Drug-Free Natural Mental Health is Possible

Thorne Research is known for selling some of the most high-quality, lab-tested supplements around. While not the cheapest, their theanine is pure, their manufacturing process is transparent, and users consistently give it top marks for effectiveness. However, kratom users can build up a tolerance if they use the same kratom strain every day, so this is better for occasional use.

Meditation is personally one of my favorite daily activities to maintain optimal brain function and mental health. An imbalanced gut can also lead to chronic inflammation, which is increasingly linked to various mood disorders, including anxiety. As you may know, chronic inflammation has been linked to mood disorders, including anxiety. 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).

When to Take Creatine Supplements, According to Science

It has been used for thousands of years as a calming and relaxing herb in traditional Chinese medicine. Preliminary findings suggest a mechanism mediated by the HPA axis — a key regulator of the stress hormone cortisol — and the GABAergic system 13. Throughout this article, we’ll detail how prescription drugs like Xanax work and further detail these five Xanax alternatives. It’s prescribed to literally millions of Americans, and is seen as being one of the most widely used (and abused) anti-anxiety medications in existence.

Unlike Xanax, buspirone does not carry a risk of dependence and has a otc substitute for xanax lower potential for abuse. It works by affecting serotonin and dopamine receptors in the brain, helping to balance mood and reduce anxiety symptoms. 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.

• Similar to Passion flower, Valerian root affects GABA levels in the brain.
• Melissa officinalis, more commonly known as lemon balm, is an herb with similar properties as valerian and appears to have cognitive benefits as well 20.
• They do not produce immediate mood-altering effects, and users do not typically experience feelings of euphoria or intoxication, the way they might with benzodiazepines, for example.
• They all have slightly different effects and are used to treat various mental and physical ailments.
• Anxiety, while complex, doesn’t have to dictate the terms of one’s life.

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• The term “natural Xanax” is somewhat misleading since alprazolam is not a naturally occurring chemical, nor does it refer to any specific natural substances.
• Through investigative techniques such as lab testing, we are able to identify the source of the symptoms and then fix them.
• There are several over-the-counter (OTC) options that can help alleviate anxiety symptoms.
• One of the primary ways Ashwagandha combats stress and anxiety is by regulating cortisol levels.
• Besides these side effects, one of the main downsides of Xanax is that it can be habit-forming.

Valium shouldn’t be used by people with severe breathing or liver problems, sleep apnea, or myasthenia gravis (an autoimmune condition that causes muscle weakness). While Xanax can be taken with or without food, taking Valium after a high-fat meal can delay its effects. Xanax (alprazolam) is one of the most prescribed anti-anxiety medications available. There are other medications, therapies, and even natural Xanax alternatives.

The effects peak around 90 minutes, but they last for at least 6 hours. People with severe anxiety frequently describe Xanax as making them feel “normal.”  Some people describe Xanax as making them feel almost drunk– although this is likely indicative of dosing too high. The effect is small, but significant, and occurs acutely after taking the equivalent of about .2 to .3 mg of Xanax – which is lower than the dosage typically prescribed.

It is suspected of endocrine disruption, which means it may interfere with hormones and neurotransmitters. Benzodiazepines are a class of sedative-hypnotic prescription drugs used to treat conditions such as anxiety, epilepsy, and insomnia. 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. 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.

It can be consumed as a tea or a supplement, and studies suggest it can effectively reduce symptoms of anxiety and improve overall psychological well-being. While medications and natural supplements can be effective, lifestyle and behavioral changes are essential for managing anxiety sustainably over the long term. While the natural remedies below may not provide rapid relief on their own, they can be used in moderation to support other anxiety treatments. Its ability to alleviate anxiety and stress is backed by a wealth of scientific evidence, and it’s an attractive natural alternative to medications like Xanax.

Antidepressant Alternatives For Xanax

It doesn’t make you lose focus, concentration, or have any impact on short or long term memory. You’ll find GABA in plenty of other supplements, usually in stress relief and anti-anxiety products like Serelax, Tranquilene and Kavinace. It virtually eliminated all feelings of anxiety, lifted my mood, and increased my confidence.

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Propranolol is an oral medication for high blood pressure, angina, migraine, and more. It’s also prescribed off-label to treat generalized anxiety,  social phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), pre-operative or pre-dental treatment anxiety, stage fright, and agoraphobia. As a beta-blocker, propranolol isn’t addictive like some anxiety meds, including 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. If you or a loved one is struggling with anxiety, depression, or other forms of mental illness, contact Neuro Wellness Spa.

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.

Therapy helps with anxiety, and can be an effective alternative to Xanax or a complement to Xanax or another medication. Effexor isn’t a controlled substance like Xanax, so there’s no risk of dependence. Having already explored the potential drawbacks of Xanax and the encouraging alternatives available, it’s equally crucial to be vigilant about the more insidious signs of addiction. Weighing these drawbacks against the immediate relief Xanax offers brings to light the pressing need for alternatives.

Learn more about symptoms, how long they last, and how to provide support. A balanced diet can support brain health, reduce inflammation, and regulate the activity of neurotransmitters. By boosting the production of endorphins and serotonin, exercise is known to improve mood, ease tension, and reduce irritability. This may reduce cortisol production, helping to lower stress levels, and increase serotonin and GABA levels to create a more relaxed and calm mental state. SNRIs help manage anxiety by preventing the quick reabsorption of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. While SSRIs are generally well-tolerated, some people may experience mild side effects, like nausea, headaches, and insomnia.

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As a fast-acting anti-anxiety medication, people may seek Xanax as a quick fix for their symptoms. However, antidepressants and therapy can be a safe alternative to Xanax and a more effective treatment. People with generalized anxiety disorder seeking natural alternatives to Xanax have multiple options. Many of the following remedies and holistic coping techniques may help with anxiety.

That means that other types of medication are better choices when it comes to treating anxiety. Mindfulness and meditation practices have gained significant attention in recent years for their potential to reduce anxiety and improve overall mental health. These techniques focus on bringing attention to the present moment and cultivating a non-judgmental awareness of thoughts and feelings. Z-drugs, such as zolpidem (Ambien) and eszopiclone (Lunesta), are primarily prescribed for insomnia but can also help with anxiety-related sleep disturbances.

In doing so, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitors (SARIs) can help with mood regulation, sleep, and emotional health. The term “therapist” can apply to a range of professionals including social workers, mental health counselors, psychologists, professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, and psychoanalysts. Working with a therapist generally involves regular talk therapy sessions where you discuss your feelings, problem-solving strategies, and coping mechanisms to help with your condition. At Talkiatry, we specialize in psychiatry, meaning the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions.

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. These imbalances can then result in increased anxiety levels later (75). Not surprisingly, exercise is recommended by many experts as their number one piece of advice for optimal brain function and mental health. 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.