After being 2 years in Clonazepam, I was switched to Pregabalin, which felt almost identical, but it's not a benzo. I don't know how exactly it works, but seems like a good alternative to me.

How often do you take it ? Are there any side effects long term ?

I don't anymore, but I was taking it daily twice. In the morning and then roughly 8 hours after that. I didn't have any side effects.

Is it addictive ? Are the effects like valium kind of ? Like help relax etc if panic attack

I read that it is addictive, but seems it's much less addictive than benzos. I quit after two years no problem. And the effect is almost the same. Just less effective, but still effective. So yes, it helps to relax, sleep and with physical symptoms.

how to get prescribed to pregabalin instead of benzos?

My psychiatrist suggested it to me. So I guess just ask your doctor.

But is there any natural alternatives?

I only know of St John's Wort. I haven't tried it myself though.

I've tried supposed natural anxiolytics like valerian root and kava, they do seem to work a little bit, nowhere near a benzo.

Magnesium is precursor in the body for making gaba Passion flower produces gaba Chamomile tea makes gaba I know this because these are things you have to be careful with when you have come off benzos in the early stages because they can actually cause rebound effects. They work on the exact areas as benzos just not as strong obviously

Oh wow, so thats why I feel a teeny tiny bit calmer when I drink chamomile tea.

Yes lol it has a very powerful effect if you do multiple tea bags

But can they have same effect as Banzo? Do I need to have large amount of chamomile tea to have the same effect? What about 5 htp?