10 Non-Addictive Anxiety Meds: Xanax Alternatives

However, they can also be effective in managing the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, and trembling. While buspirone may not provide the immediate relief that Xanax offers, it can be an effective long-term solution for managing chronic anxiety. It’s particularly useful for patients who have a history of substance abuse or are at high risk for developing dependence on benzodiazepines. Chamomile, a commonly used natural remedy for anxiety, is known for its calming properties. 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. Find a provider on Klarity Health today, and you begin anxiety treatment online with medication and/or therapy.

• It’s important to remember that the best type of anxiety medication is the one that works for you.
• All of these neurotransmitters play a crucial role in mood regulation and anxiety control (49).
• Another type of medication used for anxiety is buspirone, in a class of medications called anxiolytics.
• Rather compelling research has shown that treatment with magnesium supplements can rapidly relieve anxiety and panic attacks 11.

Lastly, remember that every person is unique and may respond differently to alternative treatments. Work with a qualified healthcare practitioner or alternative to xanax otc psychiatrist to determine what’s best for you. Relying on black-market sources for an addictive drug is a slippery slope, and it most certainly won’t lead be a safe and effective long-term solution for treating anxiety disorders. Alternatives to Xanax (sold as alprazolam) include natural medicine, calming therapies, relaxing practices, herbal remedies, counseling, change in diet, and much more. Natural and alternative treatments for anxiety have been used for ages, long before prescription drugs like benzodiazepines were developed. It is a blessing from nature that these straightforward, but powerful alternatives exist.

therapy complements or alternatives to Xanax

Gabapentin, while not officially approved for anxiety treatment, is sometimes prescribed off-label for this purpose. It is important to note that the most effective treatment approach for anxiety disorders often involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication management. This is not an exhaustive list, and discussing whether TMS is a potential treatment option for you is important.

These medications attach themselves to specific receptors in the brain, enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and depressing the central nervous system. As a result, nerve cell activity is more strongly suppressed, leading to feelings of sedation, relaxation, and a reduction in anxiety. If you’re seeking Xanax alternatives to help manage your symptoms of anxiety, Talkspace can help.

In the case of Xanax, binding to the GABA-A receptor complex increases the receptor’s affinity for GABA, the endogenous ligand. Brightside Health can offer help for a full spectrum of conditions and severity levels. If you’re in emotional distress, text HOME to connect with a counselor immediately. 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. This approach can be particularly helpful for individuals who have found traditional CBT challenging or ineffective.

• When you talk to your doctor, make sure to disclose any history of substance use disorder or drug misuse.
• Talkspace offers an accessible, affordable way to enhance your mental well-being and take control of your anxiety.
• Shallow or rapid breathing is a typical response during stressful situations, activating the sympathetic (“fight or flight”) nervous system.

In CBT, your therapist works with you to identify the intrusive thoughts and behaviors contributing to your anxiety. Then, they give you tools to replace them with healthier coping strategies. Before starting any new medication or stopping Xanax, a person should talk to their doctor so they can do so safely. If a person changes the way they are taking Xanax or stops taking it altogether without the appropriate guidance of a doctor, they could endure severe withdrawal effects, which in some cases are fatal. People should also speak with their doctor if they feel they are experiencing withdrawal symptoms after stopping Xanax or reducing the amount of Xanax they are taking. A person should talk to their doctor if they still cannot sleep after making changes to their sleep routine.

Despite having a similar name as the stimulant alkaloid caffeine, caffeic acids are unrelated to the former in their structure and mechanisms of action. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a long-living flowering plant with a naturally sweet scent that has been used for centuries in perfumes. In contrast, the plant roots commonly extracted for herbal remedies have a pungent, putrid odor that’s tough to subdue with masking agents and flavoring. Magnesium supplements come in several forms; some are well-absorbed, some are not. Sadly, most magnesium supplements contain an inferior form –magnesium oxide – which has poor bioavailability 14.

Propranolol is an oral medication for high blood pressure, angina, migraine, and more. It’s also prescribed off-label to treat generalized anxiety,  social phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), pre-operative or pre-dental treatment anxiety, stage fright, and agoraphobia. As a beta-blocker, propranolol isn’t addictive like some anxiety meds, including Xanax. But, it can cause various gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and nervous system-related side effects.

Birth Control Prescriptions

Anxiety is an invisible yet potent force, shaping the lives of millions around the globe. For many, medication serves as a refuge from the relentless grip of worry and panic. 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. Effexor isn’t a controlled substance like Xanax, so there’s no risk of dependence. Some people shouldn’t take Xanax too, including women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Exercise helps release endorphins and increases the availability of neurotransmitters. It can also help support good sleep, which can simulate some of the sedative effects of Xanax. Using therapy in addition to medication for anxiety disorders is proven to give you up to a 60% better chance of recovery as opposed to just one treatment alone. While medication can be an important part of anxiety treatment, many individuals find relief through natural and lifestyle approaches.

Research suggests CBT could be more effective than medication for long-term insomnia relief. SSRIs take around four to eight weeks to take effect and may produce side effects like headache, nausea, trouble sleeping, and dizziness. However, in the majority of people, side effects are mild and disappear after the first few days, and the treatment benefits outweigh the issues. By leveraging its proprietary technology platform, 50-state medical group, and nationwide mail-order pharmacy network, LifeMD is increasing access to amazing healthcare that is affordable to everyone. They will be able to help you find the best option based on your medical history, the severity of your anxiety symptoms, and discuss the pros and cons of each alternative with you. Eating well and exercising regularly can improve the body’s natural ability to manage stress, which may help with overall health.

Magnesium Supplements

Benzos can be effective for managing severe anxiety and panic disorders, but they may not be suitable for individuals with a history of addiction or a family history of addiction. It’s important to note that Xanax and other benzodiazepines have the potential to create dependence and should only be used under the guidance of a medical practitioner 4. Alprazolam, the active ingredient in Xanax, is a benzodiazepine first marketed in 1981. It works by modulating gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission in the central nervous system (CNS). Buspirone is a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic medication that has gained popularity as an alternative to Xanax for treating generalized anxiety disorder. Unlike Xanax, buspirone does not carry a risk of dependence and has a lower potential for abuse.

To view a report comparing 3 (or more) medications, please sign in or create an account. 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. This article will discuss how Xanax works, alternative options, and when to see a doctor.

Alternatives at Your Local Shops

Instead, they recommend plenty of vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and turmeric. High-fat, low-carb diets, such as the ketogenic diet, may also be helpful. TMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate parts of your brain that regulate your mood. Therapists may use TMS to treat generalized anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder. Unlike the other Xanax alternatives on our list, Spravato (esketamine) is a nasal spray.

The journey to mental well-being is deeply personal, and finding the right treatment can be transformative. Certain forms of exercise, such as yoga and tai chi, relieve anxiety by incorporating body movement, breath, and mindfulness. Other forms, such as running, can be a helpful addition as part of a holistic therapy for mental health. Improving your diet may also relieve anxiety, thanks to the gut-brain connection. Specifically, researchers recommend avoiding sugar, artificial sweeteners, and gluten.

Medical research has conclusively shown that exposure to toxic mold can cause neurological impairment. Toxic mold syndrome causes symptoms like confusion, depression, dizziness, anxiety, and many others. Get online psychiatry and medication prescriptions and management from Talkspace by reaching out today. Loved for its soothing, pleasant scent, lavender is commonly used in essential oils for anxiety, sachets, diffusers, and candles. Research shows that inhaling lavender for just 3 minutes can decrease anxiety and enhance mood.