Essential oils like lavender, chamomile, and lemon balm are known herbal remedies for their calming properties. These oils can help relax the mind, ease tension in the body, and improve overall mood. Maybe you want to get treatment but you’re scared that treating anxiety with prescription drugs like Xanax can result in long-term negative side effects.
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But, given the potential addiction, negative side-effects, and adverse drug interactions, Xanax might be the remedy of last resort. It is not recommended for those with allergies to benzodiazepines, narrow-angle glaucoma, alcoholism-related liver disease, impaired hepatic or renal functions, and older or obese adults. And, it is counter-indicated for patients treating with Sporanox or Nizoral. Unlike drugs like Xanax, Alcohol, and Lorazepam, Phenibut does NOT affect your cognitive function. It doesn’t make you lose focus, concentration, or have any impact on short or long term memory.
Xanax Should Not Be Mixed With Alcohol and Other Drugs
It works by enhancing GABA, a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity and produces a calming effect. According to Verywell Mind, “L-theanine is an amino acid found in green and black tea, but the amount in a cup of brewed tea is incredibly low, so some people look to supplements for a larger dose. Some research has shown it may reduce acute stress and anxiety and improve sleep quality.” If you’re looking to try some, Thorne L-Theanine is favored in their review. While research into the potential health benefits of CBD is ongoing, many people have reported success in using CBD to manage anxiety symptoms. It is important to speak with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment for anxiety or other mental health conditions. Research suggests that CBD oil may be an effective way to manage generalized anxiety disorder symptoms.
Are benzodiazepines sleeping pills?
However, 70% of Americans take at least one prescription drug, and two-thirds consume alcohol regularly. Other withdrawal symptoms are restlessness, insomnia, nausea, blurred vision, muscle tightness, and irritability. Second, by this time, addiction has set in and it becomes extremely hard to quit. Besides Xanax, there are several other drugs in this group that you may have heard of such as Valium, Librium, and Ativan. Alcohol also disrupts the blood-brain barrier, and increases inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain. An alternative solution is to consume the whole coffee fruit, instead of drinking coffee.
- There are literally THOUSANDS of stories of people being addicted to it, and the withdrawal from it can be an absolute nightmare.
- An excellent source of information on chemicals added to cosmetics and other hygiene products is called Skin Deep 65 which can help identify products you may want to avoid.
- There are multiple reasons that Xanax is so widely used for treating anxiety.
- Theanine is an amino acid predominantly found in tea leaves (especially green tea).
- Other therapeutic protocols at Alternative to Meds can reduce anxiety significantly, such as yoga, meditation, and practicing mindfulness, massage therapy, and acupuncture.
Paxil vs Zoloft: Comparing medications
With modern scientific methodologies, we’re now beginning to understand its profound beneficial effects and natural xanax its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. Omega-3s, especially EPA, exhibit potent anti-inflammatory effects, which can then benefit brain health and alleviate symptoms of anxiety (46). Omega-3s also influence the release and function of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which are both essential for optimal mental health (45). Studies have shown that chamomile extract can help reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) (28).
Science-Backed Stress Reduction Techniques
They are typically prescribed for short-term use or for specific anxiety-causing situations, such as a big meeting or performance. Benzodiazepines are psychoactive drugs that are often prescribed to treat the physical symptoms of anxiety disorders, anxiety-related insomnia, depression, and seizures. Discover five alternatives to benzodiazepines and learn how these natural remedies can help reduce anxiety symptoms and improve your mental and physical health.
- It can also create a state of relaxation in the mind and body and help you feel at ease.
- Full-spectrum CBD oil, on the other hand, contains small amounts of THC, which some people may prefer to avoid.
- Researchers have found that Valerian reduces the physiological symptoms of anxiety, such as palpitations and trembling (6).
- But if you’re struggling with chronic stress and anxiety, I wouldn’t recommend high doses of caffeine.
- Vitamin C is the most popular vitamin supplement of all and is usually taken for preventing colds and reducing allergy symptoms.
More Xanax Alternatives
Vitamin C is also a well-known stress buster that can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms. Additionally, these gut bacteria help anxiety by significantly reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol. While you can get l-theanine from drinking tea, it’s not practical to rely on tea alone to reduce anxiety. Moderate anxiety symptoms often improve within 30 minutes after taking l-theanine and the effects can last for up to 10 hours.
Natural remedies for anxiety and stress have been employed for centuries across various cultures, each with its own set of plant-based remedies, relaxation techniques, and holistic philosophies. While it might offer short-term relief from anxiety for some individuals, the long-term relationship between alcohol and anxiety is more complicated. My recommendation is to limit your caffeine intake, have caffeine-free days, and/or stop caffeine consumption several hours before bedtime to prevent potential sleep disruptions. Regular exercise can help regulate and reduce the release of cortisol, the primary stress hormone, promoting a more balanced emotional state (69). 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.