Author: Alex Thompson
Natural Xanax Alternatives For Anxiety OTC Xanax Replacements
When you take a low dose of Kratom (usually 1 – 3 grams), it tends to be more of a stimulating and energetic experience. It’s unknown exactly how many people use it, but the vast majority of Americans have never even heard of the substance. One site, which ranks very highly towards to top of the search results for the phrase “over the counter xanax” lists a product called ZenRX as the “best Xanax alternative”. Well, the reason I’m writing this right now is there in fact ARE all natural pills and supplements out there that work very closely to Xanax.
An alternative treatment for insomnia is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Strong arguments abound for avoiding benzodiazepines, and SSRIs have good reasons to be the go-to drug class for most cases of anxiety. However, there is a chance you may not like either, and an SNRI antidepressant/anti-anxiety drug like Cymbalta could be preferable. SNRIs avoid the controlled substance designation and provide a long-acting steady state of relief. A lower risk than most SSRIs of sexual dysfunction and weight gain could be appealing too.
As University Health News points out, there are no approved over-the-counter medications you can use to treat a feeling of anxiety. One day, research may point to an herb or supplement that can help to soothe raw nerves, but for now, there is no approved solution for those feelings. Since feelings of anxiety and stress are so common, it is not surprising that supplement manufacturers have examined herbs and other natural products. There are a few herbs that seem to appear in many supplements you might find in stores.
Buspirone vs. Xanax
With patience and regular practice, therapy can help people learn to redirect unhelpful thought patterns and ground themselves in the midst of stressful life circumstances. Although used to treat anxiety, trazodone may not treat panic attacks as effectively as Xanax. This means that it doesn’t have to be taken as many times during the day, which reduces the risk of misuse and addiction. Many other well-known pharmaceuticals also fall within the class of benzodiazepines.
Two recent studies found lavender oil capsules to be just as effective as commonly prescribed benzodiazepine Lorazepam and the antidepressant Paroxetine [16]. The major difference is that natural Xanax alternatives are less likely to have detrimental side-effects, and carry a lower risk of dependence or addiction. They are also more widely available and can be bought ‘over the counter‘, as you do not need a prescription, and almost all are beneficial to your health in more areas than one [7]. Xanax is the brand name of alprazolam, which is a type of benzodiazepine. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have not approved Xanax as a treatment for insomnia.
Lavender/Silexan
The longer-lasting effects can provide a more steady degree of anxiety relief and reduce the chance of withdrawal when stopping. Keep in mind that common side effects could last longer as well, though. The good thing about a strong determination to quit is that you do not have to do it alone.
They haven’t been reviewed or tested by the FDA, and they make no claims to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases. I have personally tested ALLof the below mentioned otc Xanax alternatives, and KNOW they work. These are all ranked in terms of effectiveness, and I outline exactly how you should be taking each to get the best possible results. In some cases, alprazolam may be a better solution, and in others, a Xanax alternative may be better.
- They also found that about 67% of the participants saw improvements in sleep, but the improvements did fluctuate over time.
- Exercise is even a simple but effective measure of anxiety relief.
- This is one of the main reasons why alcohol is use by millions to “take the edge off” when you’re feeling stressed out.
- Once again, your patience may be tested, however, since buspirone does not act as quickly as benzos.
Similar to other addictions, Xanax addiction can lead to poor health, ruined relationships, forgotten responsibilities, and maybe worse. And finally, it is not advised for people to share their medications with other people. A person should not crush, chew, or break a Xanax extended-release tablet. Breaking the tablet can cause too much of the drug to be released at once.
Can I Buy Benzodiazepines Over the Counter or Find OTC Anxiety Medication?
Our writers and reviewers are experienced professionals in medicine, addiction treatment, and healthcare. AddictionResource fact-checks all the information before publishing and uses only credible and trusted sources when citing any medical data. Ativan and Alprazolam both belong to the class benzodiazepine, and they are prescribed for the treatment of sleep disorders, anxiety, and various psychiatric conditions.
What do anxiety rashes look like? Causes & treatment
In addition, about half of all people surveyed reported lying awake at night due to stress. A seasoned musician and public speaker herself, she is no stranger to the very real fear and anxiety that can strike right before a high-pressure situation. Like we said at the top of the page, anxiety disorders are the most prevalent psychiatric disorder in the world and in the US alone currently affect over 40 million adults per year [1]. Xanax in particular slows down the movement of brain chemicals that may have become unbalanced, resulting in a reduction in nervous tension and anxiety. Xanax does this by boosting the effects of a natural chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is made in the brain [4].
Other antidepressant medications used to treat anxiety not listed here include Lexapro (escitalopram), Prozac (fluoxetine), and buspirone. Halcion is a benzodiazepine medication that is primarily prescribed to temporarily treat symptoms of insomnia. Valium is used to treat anxiety as well as seizures and alcohol withdrawal. Like Xanax, Valium is fast-acting, which can lead to misuse and abuse.
Alternative treatments may include not only different medications but also therapy. Xanax is a fast-acting benzodiazepine, and a person may take it before bed to help with their anxiety and to fall asleep. Another feature to understand about SSRI use for anxiety compared to benzos is the slower onset of action. Full effectiveness for SSRIs can take six to eight weeks as opposed to a matter of hours for benzos. The added safety of Zoloft and other SSRIs comes at the cost of requiring your patience in getting relief.
There is plenty of anecdotal evidence showing people experiencing a calmer state and reduced anxiety after taking GABA supplements [11]. Two (more detailed) studies carried out in 2006 looked at the effects of GABA supplements on the brain [13]. It is incredibly important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if any prescription medication is right for you.
The same is its ability to step in as a natural Xanax replacement. 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. Spring Hill Recovery Center provides residential treatment for addiction and co-occurring mental health issues.