Ativan Vs Xanax, other Benzos, and Natural Alternatives

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. Get helpful tips & strategies for better mental health delivered right to your inbox.

Who can prescribe medication?

Magnesium supplementation can also support immune function and reduce oxidative stress, imperative for overall health and longevity 12. 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. 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.

The Benefits of Natural Alternatives to Xanax

While not specifically designed for anxiety, they can offer a non-addictive option for certain individuals. Controlled medications for anxiety, such as benzodiazepines, work by binding to the brain’s GABA receptors. This action makes you feel calm and helps reduce nervousness and muscle spasms. Propranolol is a short-acting medication approved to treat high blood pressure and heart problems. It’s also prescribed off-label for anxiety – particularly for performance anxiety.

Risks and negative effects of Xanax

Many other well-known pharmaceuticals also fall within the class of benzodiazepines. They all have slightly different effects and are used to treat various mental and physical ailments. Valerian contains numerous phytochemicals, notably the eponymous sesquiterpenoid valerenic acid and its natural derivatives (e.g. acetoxy valerenic acid and hydroxy valerenic acid). Valerian root ostensibly mitigates anxiety and improves sleep by enhancing GABA interaction with GABA-A receptors. A more straightforward summary is that Xanax, along with other benzodiazepines like Valium, enhances the effects of the GABA your body naturally produces.

• Mechanistically, caffeic acid is a potent antioxidant that fights inflammation and may protect against cancer 25.
• It activates certain serotonin receptors in the brain to create a feeling of relaxation.
• Elevated cortisol, especially chronically, can lead to a myriad of health issues, including increased anxiety.
• Along with its anxiety-reducing properties, chamomile also exhibits antidepressant activity (30).
• These drugs block the effects of the stress hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline.
• It is crucial to consult a doctor before taking any medication listed below.

What are other benzodiazepines?

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.

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Luckily, there are alternative anti-anxiety medications with less risk and less severe side effects and withdrawal symptoms. Unlike the other Xanax alternatives on our list, Spravato (esketamine) is a nasal spray. It treats treatment-resistant depression and suicidal symptoms in adults and is used off-label for anxiety. Spravato works by targeting N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the brain. Side effects unique to xanax alternatives Spravato include vertigo, feeling drunk, and changes in taste.

Why Xanax alternatives?

• RedBox Rx makes receiving medication treatment for anxiety easy and affordable.
• Valerian root ostensibly mitigates anxiety and improves sleep by enhancing GABA interaction with GABA-A receptors.
• Some studies even suggest that individuals with a balanced gut microbiome have a healthier physiological response to stress, which includes a more regulated cortisol (stress hormone) response (56).
• However, recent research suggests it can also reduce general anxiety, making it a potential option for people interested in natural alternatives to Xanax.
• In people with depression and anxiety, valium has been shown to be more effective for the treatment of anxiety.
• Experiencing a Xanax addiction is challenging, and it may feel overwhelming to consider switching from Xanax to an alternative on your own.

Ashwagandha also possesses neuroprotective characteristics, supporting brain health, enhancing mood, and reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases (26). Many people today are turning to Ashwagandha as a natural alternative to pharmaceuticals like Xanax. Often called the “Indian ginseng,” this adaptogenic herb has been used for over 3,000 years to relieve stress, increase energy levels, and improve concentration.

SNRIs help manage anxiety by preventing the quick reabsorption of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Stopping Xanax abruptly can cause severe withdrawal symptoms — such as seizures, panic attacks, and psychosis — that may last weeks or even months. While these drugs aren’t habit-forming, it usually isn’t recommended that a person take them on a long-term basis. They don’t generally cause harm even with months or years of use, but regular checkups can help make sure they aren’t impacting your health. Notably, a person should get their blood pressure checked more regularly when using beta blockers.