Ativan Vs Xanax, other Benzos, and Natural Alternatives

Hold this position for about seconds before gently releasing your breath. This technique can help activate the vagus nerve and enhance parasympathetic xanax alternatives activity, thus alleviating anxiety. To implement deep breathing, start by sitting or lying down in a comfortable position. Inhale slowly through your nose, allowing your diaphragm (not your chest) to inflate with air. Aim for a breathing cycle of about 4-5 seconds per inhale and exhale. Valerenic acid and its derivatives are structurally similar to the GABA molecule and bind to subtype-A GABA receptors 16.

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The half-life contracts of Klonopin vs. Xanax are quite big; the half-life of Klonopin is longer, i.e., 30 to 40 hours. Both have the potential for dependence and addiction with long-term higher doses. One therapy modality that has been shown to be especially effective in treating anxiety disorders is cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT.

Signs of Xanax Addiction

However, some conditions may require treatment beyond our capabilities, and we reserve the right to medically discharge a patient for a higher level of mental health care. While other benzodiazepines share similarities with Xanax, certain options have a less pronounced risk of addiction. Medications such as lorazepam (Ativan) and clonazepam (Klonopin) offer anxiolytic effects with a more extended duration of action, potentially reducing the risk of dependence compared to Xanax. 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.

Ativan and Alprazolam both belong to the class benzodiazepine, and they are prescribed for the treatment of sleep disorders, anxiety, and various psychiatric conditions. They are also prescribed for insomnia, alcohol withdrawal, and other conditions as an off-label drug. Besides Alprazolam, other benzodiazepines can be prescribed for the treatment of anxiety.

Our medical staff includes an ASAM certified addiction psychiatrist & an addiction-trained primary care physician. Individuals with anxiety must work closely with their healthcare professionals to find the most suitable alternative based on specific needs and responses. Some antihistamines, like diphenhydramine, are occasionally used for their mild sedative effects to alleviate anxiety symptoms. While not specifically designed for anxiety, they can offer a non-addictive option for certain individuals. While beta-blockers like propranolol are not traditional anxiolytics, they can be effective in managing physical symptoms of anxiety, such as tremors and increased heart rate. Drugs like buspirone (BuSpar) and hydroxyzine (Vistaril) are non-benzodiazepine anxiolytics.

Valerenic acid is an allosteric modulator of these receptors, much like alprazolam (Xanax) 17. 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. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) stands out as one of the most promising adaptogens due to its multifarious benefits in the human body. By clicking “Submit,” you certify that you have provided your legal name and phone number, agree to the terms and conditions and privacy policy, and authorise Paid Advertiser to contact you.

When considering the best choice of anxiety medication, any underlying conditions and/or coexisting mental health issues must be taken into account. A comprehensive assessment is necessary to determine the most appropriate treatment plan. The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice.

What are the Best Alternative Medications for Anxiety?

Melatonin is a hormone that the brain uses to regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Xanax and Klonopin share many of the same side effects, but Klonopin stays in the body’s system much longer.

Benzodiazepines are known for their effectiveness and potential for addiction. In this blog post, we’ll delve into alternative drugs similar to Xanax that provide relief without the addictive pitfalls. Studies corroborate that Xanax tends to be as effective as Valium (diazepam) for treating clinical anxiety disorders, but it’s not without drawbacks.

Expert care for anxiety is here. See if Talkiatry is right for you.

Ativan and Xanax both have addictive properties, which makes them unsuitable for a long-term prescription. 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. Whether you’re looking for support for mental health conditions or exploring alternatives to Xanax, LifeMD can help. While the natural remedies below may not provide rapid relief on their own, they can be used in moderation to support other anxiety treatments. It’s often prescribed as a second-line or additional treatment alongside SSRIs and SNRIs to treat other mental health conditions.

• It is crucial to consult a doctor before taking any medication listed below.
• Supplements and herbal remedies can be appealing to those seeking fast relief without the need for a prescription.
• Our writers and reviewers are experienced professionals in medicine, addiction treatment, and healthcare.
• Inositol is a substance that is found in high concentrations in the brain.
• Theanine also increases the production of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin, and GABA.
• The researchers say that meditation works because it combines breathwork with an emphasis on staying present—so you’re not dwelling in worries about the past or the future.

Side Effects Of Xanax Use

They all have slightly different effects and are used to treat various mental and physical ailments. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is considered the first-line therapeutic treatment for anxiety. In CBT, your therapist works with you to identify the intrusive thoughts and behaviors contributing to your anxiety. Then, they give you tools to replace them with healthier coping strategies.

Valerian root

It increases the levels of calming neurotransmitters in the brain – such as GABA, serotonin, and dopamine – to regulate mood and reduce stress. 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. Getting adequate sleep is extremely important for mental health, but sometimes anxiety makes it hard to fall or stay asleep. This can create a vicious cycle, because anxiety itself can be exacerbated by poor sleep quality.

In some studies, the reduction in anxiety with Ashwagandha supplementation rivalled those achieved by some psychiatric drugs (24). Beyond supplements and teas, lemon balm is also used in essential oil form for aromatherapy. As a result, Valerian root is an  attractive natural sedative and compelling alternative to drugs like Xanax. Passion flower can be safely combined with other natural anti-anxiety remedies, amplifying its effects.

Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage. Not all providers on Klarity Health prescribe all medications, particularly medications that are controlled substances. Natural alternative treatments to Xanax for anxiety include natural remedies, over-the-counter supplements, acupuncture, and mindfulness techniques.

The effects of GABA are essentially the inverse of caffeine, which stimulates the central nervous system (and may potentiate anxiety). 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. In the case of Xanax, binding to the GABA-A receptor complex increases the receptor’s affinity for GABA, the endogenous ligand.

While Xanax has many practical uses related to mental health, its use also comes with some concerning side effects and risks. Mark Bayley, 63, of Jeremy Road, Wolverhampton, was sentenced to six years and five months. He also previously pleaded guilty to five charges, including conspiracy to supply Class C drugs and possession with intent to supply Class B drugs. Kyle Smith, 26, of Arundel Road, Willenhall, was jailed for four years. He had previously pleaded guilty to five charges, including conspiracy to supply Class C drugs. Lee Lloyd, 48, of Shakespeare Road, Tipton, was sentenced to seven years and two months, after earlier admitting six charges, including conspiracy to supply Class C drugs.