On the other hand, when comparing Xanax vs. Ativan, the half-life of Alprazolam is slightly shorter than that of Ativan, i.e., 12 hours. All information provided in featured rehab listings is verified by the facility officials. The details are kept up to date to help people with addiction treatment needs get the most full and precise facts about the rehabilitation facility.
Whether you’re looking for support for mental health conditions or exploring alternatives to Xanax, LifeMD can help. While the natural remedies below may not provide rapid relief on their own, they can be used in moderation to support other anxiety treatments. Long-term Xanax use is also linked to serious side effects, including memory issues, loss of coordination, worsening depression or substitute for xanax anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Be sure to carefully follow a healthcare provider’s instructions on how to take the medication.
Inhale slowly through your nose, allowing your diaphragm (not your chest) to inflate with air. Aim for a breathing cycle of about 4-5 seconds per inhale and exhale. Mechanistically, caffeic acid is a potent antioxidant that fights inflammation and may protect against cancer 25. 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.
Ativan and Xanax both have addictive properties, which makes them unsuitable for a long-term prescription. Our staff are highly trained with dual mental health and substance use licensing. Our medical staff includes an ASAM certified addiction psychiatrist & an addiction-trained primary care physician. Some antihistamines, like diphenhydramine, are occasionally used for their mild sedative effects to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
To fall asleep, practice anxiety-relieving breathing and mindfulness techniques. Studies show that acupuncture can help with situational anxiety, such as undergoing an operation. However, recent research suggests it can also reduce general anxiety, making it a potential option for people interested in natural alternatives to Xanax. Each of these medications or supplements presents a different avenue for anxiety treatment, with varying mechanisms of action.
Propranolol for anxiety: What to know
They will be able to help you find the best option based on your medical history, the severity of your anxiety symptoms, and discuss the pros and cons of each alternative with you. Eating well and exercising regularly can improve the body’s natural ability to manage stress, which may help with overall health. A balanced diet can support brain health, reduce inflammation, and regulate the activity of neurotransmitters.
In other words, valerenic acid derivatives are silent antagonists of GABA-A receptors. 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. If a person feels they are becoming dependent on Xanax, they should reach out to an addiction center or their doctor, who can help them make the withdrawal process safe.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is considered the first-line therapeutic treatment for anxiety. In CBT, your therapist works with you to identify the intrusive thoughts and behaviors contributing to your anxiety. Then, they give you tools to replace them with healthier coping strategies.
Effective Alternatives to Xanax
If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, or similar, a psychiatrist may be a good place to start. They are typically prescribed for short-term use or for specific anxiety-causing situations, such as a big meeting or performance. It can help people manage racing thoughts, panic attacks, and other symptoms of anxiety. Luckily, there are alternative anti-anxiety medications with less risk and less severe side effects and withdrawal symptoms. TMS is not FDA-approved for treating anxiety, although some research suggests it might help manage anxiety symptoms when other medications haven’t worked. This can be extremely important for people who have addictive personalities or who have a history of substance abuse.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (antidepressants) that treat anxiety
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. It’s also important to maintain a holistic approach during this transition. Support your body with a well-balanced diet rich in nutrients that promote mental health, such as omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and B vitamins. Incorporate regular physical activity to boost endorphins and reduce stress.
- CBT targets negative thought patterns that impact behavior and emotions.
- Then, they give you tools to replace them with healthier coping strategies.
- It’s these potential pitfalls of Xanax that lead many to search for alternatives.
- Xanax is a common brand name for alprazolam, a medication prescribed to help treat panic and anxiety disorders.
Safer alternatives to Xanax: What you need to know
Nootropic supplements — commonly referred to as “smart drugs” — can improve cognitive function and reduce anxiety. Some studies say they work by enhancing brain health and neurotransmitter function. These drugs work by acting on two key messenger chemicals in the body, adrenaline and noradrenaline.
Get online psychiatry and medication prescriptions and management from Talkspace by reaching out today. Loved for its soothing, pleasant scent, lavender is commonly used in essential oils for anxiety, sachets, diffusers, and candles. Research shows that inhaling lavender for just 3 minutes can decrease anxiety and enhance mood. Get an evaluation and prescription online from a licensed psychiatric provider to improve your well-being.
Ativan Vs. Xanax and Other Xanax Alternatives
He said the ringleader controlled every part of the drugs operation and was constantly involved in it. If you’re in emotional distress, text HOME to connect with a counselor immediately. I have tried, or am currently on, 1 or more antidepressant medications.
Theanine also increases the production of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin, and GABA. These neurotransmitters play a pivotal role in relaxation, mood regulation, and overall brain function (39). Ashwagandha also possesses neuroprotective characteristics, supporting brain health, enhancing mood, and reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases (26).
Side effects of Xanax
But, it can cause various gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and nervous system-related side effects. People with breathing disorders, including asthma, shouldn’t take propranolol for anxiety. Buspirone — often referred to by its brand name, BuSpar — is another alternative to Xanax for managing anxiety long-term.