These lingering withdrawal symptoms can lead to chronic illness if left untreated, according to LaCorte’s research. Both researchers acknowledge the mechanism of benzodiazepine dependence needs further study to be entirely defined. While research into the potential health benefits of CBD is ongoing, many people have reported success in using CBD to manage anxiety symptoms. It is important to speak with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment for anxiety or other mental health conditions.
To use this herbal anti-anxiety remedy, mix half a tablespoon of ashwagandha powder in a glass of warm milk. This nature’s Xanax is believed to work by regulating the production of the stress hormone cortisol in the brain. Brahmi acts as a natural adaptogen and soothes the restless and anxious mind. It is believed to work by increasing the secretion of a feel-good hormone called serotonin in the brain.
Natural Alternatives to Xanax: Safe and Effective Options
Therefore, lemon balm extract is a natural Xanax alternative that putatively synergizes with other natural alternatives like valerian root and L-theanine. Magnesium is a mineral found in various green vegetables and some lentils and supports bone mineralization, protein building, muscular contraction, nerve impulse transmission, and immunity. If you’re considering natural Xanax alternatives, L-theanine should be near the top of your list. L-theanine is a non-dietary amino acid found predominantly in green tea leaves. Instead of being incorporated into proteins like other amino acids in the body, theanine exerts nootropic effects by crossing the blood-brain barrier and regulating brainwaves and GABA receptors 5. Many Xanax users report significant sedative and hypnotic effects, thereby helping alleviate symptoms of anxiety and tension.
Practice yoga and meditation
Alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), and diazepam (Valium) are some of the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepines. The B vitamin complex comprises eight water-soluble vitamins, all of which are involved in the body’s stress response and neuronal health. This increased resilience can help alleviate anxiety-related symptoms such as irritability, sleep issues, and difficulty concentrating. The seeds, bark, and leaves of trees belonging to the Magnoliaceae family contain honokiol.
Statements regarding supplement benefits have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Transparent Labs products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. In other words, valerenic acid derivatives are silent antagonists of GABA-A receptors. 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.
Depending on your circumstances, the trade-off might be worth it to manage anxiety symptoms naturally. Engaging in light exercise is another effective natural remedy for reducing anxiety. 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. Rather compelling research has shown that treatment with magnesium supplements can rapidly relieve anxiety and panic attacks 11.
- This can be frustrating for those who are used to the quick fix of benzos.
- While she gave the approval for me to give it a try, she cautioned that because marijuana is illegal, CBD hasn’t been researched enough to determine its impact on anxiety.
- Individuals taking theanine experience a reduction in heart rate and salivary immunoglobulin A, both of which typically spike during stress (40-41).
- With the introduction of benzodiazepines such as chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and diazepam (Valium) in the early 1960s, a new era in the treatment of insomnia and anxiety began.
- For best results, lorazepam alternatives treatment must be designed specifically for the individual.
- By Xanax alternatives, we are not suggesting we help you find a “better” drug.
Special Notes on CBD
Deficiencies in these B vitamins can impair GABA-mediated neurotransmission, which can contribute to anxiety and other mood disorders. Vitamin B6 plays a crucial role in the production of GABA, which may explain why individuals with B vitamin deficiencies are at increased risk of anxiety, panic attacks, and insomnia. Magnolia bark extract has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to manage anxiety and depression. There are many simple things a person can add to their daily habits to beat anxiety without resorting to clonazepam or similar medications.
Are Natural Xanax Alternatives Better than Xanax Itself?
Drugs like Xanax can have potential side effects and withdrawal symptoms, including xerostomia (dryness of the mouth), constipation, mood swings, irritability, dizziness, brain fog, confusion, and disinhibition. These drugs are central-nervous-system depressants that can both have calming effects. Trazodone, which might be sold under the brand name Desyrel, is an antidepressant classified as a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI). It is primarily used to treat depression but is also prescribed off-label to help with sleep because of its sedating effects lowering your heart rate.
- At Alternative to Meds, we provide medical lorazepam alternatives such as bridge medications when needed to help to ensure a safe and smooth taper.
- 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.
- Maintaining optimal adrenal health by supplementing with Vitamin B5 can help in managing the body’s stress response (50).
- Many yoga practices activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for relaxation and recovery.
- As a result, Valerian root is an attractive natural sedative and compelling alternative to drugs like Xanax.
- Over half of these visits are due to interactions between Xanax and alcohol or other drugs.
Amino Acid Xanax Alternatives
Nature’s Xanax has the potential to elevate anxiety without the risk of severe side effects or dependency. Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss…from exercises to build a stronger core to advice on treating cataracts. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts. The limitations of this case were the lack of follow-up with the patient and her unwillingness to repeat PHQ-9 and GAD-7 assessments to provide objective information. Further follow-up appointments would have provided opportunities to track her process and refine her treatment plan.
Taking pills, either drugs or supplements, can get tedious and expensive, so few people want to rely on them forever. If you try some of these ingestible natural Xanax alternatives and don’t get the relief you’re looking for, don’t get discouraged. Just as anti-anxiety drugs don’t work for everyone, no single supplement is 100% effective either. Research shows that taking a high-quality multivitamin can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and improve general well-being. There are many forms of magnesium supplements to pick from, but most barely enter the brain, where the magnesium is needed to impact anxiety. Many people experience significantly fewer anxiety symptoms when taking a B complex supplement.
Omega-3s also influence the release and function of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which are both essential for optimal mental health (45). Some participants in these studies experienced a reduction in anxiety comparable to certain psychiatric drugs (29). Chamomile contains apigenin, which is an antioxidant that binds to certain receptors in the brain, which then promotes relaxation and reduces insomnia. Its mild sedative effect is one reason why chamomile tea is a popular bedtime drink (27). In some studies, the reduction in anxiety with Ashwagandha supplementation rivalled those achieved by some psychiatric drugs natural benzo replacement (24).
In some research, the anxiety-reducing effects of lavender were found to be comparable to anti-anxiety medications (14). For instance, when paired with Valerian root, the combination can be particularly effective in treating insomnia and restlessness. Research indicates that lemon balm can elevate mood, ease nervousness, and counteract anxiety-related stress (9). Valerian can be combined with other natural remedies, such as lemon balm, to create synergistic effects, making it more potent than using it on its own. Researchers have found that Valerian reduces the physiological symptoms of anxiety, such as palpitations and trembling (6). As a result, Valerian root is an attractive natural sedative and compelling alternative to drugs like Xanax.
