10 Best Nootropics for Anxiety in 2024 (Stop Panic Attacks & Reduce Stress)

Updated on March 11, 2024
 by — reviewed by Jason Williams, PhD (Contributor: George Collins / Editor: Yoko Hill)
An overview of the most effective nootropics for alleviating anxiety and managing stress.

When we go through all kinds of struggles, we feel anxious; thus, some tend to resort to using the best nootropics for anxiety.

Anxiety could make us feel down and low or even trigger panic attacks. Stress is a common emotional condition.

We fear being judged, and overthinking about it, we become stressed.

It’s natural.

However, if these anxiety symptoms affect you so much that you can’t live a normal life, maybe you should do something about it.

Like, use nootropics for anxiety, perhaps?

Nootropics for anxiety specifically target generalized and social anxiety disorders by calming the brain to focus on better performance. Numerous benefits that improve brain function also come with these nootropics for social anxiety and generalized anxiety.

Best Nootropics for Anxiety

  • NooCube — Best for easing anxiety and depression and uplifting mood
  • Mind Lab Pro — Best to support calmness and confidence for optimal performance
  • Brain Pill — Great for reducing stress and mental fatigue
  • Performance Lab Mind — Great for promoting resilience and mental clarity
  • Qualia Mind — Best for balancing neurotransmitters
  • Alpha Brain — Best to enhance alpha brain waves
  • L-Theanine — Great for inducing relaxation without the drowsiness
  • L-Tyrosine — Great for regulating mood and stress response
  • Nicotine — Great stimulant for alertness and memory
  • Theacrine — Best to increase energy and motivation

How to Choose the Best Nootropics for Anxiety?

Selecting the best nootropics for anxiety involves scrutinizing several critical factors to ensure efficacy and safety. Here’s a guide on what to consider.

FactorDescriptionWhy It’s Important
Ingredient ProfileThe specific components that make up the nootropic.Certain ingredients have a stronger evidence base for reducing anxiety symptoms.
Dosage & ConcentrationThe amount of each ingredient contained in the nootropic.Proper dosages are crucial for efficacy and minimizing potential side effects.
Side Effects & InteractionsThe possibility of adverse reactions or interactions with other substances.Knowing potential risks can prevent negative health outcomes and ensure safe use.
Brand Reputation & TransparencyThe trustworthiness of the brand and clarity of product information.Reputable brands are more likely to provide high-quality, safe products.
User Feedback & ReviewsThe experiences and satisfaction levels of other users.Real-world experiences can give insights into the product’s effectiveness for anxiety relief.
  • Ingredient Profile: The foundation of any effective nootropic is its ingredients. Look for substances with clinical backing, such as L-Theanine or Bacopa Monnieri, known for their anxiolytic properties.
  • Dosage & Concentration: It’s not just what’s in it, but how much. Ensure the nootropic has clinically effective dosages that align with the research supporting their use for anxiety relief.
  • Side Effects & Interactions: Even natural ingredients can cause adverse effects or interact with medications. Understanding these can help you avoid unwanted complications.
  • Brand Reputation & Transparency: A trustworthy brand with transparent practices is more likely to deliver a product that’s safe and effective. Check for third-party testing and customer service responsiveness.
  • User Feedback & Reviews: Testimonials and user reviews can provide real-world evidence of a nootropic’s efficacy and tolerability. Look for patterns in feedback that suggest the product consistently works for anxiety relief.

The Best Nootropics for Anxiety of 2024

According to scientific studies and customer reviews, the 10 best nootropics for anxiety are:

1. NooCube

NooCube is a synergy of vitamins and amino acid ingredients that help improve mental energy, which is greatly affected by social anxiety. It enhances cognitive function, especially focus, alertness, memory, multitasking ability, and communication skills, by boosting the production of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine, glutamate, dopamine, and serotonin.

Increased mental functions such as multitasking and concentration can avoid panic attacks and even elevate mood.

Some ingredients of NooCube that make all these effects possible are Alpha GPC (Alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine) that increases the neurotransmitter acetylcholine production. Huperzine A protects the acetylcholine from being broken down, and Bacopa Monnieri helps boost the production and growth of new neurons while repairing damaged ones.

2. Mind Lab Pro

Mind Lab Pro, also known as “social nootropics,” is a supplement that improves memory, focus, calmness, motivation, and many other cognitive functions. It is a plausible drug to treat, cure or prevent anxiety and stress symptoms because it can moderate cortisol levels, which can trigger stress and anxiety. Professional poker player David Williams is named as an ambassador of this nootropics.

Rhodiola Rosea, Bacopa monnieri, Phosphatidylserine, B Vitamins, and its other ingredients make Mind Lab Pro an effective anti-anxiety nootropic. Rhodiola Rosea is an adaptogen, and studies show that it effectively alleviates anxiety, depression, and stress. Bacopa monnieri is also an adaptogen that helps balance mood when facing stressful circumstances, and after prolonged use, can reduce anxiety symptoms.

Mind Lab Pro is one of the most popular nootropics, and director David Wright stated that the terms memory pill and brain supplement are now starting to “sound flat and dated.”

Phosphatidylserine soothes social anxiety by reducing cortisol levels that contribute to high blood pressure and eventually social anxiety symptoms. Lastly, studies have stated that B Vitamins might help relieve anxiety and stress by reducing salivary cortisol secretion and keeping the cerebral healthy.

3. Brain Pill

Brain pill is a natural supplement that enhances cognitive performance by improving blood flow in the brain cells. Thus, the mind will calm down, and onsets of panic attacks, anxiety, and depression can be prevented. This substance helps brain fog, learning quickly, alertness, brain nutrition, and multitasking.

It contains Ginkgo Biloba, which prevents brain aging and expands the blood vessels for a better pathway for oxygen and other ingredients of the nootropic. It also has Cognizin, which improves metabolism and acetylcholine neurotransmitter production, leading to enhancement of brain health by as much as 15%.

L-Theanine, another ingredient, minimizes the level of anxiety by increasing GABA (gamma-Aminobutyric acid), a chief inhibitory neurotransmitter.

4. Performance Lab Mind

Performance Lab Mind increases the brain’s blood flow, which helps manifest its ingredients’ effects and benefits. These include improved memory, mood, alertness, and many other mental and body processes. It promotes a clearer mind, which can even positively affect your stress and anxiety. Performance Lab Mind has four primary natural ingredients.

Citicoline improves the mental energy and production of the chemical phosphatidylcholine needed to produce memory. Phosphatidylserine helps release neurotransmitters and contains DHA or Omega-3 fatty acids vital for cerebral health and regulating mood for managing stress and anxiety. L-Tyrosine can improve overall orientation, mood, and memory. Lastly, Maritime Pine Bark Extract improves focus, mood, and decision-making ability.

5. Qualia Mind

By supporting the health of neural pathways, Qualia Mind is effective in improving cerebral function. It is an anti-stress and anti-anxiety supplement because it helps you have a clearer mind and prevent panic attacks from happening. With its ability to boost dopamine production, it can lift your mood, improving depression and anxiety disorder.

Qualia Mind has Theobromine that increases alertness and lowers blood, which can help manage anxiety disorders. It also has Phosphatidylserine and B Vitamins that manage cortisol levels, DHA that helps regulate your mood, and several other ingredients that can improve cognitive function.

6. Alpha Brain

Alpha Brain is a type of nootropics for social anxiety and depression that can also improve memory, focus, and alertness. This kind of nootropics works by boosting the alpha waves. Research has shown that an increase in alpha waves might reduce anxiety and depression and improve creativity.

This substance contains ingredients like GPC, which the body transforms into acetylcholine, and Alpha GPC. Also, Oat Straw, a nootropic used to treat a person in holistic healing, is said to relieve anxiety, depression, and stress.

7. L-Theanine

A nootropic commonly found in green tea, L-Theanine promotes relaxation and improves alertness with increased dopamine, serotonin, and GABA. When combined with caffeine, your reaction time will increase, including your memory, and there is a reduction in fatigue.

Research has shown that L-Theanine can reduce symptoms of anxiety, such as increased heart rate and secretion of immunoglobulin A in saliva. However, it cannot be considered a prescription drug, even if it is similar to a sedative.

Studies stated that this substance is effective in improving sleep quality and anxiety if combined with antipsychotic treatment. For those experiencing depression, this type of nootropics is said to relieve the effects of anxiety and depression.

8. L-Tyrosine

L-Tyrosine is a kind of nootropic that prevents you from getting burnout even if stress is present. Stress exhausts your neurotransmitters, and with a low level of them, especially norepinephrine, the effect will be mental and body exhaustion.

This nootropic helps produce norepinephrine, ease stress, and improve attentiveness. It makes you feel alert without making you anxious, which is essential for those experiencing social anxiety.

9. Nicotine

A nootropic found in herbs, Nicotine, may be commonly known as one of the harmful nootropics, but with a small amount, it can improve your confidence and mentality. It also enhances short-term memory and reaction time. Nicotine’s most prevalent effect is immediate relaxation; that’s why it is used in various products like cigarettes and tobacco.

However, the food and drug administration does not recommend their use due to health reasons. Instead, you can use a spray that will give you enough amount that you will need to face your social anxiety.

10. Theacrine

Theacrine works similarly to caffeine, even at the molecular level. It keeps you awake and alert because of its structure that binds to the adenosine receptors. These receptors will be tricked into thinking that adenosine, the one that makes you sleepy, is bound to them when in fact, it is Theacrine. But why Theacrine instead of Caffeine?

This supplement does not make you jittery – it is helpful for those who have social anxiety because being jittery is a symptom of this disorder. According to Sheng et al. (2020), Theacrine also does not build tolerance, unlike caffeine.

What to Consider Before Buying Nootropics for Anxiety?

Purchasing nootropics for anxiety should be done with careful consideration to ensure you’re making an informed choice that is tailored to your needs.

1. Personal Sensitivities and Allergies

Before adding any supplement to your regimen, consider your personal sensitivities and allergies. Examine the ingredient list for potential allergens and avoid nootropics containing substances you react to.

2. Long-Term Sustainability

Consider the long-term sustainability of taking a nootropic. Assess if the product requires cycling to prevent tolerance and if it’s something you can manage over time, both practically and financially.

3. Interaction With Current Medications

If you are on medication, it’s crucial to understand how a nootropic might interact with them. Some ingredients can potentiate or diminish the effects of prescription drugs, leading to adverse outcomes.

4. Lifestyle and Diet Compatibility

Analyzing how a nootropic fits into your lifestyle and diet is important. Some nootropics may work better when taken with food, or at specific times of the day, and should complement rather than complicate your routine.

5. Expected Outcomes and Goals

Set clear expectations and goals for what you want to achieve with nootropics. Whether it’s short-term anxiety relief or long-term cognitive health, your objectives should guide your choice of product.

How We Picked the Top Nootropics for Anxiety

We employed a rigorous review process to select the best nootropics for relieving anxiety. Key factors we considered include efficacy, ingredients, brand reputation, transparency, manufacturing methods, user reviews, pricing, and overall value. By examining each aspect in detail, we created a comprehensive and reliable list of the top nootropics for anxiety relief.

Efficacy

We reviewed clinical studies and user testimonials to evaluate anxiety reduction, paying close attention to emotional balance, stress resistance, and overall mood improvement.

Ingredients

We examined each nootropic formula, prioritizing ingredients with proven, natural, and high-quality properties which help alleviate anxiety symptoms.

Scientific Evidence

We referenced peer-reviewed research and meta-analyses to substantiate the effectiveness of central ingredients in reducing anxiety.

Dosage

We determined optimal dosages and ingredient ratios, ensuring they were consistent with existing research for best results.

Safety

We evaluated the safety profile of each ingredient, considering potential side effects and interactions, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. FDA-approved ingredients were prioritized.

Brand Reputation

We assessed the credibility and reliability of the brands through customer feedback, expert opinions, and company background.

Product Transparency

We valued products with comprehensive ingredient information, including their origins and concentrations, allowing consumers to make informed choices.

Manufacturing Process

We inspected manufacturing practices, favoring products made in certified facilities and adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

User Reviews

We analyzed genuine customer feedback, prioritizing testimonials that report anxiety relief and mental well-being improvement.

Price

We compared the cost of each product, ensuring they were reasonably priced and matched the quality and effectiveness of the nootropic.

Value

We evaluated overall value, considering the balance between price, quality, and efficacy to guarantee the best return on investment for consumers.

Nootropics for Anxiety in Summary

Nootropics for anxiety contain safe ingredients that work by crossing the blood-brain barrier to ease stress, depression, and anxiety. Most of these supplements do not only target anxiety but also other functions, contributing to a healthier mind. Many people experience anxiety, and it is high time to battle its effects.

This list of best nootropics for anxiety may give you the necessary ingredients and products you might need to help you take your stand against anxiety.

FAQs About Nootropics for Anxiety

What are nootropics for anxiety?

Nootropics for anxiety are supplements or drugs known to enhance cognitive function and alleviate anxiety-related symptoms such as stress and negative thoughts.

How do nootropics for anxiety work?

These nootropics work by modulating various neurotransmitter systems, such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, which play crucial roles in mood regulation and stress response.

What are some popular nootropics for anxiety?

Popular nootropics for anxiety include L-theanine, ashwagandha, bacopa monnieri, rhodiola rosea, and GABA.

Are nootropics for anxiety safe to use?

While generally considered safe, it’s essential to research individual nootropics, follow recommended dosages, and consult a medical professional before using any supplement.

Can nootropics for anxiety interact with other medications?

Yes, some nootropics may interact with other medications, especially those targeting mental health. Consult a doctor before combining nootropics with any prescription medications.

How long do nootropics for anxiety take to work?

The onset time varies depending on the nootropic, dosage, and individual factors, but users may experience effects within a few hours, days, or weeks of consistent use.

Can I build a tolerance to nootropics for anxiety?

Some nootropics may cause tolerance with long-term use. To prevent this, consider cycling different nootropics or taking breaks from them periodically.

Where can I find reliable information on nootropics for anxiety?

Reliable sources include scientific studies, reputable nootropics blogs like WholisticResearch, and forums where users share their experiences and advice on different nootropics for anxiety.

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