Comparing Xanax to natural GABA agonists is like comparing apples to oranges. Unlike drugs like Xanax, Alcohol, and Lorazepam, Phenibut does NOT affect your cognitive function. It doesn’t make you lose focus, concentration, or have any impact on short or long term memory.
My Experience Taking CBD for Anxiety
Similar to Passion flower, Valerian root affects GABA levels in the brain. By inhibiting the breakdown of GABA, Valerian can help calm anxiety (5). Another showed that it can reduce pre-surgery anxiety, comparable to standard medications (4). As a result, it presents a promising natural alternative to pharmaceutical drugs like Xanax. Natural solutions can often be gentler on the body and mind, with fewer side effects. They can also natural version of xanax promote overall well-being instead of just simply suppressing symptoms.
- Numerous studies show that L-theanine can simultaneously enhance mental acuity and reduce stress 6.
- There is a growing awareness of what these neurotoxic substances can do to our health.
- A gentle massage of the scalp using lavender essential oil can produce a soothing and relaxing effect on the brain and reduce stress and anxiety.
- Just as anti-anxiety drugs don’t work for everyone, no single supplement is 100% effective either.
- If you’re just starting out with Kratom as an alternative to Xanax, I would suggest you stick to a low dose for the first few tries.
- These are all ranked in terms of effectiveness, and I outline exactly how you should be taking each to get the best possible results.
- To implement deep breathing, start by sitting or lying down in a comfortable position.
Psychobiotic Xanax Alternatives
The ancient practice of meditation, deeply rooted in numerous cultures and traditions, has stood the test of time. Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, and tempeh are rich natural sources of probiotics. Incorporating these foods into your diet can support a balanced gut microbiome. The gut and the brain communicate through multiple pathways, including the vagus nerve, neurotransmitters, and the immune system (51-53). They also play a key role in mood regulation and the alleviation of anxiety. Theanine is an amino acid predominantly found in tea leaves (especially green tea).
Can Cannabis Replace Xanax As an Anti-Anxiety Drug?
Some studies suggest that lavender can also enhance cognitive function, especially in high-stress situations. This positions it uniquely, as it offers both relaxation and mental clarity (17). Multiple studies have revealed that lavender oil can effectively reduce generalized anxiety (13).
Physical Treatments for Anxiety and Insomnia
- However, doctors do not typically recommend these as natural alternatives as much more research is needed to definitively establish if they are effective for treating mental health conditions like anxiety.
- Research shows that taking a high-quality multivitamin can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and improve general well-being.
- As an alternative to Xanax, then I would recommend using a higher dose of Kratom.
- The reason behind this is because practically every kava supplement out there uses kava roots.
- It was and is currently used during social and religious ceremonies for its calming effect and ability to promote sociability.
- Additionally, these treatments may interact with other medications or health conditions and could be harmful to you.
Since Xanax targets GABAergic transmission exclusively, natural ingredients with similar pharmacology can also induce relaxation, improve sleep, and foster feelings of well-being. Throughout this article, we’ll detail how prescription drugs like Xanax work and further detail these five Xanax alternatives. Cannabis, on the other hand, has a low addiction profile, minor negative side-effects, no reported related deaths, and no known drug interactions except advice that it should not be smoked during pregnancy. But, given the potential addiction, negative side-effects, and adverse drug interactions, Xanax might be the remedy of last resort. It is not recommended for those with allergies to benzodiazepines, narrow-angle glaucoma, alcoholism-related liver disease, impaired hepatic or renal functions, and older or obese adults. And, it is counter-indicated for patients treating with Sporanox or Nizoral.
I first discovered Phenibut when I was researching all natural anti-anxiety supplements. I was contacted by the makers of a product called Phenibut XT, and they were looking for someone to test out there product and write a review. However, the potential for addiction and dependence on Xanax and other anxiety medications like Lorazepam (Ativan), Valium, Klonopin, and Librium is HUGE. There are literally THOUSANDS of stories of people being addicted to it, and the withdrawal from it can be an absolute nightmare.
Is it possible to experience withdrawals from benzodiazepines?
Magnesium supplementation can also support immune function and reduce oxidative stress, imperative for overall health and longevity 12. Numerous studies show that L-theanine can simultaneously enhance mental acuity and reduce stress 6. Xanax is unequivocally an effective prescription medication for treating anxiety and panic disorders 2. It also alters wakefulness and sleep-wake cycles by regulating brainwave activity. Research suggests that Xanax significantly decreases the length of rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep stages and the frequency of REM burst activity 3. REM sleep is when dreaming typically occurs and paradoxically exhibits similar neurophysiology to being awake.
The Benefits of TUDCA
Recent guidelines from mental health experts emphasize the importance of a gradual reduction in prescription medications under medical supervision. Abruptly stopping a medication like Xanax can cause serious side effects, including rebound anxiety, insomnia, and even seizures in some cases. A healthcare professional can help you taper off the medication slowly while integrating natural alternatives, such as herbal supplements, amino acids, or mind-body practices, into your daily routine. This approach not only minimizes the risk of adverse effects but also maximizes the effectiveness of the natural remedies. It’s also important to maintain a holistic approach during this transition.
