Natural Alternatives to Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are widely used to treat anxiety, sleep disorders, and depression. However, benzodiazepine drugs can have serious side effects and have a high potential for drug abuse.   

Discover five alternatives to benzodiazepines and learn how these natural remedies can help reduce anxiety symptoms and improve your mental and physical health.

What are benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines are psychoactive drugs that are often prescribed to treat the physical symptoms of anxiety disorders, anxiety-related insomnia, depression, and seizures. 

These anti-anxiety medications have potent sedatives, muscle-relaxing, and anticonvulsant effects that can help alleviate agitation, tension, and panic attacks.

However, benzodiazepines can have serious side effects and are habit-forming, and even short-term use may lead to addiction and drug abuse. 

How do benzodiazepines work?

Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants as they enhance the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain.

GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces neuronal excitability throughout the nervous system. This has a calming and sedative effect, making these drugs effective for treating many anxiety symptoms. 

What conditions are benzodiazepines used for?

Because of their ability to slow down and suppress neuronal activity, benzodiazepines are used to treat a variety of conditions. 

Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed for:

• Generalized anxiety disorder 

• Social anxiety disorder 

• Chronic anxiety

• Panic disorders 

• Panic attacks 

• Alcohol withdrawal symptoms 

• Preoperative sedation 

While benzodiazepines aren’t generally used to treat depression, they may be prescribed in certain cases where a patient with depression also experiences severe anxiety or panic attacks. 

Watch the video below to learn about effective alternatives to benzodiazepine drugs. 

Safety and side effects of benzodiazepines

While benzodiazepines have been found effective in treating anxiety disorders, they’re associated with a wide range of adverse effects and drug interactions.

The use of benzodiazepines is associated with significant side effects, including:

• Drowsiness 

• Impaired motor function

• Irregular heartbeats 

• Vertigo 

• Poor eyesight 

• Confusion

• Poor memory function 

• Slurred speech  

• Depression 

Another important consideration when taking psychopharmaceutical medications such as benzodiazepines is the potential for interactions with other drugs and substances. 

These interactions can amplify the effects of benzodiazepine drugs, which can lead to dangerous outcomes, including severe drowsiness, respiratory depression, coma, and even death.

These drugs have shown strong potential for interactions with benzodiazepines: 

• Opioids

• Muscle relaxants

• Antipsychotic drugs 

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) 

• Antihistamine

• Barbiturates

• Beta-blockers 

• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)

In addition, research published in Frontiers in Psychiatry highlights that benzodiazepines are addictive and associated with a high risk of drug abuse. This requires careful medication management to reduce the risk of benzodiazepine dependence.  

The authors summarize, “The misuse and abuse of benzodiazepines have increased dramatically in recent years, with overdose deaths on the rise, especially with combinations of benzodiazepines and other medications such as opioids.”

Natural alternatives to benzodiazepines

Because of the significant side effects, drug interactions, and risk of addiction associated with benzodiazepines, increasingly more individuals are looking to manage anxiety symptoms with natural and non-addictive alternatives.

Here are five natural benzodiazepine alternatives.

1. Magnolia bark 

Magnolia bark extract has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to manage anxiety and depression. 

The seeds, bark, and leaves of trees belonging to the Magnoliaceae family contain honokiol. This potent lignan has been found to enhance the neuro-suppressing effects of GABA by binding to the same receptor sites as benzodiazepines.

A study published in the Journal of Zhejiang University investigated the anti-anxiety effects of magnolia bark and found that honokiol shows potential treatment applications for mood disorders and depression and may benefit individuals with generalized panic disorder and anxiety.   

2. Ashwagandha 

Ashwagandha is a powerful adaptogen that contains natural compounds that can enhance the body’s ability to adjust and adapt to physical and mental stress. 

This increased resilience can help alleviate anxiety-related symptoms such as irritability, sleep issues, and difficulty concentrating. 

“Ashwagandha is one of the most potent adaptogens as it helps maintain balanced levels of the neurotransmitter GABA, which promotes stress resilience and calms the nervous system,” explains Dr. Berg.

Evidence published in Cureus confirms the benefits of ashwagandha for anxiety and highlights its ability to promote restful sleep, enhance memory, and improve cognitive function and overall mental well-being. 

3. Probiotics 

Research published in Nutrients found that an imbalanced intestinal microflora is associated with a higher risk of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.

The study further suggests, “Patients with generalized anxiety disorder had lower microbial richness and diversity, as well as reduced levels of Firmicutes spp., but more Fusobacteria and Bacteroidetes.”

This indicates the potential for probiotics to alleviate symptoms of anxiety. Regularly consuming probiotic-rich foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, miso, and yogurt may be a beneficial approach to support individuals with anxiety-related disorders.   

4. B vitamin complex 

The B vitamin complex comprises eight water-soluble vitamins, all of which are involved in the body’s stress response and neuronal health. 

Vitamin B6 plays a crucial role in the production of GABA, which may explain why individuals with B vitamin deficiencies are at increased risk of anxiety, panic attacks, and insomnia. 

A study published in the Annals of Medicine and Surgery found that vitamin B6 increased GABA concentrations, and participants reported feeling significantly less anxious after four weeks of supplementation. 

In addition, vitamin B12 and folate are needed for the expression of GABA receptors within the central nervous system. Deficiencies in these B vitamins can impair GABA-mediated neurotransmission, which can contribute to anxiety and other mood disorders.

5. Magnesium 

Magnesium is involved in the release of GABA and is needed to activate neuronal GABA receptors. Without adequate magnesium concentrations, GABA's inhibitory and calming effects may be blocked, which can induce symptoms of anxiety.

Data released by the National Institutes for Health (NIH) found that almost half of U.S. adults don’t consume enough magnesium to meet daily requirements, leaving them at increased risk of anxiety.  

Consuming plenty of magnesium-rich foods, such as leafy green vegetables, nuts, and seeds, can help ensure adequate levels and support overall mental health. 

Talk with your doctor about natural alternatives

If you have been prescribed benzodiazepines and are considering natural alternatives, it’s crucial not to stop taking your anxiety medication without consulting a healthcare provider. 

Abrupt discontinuation of these drugs can lead to significant withdrawal symptoms and increase the risk of insomnia, agitation, seizures, and, in severe cases, life-threatening complications, including delirium tremens.

Work closely with your healthcare provider to taper off benzodiazepines safely and discuss alternative holistic treatment approaches to manage symptoms of anxiety.

Your doctor can offer guidance on treatment options based on your needs, ensuring a comprehensive approach to managing anxiety while monitoring your symptoms.

Key takeaways

Benzodiazepines are widely used to treat anxiety symptoms. However, these psychoactive drugs have serious side effects, interact with various prescription medications, and have a high potential for addiction and drug abuse. 

Natural remedies such as magnolia bark extract, ashwagandha, probiotics, magnesium, and B vitamins have powerful anti-anxiety properties, offering alternatives to benzodiazepines without the risk of dependency.

FAQ

1. What are the best alternatives to benzodiazepines?

Magnolia bark extract has potent anti-anxiety properties and has been found to have similar effects in the brain to benzodiazepines. 

In addition, ashwagandha, probiotics, magnesium, and B vitamins have been found to enhance the body’s resilience to stress and promote neurotransmitter balance, which lowers the risk of anxiety disorders. 

2. What are three common benzodiazepines? 

Alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), and diazepam (Valium) are some of the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepines. 

3. Are benzodiazepines sleeping pills?

While benzodiazepines aren’t classified as traditional sleeping medicine, they have a strong sedative effect that can cause sleepiness. In some cases, benzodiazepines are prescribed to individuals suffering from anxiety-related insomnia. 

4. Are benzodiazepines addictive?

Yes, benzodiazepines are addictive and should be used cautiously and under medical supervision to avoid dependence and potential withdrawal complications.

5. Is it possible to experience withdrawals from benzodiazepines?

Yes, in many cases, withdrawal symptoms emerge with sudden discontinuation or rapid dose reduction of benzodiazepines, especially if these drugs have been taken over prolonged periods.

Common withdrawal symptoms include rebound anxiety, tremors, insomnia, sweating, agitation, and, in severe cases, seizures and delirium tremens. 

Sources

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10557040/ 

2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5365644/ 

3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6979308/ 

4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10384867/ 

5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9577631/ 

6. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/