Alprazolam, the active ingredient in Xanax, is a benzodiazepine first marketed in 1981. It works by modulating gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission in the central nervous system (CNS). While valerian has been used as popular herbal medicine effects of ayahuasca on mental health and quality of life in naïve users for ages to reduce stress, treat insomnia, and alleviate anxiety, there is still a lack of clinical research supporting its anecdotal benefits. Hopefully, future human studies of valerian root will focus on treating mental health conditions.

It is very similar to GABA, a calming neurotransmitter that makes people feel more relaxed. Ativan and Alprazolam both work as CNS depressants, and so any medication with the same property can amplify their effects. Alprazolam is metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A, and so any drug interacting with this compound can alter the rate of clearance of Xanax from the body. Administration of Ativan with clozapine, valproate, probenecid, theophylline, and aminophylline can alter its effects. Snorting both drugs can cause increased abuse potential and additional side effects.

The presence of calming l-theanine in tea softens the effects of caffeine, making it a better choice than other caffeinated drinks. The scientific consensus has been that these supplements cannot work because GABA molecules are too large to enter the brain. Research shows that taking a high-quality multivitamin can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and improve general well-being. Low levels of vitamin C have been linked to both anxiety and depression. Vegetarians, seniors, and those who use acid-suppressing drugs are most at risk for B12 deficiency.

1. Kratom is widely believed to help people get off of opioid medications like oxycodone, vicodin, Hydrocodone, and Percocet, and is actually a very suitable alternative for these medications.
2. GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that slows brain activity, enabling you to relax.
3. But it is important to note that these are suggested for short-term use.
4. The need to change your life could prompt you to look for alternatives you could lean on when the urge to take a Xanax begins to rise.

In addition, about half of all people surveyed reported lying awake at night due to stress. There are many forms of magnesium supplements to pick from, but most barely enter the brain, where the magnesium is needed to impact anxiety. Psychobiotics are probiotics that offer specific mental health benefits, including alleviating anxiety. Gotu kola can reduce symptoms of anxiety and increase calmness by reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol and increasing levels of feel-good neurotransmitters. There are many natural Xanax alternatives proven to reduce anxiety effectively and safely. This brain supplement meets all 12 of my requirements for a high-quality brain supplement, including effectiveness, safety, purity, and value.

A Brief History of Xanax Abuse

Instead, schedule a time to speak to the prescribing healthcare professional about your concerns and ideas. Jointly, the best plan for your anxiety management can be established, whether it involves alprazolam or a different option. Alprazolam belongs to the benzodiazepine category of anxiolytic medications, which exerts its effects by enhancing the action of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the central nervous system. Since GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter or brain cell signaling chemical, increasing its action via a benzodiazepine leads to a sedating or calming effect. This drug category has a few other members who could be chosen instead of alprazolam for treating anxiety.

Xanax Should Not Be Mixed With Alcohol and Other Drugs

Xanax is addictive, and if a person thinks they are depending on Xanax to cope with day-to-day life, they should contact an addiction support service for more information and assistance. addiction among males Researchers found that CBD reduced anxiety scores in nearly 80% of the study participants. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine found in medications such as Benadryl and Advil PM.

In other words, valerenic acid derivatives are silent antagonists of GABA-A receptors. However, by virtue of its synthetic origin, alprazolam is much more potent than any GABA agonists that occur in nature (e.g. L-theanine and constituents of valerian root). Comparing Xanax to natural GABA agonists is like comparing apples to oranges.

The great thing about natural remedies is that they tend to be cheaper and safer. However, it’s still not recommended to experiment with these remedies without consulting a specialist as they may cause allergy or other unpredictable effects. This is another herbal Xanax alternative, also referred to as Indian pennywort. Indians have used it for thousands of years to treat anxiety, wounds, leprosy, lupus, fever, diarrhea, et cetera. The exact way through which this herb produces anxiolysis is not well understood. Inositol is a substance that is found in high concentrations in the brain.

When investigators searched his car and found a loaded.22 caliber pistol, 73 grams of cocaine, 465 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, and smaller quantities of LSD and dextroamphetamine. In addition to delivering drugs locally, Rainwater, using the Telegram username “smokeyinpdx,” also advertised that he would sell and ship drugs to out-of-state customers, officials say. Officials say the man, Rocky Allan Rainwater, 24, used an encrypted messaging service called Telegram to sell various controlled substances to minors. PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — A Portland man is facing federal charges for selling drugs to minors online, according to the U.S.

Similar to other addictions, Xanax abuse 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. Rainwater has been charged by criminal complaint with distributing and possessing with intent to distribute cocaine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Alternatives To Xanax & Benzodiazepines For Anxiety

Lemon balm extract and tea are often studied as treatments for anxiety symptoms, like panic attacks and stress-related eating behaviors. Indeed, there is substantial evidence that lemon balm extract has a potent calming effect by acting on GABA [21]. Rather compelling research has shown that treatment with magnesium supplements can rapidly relieve anxiety and panic attacks [11]. Magnesium supplementation can also support immune function and reduce oxidative stress, imperative for overall health and longevity [12]. If you’re considering natural Xanax alternatives, L-theanine should be near the top of your list. L-theanine is a non-dietary amino acid found predominantly in green tea leaves.

It takes longer to act, i.e., several weeks compared to Alprazolam (a benzodiazepine), but among Buspirone vs. Xanax, Buspirone is more effective for long-term treatment of anxiety. The half-life of Buspirone vs. Xanax is different; that of Buspirone is 2 to 3 hours. Xanax is available in its brand form, and its generic form, alprazolam, but buspirone is only available in its generic form. In comparative studies, it has shown a significantly lower risk of dependence and addiction.

Our modern lifestyle is rife with nutrient drains including sugar, processed foods, caffeine, stress, toxins, and drugs (both prescription and recreational). Vitamin C is also a well-known stress buster that can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms. Many people experience significantly fewer anxiety symptoms when taking a B complex supplement. One study pitted kava against two popular anti-anxiety drugs (buspirone and opipramol) and found that kava worked as well as either of them. While you can get l-theanine from drinking tea, it’s not practical to rely on tea alone to reduce anxiety. Moderate anxiety symptoms often improve within 30 minutes after taking l-theanine and the effects can last up 10 hours.