Formerly known as vitamin B8, Inositol is a powerful nootropic that is naturally found in the brain. Our neurotransmitters are dependent upon inositol for transmitting messages between brain cells. On the contrary, drugs like Xanax have found themselves on a list of the top ten toughest drugs to quit, sharing space with such illicit substances as heroin. Users must take more and more pills to feel like they are receiving the perceived benefits of the drug. The scariest thing of all is the damage Xanax can cause after long-term use.

Eat a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables

• Another showed that it can reduce pre-surgery anxiety, comparable to standard medications (4).
• Make time to get a full 7 to 9 hours per night and follow the same sleep schedule every day.
• 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.
• Lastly, remember that every person is unique and may respond differently to alternative treatments.
• Similarly, meditation can help reduce anxiety by supporting normal brain functions and regulating the secretion of GABA.

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. But some states consider it a Schedule IV controlled substance and regulate its use at the state level. Dr. Samuel Lee is a board-certified psychiatrist, specializing in a spiritually-based mental health discipline and integrative approaches. He graduated with an MD at Loma Linda University School of Medicine and did a residency in psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle.

Arctic Root

Experiencing a Xanax addiction is challenging, and it may feel overwhelming to consider switching from Xanax to an alternative on your own. Some people find individual therapy to be the most helpful, while others prefer group or family therapy. Melatonin is a hormone that the brain uses to regulate the sleep-wake cycle. 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.

In addition, the bioactive constituents in ashwagandha, including withanolides, can modulate brain chemistry and create a favorable stress response, thereby reducing anxiety. Serotonin promotes physical and mental relaxation and provides relief from stress and anxiety. Neurofeedback is a form of biofeedback that involves hooking the brain up to electrodes and monitoring the activity of brain waves in certain regions. The goal of neurofeedback is to essentially give the person “feedback” when their brain is functioning optimally based on the brain waves in certain regions. A neurofeedback practitioner typically will take a reading of a person’s brain waves, then determine potential abnormalities in specific sites that may be contributing to anxiety.

Herbal Alternatives to Xanax

Often called the “Indian ginseng,” this adaptogenic herb has been used for over 3,000 years to relieve stress, increase energy levels, and improve concentration. However, kava still has the potential for side effects, especially skin problems at higher doses. My recommendation is to follow the instructions on the product that you buy and cycle kava on and off. Kava is known to produce quick results, with many users reporting anxiety-reducing effects within an hour or even minutes of consumption. This rapid action can be especially helpful in acute anxiety situations. This influence can lead to feelings of calmness, relaxation, and euphoria.

Counseling and Other Therapeutics as Xanax 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). In today’s fast-paced world, feelings of anxiety and overwhelming stress are common. Jonathan Kelleher from the CPS said it had been a case of “fake medicines being produced on an industrial scale, with significant potential harm to the public”. “We dedicated time, resource and expertise to ensure these illicit counterfeit activities were prevented in order to protect public health.” Cranstoun, a harm reduction charity in the Black Country, said counterfeit drugs were often “much more potent and stronger than the drugs they are masquerading as”.

There’s nothing like the feeling of coming home to a wagging tail or a purring cat after a stressful day. The responsibility of caring for an animal can also provide structure and purpose, which can be beneficial for managing symptoms of anxiety. One of the best ways to reduce stress is to take breaks throughout the day. This gives you a chance to relax and rejuvenate, which can help to improve your overall mood.

Some people shouldn’t take Xanax too, including women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. 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.

With modern scientific methodologies, we’re now beginning to understand its profound beneficial effects and its ability to reduce stress natural xanax and anxiety. 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). Probiotics can help restore balance to the gut microbiome, reducing inflammation and its detrimental effects on your mental health (55). The adrenal glands, responsible for releasing stress hormones, require adequate amounts of vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) for proper function. Maintaining optimal adrenal health by supplementing with Vitamin B5 can help in managing the body’s stress response (50).

Practice deep-breathing exercises

Xanax and other benzodiazepines do not amend themselves well to rapid detox modalities. Our residential center has been focusing on this patient population and these types of benzodiazepine transitions for nearly 2 decades. Data released by the National Institutes for Health (NIH) found that almost half of U.S. adults don’t consume enough magnesium to meet daily requirements, leaving them at increased risk of anxiety.

All our psychiatrists (and all psychiatrists in general) are medical doctors with additional training in mental health. They can prescribe any medication they think can help their patients. In order to find out which medications might be appropriate, they need to conduct a full evaluation. When it comes to managing anxiety, it’s important to note that benzodiazepines are not the only option. While they can be prescribed for anxiety, it’s crucial to consider their negative effects that can occur in the long term. While Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan, and Valium are some examples benzodiazepines, your doctor may not prescribe any of them, preferring antidepressants medications instead.

They are vital nutrients with an impressive array of health benefits. Theanine is an amino acid predominantly found in tea leaves (especially green tea). These foods are included in my Free Grocery Shopping Guide for Optimal Mental Health. Magnesium is also involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters like GABA, which are crucial for the regulation of anxiety and mood (35).

In summary, natural alternatives offer a multifaceted approach to handling anxiety and stress. Deep breathing also lowers levels of cortisol, the primary stress hormone in the body, which then leads to reduced anxiety (64). Studies have shown that chamomile extract can help reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) (28). Clinical trials have shown that Silexan is effective at reducing anxiety. It even compares favorably to some conventional benzodiazepines and antidepressants, but without the potential for addiction or significant drowsiness (15). Along with Passion flower, Valerian was one of the first herbal remedies I took many years ago to manage my anxiety.

Doctors can offer advice on safe treatments and check for any health issues that could be causing anxiety. They may suggest therapy types such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or medications that won’t interfere with what you’re already taking. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment to ensure it’s safe and right for you. For the treatment of short-term social anxiety, Kava is considered superior to a placebo. Several other studies have noted that Kava promotes an anxiolytic response within the body.

Rather compelling research has shown that treatment with magnesium supplements can rapidly relieve anxiety and panic attacks 11. Magnesium supplementation can also support immune function and reduce oxidative stress, imperative for overall health and longevity 12. Lastly, a balanced gut can more efficiently absorb essential nutrients, including those vital for brain function and mental health, such as B vitamins, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids (58). Thankfully, research shows that improving either one can also relieve the other. Make time to get a full 7 to 9 hours per night and follow the same sleep schedule every day.