Andy asked
I used to take Alprazolam 0.25mg and I wasn't satisfied with it. Just curious if there is anything I can get locally or order online without a prescription that is used for typically the same thing. Thank you.
Answer
In terms of an over the counter medication that is similar in structure and function to Xanax(alprazolam), you will not be able to find some anything. Xanax belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines and are highly controlled substances and have the ability to cause dependence and abuse. We wrote extensively about benzodiazepines in general which can be read here:
Having said that, there are countless supplements over the counter that could be used for anxiety. I will list a few here and if you would like further information about any of them, let me know and I would be happy to help you out in anyway I can!
The following are the BEST and MOST WELL STUDIED natural medications out there for ANXIETY. There are a whole slew of other natural medications that are more indicated for depression such as St. Johns Wort and 5-HTP that I can give you information on if you wish.
Natural Medicines
- Kava Kava (Piper methysticum)
- Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
- Skullcap )Scutellaria lateriflora)
- Theanine
- Valerian
KAVA KAVA
This is one of the best known herbs for anxiety and has an extremely long history of use. It was most commonly used as a tea dosage form among Pacific Islanders historically. It was and is currently used during social and religious ceremonies for its calming effect and ability to promote sociability. Kava is available as a supplement as kava extract capsules and is currently used by many people for the calming effects and as a treatment for anxiety. Kava does NOT seem to affect benzodiazepine receptors (as drug like Xanax do), but it might increase the effects of GABA therefore causing sedation and a relief of anxiety.
The good news is that most clinical research shows that they work about as well as low-dose benzodiazepines. People who take kava report that it produces a calming effect right away. However, for treating diagnosed anxiety, kava does not seem to work as quickly as benzodiazepines and in cases like these, Kava, it has been reported, can take up to 8 weeks before it provides significant reduction in symptoms
Kava has been safely used in clinical trials, short-term. But there is concern that kava extracts might not be safe. Kava has been linked to over 100 reports of hepatotoxicity, including reports of liver transplantation and death. Hepatotoxicity can occur in some patients after as little as 3-4 weeks of use, even in normal doses. This is a huge safety concern and kava has been banned from the market in Switzerland, Germany, Canada, and several other countries. Many more countries are considering similar action. It IS still available in the United States and you could certainly find it online to purchase no problem.
While Kava may be quite effective, it is NOT recommended due to the possibility of side effects.
Passionflower
Passionflower contains a substance known as apigenin, which seems to bind to the GABA receptor. Clinical research shows that taking passionflower can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety. The evidence looks good, but there just isn't much of it. It does appear to be safe however.
Valerian
Valerian seems to inhibit metabolism of GABA, which boosts GABA levels in the CNS. But clinical research on valerian's effectiveness for anxiety is contradictory. Some studies show benefit while do not. Valerian is most commonly used as a night time sedative and it appears to be safe to use.
Skullcap
It has a long history of use for relieving stress and tension and helping people feel calm and relaxed. It contains compounds known as flavonoids which appear to bind to GABA receptors and have an anxiolytic and sedative effect. People who take skullcap do tend to feel more relaxed but there is no reliable evidence that it can treat anxiety disorders.
Theanine
Theanine is the major amino acid of green tea. It has a variety of interesting properties, but has been used for anxiety. Theanine is thought to increase levels of serotonin and GABA. There is preliminary evidence that theanine helps people feel more tranquil, but no reliable evidence that it helps for treating diagnosed anxiety disorders.
