Anxiety is a normal part of life. But, if your anxiety is starting to affect your daily routine, you may have an anxiety disorder. The most common prescription for such disorders is benzodiazepines. They can work, but there are many benzodiazepines side effects that come with it that people aren’t aware of. The good news is there are alternatives to consider that could serve you better.
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What Are Benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines are also known as “benzos.” They are a type of medication used to treat severe anxiety or insomnia. Benzos slow down both the functions of the body and the brain. It does this by reducing what’s called gamma-aminobutyric, or “GABA,” for short. They are most effective when taken as a one-off dose or as a matter of treatment for a few weeks.
If you have severe anxiety or insomnia, it is best to consult with your doctor first. Why? Because there are many people with certain conditions that make them unsuitable to take benzodiazepines. If you’re deemed safe to take benzodiazepines, it is also best to know a list of side effects you may experience.
Benzodiazepine Side Effects
There are many benzodiazepines side effects. Some experience memory problems. Some experience paradoxical effects such as an increase in anxiety. Some also experience less common or even rare side effects. Listed below are the most common benzodiazepine side effects:
- blurred vision
- confusion
- constipation
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- dry mouth
- light-headedness
- muscle weakness
- memory problems
- nausea
- slurred speech
- unsteadiness
In addition, benzodiazepines are most effective in the short term. But, if you use them beyond two to four weeks, you may experience any of the symptoms listed below:
- difficulty concentrating
- feeling dulled and slow
- feeling isolated and unreal
- feeling cut off from your emotions
- feeling irritable and impatient
- loss of confidence
- memory problems
- weight problems
Also, weaning off benzodiazepenes becomes extremely challenging due to severe withdrawal symptoms which can include anxiety, palpitations, tremors, and even seizures.
Alternatives to Consider
As mentioned early, the primary function of benzos is to increase GABA. There are alternative ways to do this. To start with, lifestyle changes such as getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and limiting alcohol intake all help a lot. Others find value in anxiety counseling and psychotherapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Also, there are over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as benadryl or antihistamines. Plus, there are other medical prescriptions, including antidepressants or Beta-Blockers. Finally, there are alternative supplements such as Regen Labs Insta Zen. Let’s look at which ingredients come included.
1. DHHB
DHHB, also known as (dihydro honokiol-B), is a great place to start when considering alternatives to benzodiazepines. It is extracted from the bark of the magnolia tree. This natural anxiety medicine is like benzos in that it increases GABA levels to help slow down excessive brain activity. This allows you to calm down and restore stillness.
2. L-Theanine
Green tea is one of the most consumed drinks all around the world. The most potent ingredient found inside green tea is L-theanine. L-theanine is an amino acid. It helps protect neurons in your brain, enhances your mood, and serves as a great relaxing agent instead of benzodiazepines.
3. Ashwagandha
If you are often stressed, Ashwagandha is an amazing alternative compared to benzodiazepines. People have used this ancient medicinal herb for thousands of years, and modern research continues to back it.It can help do many amazing things, such as calm anxiety, help with agoraphobia, and balance hormone levels. It is most effective in reducing cortisol levels which better regulates your body’s response to stressful situations.
4. Valerian Officinalis
There is another alternative to consider if you have experienced benzodiazepines side effects. It goes by many names such as “Mother Nature’s Valium,” the valerian root, or its official name Valerian Officinalis. It is another plant that people have used for a couple of thousand years.It helps people both relax and sleep better. If you cannot sleep because you’re overstressed, instead of turning to melatonin or something else, consider Valerian Officinalis to help you get a good night’s sleep.
5. Phosphatidylserine
Phosphatidylserine works wonders for your cognitive health. It is a naturally occurring lipid that protects each cell in your body. It helps with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), memory, depression,and even with exercise performance. Yet, most importantly, it’s like Ashwagandha such that it helps combat stress by regulating cortisol levels.
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Beat Anxiety with InstaZen®
Once again, anxiety is a normal part of life for everyone. What’s not normal is severe anxiety at the expense of disrupting your daily routine or, worse, your sleep cycle. Now you know the common benzodiazepines side effects and the alternative ingredients out there. The next step is taking action. Check out Regen Labs’ InstaZen®. It will be there for you each step of the way.
It is a lot to think about! We get it. If you have questions about benzodiazepines, Regen Labs has options for you. All Regen Labs products support the body’s natural systems for healthy brain, skin, muscle, and sexual health.
Without toxins or synthetic chemicals, Regen Labs products contain research-proven ingredients to boost the body’s natural ability to be healthy.
Let’s talk! If you have questions, we would love to connect. Contact us today.
What alternatives have you used to treat benzodiazepines side effects? Let us know in the comment section below!
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- Stress-Relieving Benefits of Ashwagandha
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- Relax and Sleep Better with Valerian Root