5 Natural Xanax Alternatives to Calm You Down Zoe Behavioral Health

This extract has been used in natural medicine for a very long time and is thought to have a wide variety of benefits. Instead, it displays nootropic effects on the mind by crossing the blood-brain barrier, ultimately affecting GABA receptors, as evidenced bythis study. L-Theanine is a naturally occurring non-dietary amino acid found mostly in green tea leaves. This amino acid is so special because it isn’t incorporated into other proteins like other amino acids. So, if you’re looking to naturally relieve stress, include plenty of fresh produce in your diet. Some common but effective exercises to try include walking, swimming, and biking.

Breathing exercises for anxiety relief

This, in turn, leads to physical dependence and addiction, where the body becomes reliant on the drug to function normally. Psychodynamic therapy aims to uncover the repressed thoughts and feelings behind your anxiety. Sessions focus on digging into your past experiences, so you can identify unresolved conflicts and work through them. Effexor isn’t a controlled substance like Xanax, so there’s no risk of dependence.

Magnesium

• One of these neurotransmitters is called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
• Herbal teas and supplements are great alternatives to Xanax and a natural way to relieve stress.
• Some studies suggest that omega-3 supplementation can reduce cortisol (a primary stress hormone) in response to stressful situations (44).
• L-Theanine also stimulates our brain’s alpha waves which means that users will get a better night’s sleep.
• Certain B vitamins, notably vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), are involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA.

Ironically, withdrawal symptoms that occur when quitting Xanax include anxiety and panic attacks — the very reasons it’s prescribed in the first place. Constituents of valerian root also appear to increase serotonin receptor activity, though the specific compounds responsible for this effect — aside from valerenic acid — remain unclear 19. The serotonergic and GABAergic properties of valerian are likely responsible for its sedative and calming effects. 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.

Vitamin B6 is an essential cofactor required for the synthesis of GABA, serotonin, and dopamine — three neurotransmitters that have a strong impact on mood. Interestingly, prebiotic foods that encourage the growth of beneficial gut bacteria can also reduce anxiety. Traditionally, it has been used to treat anxiety, depression, and mental fatigue.

By boosting the production of endorphins and serotonin, exercise is known to improve mood, ease tension, and reduce irritability. These coping mechanisms can teach people effective stress management techniques, potentially minimizing the need for prolonged medication use. This non-sedative effect makes L-theanine a gentler alternative to medications like Xanax which may cause sleepiness and dependency. Stopping Xanax abruptly can cause severe withdrawal symptoms — such as seizures, panic attacks, and psychosis — that may last weeks or even months. This type of brain activity leads to symptoms like an increased heart rate and hypervigilance.

If you’re somebody who likes to have the occasional beer, being on Xanax would prevent you from doing natural xanax so. Xanax has some pretty serious side effects that many people experience, even with lower doses. Many people may experience dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, decreased appetite, increased saliva production, and a change or decrease in sex drive and sexual abilities.

Side Effects Of Xanax Use

Not only does l-theanine relieve anxiety by increasing levels of GABA, but it also brings about a relaxed brainwave state similar to that experienced during meditation. Amino acids are building blocks of proteins, and two of them are among the top natural alternatives to Xanax. A foundational principle of mental health and cognitive performance is to supply the body with the best nutrition possible.

Vitamin C is also a well-known stress buster that can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms. B complex is a group of 8 essential vitamins that all play a significant role in mental health and the ability to deal with stress. While all vitamins and minerals are essential for ideal mental health, here are a few that are particularly critical if you have anxiety. Additionally, these gut bacteria help anxiety by significantly reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Moderate anxiety symptoms often improve within 30 minutes after taking l-theanine and the effects can last for up to 10 hours.

Cymbalta (duloxetine) is FDA-approved to treat depression, anxiety, and chronic pain conditions. It’s another SNRI, so it works by boosting your brain’s levels of serotonin and norepinephrine. SNRIs target 2 neurotransmitters — serotonin and norepinephrine — as opposed to just one, like the SSRIs on this list.

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. Many of Xanax’s side effects are also experienced as withdrawal symptoms after stopping Xanax too quickly. Anyone who takes Xanax will want to be aware of the drug’s side effects. Mild side effects tend to be more common, but one of the most serious side effects is the risk of addiction. Even someone taking low doses may experience withdrawal after stopping the use of the drug.

Essential Oils

Recent guidelines from mental health experts emphasize the importance of a gradual reduction in prescription medications under medical supervision. Abruptly stopping a medication like Xanax can cause serious side effects, including rebound anxiety, insomnia, and even seizures in some cases. This approach not only minimizes the risk of adverse effects but also maximizes the effectiveness of the natural remedies. It’s also important to maintain a holistic approach during this transition.

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The ancient practice of meditation, deeply rooted in numerous cultures and traditions, has stood the test of time. This bi-directional communication means that the state of your gut can influence your mental health. Certain B vitamins, notably vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), are involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA. All of these neurotransmitters play a crucial role in mood regulation and anxiety control (49). As research progresses, there’s growing evidence linking adequate B vitamin intake with improved mood and reduced anxiety. Studies have indicated that theanine can also help reduce the physiological responses to stress.

Natural Alternatives to Xanax: Final Thoughts

Yoga might also modify the response of the brain to stressful situations by lowering cortisol levels and regulating heart rate and blood pressure. Passionflower can help to relieve restlessness and anxiety by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) in the brain. These compounds act as adaptogenic agents and improve the ability of a person to ‘adapt’ to stressful situations, thus reducing anxiety.

To round things off, here we have a double-blind and placebo-controlledclinical study that evaluated the effectiveness of ashwagandha root extract in 58 participants with anxiety and stress. The results were very promising, especially when compared to the placebo. Here is a study that suggests that taking a moderate dose of L-theanine on a daily basis may help improve cognitive function, mental stress, and quality of sleep.

Are Natural Xanax Alternatives Better than Xanax Itself?

Unfortunately, the average American diet supplies less than two-thirds of the magnesium our bodies require. On the contrary, drugs like Xanax have found themselves on a list of the top ten toughest drugs to quit, sharing space with such illicit substances as heroin. Users must take more and more pills to feel like they are receiving the perceived benefits of the drug. The scariest thing of all is the damage Xanax can cause after long-term use.