Moreover, caffeic acids in lemon balm appear to inhibit an enzyme called GABA transaminase, which is responsible for metabolizing GABA to succinate semialdehyde. Major nootropic constituents of lemon balm are caffeic acid and caffeic acid derivatives, notably rosmarinic acid and ursolic acid 24. Despite having a similar name as the stimulant alkaloid caffeine, caffeic acids are unrelated to the former in their structure and mechanisms of action. Valerenic acid and alternative to xanax its derivatives are structurally similar to the GABA molecule and bind to subtype-A GABA receptors 16. Valerenic acid is an allosteric modulator of these receptors, much like alprazolam (Xanax) 17. Magnesium supplements come in several forms; some are well-absorbed, some are not.
Several alternative medications for Xanax work well to alleviate anxiety, both in the same and different classes of drugs. Fortunately, there are a variety of other options if you don’t want to or can’t take Xanax. Read on to learn about other prescription medications, over-the-counter (OTC) options, or natural alternatives to Xanax that might be a better fit for treating your anxiety. If you find that you are unable to manage your anxiety with a combination of therapy and self-care practices, you may need medication to help reduce your symptoms and improve functioning.
Deep Breathing
Due to Xanax’s addictive qualities, many people seek Xanax alternatives instead. That means that other types of medication are better choices when it comes to treating anxiety. The FDA’s approval of suzetrigine aligns with the Agency’s broader efforts to combat opioid addiction through its Overdose Prevention Framework. The approval of suzetrigine is a testament to these efforts and marks the first time in more than 20 years that a novel pain drug has been authorized by regulators.
Alternatives to Xanax: Is Anything as Effective?
By reducing the physical manifestations of anxiety, beta-blockers can help individuals feel more in control and better able to cope with anxiety-provoking situations. 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. The term “natural Xanax” is somewhat misleading since alprazolam is not a naturally occurring chemical, nor does it refer to any specific natural substances.
Conclusion: Finding the Right Alternative to Xanax for Your Anxiety
An expert opinion piece reported that imipramine and clomipramine – two common tricyclics – may be as effective as newer antidepressants in treating anxiety disorders. Despite its clinical promise, suzetrigine faces significant hurdles in achieving widespread adoption. Insurers and healthcare providers may be hesitant to switch unless clear, real-world benefits emerge, such as reduced hospital stays, lower rates of opioid addiction, or better overall patient outcomes. Buspirone is a second-line treatment for GAD after SSRIs, which are the usual first choice for most anxiety disorders.
- Learn more about symptoms, how long they last, and how to provide support.
- There is a lot of research showing it is very healthy and can be protective against dementia.
- Researchers found that CBD reduced anxiety scores in nearly 80% of the study participants.
- For those who have been using Xanax and are considering alternatives, it’s important to note that Can Xanax Make Anxiety Worse?
- Alternative treatments may include not only different medications but also therapy.
Prescription Alternatives For Xanax
Omega-3 fatty acids are considered “essential fatty acids”, meaning your body cannot create them. Omega-3s also play a protective role against the onset of anxiety and depression, particularly when consumed in adequate amounts from an early age (47). Clinical trials have also shown promise in using omega-3 supplements to alleviate anxiety (43). Magnesium is also involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters like GABA, which are crucial for the regulation of anxiety and mood (35). By modulating the activity of NMDA receptors in the brain, magnesium can help regulate neural excitability, preventing overstimulation and promoting calmness (32).
- As an alternative to using Xanax as a sleep aid, a person may want to try different medications, supplements, or routine changes, such as going to bed at the same time each night.
- Getting adequate sleep is extremely important for mental health, but sometimes anxiety makes it hard to fall or stay asleep.
- While they’re not an exact substitute for medications like Xanax, they can still be a potent tool in managing your anxiety and stress.
- Other commonly prescribed drugs of this class include diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), clonazepam (Klonopin), temazepam (Restoril), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), and midazolam (Versed).
Common side effects of buspirone for anxiety include dizziness, drowsiness, nervousness, nausea, and headache. But, it is a controlled substance, so it has a potential for misuse and dependence if not used as directed. Some people develop a tolerance to Xanax and start feeling like they need to take more to get the same effects. Due to these risks, Xanax has a boxed warning from the FDA, its most serious warning for medications. Xanax (alprazolam) is one of the most prescribed anti-anxiety medications available. There are other medications, therapies, and even natural Xanax alternatives.
Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 3. Bipolar depression is a mental health condition with a complex history and unique treatment approach. It’s also important not to stop using Xanax without consulting your healthcare provider because this can lead to withdrawal or worsening symptoms. Working with a mental health professional through CBT is a great way to address the root cause of your anxiety — often while you treat symptoms with medication. It increases the levels of calming neurotransmitters in the brain – such as GABA, serotonin, and dopamine – to regulate mood and reduce stress.
But does come with a risk of misuse and serious drawbacks that can put your health at risk, which is why some prefer not to prescribe it. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine from the same class of medication as hydroxyzine and scopolamine (contained in PanX). Although it has not been well studied for anxiety, ithas been shown to be effectivein reducing anxiety symptoms and has little or no misuse potential. It also seems to work faster than some anti-anxiety medications, such as SSRIs.
Studies have shown that chamomile extract can help reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) (28). This empowers individuals to take control of their mental health in diverse ways, from dietary shifts to mindfulness practices. For instance, SSRIs act slowly on the serotonin system; while SRNIs act on both serotonin and norepinephrine. These medications are safer for long-term use, whereas benzodiazepines become less effective over time. The study also reported that most people who seek professional help for anxiety tend to have GAD, panic disorder, or social anxiety disorder. People with specific phobias are least likely to seek professional help.
Sadly, most magnesium supplements contain an inferior form –magnesium oxide – which has poor bioavailability 14. Transparent Labs Magnesium Bisglycinate capsules contain chelated magnesium which is gentle on the gut and readily absorbed 15. The main bioactive constituents in ashwagandha are withanolides, notably withaferin-A. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) stands out as one of the most promising adaptogens due to its multifarious benefits in the human body. Alprazolam is an allosteric modulator of the benzodiazepine-GABA-A-chloride ionophore receptor complex expressed in neurons of the limbic, thalamic, and hypothalamic regions of the brain. An “allosteric modulator” is a molecule that binds to a receptor at a locus distinct from the endogenous ligand and enhances or reduces the affinity of that ligand for the receptor.
Wellbutrin treats anxiety by increasing norepinephrine and dopamine levels. Common side effects include headache, dry mouth, nausea, difficulty sleeping, and dizziness. Wellbutrin carries a boxed warning for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. It shouldn’t be used by people taking MAOIs or those who experience seizures or eating disorders. It’s used to treat depression, OCD, panic disorder, and bulimia nervosa.
For anyone struggling with anxiety, the need for fast relief can be overwhelming. As modern medicine evolves, it has begun to embrace, study, and confirm the benefits of some of these age-old practices. Alcohol also disrupts the blood-brain barrier, and increases inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain. Alcohol is often viewed as a social lubricant, a means to relax, or even a temporary escape from the stresses of life.
It is a prescription drug that works to block the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor in the brain, which is involved in regulating mood and anxiety. This neurotransmitter is involved in learning and memory and increases levels of glutamate, which may help restore neural pathways disrupted in depression and anxiety. Gabapentin is an oral medication that treats seizures and shingles-related nerve pain. Like Xanax, sleepiness is a common side effect of gabapentin for anxiety. But some states consider it a Schedule IV controlled substance and regulate its use at the state level.
It involves directing full attention toward one’s internal experiences, such as thoughts, feelings, and sensations while attuning to the external environment. 5 Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) include meditation, yoga, or guided mindfulness exercises, which help participants stay present and reduce anxiety. Anxiolytic medications are typically prescribed for short-term use, as they can be habit-forming and may lead to dependence if taken for extended periods. They are often used alongside therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). These medications attach themselves to specific receptors in the brain, enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and depressing the central nervous system.
Rooted in a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors, it’s a condition that can drastically reduce one’s quality of life. But what amplifies its impact is its deceptive nature; it often remains cloaked, concealed behind daily stresses, making diagnosis and treatment a challenge. Mindfulness is a practice that revolves around cultivating a calm and open awareness of the present moment.