Propranolol (Inderal) belongs to a group of medications called beta-blockers. These drugs block the effects of the stress hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline. Because of this, it’s important for people with anxiety to have alternatives to benzodiazepines. Getting therapy and a practical, personalized treatment plan that fits your needs from the comfort of your home is possible.
Common side effects of buspirone for anxiety include dizziness, drowsiness, nervousness, nausea, and headache. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Xanax (alprazolam) is one of the most prescribed anti-anxiety medications available.
Certain forms of exercise, such as yoga and tai chi, relieve anxiety by incorporating body movement, breath, and mindfulness. Other forms, such as running, can be a helpful addition as part of a holistic therapy for mental health. Improving your diet may also relieve anxiety, thanks to the gut-brain connection. Specifically, researchers recommend avoiding sugar, artificial sweeteners, and gluten. Instead, they recommend plenty of vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and turmeric. High-fat, low-carb diets, such as the ketogenic diet, may also be helpful.
There are several self-help techniques that can be incorporated into daily routines to drastically reduce symptoms and help manage anxiety over time. Many work as an effective stand-alone treatment, and others have enhanced effectiveness when combined with additional forms of treatment like medication or natural alternatives. Studies corroborate that Xanax tends to be as effective as Valium (diazepam) for treating clinical anxiety disorders, but it’s not without drawbacks. Due to a high potential for drug abuse and addiction, Xanax is a controlled substance in the United States.
Under stress, people might develop pessimistic thoughts and be unable to solve problems. CBT promotes balanced thinking, which improves coping abilities during stressful situations. Zoloft (sertraline) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). SSRIs treat various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). SSRIs take longer to work than Xanax and are considered a long-term treatment for anxiety.
- But if your symptoms are severe, SNRIs or SSRIs will likely offer longer-term benefits.
- Deep breathing exercises, on the other hand, stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which counteracts stress and promotes relaxation (63).
- Cymbalta (duloxetine) is FDA-approved to treat depression, anxiety, and chronic pain conditions.
- Mindfulness is a practice that revolves around cultivating a calm and open awareness of the present moment.
- Importantly, patients should always consult with their healthcare provider before switching medications or attempting new treatments.
Breathing exercises for anxiety relief
For short-term relief from feelings of anxiety, opt for natural alternatives such as developing and maintaining helpful self-care habits, eating nutritious foods, and exercising regularly. Exercise helps release endorphins and increases the availability of neurotransmitters. It can also help support good sleep, which can simulate some of the sedative effects of Xanax. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure that sends magnetic pulses to the brain, which can alter nerve cell activity in specific areas of the brain that help regulate mood.
Antabuse (Disulfiram) Side Effects
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. For most patients, Talkiatry treatment is just as effective as in-person psychiatry (American Psychiatric Association, 2021), and much more convenient. That said, we don’t currently provide treatment for schizophrenia, primary eating disorder treatment, or Medication Assisted Treatment for substance use disorders.
It is substitute for xanax a prescription drug that works to block the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor in the brain, which is involved in regulating mood and anxiety. This neurotransmitter is involved in learning and memory and increases levels of glutamate, which may help restore neural pathways disrupted in depression and anxiety. 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. Gabapentin is an oral medication that treats seizures and shingles-related nerve pain.
One of the primary ways Ashwagandha combats stress and anxiety is by regulating cortisol levels. Elevated cortisol, especially chronically, can lead to a myriad of health issues, including increased anxiety. Along with Passion flower, Valerian was one of the first herbal remedies I took many years ago to manage my anxiety. The allure of natural Xanax alternatives lies in their potential to alleviate anxiety without the accompanying risks of traditional medications like Xanax. At Talkiatry, we specialize in psychiatry, meaning the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions. Unlike benzodiazepines and beta-blockers, which act quickly, SSRIs and SNRIs work by gradually increasing the levels of serotonin and/or norepinephrine in the brain.
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
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. Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), work by blocking the absorption of released serotonin across neurons. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate things like mood, sleep, and emotional response. By stabilizing levels of serotonin passed across neurons, these medications may help decrease feelings of anxiety and regulate mood swings—making them effective in managing symptoms of depression. Unlike the other Xanax alternatives on our list, Spravato (esketamine) is a nasal spray.
A person should talk to their doctor before taking an over-the-counter sleep aid or allergy medication to help them fall asleep. They should also avoid taking more than one product that contains any type of sedative. A person should speak with their doctor before taking Xanax, as it can interact with other types of medication. Xanax is a fast-acting benzodiazepine, and a person may take it before bed to help with their anxiety and to fall asleep. For informational purposes only, a link to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Open Payments web page is provided here. 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.
Not surprisingly, exercise is recommended by many experts as their number one piece of advice for optimal brain function and mental health. As the popularity of yoga has spread globally, scientific studies have begun to validate its effectiveness as a tool for optimal mental health. While they’re not an exact substitute for medications like Xanax, they can still be a potent tool in managing your anxiety and stress.
Xanax’s Misuse Potential
This action makes you feel calm and helps reduce nervousness and muscle spasms. Still, medication may be needed if you experience high levels of distress or if the anxiety has led to substance misuse, suicidal thoughts, or depression. Propranolol is a short-acting medication approved to treat high blood pressure and heart problems. It’s also prescribed off-label for anxiety – particularly for performance anxiety.
Conditions
When practiced consistently, it can help decrease heart rate, lower blood pressure, and provide a sense of calm. Rather compelling research has shown that treatment with magnesium supplements can rapidly relieve anxiety and panic attacks 11. Magnesium supplementation can also support immune function and reduce oxidative stress, imperative for overall health and longevity 12. If you find that you are unable to manage your anxiety with a combination of therapy and self-care practices, you may need medication to help reduce your symptoms and improve functioning. When you talk to your doctor, make sure to disclose any history of substance use disorder or drug misuse.
This shows people how to reduce the intensity of their anxiety symptoms and manage stress over time. It’s often prescribed as a second-line or additional treatment alongside SSRIs and SNRIs to treat other mental health conditions. Xanax is an FDA-approved medication primarily used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. A 2016 systematic review found that propranolol may be as effective as benzodiazepines in the short-term treatment of panic disorder.
When the body gets anxious, these chemical messengers cause certain unwanted side effects, such as sweating, shaking, and elevated heart rate. Beta-blockers block the effects of these chemical messengers, reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety and partially helping with psychological symptoms as well. Beta-blockers are typically taken to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).7 However, they are also sometimes used to treat the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as shaking or sweating. Two commonly prescribed beta-blockers for this off-label use are atenolol and propranolol.
As research progresses, there’s growing evidence linking adequate B vitamin intake with improved mood and reduced anxiety. Some studies suggest that omega-3 supplementation can reduce cortisol (a primary stress hormone) in response to stressful situations (44). Research shows that combining magnesium with vitamin B6 can enhance the absorption and effectiveness of magnesium. And some studies suggest this combination can be particularly effective in alleviating anxiety (36-37). Lastly, chronic inflammation is often linked to anxiety and mood disorders, and chamomile’s potent anti-inflammatory properties can help counteract this (31).
Research shows that the benefits of CBT last beyond each session and gradually reduce the need for long-term medication use. The practices below may effectively provide lasting support for mental and physical well-being. However, it works more gradually, promoting sleep and possibly lowering cortisol levels — without the risk of dependency. The potential side effects of Buspirone are similar to SNRIs and often improve as the body adjusts. Unlike Xanax — which provides quick, short-term relief — SSRIs are meant for long-term anxiety management.