For instance, SSRIs act slowly on the serotonin system; while SRNIs act on both serotonin and norepinephrine. These medications are safer for long-term use, whereas benzodiazepines become less effective over time. Pregabalin (Lyrica) is a type of medication known as a calcium channel modulator. This drug reduces the release of excitatory neurotransmitters like glutamate, which in turn gives off a calming and sometimes sleepy effect.

Magnesium supplements

Chamomile, a commonly used natural remedy for anxiety, is known for its calming properties. It can be consumed as a tea or a supplement, and studies suggest it can effectively reduce symptoms of anxiety and improve overall psychological well-being. Learn how talk therapy and medication management work, when to see each professional, and how telehealth makes mental health care more accessible. Connect with experienced healthcare professionals who can guide you through personalized treatment options and tips for managing your anxiety. A healthcare provider can guide you on gradually reducing your dosage of Xanax, helping to minimize side effects and ensure a smooth transition to an alternative. If you’re looking for an alternative to Xanax, it’s important to speak to a healthcare provider first.

For those prone to panic attacks, excessive caffeine can trigger these episodes or intensify their severity due to its excitatory effects on the nervous system (73). Regular exercise can help regulate and reduce the release of cortisol, the primary stress hormone, promoting a more balanced emotional state (69). Yoga also stimulates the production of endorphins, which can lead to a reduction in stress and anxiety (67).

These over-the-counter treatments are commonly used for anxiety, depression, fatigue, or sleeplessness. Many people in recovery from substance abuse have found yoga to be a great method for building healthy habits and reducing drug or alcohol cravings. In doing so, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitors (SARIs) can help with mood regulation, sleep, and emotional health. Many other well-known pharmaceuticals also fall within the class of benzodiazepines.

Psychodynamic therapy

Xanax (alprazolam) belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines and works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain. There are a wide variety of nonaddictive anxiety medications that have proven effective at treating anxiety disorders, often just as effective as Xanax, with less risk of dependence. A medication commonly prescribed for anxiety, Xanax belongs to the benzodiazepine class.

By modulating the activity of NMDA receptors in the brain, magnesium can help regulate neural excitability, preventing overstimulation and promoting calmness (32). Lastly, chronic inflammation is often linked to anxiety and mood disorders, and chamomile’s potent anti-inflammatory properties can help counteract this (31). Some participants in these studies experienced a reduction in anxiety comparable to certain psychiatric drugs (29). 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).

I have worked in the substance abuse treatment field and I sent my own Mother to Silver Ridge to recover. Melissa officinalis, more commonly known as lemon balm, is an herb with similar properties as valerian and appears to have cognitive benefits as well 20. It has been used for thousands of years as a calming and relaxing herb in traditional Chinese medicine. In other words, valerenic acid derivatives are silent antagonists of GABA-A receptors. Preliminary findings suggest a mechanism mediated by the HPA axis — a key regulator of the stress hormone alternatives to xanax cortisol — and the GABAergic system 13. However, by virtue of its synthetic origin, alprazolam is much more potent than any GABA agonists that occur in nature (e.g. L-theanine and constituents of valerian root).

Where Can I Learn More About Managing My Mental Health?

When considering the transition from prescription medications like Xanax to natural alternatives, consulting a healthcare professional is crucial. Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns in the United States, impacting more than 40 million people 9. Its effects can be far-reaching, often affecting daily activities and diminishing an individual’s overall quality of life.

You deserve excellent care and a rewarding life in recovery.

Addiction Resource is not a healthcare provider, nor does it claim to offer sound medical advice to anyone. Addiction Resource does not favor or support any specific recovery center, nor do we claim to ensure the quality, validity, or effectiveness of any particular treatment center. No one should assume the information provided on Addiction Resource as authoritative and should always defer to the advice and care provided by a medical doctor. Depending on your circumstances, the trade-off might be worth it to manage anxiety symptoms naturally. While these natural remedies for anxiety can be beneficial, their effects may be more subtle and take longer to notice than those of prescription medications.

• Every year, doctors in the U.S. write millions of prescriptions for the powerful sedative Xanax or its generic equivalent, alprazolam.
• Given the potential side effects and risk of dependency on Xanax and other anxiety medications, many people look for natural alternatives.
• Hydroxyzine pamoate (Vistaril) is an antihistamine that’s sometimes prescribed to treat anxiety or insomnia.
• Taurine is an amino acid that helps to create a calming effect in the brain.

Alternatives to Xanax: Is Anything as Effective?

The path to holistic mental health is paved with informed choices, consistent support, and unwavering determination. 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. These drugs work by acting on two key messenger chemicals in the body, adrenaline and noradrenaline.

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. Fortunately, many alternative treatments that offer relief from anxiety do exist, ranging from other medications to proven non-medical strategies. In this article we’ll detail the dangers of Xanax and other ways you can treat your anxiety.

Lastly, remember that every person is unique and may respond differently to alternative treatments. Work with a qualified healthcare practitioner or psychiatrist to determine what’s best for you. Relying on black-market sources for an addictive drug is a slippery slope, and it most certainly won’t lead be a safe and effective long-term solution for treating anxiety disorders. While valerian has been used as popular herbal medicine for ages to reduce stress, treat insomnia, and alleviate anxiety, there is still a lack of clinical research supporting its anecdotal benefits. Hopefully, future human studies of valerian root will focus on treating mental health conditions. Paxil (paroxetine) is an SSRI FDA-approved to treat social anxiety disorder, depression, OCD, panic disorder, and PTSD.

Some of these include L-Theanine, melatonin, magnesium, chamomile, and kava. If you require long-term anti-anxiety medication for an anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder, exploring alternatives to Xanax is a good idea. 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. Like Xanax, Klonopin also acts on the GABA receptors in the CNS, but the effects of Klonopin last longer when Klonopin vs. Xanax are compared.

It was one of the first herbal remedies I took many years ago to manage my anxiety. Several studies have explored the effectiveness of passionflower in treating anxiety. To combat these feelings, many turn to medications like Xanax, a widely prescribed drug that offers temporary relief. However, there are non-medication strategies for treating anxiety that actually have sufficient scientific research backing up their effectiveness.