The most common benzodiazepines prescribed in Australia are temazepam, nitrazepam, diazepam, oxazepam and alprazolam. Other benzodiazepines available are bromazepam, clobazam, clonazepam, flunitrazepam, lorazepam, and triazolam.
Alprazolam – indications for use
The approved indications for alprazolam, as listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods, are: anxiety – short-term symptomatic treatment of anxiety, including treatment of anxious patients with some symptoms of depression.
Other commonly prescribed drugs of this class include diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), clonazepam (Klonopin), temazepam (Restoril), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), and midazolam (Versed).
Ashwagandha is an ancient medicinal herb that is popular in Ayurvedic medicine. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen and helps the body manage stress and anxiety. In fact, it has been shown to reduce anxiety and insomnia in rats by 69%. Similarly, magnesium, a natural Xanax alternative, helps calm the mind and improve mood.
SSRI's are anti-depressants and are currently the most popular anti-depression / anti-anxiety drugs as they have fewer side effects than MAOI's. SSRI's include drugs such as Prozac, Luvox and Aropax. SSRI's must be taken on a daily basis for at least a few weeks before they are effective.
SSRIs and SNRIs are often the first-line treatment for anxiety. Common SSRI brands are Celexa, Lexapro, Luvox, Paxil, and Zoloft. Common SNRI brands are Pristiq, Cymbalta, and Effexor XR.
Another study suggests lavender may work as effectively as anti-anxiety medicines such as Xanax or Ativan. “I encourage my patients who have anxiety disorder or panic disorder to keep close a vial of essential oil,” Dr. Ko says.
Anxiety medications are typically prescription only, but some OTC products can address particular anxiety symptoms, such as mood changes, stress, and sleep difficulties. Below, we look at some OTC medications that address some anxiety symptoms.
GABA helps regulate nerve cells and has a calming effect on anxiety. Drugs such as alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium) also work by increasing the amount of GABA in the brain. Researchers think valerian may have a similar, but weaker effect.
Zoloft and Xanax may have similar effects on mental health conditions and similar side effects, but they are different drugs. Zoloft is meant to be taken long-term, whereas Xanax is a short-term medication. Xanax is a controlled substance and can be habit-forming.
One isn't better than the other — the best choice for you will depend on your symptoms and medical history. If you have questions or concerns about Xanax or Ativan, please reach out to a pharmacist or healthcare provider.
In addition, benzodiazepines can also be extracted from biological fluid (Westland & Dorman, 2013), and Erythrina velutina Willd (Fabaceae plant) (Danta et al., 2004;Ribeiro et al., 2006;Teixeira-Silva et al., 2008). However, benzodiazepine was first established in mammalian tissues in 1986 (Sand et al., 2000) .
The most common benzodiazepines prescribed in Australia are temazepam, nitrazepam, diazepam, oxazepam and alprazolam. Other benzodiazepines available are bromazepam, clobazam, clonazepam, flunitrazepam, lorazepam, and triazolam.
Drugs such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Valium (diazepam), and Ativan (lorazepam) work quickly, typically bringing relief within 30 minutes to an hour.
Kava, chamomile, and lavender teas are both soothing herbal tea blends that may help to calm the nerves. Chamomile has the antioxidant apigenin, which might help reduce symptoms of anxiety by blinding certain receptors in your brain.
The good news is that some studies (study links, a and b) have identified how magnesium may ease certain symptoms of stress and anxiety. Here are the facts: Magnesium may help to control the chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) in the brain, resulting in a calming effect on the body.
How to Get Xanax Prescribed to You Online. With the development of telehealth, there are several online psychiatry platforms where you can get prescribed medication. Telehealth is a form of telemedicine that allows you to meet your prescriber over the internet; you don't have to meet your doctor in person.
Thus, benzodiazepines represent natural drugs which may be incorporated into animals and humans through plant products. Whether the measured low concentrations (ranging from 0.01 up to 600 ng/g wet weight) have any biological role or clinical significance remains to be determined.
Valerian root: This has been found to naturally increase the amount of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which helps regulate nerve cells and calm anxiety. The benzodiazepine medications work this same way.
Benzodiazepines are a type of sedative medication. This means they slow down the body and brain's functions. They can be used to help with anxiety and insomnia (difficult getting to sleep or staying asleep).
Physical Dependence Over time, your body adapts to the use of Alprazolam and other benzodiazepines. This adaptation can actually cause the medicine to stop working.
Vistaril® (Hydroxyzine)
Hydroxyzine is a fast-acting drug that is very effective in treating anxiety temporarily. It sometimes has the side effect of sedation, but this wears off the longer you take it. Hydroxyzine works by blocking the histamine receptor.