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CBD vs. Xanax: Could the Holy Herb Be a Better Alternative to Managing Stress?

Are you drowning in anxiety?

Almost 40 million Americans find themselves struggling with some type of anxiety. If this describes you, you know all too well how crippling this condition can be.

Looking for an escape, individuals dealing with anxiety often find themselves having to decide between CBD vs Xanax. While Xanax is a powerful tool to calm your nerves, it does present negative side effects, such as addiction.

CBD, on the other hand, is a more natural alternative. However, since many people don’t understand how CBD works, they’re hesitant to give it a try.

Let us be your guide as you decide the best way to take back ownership of your life. Read on to learn everything you need to know about choosing between CBD and Xanax.

CBD vs Xanax

As you begin to explore the differences between CBD vs Xanax, it helps to clearly understand exactly how CBD works. Your body has many different receptors. The receptors in your body are protein-based.

Your protein-based receptors have a chemical structure and they attach to your cells. The job of these receptors is to receive different signals in your body that indicate different types of stimuli.

CBD can work with your CB1 and CB2 to receptors. Both CB1 and CB2 exist within your central nervous system. When the CBD enters your system, it sends a signal to your CBD receptors to release serotonin.

The Power of Serotonin

When you have healthy serotonin levels it helps promote quality mental health. While individuals who have low serotonin levels are more prone to have to deal with depression. In some cases, low serotonin levels can also cause chronic anxiety.

Xanax is a way to help reduce anxiety levels, yet, it doesn’t alter the balance of your serotonin levels. CBD, on the other hand, will work to treat the problem, by actually raising the amount of serotonin present in your system.

Understanding Xanax and Other Benzos

There are several different types of benzos that are currently approved by the FDA. Xanax is one of these, and it’s typically prescribed to help with anxiety or insomnia.

One of the ways Xanax can help people relax is that it also works as a type of muscle relaxer. The issue of using Xanax to help with anxiety is that it is not a good long-term treatment option. Instead, Xanax is for short-term use.

For example, if somebody is experiencing sudden panic attacks, the doctor may temporarily prescribe Xanax. Xanax and other types of benzos work to depress your central nervous system.

Xanax and Neurotransmitters

When you take a Xanax or other type of benzos, you’re stopping the function of certain neurotransmitters. When you inhibit certain neurotransmitters you’re able to produce calming effects within your body. In a way, it’s like Xanax is a type of tranquilizer.

Another way Xanax works are by affecting your central nervous system. Your central nervous system is in control of your heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and breathing. Xanax has the power to slow down these bodily functions to produce a calming effect. 

Xanax Dosages and Side Effects

Your recommended Xanax dosage will vary depending on your situation. Usually, your doctor will take into account your age and weight before telling you how much Xanax you need.

Also, the dosage will depend on the type of anxiety you’re treating. If you have severe panic disorders, you most likely have a higher dosage than somebody who’s just dealing with general anxiety.

Side Effects

While Xanax does have the ability to help calm users down, it also brings with it some negative side effects. Here are some of the side effects you can experience while using Xanax

  • Depression
  • Drowsiness
  • Lack of coordination
  • Problems with memory
  • Dizziness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Slurred speech
  • Severe headaches
  • Constipation aircraft dry mouth
  • Mood swings
  • Irritability

If you accidentally overdosed on Xanax, things can get ugly, and fast. Remember earlier how we mentioned Xanax can affect your central nervous system?

If you take too much Xanax, you could completely suppress your central nervous system, and possibly cause your heart to stop. Another issue with Xanax is that it can interact poorly with other drugs.

When you take Xanax with other types of prescribed medication, you immediately increase your risk of an overdose.

Xanax Is Addictive

While CBD works to increase serotonin levels in your body, Xanax interacts with the neurotransmitter GABA. The GABA neurotransmitter is responsible for releasing dopamine in your body.

Dopamine is how your body and mind experience pleasures and rewards. For this reason, Xanax can quickly become a highly addictive substance.

Users can easily develop a tolerance to Xanax after short use. This means that the user will have to continually update her dosage to get the same effects as they did originally.

If somebody is taking Xanax and they want to stop, they can’t just stop right away. Instead, you have to gradually wean yourself off.

How to Take CBD

Unlike Xanax, CBD is not addictive, and you can’t overdose. Here are a few ways you can enjoy the natural healing powers of CBD in addition to these best CBD gummies:

  • Tinctures
  • Topicals
  • Deep juices
  • Oils

While you can’t overdose on CBD, there are still recommended dosages for each user. Certain factors will affect your particular dosage, including your body weight, your condition, and the type of CBD you’re using.

CBD Side Effects

There are minimal side effects to using CBD, however, they aren’t as serious as the ones Xanax presents. Here are some of the side effects CBD users most commonly experience

  • Dry mouth
  • Increased appetite
  • Red eyes
  • Sleepiness 

Looking at the list above, it’s clear to see that CBD is one of the safest ways to care for your body. You might get a little sleepy and need to take a nap, but you’ll never have to worry about CBD stopping your heart, or creating an addiction.

Feel Your Best

It’s clear to see that in the battle of CBD vs Xanax, CBD wins every time. Whether you’re looking to treat anxiety, or just need to relax, CBD is a powerful tool that doesn’t harm your body.

If you want to find more ways to feel your best without relying on prescription medications we can help. Go ahead and check out the other articles on this site.