For some people who have been living with anxiety disorders, Xanax can be a life-changing medication. But it doesn’t work for everyone. Thankfully, people who are seeking alternatives to Xanax have a wealth of evidence-based options to choose from.
If you or a loved one are considering alternatives to Xanax or need support for anxiety, Atlanta Integrative Psychiatry is here to help. Call us now or schedule an appointment today and discover personalized, evidence-based treatments tailored to your needs.
What Is Xanax?
Xanax is the brand name of a prescription medication that is most commonly used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder. The primary active ingredient in Xanax is alprazolam, which is a benzodiazepine.
Alprazolam was first synthesized in the 1960s, and it earned approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1981.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has classified it as a Schedule IV controlled substance. This means that, in the opinion of the U.S. government, Xanax poses “low potential for abuse and low risk of dependence.”
Is Xanax Safe?
When used as directed by a qualified physician, Xanax can be both safe and beneficial. However, the medication has been linked with a variety of adverse effects, some of which can be disruptive enough to prompt people to seek alternatives.
Xanax’s more common side effects include:
- Lightheadedness
- Slurred speech
- Impaired balance
- Muscle weakness
- Constipation
- Appetite changes
- Insomnia
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
Less common, but more severe side effects of Xanax can include:
- Blurred vision
- Itching or burning sensation
- Confusion
- Abnormal heart rate
- Chest pain
- Chills or fever
- Difficulty urinating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Seizure
- Mood swings
- Hallucinations
- Memory loss
If you have begun to experience these or other concerning effects after taking Xanax, you should consult with the doctor who prescribed the medication to you. It is never a good idea to abruptly stop taking Xanax or any other prescription medication without first speaking with a qualified medical professional.
If your doctor agrees that an alternative to Xanax may be better for you, they can help you gradually taper your use of the medication, so you can stop using it without incurring additional distress.
Alternatives to Xanax
There are many reasons for wanting to try alternatives to Xanax, such as:
- It hasn’t provided relief from your anxiety symptoms.
- You are taking other medications that may not interact well with Xanax.
- You have developed intolerable side effects.
- You would like to explore options that don’t involve medication.
Regardless of why you don’t want to take Xanax to help manage your anxiety symptoms, the good news is that you have an array of other options. Depending on a variety of personal factors, you may be best served by one or more of the following:
Antidepressants
Contrary to the category name, antidepressants don’t only treat depression. Two types of antidepressants that have proved to be beneficial for people with anxiety disorders are:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a category that includes paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Prozac), and fluoxetine (Zoloft)
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta)
As with Xanax, these meds don’t work for everyone, so it may take some time before you and your doctor find the right medication and dosage level for you.
Ketamine
Ketamine was developed in the 1960s, but for most of the previous century it was only used in medical procedures, typically as a sedative or anesthetic. Over the past two decades, though, it has proved to be effective at alleviating the symptoms of anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and several other mental health concerns.
Ketamine is typically incorporated into mental health treatment in one of two ways:
- Spravato: Approved by the FDA in 2019, Spravato is a nasal spray that contains a ketamine variant called esketamine. Patients self-administer this spray in a doctor’s office or other authorized medical facility. At Atlanta Integrative Psychiatry, we are pleased to offer Spravato treatment, administered under the supervision of our qualified medical professionals.
- Ketamine infusions: This procedure involves the intravenous (IV) administration of ketamine. Studies have shown that ketamine infusions can help people who have social anxiety disorder, treatment-resistant anxiety, and related mental health concerns.
Psychotherapy
Patients who receive ketamine infusions or other medications for anxiety disorders often also participate in therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is generally regarded as the best therapeutic approach for people who have anxiety. CBT is based on the belief that psychological distress often results from three types of self-defeating thought patterns:
- Core beliefs: Deeply held unfavorable opinions about yourself, your environment, and the future
- Dysfunctional assumptions: Maladaptive inferences that cause you to habitually expect the worst possible outcomes
- Negative automatic thoughts: Reflexive, involuntary responses that frame new information as signs of impending failure or disappointment
CBT sessions can help people identify these types of negative thought patterns, then replace them with healthier and more realistic ways of viewing themselves and the world around them.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
TMS is a noninvasive procedure that uses brief electromagnetic pulses to stimulate targeted areas of the brain, with the goal of easing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and some other mental health concerns.
TMS was originally approved by the FDA in 2008 as a treatment for depression. Therefore making it one of the many alternatives to Xanax. Through the years, its use has been expanded to include several additional conditions, including anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and migraines.
A TMS session usually lasts about 30 minutes. Other than a light tapping sensation where the coil that delivers the electromagnetic pulses touches the forehead, TMS does not cause significant discomfort. Patients are awake and alert throughout the process, which does not involve any sedation or anesthesia.
Holistic Practices
The term holistic practices can refer to a variety of therapies and activities that are designed to help people heal in mind, body, and spirit. Examples include:
- Mindfulness
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Acupuncture
- Massage
- Breathwork
- Expressive arts therapy
Holistic practices can also be excellent techniques for managing stress and releasing tension, which can, in turn, alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. After first takin part in these types of activities in a treatment environment, many people continue to incorporate them into their lives after they have returned home.
Find Anxiety Treatment in Atlanta
Atlanta Integrative Psychiatry is a trusted source of research-supported outpatient services for adults whose lives have been disrupted by anxiety disorders.
When you choose our anxiety treatment center in Atlanta, Georgia, you will have the opportunity to work in close collaboration with a team of skilled and compassionate professionals.
We understand how anxiety can negatively impact virtually every aspect of your life, and we are committed to providing the innovative, personalized solutions that can empower you to achieve a much healthier and more hopeful future. To learn more about how we can help you or a loved one, or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our appointments page or call us today.
