In fact, many people can reduce their symptoms with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) alone. 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. These drugs are central-nervous-system depressants that can both have calming effects. Trazodone, which might be sold under the brand name Desyrel, is an antidepressant classified as a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI).

Cardiovascular care with board-certified specialists.

This is important, as they could experience severe withdrawal effects, which in some cases are fatal. The facility, staff, & counselors made me feel like the most important person in the world. I learned effective practices that will make my recovery journey a lifetime goal. Buspirone is used to treat symptoms of anxiety, such as fear, tension, irritability and dizziness … Cymbalta (duloxetine) is used to treat major depressive disorder, general anxiety disorder and …

Get Help For A Xanax Addiction

Lastly, breathing exercises can stimulate the release of endorphins, leading to feelings of relaxation (65). Deep breathing exercises, on the other hand, stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which counteracts stress and promotes relaxation (63). Shallow or rapid breathing is a typical response during stressful situations, activating the sympathetic (“fight or flight”) nervous system. There are various forms of meditation, including mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), transcendental meditation, and loving-kindness meditation. Like physical exercise, the benefits of meditation are often most pronounced with regular and consistent practice. Meditation can also stimulate the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins, all of which play roles in the mitigation of anxiety (62).

Other benzodiazepines that treat anxiety

Join LifeMD today and experience amazing healthcare, discounted labs and prescription medications… Learn how genetic testing and pharmacogenomics are helping psychiatrists personalize care by identifying genetic syndromes and optimizing medication plans. A healthcare provider can guide you on gradually reducing your dosage of Xanax, helping to minimize side effects and ensure a smooth transition to an alternative. If you’re looking for an alternative to Xanax, it’s important to speak to a healthcare provider first. This shows people how to reduce the intensity of their anxiety symptoms and manage stress over time.

• Many people seek alternatives to Xanax, because they’re worried about its habit-forming nature, which can be a real concern for some people.
• Counseling, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can be a worthwhile non-pharmacologic approach to anxiety treatment.
• It is important to note that the prescribed medication will depend on the individual’s needs and preferences and their healthcare provider’s recommendations.
• While benzodiazepines are still commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders, there are better options that are generally safer, with a lower risk of addiction.

One therapy modality that has been shown to be especially effective in treating anxiety disorders is cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT. CBT works by helping you identify, understand, and stop negative thought cycles. If you’re interested in CBT and medication management, you can take Talkiatry’s online assessment to get matched with one of our doctors. We’re a national psychiatry practice that provides virtual in-network are. Keep in mind that just because “natural” remedies or OTC options don’t require a prescription, it doesn’t mean they are completely safe. Herbal supplements like ashwagandha, Rhodiola, and kava are increasingly popular holistic options for treating anxiety.

Alternatives to Xanax: Is Anything as Effective?

It is not a controlled substance like Xanax, however, so it could be a more appealing short-term or as-needed option in conjunction with an SSRI or SNRI. The primary problems with hydroxyzine are its potential for troublesome sedation and prolongation of the QT interval, particularly when combined with other medications. While Klonopin does not avoid these problems, it does have an advantage over how Xanax works.

Notably, a person should get their blood pressure checked more regularly when using beta blockers. Like SSRIs, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) have a lower risk of misuse, dependence, and addiction. Physical dependence can begin within a few days of taking the drug, even when taking it as prescribed, depending on the individual and their proclivity to develop physical dependence. Discover effective and evidence-based approaches to managing ADHD that go beyond prescription medications. They will be able to help you find the best option based on your medical history, the severity of your anxiety symptoms, and discuss the pros and cons of each alternative with you.

• Individuals without chronic anxiety often use Xanax to experience its calming effects, but this can lead to a dangerous addiction to the medication.
• There are several over-the-counter (OTC) products, supplements that people use to help manage anxiety symptoms.
• Eating well and exercising regularly can improve the body’s natural ability to manage stress, which may help with overall health.
• Higher dosages can lead to withdrawal and dependency issues in the long run.

Other tips to help get to sleep

For informational purposes only, a what is an alternative to xanax link to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Open Payments web page is provided here. The LifeMD Affiliated P.C.s are administratively led by LifeMD Southern Patient Medical Care, P.C., with registered office 1200 South Pine Island Road, Plantation, FL 33324. Learn more about the effectiveness, side effects, and other uses of antidepressants like citalopram. For example, if you have mild anxiety, L-theanine or mindfulness practices may be helpful. But if your symptoms are severe, SNRIs or SSRIs will likely offer longer-term benefits.

It has a longer duration of action, having a half-life of 12 to 40 hours, compared to the short-acting benzo Xanax, which has a half-life of one to 12 hours. The longer-lasting effects can provide a more steady degree of anxiety relief and reduce the chance of withdrawal when stopping. While Xanax may be effective for some, the FDA warns of serious side effects and the potential for addiction while taking it.

You can reap the benefits of exercise for your mental health with just committing to a brisk walk a few days a week, a bike ride, or even a dance class (or a dance party in your living room). 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. Buspirone is a partial agonist at certain serotonin receptors, and as a serotonergic drug, it has utility in anxiety treatment. Like Xanax, it can be used alongside an SSRI or SNRI for additional benefit if the SSRI or SNRI alone is not providing complete resolution of the symptoms of anxiety.

Anxiolytic medications target key neurotransmitters in the brain, which serve as chemical messengers that send signals between different nerve cells in the brain. The primary neurotransmitter involved in anxiety is gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter that decreases nerve cell activity in the brain. Prescription psychiatric medications that are used to treat anxiety often quell excessive neuronal firing and reduce levels of GABA in the brain, thereby promoting calm and relaxation. Psychiatrists are doctors who have specialized training in diagnosing and treating complex mental health conditions through medication management. If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, or similar, a psychiatrist may be a good place to start.

Vistaril (hydroxyzine) vs Xanax (alprazolam): Comparing medications

Xanax, also known as alprazolam, has undoubtedly provided relief to countless individuals who struggle with anxiety. In today’s fast-paced world, feelings of anxiety and overwhelming stress are common. Buspirone (Buspar) belongs to a group of medications known as azapirones.