The following are examples of some physical care which in turn improves your mental health. But, when they suddenly stop using or reduce their dose, withdrawal symptoms emerge. 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.
Understanding Klonopin in Your System: Duration, Risks and Treatment Options
However, using the medication long-term can lead to dependency, withdrawal, and other harmful side effects. There are other safe options for managing anxiety that may work better for you. While these drugs aren’t habit-forming, it usually isn’t recommended that a person take them on a long-term basis. They don’t generally cause harm even with months or years of use, but regular checkups can help make sure they aren’t impacting your health. Notably, a person should get their blood pressure checked more regularly when using beta blockers. Additionally, withdrawal from Xanax comes with serious side effects.
What Are Some Prescription Drugs That Are Like Xanax?
While it might be a lifeline for some, it’s essential to understand its implications fully. While Xanax has gained widespread recognition for its immediate relief against anxiety, relying on it isn’t without its pitfalls. Understanding these drawbacks can empower individuals to make more informed choices regarding their treatment path. Get helpful tips & strategies for better mental health delivered right to your inbox. If you’d like to ease off of Xanax in favor of a safer alternative, that is always an option.
What is Similar to Xanax but Not Addictive?
For example, hiking, growing a garden, and being around animals can reduce anxiety and build confidence. Sedatives help alleviate anxiety by targeting certain neurotransmitters in the brain that are involved in regulating mood and anxiety levels. Antidepressants effectively treat generalized anxiety and depression without the risk of addiction to benzos. Because benzos have a high risk of addiction, some people don’t want to take the medication. For others, they want to treat the underlying causes of anxiety and not just mask the symptoms.
Are there over-the-counter anxiety medications?
Any treatment center receiving calls from the site is a paid advertiser. For those seeking addiction treatment for themselves or a loved one, what is the best drug to replace xanax? our calls are confidential and are available for 24/7 help. In some cases, alprazolam may be a better solution, and in others, a Xanax alternative may be better. It all depends on the individual situation and the different side effects of alprazolam and its substitutes. A small 2018 animal and clinical trial study found similar results when researchers gave rats and humans matcha (ground-up green tea leaves). The study found that both the mice and humans in the matcha group experienced reduced anxiety when compared with a placebo.
- Its effects can be far-reaching, often affecting daily activities and diminishing an individual’s overall quality of life.
- Make time to get a full 7 to 9 hours per night and follow the same sleep schedule every day.
- It’s important to note that not all people will encounter these side effects, and there may be additional side effects not listed here.
- Magnesium is a mineral found in various green vegetables and some lentils and supports bone mineralization, protein building, muscular contraction, nerve impulse transmission, and immunity.
- If you or a loved one exhibits multiple signs of addiction, it’s imperative to consult a healthcare professional.
- The potential side effects of Buspirone are similar to SNRIs and often improve as the body adjusts.
Gabapentin as a Xanax alternative
Mindfulness exercises focus on tuning into the present moment, without judgment. When other thoughts come up, you accept them without judgment and turn back to what you are focusing on. For example, a visual meditation can help you focus on a peaceful place you imagine, such as a shady spot by a beach. Yoga also incorporates mindfulness and has shown to be effective at relieving anxiety.
- Are you tired of feeling tethered to anxiety, but concerned about the potential pitfalls of relying on Xanax?
- The main bioactive constituents in ashwagandha are withanolides, notably withaferin-A.
- For others, they want to treat the underlying causes of anxiety and not just mask the symptoms.
- Many people seek alternatives to Xanax, because they’re worried about its habit-forming nature, which can be a real concern for some people.
- Another significant benefit to medical detox programs is the ease of continuing into inpatient treatment.
- However, Valium vs. Xanax metabolism comparison shows that the metabolism of Valium is slightly slower in people of Asian and African descent, which makes the effects of the drug last longer.
This article will discuss how Xanax works, alternative options, and when to see a doctor. Here are some tips to help you find the right approach to treating bipolar disorder. It primarily interacts with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in the brain, which regulates the body’s stress response. Studies have shown that L-theanine can reduce stress responses — such as increased cortisol levels (a hormone linked to stress) — without causing drowsiness, making it suitable for daily use.
Sleep hygiene
At Sober Sidekick, we’re committed to guiding individuals on their path to wellness. We believe in the strength of community, the power of knowledge, and the potential for recovery and growth. Remember, every step taken towards understanding and managing anxiety or medication dependence is a step closer to a brighter, more balanced future. Moreover, understanding the potential pitfalls of medications like Xanax can inform more empowered treatment decisions. If you or a loved one exhibits multiple signs of addiction, it’s imperative to consult a healthcare professional.
They’re not regulated in the same way as prescription medications, so their potency, purity, and safety of herbal supplements especially can vary significantly between brands and products. Additionally, these treatments may interact with other medications or health conditions and could be harmful to you. It’s crucial to consult with a health-care professional before starting any holistic treatment. Xanax is an anti-anxiety and anti-convulsant medication belonging to the benzodiazepine class of pharmaceuticals. Therefore, seek a doctor’s advice in choosing the right medication and corresponding dosage for your particular treatment. While Xanax may be effective for some, the FDA warns of serious side effects and the potential for addiction while taking it.