My mother is taking Xanax and Ativan for her extreme anxiety problems. Is that safe? What natural could she take instead?

My mother is taking Xanax and Ativan for her extreme anxiety problems. Is that safe?

Benzodiazepines such as Xanax and Ativan are safe drugs when taken as prescribed, Kathy. Like all drugs they can have side effects. Both may also cause physical dependence if taken for an extended period which means she will have to wean off them slowly over some weeks or months. This is also the case with others drugs including antidepressants, some heart drugs, antibiotics, and even vitamin C at high doses.

What natural could she take instead?

I guess this depends on how you define "natural" Kathy. Lorazepam (Ativan), diazepam (Valium) and many other benzodiazepine compounds occur in all foods and most animals, us included, have become so habituated to them that we could no longer survive without the small quantities we get from what we eat.

Over-the-counter supplements such as Kava, St John Wort and Valerian may be effective in mild anxiety, but they usually are of little benefit in severe anxiety. They also may produce side effects.  Care needs to be taken with St Johns Wort as it interacts with many commonly prescribed drugs including antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents, ibuprofen, cardiovascular drugs, oral contraceptives and statins.  It may also increase sensitivity top light. Kava may damage livers and cause kava dermopathy, a scally skin disorder.

The only non pharmaceutical treatments for severe anxiety with a proven track record are the cognitive/behavioral therapies such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)

HTH

Ian