• Anxiety
• Mental Health

Top Alternatives to Xanax for Managing Anxiety

For anyone struggling with anxiety, the need for fast relief can be overwhelming. 

Xanax is a popular FDA-approved drug prescribed to people with anxiety because of its effectiveness. 

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.

 In this article, we outline several safe and effective alternatives — from other medications to natural remedies and lifestyle changes — so you find the best choice for your mental health.

What is Xanax?

Xanax is an FDA-approved medication primarily used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. 

It’s sometimes referred to by its generic name alprazolam. Xanax belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. 

It targets a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA plays an important role in calming nerve activity. 

Neurons in the brain fire rapidly when someone experiences anxiety. This type of brain activity leads to symptoms like an increased heart rate and hypervigilance.

Xanax binds to GABA receptors to amplify the calming effects of the neurotransmitter. This slows neuron activity down, which creates a relaxing effect and eases anxiety symptoms.  

Why is it so popular? 

Unlike other medications that take a few weeks to build up in the body, Xanax starts working within minutes. This makes the medication ideal for people needing quick relief from anxiety symptoms. 

However, the rapid relief you feel can be habit-forming. Over time, this may make it necessary to increase dosage. Higher dosages can lead to withdrawal and dependency issues in the long run.

Individuals without chronic anxiety often use Xanax to experience its calming effects, but this can lead to a dangerous addiction to the medication.

What are the Best Alternative Medications for Anxiety?

Despite the popularity of Xanax, many people look for alternative prescription medications that offer anxiety relief without the same risks of dependency and withdrawal. 

Be sure to consult your doctor before trying any of the Xanax alternatives below to ensure they’re safe and suited to your needs. 

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) 

Several healthcare providers prefer to prescribe SSRIs to treat anxiety disorders because they’re less likely to be misused and cause dependency. 

How do they work?

Unlike Xanax —  which provides quick, short-term relief — SSRIs are meant for long-term anxiety management. 

They work by keeping serotonin — a mood-regulating neurotransmitter — active in the brain longer to stabilize mood and gradually alleviate anxiety symptoms.

While SSRIs are generally well-tolerated, some people may experience mild side effects, like nausea, headaches, and insomnia. Many of these symptoms will start to go away as the body adjusts to the medication.

It typically takes about four to six weeks for SSRIs to start working. Some of the most common SSRIs prescribed for treating anxiety disorders include:

• Zoloft (sertraline) 

• Prozac (fluoxetine)

• Lexapro (escitalopram) 

• Celexa (citalopram)

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) 

SNRIs are also a good alternative to Xanax because they provide long-term anxiety relief. While most drugs can be misused, the risk is much lower with SNRIs. Listed below are some common SNRIs and the ways they work.

Citalopram

SNRIs help manage anxiety by preventing the quick reabsorption of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. 

This allows mood-regulating chemicals to stay active in the brain longer, balance emotional responses, and improve anxiety symptoms.

Individuals who use SNRIs may also experience temporary, mild side effects like dry mouth, nausea, and constipation. 

Like SSRIs, it can take a few weeks before you see any improvement. A few of the most commonly prescribed SNRIs include: 

• Effexor (venlafaxine)

• Pristiq (desvenlafaxine)

• Cymbalta (duloxetine)

Buspirone

Buspirone — often referred to by its brand name, BuSpar — is another alternative to Xanax for managing anxiety long-term. This medication is commonly prescribed to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

How does it work?

It activates certain serotonin receptors in the brain to create a feeling of relaxation.

It’s often prescribed as a second-line or additional treatment alongside SSRIs and SNRIs to treat other mental health conditions.

The potential side effects of Buspirone are similar to SNRIs and often improve as the body adjusts. 

This medication typically starts improving anxiety symptoms in three to four weeks. 

Are There Any Natural Alternatives to Xanax?

Given the potential side effects and risk of dependency on Xanax and other anxiety medications, many people look for natural alternatives.

While the natural remedies below may not provide rapid relief on their own, they can be used in moderation to support other anxiety treatments. 

L-theanine

L-theanine is a naturally occurring amino acid, primarily found in green tea. It’s available over-the-counter (OTC) in several forms. It can be consumed as a supplement, powder, or tea. 

It increases the levels of calming neurotransmitters in the brain – such as GABA, serotonin, and dopamine – to regulate mood and reduce stress. 

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. 

This non-sedative effect makes L-theanine a gentler alternative to medications like Xanax which may cause sleepiness and dependency. 

Valerian root 

Valerian root is a natural herbal remedy available in capsules, teas, or liquid extracts. 

It contains compounds like valeric acid that bind to GABA receptors in the brain to enhance the chemical’s calming effects — easing anxiety symptoms like tension and restlessness. 

Similar to Xanax, valerian root also targets GABA receptors. However, it works more gradually, promoting sleep and possibly lowering cortisol levels — without the risk of dependency. 

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is a natural herb traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to reduce stress and support overall wellness.

It primarily interacts with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in the brain, which regulates the body’s stress response. 

This may reduce cortisol production, helping to lower stress levels, and increase serotonin and GABA levels to create a more relaxed and calm mental state. 

Ashwagandha also takes time to build up in the body and is a good option for those looking for a long-term and natural way to ease their anxiety symptoms.

Lifestyle and Behavioral Adjustments for Managing Anxiety 

While medications and natural supplements can be effective, lifestyle and behavioral changes are essential for managing anxiety sustainably over the long term. 

The practices below may effectively provide lasting support for mental and physical well-being.

Seek cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Working with a mental health professional through CBT is a great way to address the root cause of your anxiety — often while you treat symptoms with medication. 

Unlike medication, CBT helps individuals change their thought patterns and behaviors that trigger anxiety.

Research shows that the benefits of CBT last beyond each session and gradually reduce the need for long-term medication use. 

Practice mindfulness and meditation

Regular mindfulness practices — such as deep breathing exercises, guided meditation, and journaling can lower cortisol levels and improve emotional regulation.

These techniques also help individuals acknowledge and accept anxious thoughts without having a negative reaction to them.

This shows people how to reduce the intensity of their anxiety symptoms and manage stress over time.

These coping mechanisms can teach people effective stress management techniques, potentially minimizing the need for prolonged medication use. 

Fuel your mind and body  

Regular exercise and a balanced diet are effective and natural ways to manage anxiety. 

By boosting the production of endorphins and serotonin, exercise is known to improve mood, ease tension, and reduce irritability. 

A balanced diet can support brain health, reduce inflammation, and regulate the activity of neurotransmitters.  

Eating well and exercising regularly can improve the body’s natural ability to manage stress, which may help with overall health.

How Do I Choose an Alternative to Xanax? 

If you’re looking for an alternative to Xanax, it’s important to speak to a healthcare provider first. 

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. 

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’s also important not to stop using Xanax without consulting your healthcare provider because this can lead to withdrawal or worsening symptoms. 

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.

Where Can I Learn More About Managing My Mental Health?

Whether you’re looking for support for mental health conditions or exploring alternatives to Xanax, LifeMD can help.

Connect with experienced healthcare professionals who can guide you through personalized treatment options and tips for managing your anxiety.

Book an online appointment today and take your first step toward calmer, healthier living — all from the comfort of home.

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