Ativan Vs Xanax, other Benzos, and Natural Alternatives

When practiced consistently, it can help decrease heart rate, lower blood pressure, and provide a sense of calm. 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. Lemon balm extract and tea are often studied as treatments for anxiety symptoms, like panic attacks and substitute for xanax stress-related eating behaviors.

Xanax’s Misuse Potential

Alprazolam, however, leaves the body quickly, and so frequent consumption of Xanax pills is needed. The half-life contracts of Klonopin vs. Xanax are quite big; the half-life of Klonopin is longer, i.e., 30 to 40 hours. Both have the potential for dependence and addiction with long-term higher doses. It is important to note that the prescribed medication will depend on the individual’s needs and preferences and their healthcare provider’s recommendations.

This new pain drug is being touted as a non-addictive alternative to opioids

• In summary, natural alternatives offer a multifaceted approach to handling anxiety and stress.
• While benzodiazepines are still commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders, there are better options that are generally safer, with a lower risk of addiction.
• There are several alternatives to consider for people with a history of substance abuse and those concerned about Xanax’s side effects.
• Are you tired of feeling tethered to anxiety, but concerned about the potential pitfalls of relying on Xanax?
• You know, it’s a new branded drug, which means it’s expensive, especially compared to, you know, a bottle of ibuprofen.
• Prescription psychiatric medications that are used to treat anxiety often quell excessive neuronal firing and reduce levels of GABA in the brain, thereby promoting calm and relaxation.

Exercise is a highly effective non-medical solution to preventing and treating anxiety. This is especially true for cardiovascular exercise, but don’t worry if you’re not a runner. You can reap the benefits of exercise for your mental health with just committing to a brisk walk a few days a week, a bike ride, or even a dance class (or a dance party in your living room). Xanax is used to treat anxiety disorders, but it can be habit-forming and isn’t right for everyone.

Alternatives to Xanax: What are some safer options for anxiety?

One way to approach getting better sleep is taking steps to prepare yourself to get the best sleep possible. The addiction treatment experts at Spring Hill Recovery Center in Ashby, MA can help. Our personalized addiction treatment programs take into consideration all of your mental health needs. The misconception that meditation is only for religious people is fading. Meditation can be done by anyone and can provide many mental health benefits.

As a result, it is common for people to develop a physical dependence on Xanax and other similar medications over time. Given the complexities surrounding Xanax and similar medications, the search for non-addictive alternatives has become paramount. Anxiety sufferers need treatments that align with long-term well-being without compromising on effectiveness. Because of the potential for experiencing negative side effects and addiction to benzodiazepines, many people seek over-the-counter alternatives to Alprazolam for anxiety and similar conditions. Alprazolam is a prescription medication that is prescribed for anxiety or depression.

• It can also help support good sleep, which can simulate some of the sedative effects of Xanax.
• He is uniquely Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in Adult as well as Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
• Moreover, understanding the potential pitfalls of medications like Xanax can inform more empowered treatment decisions.
• The researchers concluded it has positive effects similar to the effects of standard anti-anxiety medications (20-22).
• Side effects from Zoloft include nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, fatigue, and changes in appetite or libido.
• Initially, it might feel unnatural or even challenging to breathe deeply, especially if you’re used to shallow breathing.

Addiction Resource does not offer medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice. Only trained and licensed medical professionals can provide such services. If you or anyone you know is undergoing a severe health crisis, call a doctor or 911 immediately. The reason why this herb is said to alleviate anxiety is that it increases serotonin and decreases cortisol. Increasing serotonin levels is the fundamental underlying principle that is used with antidepressants.

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After all, drug addiction itself often causes a lot of anxiety, so it may be counterproductive for many people to use alprazolam, Valium, or other similar drugs to treat anxiety. Here is a rundown of some of the top natural treatments that are frequently used for fear. However, Valium vs. Xanax metabolism comparison shows that the metabolism of Valium is slightly slower in people of Asian and African descent, which makes the effects of the drug last longer. Valium does not cause severe withdrawal symptoms like Alprazolam, but it does cause more drowsiness as a side effect.

Another type of medication used for anxiety is buspirone, in a class of medications called anxiolytics. Commonly prescribed Alprazolam alternative antidepressant medications used to help with anxiety include Zoloft (sertraline), Prozac (fluoxetine), or Lexapro (escitalopram). If you or a loved one exhibits multiple signs of addiction, it’s imperative to consult a healthcare professional. A dedicated doctor can provide tailored advice and recommend specialist addiction services or therapists.

A more straightforward summary is that Xanax, along with other benzodiazepines like Valium, enhances the effects of the GABA your body naturally produces. GABA receptor activity subsequently modulates the function of several different neurotransmitter systems to engender a restful, calm state of mind. 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. There are ways to protect your brain from alcohol, but you’re better off avoiding it completely or significantly reducing your consumption if you’re trying to reduce anxiety. Alcohol alters levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin and GABA.

Cardiovascular care with board-certified specialists.

A balanced autonomic nervous system means there’s a healthy balance between the sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) responses (71). Engaging in physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins, which foster a sense of wellbeing (70). Exercise is a universal remedy with a myriad of benefits for both the body and the mind.

The serotonergic and GABAergic properties of valerian are likely responsible for its sedative and calming effects. In many instances, limiting or abstaining from alcohol can be a constructive step towards managing anxiety, presenting itself as a natural lifestyle alternative to medications like Xanax. Not surprisingly, exercise is recommended by many experts as their number one piece of advice for optimal brain function and mental health. Regular practice of Tai Chi has been shown to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol. As a result, individuals can experience decreased feelings of stress and anxiety (68). While Tai Chi does not function as a direct replacement for medications like Xanax, its integration of movement and mindfulness offers substantial benefits for those grappling with anxiety and stress.