Alternatives to Xanax

[BetaChiAngel]

I'm looking for a good alternative to xanax. Right now I'm taking xanax on an as needed basis, and when my anxiety gets really bad I find myself taking 1mg/day, sometimes for a week or 2 straight. This not only calms my nerves, but it gives me back my appetite, and relieves my anxiety related digestive problems.

I have valerian root capsules but haven't tried them yet...I know kava, Calms Forte, and Rescue Remedy are alternatives, and I'm hoping to find the one that most resembles xanax's effects, because that seems to be the only thing working for me right now. I'd really appreciate hearing from anyone who has actually tried xanax and one or more of these alternative meds...thanks!

[crcaz]

passionflower helps, also. Whats helped me the most is exercise, forgiveness and what the bible says "love will seperate u from your anxiety"- so love unconditionally much. Pray for "peace in your heart"
Don't mean to be so religiosity but it works!-pray w/faith- then tell others and receive tenfold.

[Tangle]

Gamma Amino Butyric Acid is the natural alternative to Benzodiazepine type tranquilizers. Zanax works by directly influencing GABA neron receptors. GABA can be safely supplemented for reducing anxiety.

(i posted GABA on "vitamins" board yesterday)

Tangle typically takes about 2 gms daily

[BetaChiAngel]

Thank you both for your replies. I agree that praying and meditating can do wonders for anxiety and stress. The valerian capsules I have also contain passionflower, I will have to try them.

Tangle, I appreciate the info on GABA. I'm definitely interested and plan to research it more.

[Farmer Sue Tickle]

Hi BCA, meditation for me has always been the most beneficial. It takes some on-going discipline to build up a 'store' or to get to a sustainable level of stability.

More realistically and when mother comes to stay, valerian root is fantastic for me. It doesn't sedate me but cuts out the background 'noise' and helps me to remain asleep. I never feel dozy and sometimes use it in the daytime to help me concentrate at work.

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