Its mild sedative effect is one reason why chamomile tea is a popular bedtime drink (27). 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). In some studies, the reduction in anxiety with Ashwagandha supplementation rivalled those achieved by some psychiatric drugs (24). Beyond supplements and teas, lemon balm is also used in essential oil form for aromatherapy.
Overview of CBT
- You can actually consider this supplement to work as a “mild sedative” because of its calming and light tranquilizing effects.
- CBT works by helping you identify, understand, and stop negative thought cycles.
- Meditation is personally one of my favorite daily activities to maintain optimal brain function and mental health.
- Keep in mind that individuals metabolize caffeine at different rates and have varying thresholds for its effects.
- GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that slows brain activity, enabling you to relax.
- Neuroimaging studies have shown that consistent meditation can lead to changes in the structure and function of the brain.
- Spring Hill Recovery Center provides residential treatment for addiction and co-occurring mental health issues.
So, that’s one reason why I’m hesitant to recommend the herb as a natural anxiety remedy (at this point in time). Kratom is another common recommendation for dealing with the terrible pains of anxiety. There are many stories of people who thought that they could get away with using phenibut occasionally. But, slowly but surely, many people who use phenibut use it more and more often. This leads to the same sort of dependency and addiction problems that come with Xanax.
What is the best benzodiazepine for anxiety?
They provide options for those looking for alternative or complementary treatments to conventional medication. Each of these therapeutic approaches provides a unique perspective and set of tools for managing anxiety, offering a wealth of resources for individuals seeking alternatives to Xanax. Despite the potential side effects, it’s worth considering as a safer alternative to Xanax for managing anxiety.
What are drugs that calm you down?
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). This empowers individuals to take control of their mental health in diverse ways, from dietary shifts to mindfulness practices. The allure of natural Xanax alternatives lies in their potential to alleviate anxiety without the accompanying risks of traditional medications like Xanax. The vagus nerve plays a crucial role in regulating the body’s relaxation response.
While all vitamins and minerals are essential for ideal mental health, here are a few that are particularly critical if you have anxiety. Additionally, these gut bacteria help anxiety by significantly reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol. If your anxiety keeps you up at night, gotu kola can help that too since it’s also an effective natural sleep aid. Traditionally, it has been used to treat anxiety, depression, and mental fatigue. These herbal remedies have been used for centuries as sleep aids and to bring about a state of relaxation. While you can get l-theanine from drinking tea, it’s not practical to rely on tea alone to reduce anxiety.
In fact, it will improve your mental acuity whilst fighting stress – no wonder we see it in nootropic formulae. We list the whole range of natural Xanax alternatives, but if you want our no.1 all in one solution then go for Xanapril. It is a dedicated Xanax alternative and uses natural ingredients that are proven to relieve stress and anxiety whilst promote good deep sleep.
Multiple clinical trials have investigated the effects of specific probiotic strains on mood and anxiety. Researchers have found that certain strains can alleviate anxiety and improve overall mood (57). Multiple studies have indicated that individuals with higher omega-3 intake or higher blood levels of omega-3s tend to have reduced symptoms of anxiety (42). Ashwagandha is one of the main herbs I took to reduce stress and anxiety as I came off my psychiatric medications.
What Are Medicinal Treatments for Anxiety?
It burns off stress hormones and increases feel-good endorphins to help you handle daily stress. While GABA supplements are available, their effectiveness is questionable. Vitamin C is the most popular vitamin supplement of all and is usually taken for preventing colds and reducing allergy symptoms. Vitamin B6 is an essential cofactor required for the synthesis of GABA, serotonin, and dopamine — three neurotransmitters that have a strong impact on mood. Vitamins and minerals may not sound heavy-duty enough to take the place of Xanax, but if you are lacking certain core nutrients, your brain can’t function at its best.
- Antidepressants, buspirone, and beta-blockers are among the medical alternatives Xanax that can help manage anxiety.
- Of course, addiction can have very serious consequences for all aspects of life, whether schooling, your career, or personal life.
- His specialty is in natural healing techniques that promote the body’s innate ability to heal itself.
- Persons with normal levels of anxiety are less likely to experience anxiety when taking Aniracetam.
- You can find this specific ingredient in Transparent Labs KSM-66® Ashwagandha capsules.
Dietary Changes and Supplements
Native societies have been using these natural remedies for hundreds of years all over the world. Some have said that there are certain people who should never take drugs like Xanax or Ativan. Acute withdrawal side effects can even include hallucinations, seizures, and psychosis. Drugs like Xanax and Ativan possess a ridiculously long list of adverse side effects.
This amino acid is so special because it isn’t incorporated into other proteins like other amino acids. Those with the most serious Xanax addictions may take up to 30 pills per day if not more. If a user stops taking Xanax, insomnia, restlessness, anxiety, tremors, and mood swings may all occur. Today, we will talk about a list of natural Xanax alternatives and how they function, as well as why you might want to stay away from Xanax in the first place.
Our personalized addiction treatment programs take into consideration all of your mental health needs. Vitamin C is also a well-known stress buster that can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms. Moderate anxiety symptoms often improve within 30 minutes after taking l-theanine and the natural alternative to xanax effects can last for up to 10 hours. There are many natural Xanax alternatives proven to reduce anxiety effectively and safely. Natural alternatives to Xanax, a widely used anti-anxiety drug, are not only effective but avoid this medication’s serious side effects and addictiveness.
However, it works more gradually, promoting sleep and possibly lowering cortisol levels — without the risk of dependency. SNRIs help manage anxiety by preventing the quick reabsorption of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. While SSRIs are generally well-tolerated, some people may experience mild side effects, like nausea, headaches, and insomnia.
