As you may have gathered from its name, Arctic root (Rhodiola Rosea) is generally grown in cold regions of the world. It has been used in Chinese medicine for ages to relieve fatigue and boost physical stamina. Studies have shown that it works just as well as selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors. Studies have also found that it is a viable treatment for those suffering from OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). The vast majority of these alternatives have been proven to not only have terrific efficacy but also a scarcity of major side effects. Some have said that there are certain people who should never take drugs like Xanax or Ativan.
It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new healthcare regimen. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.For more information, check out our FAQs and contact page. The bottom line here is that plenty of alternatives are much better to take than Xanax, both in terms of their benefits and side effects. Xanax just isn’t natural; it’s not overly safe, it’s addictive, and it can be quite expensive.

Yoga and meditation are effective relaxation techniquesYoga and meditation are effective relaxation techniques that can help reduce stress. These methods work by helping you to focus your attention on your breath and body, which can lead to a decrease in stress-related thoughts. The good news for most is that the overwhelming number of these natural alternatives are available over the counter in your neighborhood drugstore or online by visiting nootropic vendors’ websites. Some natural form of xanax brave souls will try to go “cold turkey,” kicking the habit without medical assistance.
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Mixing Xanax with alcohol may cause breathing problems, drowsiness, and dizziness. If you’re somebody who likes to have the occasional beer, being on Xanax would prevent you from doing so. Today, we will talk about a list of natural Xanax alternatives and how they function, as well as why you might want to stay away from Xanax in the first place. Neurotoxins and toxins collect in our bodies throughout our lifetimes, typically producing the effect of an overstimulated nervous system. These toxins include heavy metals, aspartame, mycotoxins from mold, and thousands of other chemicals present in processed food, hygiene products, and cleaning products.
Alternatives to Xanax: What are some safer options for anxiety?
- Contact Neuro Wellness Spa today to gain further insight into how Spravato may positively impact your well-being.
- There is a lot of research showing it is very healthy and can be protective against dementia.
- In fact, thisstudy suggests that taking 400 milligrams of this extract per day for one month may reduce stress and anxiety levels, as well as fatigue and exhaustion.
- The ancient practice of meditation, deeply rooted in numerous cultures and traditions, has stood the test of time.
Its mild sedative effect is one reason why chamomile tea is a popular bedtime drink (27). As a result, it has been a staple in traditional medicine across various cultures, and it’s a potential alternative to pharmaceuticals like Xanax. Ashwagandha also possesses neuroprotective characteristics, supporting brain health, enhancing mood, and reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases (26). Multiple studies have revealed that lavender oil can effectively reduce generalized anxiety (13). 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).
- This is not an exhaustive list, and discussing whether TMS is a potential treatment option for you is important.
- Xanax is a common brand name for alprazolam, a medication prescribed to help treat panic and anxiety disorders.
- 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.
- Toxic mold syndrome causes symptoms like confusion, depression, dizziness, anxiety, and many others.
These herbal remedies have been used for centuries as sleep aids and to bring about a state of relaxation. Taurine is considered very safe and, in fact, naturally occurs in high concentrations in the brain. There are over 550 prescription medications that should not be taken along with Xanax.
Other benzodiazepines
Meditation is personally one of my favorite daily activities to maintain optimal brain function and mental health. There are various forms of meditation, including mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), transcendental meditation, and loving-kindness meditation. Like physical exercise, the benefits of meditation are often most pronounced with regular and consistent practice. Some studies even suggest that individuals with a balanced gut microbiome have a healthier physiological response to stress, which includes a more regulated cortisol (stress hormone) response (56). An imbalanced gut can also lead to chronic inflammation, which is increasingly linked to various mood disorders, including anxiety. The adrenal glands, responsible for releasing stress hormones, require adequate amounts of vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) for proper function.
Alternatives to Benzodiazepines for Anxiety and Natural Treatments for Anxiety
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. 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. There are several over-the-counter (OTC) products, supplements that people use to help manage anxiety symptoms. Some of these include L-Theanine, melatonin, magnesium, chamomile, and kava.
Alprazolam Alternatives
One safer long-term alternative to Xanax is trazodone, an SARI antidepressant that does not have the addictive qualities that Xanax does. Xanax and Klonopin share many of the same side effects, but Klonopin stays in the body’s system much longer. Valium is used to treat anxiety as well as seizures and alcohol withdrawal.
There are plenty of natural alternatives to Xanax that are generally considered to be much safer. These Xanax alternatives may also be able to produce a calming effect on the brain and may possibly reduce symptoms related to anxiety, panic, stress, and more. In contrast, Xanax alternative medicine includes the use of natural remedies that can be derived from a broad range of different types of foods, herbs, vitamins, nutrients, minerals, and supplements. Nutritional therapy means designing and implementing a corrected diet along with these natural substances to stabilize brain chemistry. Prior to providing these nutritional treatments, lab testing identifies deficiencies, toxicity levels, and other imbalances. Through investigative techniques such as lab testing, we are able to identify the source of the symptoms and then fix them.
Quitting Xanax on your own can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to go through it alone. With the right support, it’s possible to feel calm, clear, and in control again—without relying on a pill. ACT teaches people how to sit with uncomfortable emotions and anxiety without trying to suppress or control them. It emphasizes mindfulness, values-based living, and psychological flexibility — skills especially useful during withdrawal and early recovery. Practicing meditation can help with anxiety by strengthening the ability to direct focus away from racing thoughts and distressful sensations. We accomplish this by teaching our clients how to remain healthy and happy without drugs.
In addition, he served as the general adult outpatient psychiatrist at Kaiser Permanente. His specialty is in natural healing techniques that promote the body’s innate ability to heal itself. 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. However, there are non-medication strategies for treating anxiety that actually have sufficient scientific research backing up their effectiveness.
In the next sections, I’ll explore these natural Xanax alternatives in depth. It’s these potential pitfalls of Xanax that lead many to search for alternatives. Over time, the body can build a tolerance to Xanax, meaning that higher doses may be required to achieve the same therapeutic effects. This includes drowsiness and dizziness, and even more severe issues like respiratory depression and memory problems (1). Many different deep breathing exercises are available, so be sure to find one that works for you.