Ativan Vs Xanax, other Benzos, and Natural Alternatives

While they’re not an exact substitute for medications like Xanax, they can still be a potent tool in managing your anxiety and stress. An imbalanced gut can also lead to chronic inflammation, which is increasingly linked to various mood disorders, including anxiety. As you may know, chronic inflammation has been linked to mood disorders, including anxiety.

  • Yoga incorporates the mindfulness of meditation with physical movement to relax and restore the muscles.
  • Cutting back or eliminating caffeine can serve as a natural approach to reducing anxiety, making it a lifestyle alternative to medications like Xanax.
  • There are several alternatives to consider for people with a history of substance abuse and those concerned about Xanax’s side effects.
  • They also play a key role in mood regulation and the alleviation of anxiety.
  • Ativan and Alprazolam both belong to the class benzodiazepine, and they are prescribed for the treatment of sleep disorders, anxiety, and various psychiatric conditions.
  • Although both are fast-acting, when comparing Ativan vs. Xanax, Ativan takes longer to start its action.
  • There is a wide variety of herbal compounds, amino acids, and other supplements that can be tried to treat different mental health conditions.

Transparent Labs Magnesium Bisglycinate capsules contain chelated magnesium which is gentle on the gut and readily absorbed 15. Our new mobile app makes it even easier to stay in touch with your care team and your mental health. We’re committed to delivering life-changing anxiety and depression care to everyone who needs it. Get helpful tips & strategies for better mental health delivered right to your inbox.

  • 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.
  • GABA receptor activity subsequently modulates the function of several different neurotransmitter systems to engender a restful, calm state of mind.
  • However, the potential for addiction and dependence on Xanax and other anxiety medications like Lorazepam (Ativan), Valium, Klonopin, and Librium is HUGE.
  • Alcohol is often viewed as a social lubricant, a means to relax, or even a temporary escape from the stresses of life.
  • Alprazolam has a half-life of 11.2 hours with side effects including dizziness, Akathisia, drowsiness, lightheadedness, and others.
  • Talkspace offers an accessible, affordable way to enhance your mental well-being and take control of your anxiety.

Valerenic acid and its derivatives are structurally similar to the GABA molecule and bind to subtype-A GABA receptors 16. Valerenic acid is an allosteric modulator of these receptors, much like alprazolam (Xanax) 17. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) stands out as one of the most promising adaptogens due to its multifarious benefits in the human body.

Alternatives to Xanax: What are some safer options for anxiety?

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.

Along with Passion flower, Valerian was one of the first herbal remedies I took many years ago to manage my anxiety. One of the simplest and most effective natural methods to alleviate anxiety is through deep breathing exercises. Deep breathing works by activating the body’s parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for promoting relaxation and reducing stress 26. When practiced consistently, it can help decrease heart rate, lower blood pressure, and provide a sense of calm. Therefore, lemon balm extract is a natural Xanax alternative that putatively synergizes with other natural alternatives like valerian root and L-theanine. Nonetheless, valerian root tea and supplements are worth a try if you’re looking for a natural alternative to Xanax to help manage anxiety.

Magnesium supplements

It belongs to a family of drugs called benzodiazepines that work as sedatives. Buspirone works well when there are high levels of worry, tension, irritability, or a mix of depression and anxiety. Xanax is addictive, and if a person thinks they are depending on Xanax to cope with day-to-day life, they should contact an addiction support service for more information and assistance.

What is the best benzodiazepine for anxiety?

There are many natural Xanax alternatives proven to reduce anxiety effectively and safely. 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. The study also reported that most people who seek professional help for anxiety tend to have GAD, panic disorder, or social anxiety disorder. People with specific phobias are least likely to seek professional help.

Your addiction does not have to define who you are.

Only trained and licensed medical professionals can provide such services. If you or anyone you know is undergoing a severe health crisis, call a doctor or 911 immediately. Taking pills, either drugs or supplements, can get tedious and expensive, so few people want to rely on them forever.

The Best Lifestyle Alternatives to Xanax

GABA receptor activity subsequently modulates the function of several different neurotransmitter systems to engender a restful, calm state of mind. If you’re having a medical or mental health emergency, call 911 or go to your local ER. Withdrawal symptoms are different for everyone, but Xanax withdrawal may include headaches, blurred vision, tremors, sweating, anxiety, panic, loss of appetite, and insomnia. If you have insomnia, you may want to talk to your provider about a Xanax substitute like trazodone to help aid in sleep. It is a melatonin receptor agonist, which helps to balance chemicals in the brain. It has recently been approved for long-term use, so it is safer and likely to come with fewer side effects when compared to Xanax.

Non-addictive Anxiety Medication Options

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate things like mood, sleep, and emotional response. By stabilizing levels of serotonin passed across neurons, these best xanax alternative medications may help decrease feelings of anxiety and regulate mood swings—making them effective in managing symptoms of depression. 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. So the Klonopin dosage frequency is reduced among Klonopin vs. Xanax. Alprazolam, however, leaves the body quickly, and so frequent consumption of Xanax pills is needed.

Individuals taking theanine experience a reduction in heart rate and salivary immunoglobulin A, both of which typically spike during stress (40-41). Research shows that combining magnesium with vitamin B6 can enhance the absorption and effectiveness of magnesium. And some studies suggest this combination can be particularly effective in alleviating anxiety (36-37). Lastly, chronic inflammation is often linked to anxiety and mood disorders, and chamomile’s potent anti-inflammatory properties can help counteract this (31). Many people today are turning to Ashwagandha as a natural alternative to pharmaceuticals like 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.

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. We have strict guidelines when it comes to sources, and only link to credible and reputable media outlets, academic research institutions, and medically peer reviewed studies, whenever possible. All Supplement Critique content is medically reviewed or fact checked by a licensed medical doctor to ensure as much factual information as possible. Unlike with Kratom, you generally have to take VERY large dose to get the anti-anxiety effects you’re looking for.

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