, and kava are increasingly popular holistic options for treating anxiety. 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. Passionflower can have positive effects on symptoms of anxiety, and several studies suggest it may be a promising alternative to prescription drugs.
This approach can be particularly helpful for individuals who have found traditional CBT challenging or ineffective. I just want to thank my therapist for helping me to accept my anger, and learning how to deal with it. Based on your selections, Neuro Wellness Spa TMS therapy may be able to help.Schedule a free consultation to learn more.
Mild side effects tend to be more common, but one of the most serious side effects is the risk of addiction. However, the authors of the study state that more studies are needed to fully understand how probiotics help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Before taking Xanax or other medication for insomnia, a person should consider CBT. Research suggests CBT could be more effective than medication for long-term insomnia relief. Alternative treatments may include not only different medications but also therapy. Xanax is an addictive medication, so if a person feels they are becoming dependent on it, they should reach out to an addiction center or talk to their doctor.
Alternatives to Xanax
- As a result, Xanax helps reduce feelings of anxiety, panic, or tension.
- The half-life contracts of Klonopin vs. Xanax are quite big; the half-life of Klonopin is longer, i.e., 30 to 40 hours.
- However, like prescription medications, valerian can have side effects and can negatively interfere with other natural supplements or prescription meds.
- It helps calm down the activity of neurons, which can prevent feelings of anxiety.
If you experience insomnia and want an alternative treatment that may work as successfully as Xanax, CBT is often also used. At Brightside, we encourage our members to use the Unified Protocol, an evidence-based treatment based on CBT. The FDA now requires a boxed warning on all benzodiazepines to improve safety outcomes.