Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 3. Constituents of valerian root also appear to increase serotonin receptor activity, though the specific compounds responsible for this effect — aside from valerenic acid — remain unclear 19. The serotonergic and GABAergic properties of valerian are likely responsible for its sedative and calming effects. If you’re looking for safe anxiety treatment, Brightside can match you with a licensed provider to prescribe you medication that’s delivered right to your door. We’ll use your data to find the right medication so you can get you back to being you.

Reasons To Find Xanax Alternatives

• It’s not a benzodiazepine, so it doesn’t have the same warnings for abuse and dependence.
• This medication is commonly prescribed to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
• A balanced autonomic nervous system means there’s a healthy balance between the sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) responses (71).
• 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.
• Regular exercise can help regulate and reduce the release of cortisol, the primary stress hormone, promoting a more balanced emotional state (69).
• The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have not approved Xanax as a treatment for insomnia.

The practices below may effectively provide lasting support for mental and physical well-being. It primarily interacts with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in the brain, which regulates the body’s stress response. Be sure to consult your doctor before trying any of the Xanax alternatives below to ensure they’re safe and suited to your needs. Higher dosages can lead to withdrawal and dependency issues in the long run. Calls to any general helpline will be answered by treatment providers, each of which is a paid advertiser. Calls to numbers on a specific treatment center listing will be routed to that treatment center.

prescription alternatives to Xanax

The FDA now requires a boxed warning on all benzodiazepines to improve safety outcomes. The most common side effect that comes with Xanax is daytime grogginess and fatigue because of the ways in which it slows your central nervous system. Get regular updates from RedBox Rx about conditions, treatments and special offers. Get started on your anxiety treatment journey with our online assessment. If you or someone you know is struggling with misuse of Xanax, please reach out for help immediately.

What is the best benzodiazepine for anxiety?

Magnesium supplementation can also support immune function and reduce oxidative stress, imperative for overall health and longevity 12. Many Xanax users report significant sedative and hypnotic effects, thereby helping alleviate symptoms of anxiety and tension. Since Xanax and other benzodiazepines such as Ativan are habit-forming and can lead to physical dependence, you should take some precautions when deciding to stop using them. Be sure to talk with your provider about how you can decrease your dependence and manage withdrawal symptoms safely. Additionally, because Xanax increases the activity of GABA, neurons adapt to the presence of the drug and become underactive when withdrawn. As a result, it is common for people to develop a physical dependence on Xanax and other similar medications over time.

Valerian Root

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. By reducing REM sleep duration and frequency, Xanax may help users get more deep sleep. Since Xanax targets GABAergic transmission exclusively, natural ingredients with similar pharmacology can also induce relaxation, improve sleep, and foster feelings of well-being. Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.

• Xanax (alprazolam) is a popular prescription drug used to treat symptoms of anxiety disorders and panic disorders.
• However, by virtue of its synthetic origin, alprazolam is much more potent than any GABA agonists that occur in nature (e.g. L-theanine and constituents of valerian root).
• The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the drug for treating generalized anxiety and panic disorders.
• A systematic review of these studies indicated that Kava is a beneficial and effective treatment for anxiety.
• These imbalances can then result in increased anxiety levels later (75).

And, it doesn’t relax your muscles like Xanax, so it’s less likely to cause sedation or tiredness. Instead, buspirone relieves anxiety by targeting serotonin and dopamine receptors in your brain. Common side effects of buspirone for anxiety include dizziness, drowsiness, nervousness, nausea, and headache. One of the simplest and most effective natural methods to alleviate anxiety is through deep breathing exercises.

Good sleep for anxiety

Some people seek Xanax alternatives because they don’t like the common side effects they experience, or they’re concerned about Xanax dependence and substance abuse. 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. While benzodiazepines are still commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders, there are better options that are generally safer, with a lower risk of addiction. 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).

Passion flower can be safely combined with other natural anti-anxiety remedies, amplifying its effects. Another showed that it can reduce pre-surgery anxiety, comparable to standard medications (4). alprazolam substitute It’s believed to increase levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA lowers the activity of some brain cells, promoting a sense of relaxation (2).

Clinical trials of lemon balm extract have shown this herb can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression by as much as 30% 22. There is also limited data suggesting lemon balm promotes healthy sleep-wake cycles and may combat anxiety-related insomnia 23. While Xanax may be effective for some, the FDA warns of serious side effects and the potential for addiction while taking it. Benzodiazepines often cause the user to become physically dependent, possibly leading to withdrawal symptoms. Luckily, there are safer Xanax replacements and alternatives out there. 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.

If you want to explore trying antidepressants or another kind of medication to treat your anxiety symptoms, take Talkiatry’s quick online assessment. You will be matched with one of our psychiatrists, who can work with you to decide what treatment path makes sense for you. Xanax works by binding to specific receptors in the brain that are sensitive to GABA and enhancing GABA’s effect on them. In other words, it boosts the power of that brake pedal, making it even more effective at calming down the activity of neurons. As a result, Xanax helps reduce feelings of anxiety, panic, or tension.