Alternatives to Benzodiazepines for Anxiety and Natural Treatments for Anxiety
Benzodiazepines are a popular anxiety medication and for good reason. They can be very effective at reducing symptoms of anxiety in many people. However, they come with some serious side effects that could potentially outweigh the benefits when taken long-term. This article will discuss 8 Alternatives to Benzodiazepines for Anxiety and Natural Treatments for Anxiety so you can find an option that works best for you!
Table of Contents
What are benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that work by slowing down the central nervous system. They’re frequently used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. Popular benzodiazepines include Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam) and Valium (diazepam).
The downside is that there can be serious side effects when you take them long term such as memory loss or dependence which makes it harder for people to stop taking them once they’ve started.
How do Benzodiazepines work?
Benzodiazepines work by increasing the activity of GABA – an inhibitory neurotransmitter that is involved in relaxation. This causes a reduction in feelings of anxiety and promotes sleepiness.
What are Alternatives to Benzodiazepine?
There are many options for natural treatments for anxiety, stress relief, and insomnia! Natural valium may be helpful as well, which you can read more about below!
The most effective alternative to benzodiazepines has been found to be phenibut (or picamilon) which is one of my favorite supplements, along with L-theanine, taurine, kava root extract or passionflower. Phenibut reduces anxiety without sedating effects so it’s perfect if you need help.
GABA Sources
GABA is an amino acid and also a neurotransmitter responsible for relaxing and calming your nervous system.
Green Tea
Green tea helps increase GABA production, making it helpful in alleviating depression and anxiety symptoms. Matcha green tea is higher in antioxidants which is important in reducing brain inflammation contributing to brain fog, anxiety, and depression.
- Matcha is a unique type of tea made from whole green tea leaves shaded before harvest
- A known energy booster; Matcha is roughly ten times more potent than regular green tea
- The super fine powder yields a higher concentration of nutrients and a stronger flavor profile
Taurine
Research shows that Taurine, an amino acid increases GABA production in the body as well as increases age-related decline in a mice study. Taurine activates the neuroprotective GABAergic system.
GABA Supplements
- GABA is naturally produced in the body and its presence within the central nervous system may help promote relaxation and ease nervous tension.
- A non-protein amino acid that functions as a neurotransmitter in the human brain.
- Put your mind at ease with 100 mg of our natural, clinically studied form of GABA in a delicious chewable; Fast-acting support for a relaxed, focused mind
- Helps improve alertness and concentration; Promotes emotional well-being and immune health during times of stress without drowsiness
- Pharma gaba: Made with a concentrated, natural form of GABA; It' s used by the brain to help ease nervousness and scattered thoughts
What is the best xanax alternative?
The best xanax alternative is natural valium. It has similar effects to benzodiazepines but without dangerous side effects. Natural valium can provide fast relief from anxiety symptoms and provides all of the benefits that you would get with a prescription drug like Xanax, just safer!
However, supplements can help to minimize anxiety and get to the root cause of your anxiety without the addiction and side effects.
Natural alternatives to natural valium are natural sleep aids. Natural sleep aids provide similar benefits as benzodiazepines but without side effects, making them a great alternative to benzodiazepines for anxiety treatment!
What is an effective substitute for xanax?
Effective substitutes for Xanax include herbal remedies like Kava and Passion Flower or L-Theanine supplements that may help with symptoms of anxiety when taken daily. These options don’t have dangerous long-term consequences like prescription drugs do, which makes it a safe option if you’re looking at Alternatives to Benzodiazepines for Anxiety.
How does Kava work as a natural alternative to a benzodiazepine?
Kava can be a natural alternative to Xanax and help with anxiety by reducing feelings of stress, worry or fear. It works as an effective substitute for benzodiazepines without the side effects!
Kava is a potent herb and being that most herbs are in an alcohol base in a tincture, they work very quickly and are effective at giving immediate relief. Be careful with herbs mixed with antidepressants and benzodiazepines can have interactions. Vitamins, minerals, and homeopathic methods pose a much lower risk of negative interactions.
However, natural herbal use is still shown to have fewer side effects than its drug options.
A recent study showed Kava to be effective in helping individuals who suffer from GAD or generalized anxiety disorder to help alleviate some of their general anxiety. (Ooi et. al., 2018)
Passionflower
Passionflower has been shown in clinical studies to produce similar benefits as Valium but, again, with no side effects.
What are the risks of taking benzodiazepines for anxiety?
For Alternatives to Benzodiazepines for Anxiety, benzodiazepines can cause a number of significant side effects that may outweigh the benefits.
- STANDARDIZED 3.5% EXTRACT: Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata) has been used for centuries by Native North and South Americans to promote a calm mood.*
- SUPPORTS A CALM MOOD*: More recent scientific studies have indicated that certain constituents of passion flower may offer temporary relief from nervousness and feelings of stress.*
- NATURAL STRESS RELIEF*: Passion flower extracts have been shown to aid in relaxation and to alleviate occasional but minor tenseness and restlessness.*
These long-term risks include:
– Cognitive impairment
– Increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
– Impaired memory function
Side effects of Benzodiazepines:
– Dizziness
– Diarrhea
– Difficulty in concentrating and thinking clearly.
Decreased libido, erectile dysfunction in men and loss of sex drive in women.
Benzodiazepines can also cause severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures if stopped suddenly without tapering off at a slow pace under medical supervision. Both benzodiazepine addiction and dependence are common problems among people taking these drugs long-term to treat their anxiety disorder! Alternatives to Benzodiazepines for Anxiety should be taken seriously regarding the dangers associated with prescription drug use over time. This is why natural remedies like herbal sleep aids or supplements like Kava might be safer than traditional medications!
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Other Natural Treatments for Anxiety
Natural treatments will always be preferred over prescription drugs because they lack those dangerous side effects. Some popular natural remedies used as Alternatives to Benzodiazepines for Anxiety include Kava tea or supplements like Passion Flower, which have been shown in clinical studies to provide relief from symptoms similar to Xanax!
Kava is used short-term to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, however, the research on long-term improvement is not as well researched yet.
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References:
Ooi, S. L., Henderson, P., & Pak, S. C. (2018). Kava for Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Review of Current Evidence. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.), 24(8), 770–780. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2018.0001
Originally posted 2021-11-23 05:41:50.
Megan Santiago
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