Luckily, there are safer Xanax replacements and alternatives out there. Since Xanax and other benzodiazepines such as Ativan are habit-forming and can lead to physical dependence, you should take some precautions when deciding to stop using them. Be sure to talk with your provider about how you can decrease your dependence and manage withdrawal symptoms safely. For short-term relief from feelings of anxiety, opt for natural alternatives such as developing and maintaining helpful self-care habits, eating nutritious foods, and exercising regularly. Exercise helps release endorphins and increases the availability of neurotransmitters.

• Talkspace offers an accessible, affordable way to enhance your mental well-being and take control of your anxiety.
• Medical research has conclusively shown that exposure to toxic mold can cause neurological impairment.
• If you’d like to ease off of Xanax in favor of a safer alternative, that is always an option.
• Treating anxiety by own can worsen the condition and lead to the appearance of unpredictable adverse effects.
• It is a prescription drug that works to block the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor in the brain, which is involved in regulating mood and anxiety.

Benzodiazepine Alternatives

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals manage anxiety symptoms by addressing avoidant behaviors and safety-seeking habits that hinder correcting faulty beliefs. This process supports stress management, reducing stress-related disorders and enhancing overall mental health. CBT targets negative thought patterns that impact behavior and emotions.

Under stress, people might develop pessimistic thoughts and be unable to solve problems. CBT promotes balanced thinking, which improves coping abilities during stressful situations. In recent years, the medical field has significantly advanced in understanding anxiety and developing alternative treatments.

Unlike benzodiazepines and beta-blockers, which act quickly, SSRIs and SNRIs work by gradually increasing the levels of serotonin and/or norepinephrine in the brain. They do not produce immediate mood-altering effects, and users do not typically experience feelings of euphoria or intoxication, the way they might with benzodiazepines, for example. It’s prescribed to literally millions of Americans, and is seen as being one of the most widely used (and abused) anti-anxiety medications in existence.

Two of alternative to xanax otc the most common include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Psychiatrists are doctors who have specialized training in diagnosing and treating complex mental health conditions through medication management. 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.

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Xanax works by binding to specific receptors in the brain that are sensitive to GABA and enhancing GABA’s effect on them. 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. Unlike drugs like Xanax, Alcohol, and Lorazepam, Phenibut does NOT affect your cognitive function. It doesn’t make you lose focus, concentration, or have any impact on short or long term memory. Kratom is a plant based substance that comes from the Coffee family, and has been used by people in the Southeast Asian region to help improve mood, give you energy, and lower anxiety.

• For instance, SSRIs act slowly on the serotonin system; while SRNIs act on both serotonin and norepinephrine.
• Xanax (alprazolam) is a popular prescription drug used to treat symptoms of anxiety disorders and panic disorders.
• It’s not as strong as Xanax, but it does still carry many of the same side effects and dependency risks.
• Because of the potential for experiencing negative side effects and addiction to benzodiazepines, many people seek over-the-counter alternatives to Alprazolam for anxiety and similar conditions.

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L-theanine, for example, is derived from green tea extract and has been used for anxiety, although studies have thus far found both negative and positive results. Ashwagandha is another extract used for anxiety, with some successful clinical trials, although the data is limited.

Buspirone (Buspar)

With patience, persistence, and the right support, it’s possible to achieve significant improvements in anxiety symptoms and overall quality of life. As we’ve explored in this comprehensive guide, there are numerous effective alternatives to Xanax for anxiety management. The good thing about a strong determination to quit is that you do not have to do it alone. These are run by qualified health care personnel who have the ability to make evidence-based judgments based on individual factors. Communicating desire to try alternatives to Alprazolam to your healthcare provider will help tailor a treatment program that carries minimal risk of adverse effects.

Xanax is a medication commonly prescribed for those who experience anxiety and panic disorders. As a fast-acting anti-anxiety medication, people may seek Xanax as a quick fix for their symptoms. However, antidepressants and therapy can be a safe alternative to Xanax and a more effective treatment. 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.

When considering alternatives to Xanax, it’s crucial to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan. This may involve trying different medications, combining pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches, or focusing primarily on therapy and lifestyle changes. Luckily, there are alternative anti-anxiety medications with less risk and less severe side effects and withdrawal symptoms. Xanax and other benzodiazepines have proven effective in the acute treatment of anxiety symptoms, the use of these physically addictive medications comes with a severe risk of dependence and complications. A medication commonly prescribed for anxiety, Xanax belongs to the benzodiazepine class. Benzodiazepines are known for their effectiveness and potential for addiction.

Treatment & Support

This can be extremely important for people who have addictive personalities or who have a history of substance abuse. After all, drug addiction itself often causes a lot of anxiety, so it may be counterproductive for many people to use alprazolam, Valium, or other similar drugs to treat anxiety. Here is a rundown of some of the top natural treatments that are frequently used for fear. However, Valium vs. Xanax metabolism comparison shows that the metabolism of Valium is slightly slower in people of Asian and African descent, which makes the effects of the drug last longer.

Postpartum depression and anxiety is a common experience many new mothers go through. Learn more about symptoms, how long they last, and how to provide support. Learn more about the effectiveness, side effects, and other uses of antidepressants like citalopram. This medication typically starts improving anxiety symptoms in three to four weeks.