All our psychiatrists (and all psychiatrists in general) are medical doctors with additional training in mental health. In order to find out which medications might be appropriate, they need to conduct a full evaluation. They’re not regulated in the same way as prescription medications, so their potency, purity, and safety of herbal supplements especially can vary significantly between brands and products. Additionally, these treatments may interact with other medications or health conditions and could be harmful to you.

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Sign up for Jordan’s newsletter and join the 50,000 readers who are using his practical solutions to improve their brain function and mental health. Alcohol alters levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin and GABA. Keep in mind that individuals metabolize caffeine at different rates and have varying thresholds for its effects.

But once you find someone that helps, it can make a significant difference in levels of anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy works by addressing faulty patterns of thinking and correcting them, while simultaneously attempting to make behavioral changes. It combines a cognitive element of therapy with a behavioral element to help a person cope with or overcome their anxiety. During CBT, a therapist will attempt to understand what may be contributing to a person’s anxiety, and then help them change their perspective and coping mechanisms. Learn more about the effectiveness, side effects, and other uses of antidepressants like citalopram. Learn more about how factors like your health insurance, where you live, and brands affect pricing.

) Your Body Chemistry

Phenibut, also known as beta-phenyl-gamma-aminobutyric acid, is a natural derivative of GABA that swiftly crosses the blood-brain barrier, improving neurological functions. While no concrete studies have been conducted to determine its efficacy in this area, user experiences speak for themselves. Phenibut is an unscheduled, unregulated drug that has been embraced by the nootropic community in part because of its potential to relieve anxiety.

L-Theanine is a naturally occurring non-dietary amino acid found mostly in green tea leaves. This amino acid is so special because it isn’t incorporated into other proteins like other amino acids. Mixing Xanax with alcohol may cause breathing problems, drowsiness, and dizziness.

Natural Alternatives to Xanax (available Over-the-Counter)

Due to Xanax’s addictive qualities, many people seek Xanax alternatives instead. In a 2011 study, researchers hypothesized that applying essential oil to the skin would alleviate anxiety and/or depression. To gauge the effect of the oils, researchers measured blood pressure, pulse rate, breathing rate, and skin temperature. Participants also had to self-rate their levels of relaxation, vigor, calmness, alertness, and their mood.

Herbal teas and herbal supplements (Alternatives to Xanax)

A balanced diet can support brain health, reduce inflammation, and regulate the activity of neurotransmitters. Ashwagandha is a natural herb traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to reduce stress and support overall wellness. However, it works more gradually, promoting sleep and possibly lowering cortisol levels — without the risk of dependency.

However, 70% of Americans take at least one prescription drug, and two-thirds consume alcohol regularly. ” Benzodiazepines, including Xanax, are among the hardest drugs to quit, along with hardcore drugs like heroin, cocaine, and crystal meth. GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an what is a natural xanax inhibitory neurotransmitter that slows brain activity, enabling you to relax. It belongs to a family of drugs called benzodiazepines that work as sedatives. If you talk to your doctor about your anxiety, you will likely go home with a prescription for Xanax or similar medication.

• This allows mood-regulating chemicals to stay active in the brain longer, balance emotional responses, and improve anxiety symptoms.
• Much like Valerian and Passion flower, lemon balm is believed to positively influence GABA levels in the brain.
• And since seniors often take other medications, they are at greater risk for interactions.

Yoga practice helps reduce the level of arousal that a person experiences when they are highly anxious or having a panic attack. If you notice the “fight-or-flight” response and flooding of adrenaline throughout your body, the best way to deactivate this response is to relax. In addition to becoming lethargic and experiencing brain fog from the medication, you may notice that Xanax becomes addicting. This drug is considered a “controlled-substance” and falls within the class of benzodiazepines – which are considered addictive drugs. Not only is tolerance rapidly built from taking Xanax, many people are completely ignorant to the long-term effects of benzodiazepines.

• These effects of yoga and meditation can help stabilize moods and reduce stress and anxiety.
• The bottom line here is that plenty of alternatives are much better to take than Xanax, both in terms of their benefits and side effects.
• Besides these side effects, one of the main downsides of Xanax is that it can be habit-forming.
• Inhaling lavender essential oil has been linked to reduced stress and anxiety, and even improved sleep (16).

It’s crucial to consult with a health-care professional before starting any holistic treatment. While no supplement or natural remedy works as quickly or strongly as Xanax, certain compounds have calming effects that can support the brain and body through withdrawal and anxiety recovery. Engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking, gardening, or even just taking a walk in the park can have tremendous benefits for mental health.

It virtually eliminated all feelings of anxiety, lifted my mood, and increased my confidence. Kratom is widely believed to help people get off of opioid medications like oxycodone, vicodin, Hydrocodone, and Percocet, and is actually a very suitable alternative for these medications. Kratom is a plant based substance that comes from the Coffee family, and has been used by people in the Southeast Asian region to help improve mood, give you energy, and lower anxiety. Taking pills, either drugs or supplements, can get tedious and expensive, so few people want to rely on them forever. Interestingly, research confirms that the exercise you do today provides a buffer against anxiety for years to come, even if you eventually stop doing it. The presence of calming l-theanine in tea softens the effects of caffeine, making it a better choice than other caffeinated drinks.

Accessing Effective Anxiety Treatment in California

So it’s easier for you to be mentally sharper, positive, and more productive. There are multiple reasons that Xanax is so widely used for treating anxiety. It’s not fully understood how benzodiazepines work, but it’s widely agreed that they enhance the activity of the brain chemical GABA. Yoga also stimulates the production of endorphins, which can lead to a reduction in stress and anxiety (67). While yoga isn’t a direct pharmaceutical counterpart to Xanax, its consistent practice can substantially aid in managing anxiety and stress.

There is some evidence to support kava kava for use in anxiety, but after the U.S. Food & Drug Administration issued a warning linking kava kava to liver damage, further NCCAM (National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine)-funded studies were put on hold 1. Do not take kava kava if you’re pregnant or nursing or have a liver disorder, cautions the UMMC. Kava kava can also interact with numerous drugs, including alcohol, anticonvulsants and antidepressants. Kava kava should be taken only with your doctor’s permission, cautions the UMMC. The modern world has no corner on the market when it comes to day-to-day stress and anxiety.

Maintaining optimal adrenal health by supplementing with Vitamin B5 can help in managing the body’s stress response (50). As you may know, chronic inflammation has been linked to mood disorders, including anxiety. Some studies suggest that omega-3 supplementation can reduce cortisol (a primary stress hormone) in response to stressful situations (44). Studies have indicated that theanine can also help reduce the physiological responses to stress.