In a society increasingly leaning towards organic, chemical-free, and holistic approaches to well-being, interest in natural Xanax alternatives is both understandable and timely. This, in turn, leads to physical dependence and addiction, where the body becomes reliant on the drug to function normally. To combat these feelings, many turn to medications like Xanax, a widely prescribed drug that offers temporary relief. Yoga works by improving your awareness of the inner self through conscious breathing. Yoga might also modify the response of the brain to stressful situations by lowering cortisol levels and regulating heart rate and blood pressure. This effect of passionflower can lower the activities of the brain, thus reducing stress and anxiety.
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With patience and regular practice, therapy can help people learn to redirect unhelpful thought patterns and ground themselves in the midst of stressful life circumstances. This means that it doesn’t have to be taken as many times during the day, which reduces the risk of misuse and addiction. Many of Xanax’s side effects are also experienced as withdrawal symptoms after stopping Xanax too quickly. Even someone taking low doses may experience withdrawal after stopping the use of the drug. Taking pills, either drugs or supplements, can get tedious and expensive, so few people want to rely on them forever.
Holistic Treatments
- A person should not crush, chew, or break a Xanax extended-release tablet.
- These drugs are central-nervous-system depressants that can both have calming effects.
- The combination of fresh air, sunlight, and physical movement is a potent recipe for reducing anxiety and boosting overall well-being.
- Several forms of therapy are used to successfully manage anxiety — often without the use of medication.
- Probiotics can help restore balance to the gut microbiome, reducing inflammation and its detrimental effects on your mental health (55).
- The anti-anxiety benefits of physical activity are more evident in people who exercise regularly.
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.
Natural Alternatives to Xanax
Studies show that acupuncture can help with situational anxiety, such as undergoing an operation. However, recent research suggests it can also reduce general anxiety, making it a potential option for people interested in natural alternatives to Xanax. Find a provider on Klarity Health today, and you begin anxiety treatment online with medication and/or therapy. Gabapentin is an oral medication that treats seizures and shingles-related nerve pain. Like Xanax, sleepiness is a common side effect of gabapentin for anxiety.
In other words, it boosts the power of that brake pedal, making it even more effective at calming down the activity of neurons. As a result, Xanax helps reduce feelings of anxiety, panic, or tension. The addiction treatment experts at Spring Hill Recovery Center in Ashby, MA can help.
- It’s crucial to consult with a health-care professional before starting any holistic treatment.
- Our goal at Talkspace is to provide the most up-to-date, valuable, and objective information on mental health-related topics in order to help readers make informed decisions.
- Xanax is used to treat anxiety disorders, but it can be habit-forming and isn’t right for everyone.
- Some participants in these studies experienced a reduction in anxiety comparable to certain psychiatric drugs (29).
- However, kava still has the potential for side effects, especially skin problems at higher doses.
These compounds act as adaptogenic agents and improve the ability of a person to ‘adapt’ to stressful situations, thus reducing anxiety. Valerian contains numerous phytochemicals, notably the eponymous sesquiterpenoid valerenic acid and its natural derivatives (e.g. acetoxy valerenic acid and hydroxy valerenic acid). Valerian root ostensibly mitigates anxiety and improves sleep by enhancing GABA interaction with GABA-A receptors. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a long-living flowering plant with a naturally sweet scent that has been used for centuries in perfumes. In contrast, the plant roots commonly extracted for herbal remedies have a pungent, putrid odor that’s tough to subdue with masking agents and flavoring. A more straightforward summary is that Xanax, along with other benzodiazepines like Valium, enhances the effects of the GABA your body naturally produces.
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). Xanax, also known as alprazolam, has undoubtedly provided relief to countless individuals who struggle with anxiety.
Amino acids are building blocks of proteins, and two of them are among the top natural alternatives to Xanax. There are many natural Xanax alternatives proven to reduce anxiety effectively and safely. Worldwide, roughly 260 million people have an anxiety disorder, and a third of us will experience one sometime during our lifetime.
- Yoga might also modify the response of the brain to stressful situations by lowering cortisol levels and regulating heart rate and blood pressure.
- Yoga also stimulates the production of endorphins, which can lead to a reduction in stress and anxiety (67).
- For instance, SSRIs act slowly on the serotonin system; while SRNIs act on both serotonin and norepinephrine.
- Yoga also incorporates mindfulness and has shown to be effective at relieving anxiety.
- Similarly, meditation can help reduce anxiety by supporting normal brain functions and regulating the secretion of GABA.
- Psychodynamic therapy aims to uncover the repressed thoughts and feelings behind your anxiety.
There is a lot of research showing it is very healthy and can be protective against dementia. Regular exercise can help regulate Natural Xanax Alternatives For Anxiety and reduce the release of cortisol, the primary stress hormone, promoting a more balanced emotional state (69). While yoga isn’t a direct pharmaceutical counterpart to Xanax, its consistent practice can substantially aid in managing anxiety and stress. Deep breathing exercises, on the other hand, stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which counteracts stress and promotes relaxation (63).