Best Nootropics for Anxiety: Our Top Picks

Feeling anxious is a normal part of life. An upcoming interview for a big career move or starting a new job in a different state away from your friends and family may stir up feelings of anxiety. There’s nothing unusual about that.

Anxiety disorder, on the other hand, is a whole different monster. The moment feelings of panic, fear, and terror become difficult to control to the point they start to interfere with your day-to-day activities, anxiety crosses over to the realm of mental disorders. Anxiety-related conditions include specific phobias, separation anxiety, social anxiety, and generalized anxiety disorders.

While the root cause of these conditions may vary from one person to the next, these feelings usually stem from a neurochemical dysfunction in the brain. The challenge lies in trying to figure out which particular neurotransmitter is responsible. It could be an issue with serotonin, dopamine, glutamate, GABA, norepinephrine, or even acetylcholine.

Nootropics for anxiety work to calm your brain and promote a healthier social mindset. We’ve put together a list of the best nootropics with scientifically-proven benefits that can help deal with anxiety-related disorders.

L-Theanine

L-Theanine is arguably one of the most effective nootropics when it comes to the treatment of anxiety. It is an amino acid that occurs naturally in tea leaves, particularly green tea. It works in different ways to reduce anxiety. Here’s how.

• It enhances GABA levels, which is known to produce a calming effect
• It increases serotonin and dopamine secretion, which both play critical roles in mood regulation
• It stimulates the production of alpha brainwaves, which are associated with mental alertness and relaxation

To reap these benefits, the recommended daily dosage of L-Theanine is 200 mg.

L-Tyrosine

L-Tyrosine is an amino acid involved in the production of catecholamines, which consist of adrenaline, noradrenaline, and dopamine. When the body is stressed or presented with cognitively demanding tasks, noradrenaline gets depleted.

L-Tyrosine acts as a buffer that not only delays its depletion but creates more neurotransmitters in its place. This nootropic has been scientifically-proven to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, as well as improving an individual’s overall mood. Experts recommend taking 500 mg of L-Tyrosine per day, preferably one hour before you’re engaged in any anxiety-inducing activity.

Ashwagandha

This is an adaptogen herb that’s native to Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka. It is highly potent and works in several ways to:

• Enhance concentration and cognitive ability
• Increase energy
• Reduce feelings of depression and anxiety

The results of a 2019 study on people grappling with anxiety disorders reveal that supplementing with 250 to 600 mg per day of Ashwagandha reduces stress and anxiety symptoms tremendously.

Bacopa Monnieri

This is yet another adaptogen herb that was commonly used by 6^th-century scholars to improve their cognitive function and working memory. Scientific evidence shows that Bacopa Monnieri is also effective in reducing anxiety. Experts recommend taking a daily dosage of 300 mg for the best results.

Ginseng

This particular herb has excellent synergistic effects when used together with other adaptogens and nootropics like caffeine. The recommended daily dosage is 200 to 400 mg once or twice a day.

Rhodiola Rosea

This herb is well-known for its anti-fatigue properties. In addition to this, it also increases the levels of serotonin in the brain, which makes it highly effective in reducing depression and anxiety. For best results, the recommended daily dosage is 50 to 600 mg.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom

Last but not least, we have Lion’s Mane mushroom. It comes with a wide range of brain-boosting benefits, including increasing cognition and enhancing the brain nerve growth factor.

A 2010 study shows that the daily intake of this mushroom reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety in just 4 weeks. The recommended dosage is 500 to 1,000 mg per day.

Best Nootropics for Anxiety – Top 3 Picks

While all the substances mentioned above are highly effective in treating anxiety-related disorders when consumed individually, stacking them yields more potent effects. Here are our top 3 picks for the best nootropics for anxiety.

1. Best Nootropic for Anxiety Overall – Expert Recommendation

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Zhou Neuro-Peak Supplement is hands-down, the best nootropic in the market right now. It is scientifically formulated with brain-boosting ingredients designed to reduce anxiety, increase serotonin and dopamine levels, as well as improve memory and cognitive ability.

It contains a powerful stack of Bacopa Monnieri, Ginkgo Biloba, and Rhodiola Rosea, each with proven anxiety-reducing effects.

Pros

• Contains scientifically-researched ingredients
• Reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression
• Enhances mood and cognitive ability

Cons

• Does not contain Adderall or caffeine in its nootropic stack

2. Best Natural Nootropic for Anxiety

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The MRM, Neuro-Max II contains all-natural scientifically-proven fast-acting ingredients that spark heightened mental clarity and cognitive ability. It contains Niacin, organic Lion’s Mane mushroom, and L-Tyrosine. These work like a charm to boost dopamine production and reduce anxiety. It also has proven benefits in boosting the working memory.

Pros

• Contains fast-acting scientifically-proven ingredients
• It is all-natural
• Offers great value for the money

Cons

• Can take up to 2 weeks to start noticing results

3. Most Simple Nootropic for Anxiety

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If you’re looking for an all-in-one solution for your anxiety, you might like what Nature’s Bounty, Anxiety and Stress Relief brings to the table. This natural supplement is effective in treating anxiety disorders and depression, reducing stress, phobias, and social anxiety, as well as preventing panic attacks.

It has a calming effect and enhances mood by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. It contains a simple proprietary blend of Ashwagandha and L-Theanine. In combination with a blend of vitamins and minerals like B5, B6, Niacin, and Biotin, it becomes a very powerful nootropic for anxiety.

Pros

• Contains a potent blend of key nootropic ingredients
• It is an all-in-one dietary supplement with vitamins and minerals
• It is affordably priced

Cons

• Ingredients may interact with other medications

Reduce Anxiety and Boost Brain Power

All in all, when looking for the best nootropics for anxiety, you want to get a stack of different ingredients to reap the full range of benefits they offer. Find all-natural supplements that contain a blend of L-Theanine, L-Tyrosine, Ashwagandha, Bacopa Monnieri, Ginseng, Rhodiola Rosea, and/or Lion’s Mane mushroom.

These ingredients have been scientifically-proven to be effective in the treatment of anxiety disorders and depression. Any of the three products we’ve reviewed in this guide would be a great starting point.

In the meantime, check out our blog for 9 lifestyle and diet tricks for biohacking sleep and insomnia.