Alternatives to Benzodiazepines for Anxiety Missouri Alcohol & Drug Rehab

Deep breathing also lowers levels of cortisol, the primary stress hormone in the body, which then leads to reduced anxiety (64). The adrenal glands, responsible for releasing stress hormones, require adequate amounts of vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) for proper function. Maintaining optimal adrenal health by supplementing with Vitamin B5 can help in managing the body’s stress response (50).

Xanax Has Serious Side Effects

Vegetarians, seniors, and those who use acid-suppressing drugs are most at risk for B12 deficiency. 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. Xanax is not appropriate for children or teens and should not be prescribed to teens since they commonly abuse this drug. It should certainly not be taken with alcohol or other drugs,either prescription or recreational.

Administration of Ativan with clozapine, valproate, probenecid, theophylline, and aminophylline can alter its effects. Snorting both drugs can cause increased abuse potential and additional side effects. Xanax is the brand name of alprazolam, which is a type of benzodiazepine.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate things like mood, sleep, and emotional response.
The serotonergic and GABAergic properties of valerian are likely responsible for its sedative and calming effects.
While benzodiazepines are still commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders, there are better options that are generally safer, with a lower risk of addiction.
While they can be prescribed for anxiety, it’s crucial to consider their negative effects that can occur in the long term.
If you or someone you know may be in danger, call 911 or the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 right away.
While many people love that caffeine makes them more alert and energetic, caffeine also exacerbates symptoms of anxiety, such as feelings of nervousness, restlessness, and increased heart rate (72).
By reducing REM sleep duration and frequency, Xanax may help users get more deep sleep.

Can You Overdose on Disulfiram (Antabuse) & Is It Common?

These issues include mood swings, hallucinations, dependence, and overdose. Even when taken as prescribed, the body can develop a dependence on the drug. As a result, you will go through withdrawals if you suddenly stop taking benzos.

SSRIs

In the next sections, I’ll explore these natural Xanax alternatives in depth. Natural solutions can often be gentler on the body and mind, with fewer side effects. They can also promote overall well-being instead of just simply suppressing symptoms.

The main bioactive constituents in ashwagandha are withanolides, notably withaferin-A. Alprazolam is an allosteric modulator of the benzodiazepine-GABA-A-chloride ionophore receptor complex expressed in neurons of the limbic, thalamic, and hypothalamic regions of the brain. An “allosteric modulator” is a molecule that binds to a receptor at a locus distinct from the endogenous ligand and enhances or reduces the affinity of that ligand for the receptor.

Theanine

Many studies show that they significantly reduce brain inflammation; improve memory, mood and cognition; and protect against mild cognitive impairment, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have indicated that theanine can also help reduce the physiological responses to stress. Individuals taking theanine experience a reduction in best alternative to xanax heart rate and salivary immunoglobulin A, both of which typically spike during stress (40-41). Some participants in these studies experienced a reduction in anxiety comparable to certain psychiatric drugs (29).

The Best Supplements and Nutrient Alternatives to Xanax

As GABA sends calming messages throughout the body, the overstimulation in the brain also calms.
Besides Alprazolam, other benzodiazepines can be prescribed for the treatment of anxiety.
The following are examples of some physical care which in turn improves your mental health.
It’s crucial to consult with a health-care professional before starting any holistic treatment.
Valium does not cause severe withdrawal symptoms like Alprazolam, but it does cause more drowsiness as a side effect.
All our psychiatrists (and all psychiatrists in general) are medical doctors with additional training in mental health.

For those prone to panic attacks, excessive caffeine can trigger these episodes or intensify their severity due to its excitatory effects on the nervous system (73). Neuroimaging studies have shown that consistent meditation can lead to changes in the structure and function of the brain. 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.

This is another herbal Xanax alternative, also referred to as Indian pennywort. Indians have used it for thousands of years to treat anxiety, wounds, leprosy, lupus, fever, diarrhea, et cetera. The exact way through which this herb produces anxiolysis is not well understood. Taurine is an amino acid that helps to create a calming effect in the brain. It is very similar to GABA, a calming neurotransmitter that makes people feel more relaxed. Before starting any new medication or stopping Xanax, a person should talk to their doctor so they can do so safely.

Statements regarding supplement benefits have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Transparent Labs products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. 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.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a long-living flowering plant with a naturally sweet scent that has been used for centuries in perfumes. In contrast, the plant roots commonly extracted for herbal remedies have a pungent, putrid odor that’s tough to subdue with masking agents and flavoring. Magnesium supplements come in several forms; some are well-absorbed, some are not. Sadly, most magnesium supplements contain an inferior form –magnesium oxide – which has poor bioavailability 14. Transparent Labs Magnesium Bisglycinate capsules contain chelated magnesium which is gentle on the gut and readily absorbed 15. Buspar increases your levels of the feel-good neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine.

You deserve excellent care and a rewarding life in recovery.

Even short bouts of physical activity can make a significant difference in your overall stress and reduce anxiety symptoms. Remember, consistency is more important than intensity when it comes to exercise for anxiety relief. The vagus nerve plays a crucial role in regulating the body’s relaxation response. Stimulating this nerve can rapidly promote feelings of calm and reduce anxiety symptoms.