Physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural mood elevators. Additionally, regular exercise can improve sleep, increase self-esteem, and reduce the symptoms of both anxiety and depression 28. Numerous studies show that L-theanine can simultaneously enhance mental acuity and reduce stress 6. Xanax is unequivocally an effective prescription medication for treating anxiety and panic disorders 2. It also alters wakefulness and sleep-wake cycles by regulating brainwave activity.
References – Natural Xanax Remedies
- This is especially true when it comes to the amount of anxiety that you experience.
- Participants who received l-theanine had lower baseline anxiety than those who took Xanax.
- The ancient practice of meditation, deeply rooted in numerous cultures and traditions, has stood the test of time.
- N-A-C (N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine) is a powerful antioxidant amino acid and precursor to glutathione.
- Unlike Xanax, it’s also FDA-approved to treat certain seizure disorders.
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). It was one of the first herbal remedies I took many years ago to manage my anxiety.
Natural Alternative 5. Ashwagandha
- Wellbutrin treats anxiety by increasing norepinephrine and dopamine levels.
- Typical side effects of Prozac for anxiety include sleepiness, nausea, diarrhea, and changes in libido or appetite.
- Natural treatments can range from movement therapy to herbal supplements.
- It’s a common prescription medication used to treat anxiety related mental health concerns, including anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder.
- Techniques for vagal stimulation include cold exposure, humming, and the practice of certain yoga poses, all of which have been shown to engage the parasympathetic nervous system 27.
- Aromatherapy massage combines the therapeutic touch of massage with the healing scents of essential oils to create a powerful antidote to stress and anxiety.
Kava is a well-studied herbal remedy that has been found to be a safe and effective alternative to prescription anti-anxiety drugs but without side effects. In summary, natural alternatives offer a multifaceted approach to handling anxiety and stress. Its ability to alleviate anxiety and stress is backed by a wealth of scientific evidence, and it’s an attractive natural alternative to medications like Xanax.
Here’s a look at the biggest problems with Xanax and similar anti-anxiety medications. This brain supplement meets all 12 of my requirements for a high-quality brain supplement, including effectiveness, safety, purity, and value. So it’s easier for you to be mentally sharper, positive, and more productive. There are multiple reasons that Xanax is so widely used for treating anxiety.
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.
Side effects from Zoloft include nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, fatigue, and changes in appetite or libido. But, it is a controlled substance, so it has a potential for misuse and dependence if not used as directed. Some people develop a tolerance to Xanax and start feeling like they need to take more to get the same effects. And if you stop Xanax suddenly, serious withdrawal symptoms can occur.
Mind-body techniques: Yoga and Meditation
For most persons, rapid Xanax cessation doesn’t relieve their trouble as anxiety will stay behind even if the medication is gone. Going one step further, the real quest is to discover the root causes of symptoms and address those with non-pharmaceutical methods. Psychodynamic therapy aims to uncover the repressed thoughts and feelings behind your anxiety. Sessions focus on digging into your past experiences, so you can identify unresolved conflicts and work through them. Some people shouldn’t take Xanax too, including women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Sleep & Recover – Melatonin Free
The roots of Rhodiola Rosea are thought to be adaptogenic, which means that they should be able to help your body adapt to increased stress levels. Some prettystrong research shows that supplementing magnesium may help support immune function, reduce oxidative stress, and promote good health in general. The problem with this is thatmagnesium deficiencies are shown to produce muscle cramps, dehydration, mental disorders, chronic stress, and more. It is designed to produce a calming effect on the brain, which it does by enhancing the effects of GABA, a natural chemical found in the body.
Many studies show that they significantly reduce brain inflammation; improve memory, mood and cognition; and protect against mild cognitive impairment, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Clinical trials have found that Ashwagandha can effectively reduce stress and anxiety (23). Inhaling lavender essential oil has been linked to reduced stress and anxiety, and even improved sleep (16). In some research, the anxiety-reducing effects of lavender were found to be comparable to anti-anxiety medications (14).
In some cases, benzodiazepines are prescribed to individuals suffering from anxiety-related insomnia. Consuming plenty of magnesium-rich foods, such as leafy green vegetables, nuts, and seeds, can help ensure adequate levels and support overall mental health. While benzodiazepines aren’t generally used to treat depression, they may be prescribed in certain cases where a patient with depression also experiences severe anxiety or panic attacks. These anti-anxiety medications have potent sedatives, muscle-relaxing, and natural alternative to xanax anticonvulsant effects that can help alleviate agitation, tension, and panic attacks. I had a chance to try pure CBD oil from Colorado – and it was highly-effective at treating my anxiety symptoms. And, people typically use N-A-C because glutathione lowers your oxidative stress, detoxifies your liver, and reduces the anxiety symptoms that you experience.
Xanax alternatives for anxiety relief
Statistics say that the overdose death rate for benzodiazepines has increased more than four times between 1996 and 2013. The precise method of action by which “benzos” work is only somewhat understood, but they are thought to hike up levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the calming neurotransmitter in our brains. We’re a modern 64-bed inpatient facility in Loveland, Colorado, with leading-edge medical technology and a strong reputation for clinical excellence and healthcare quality.