Anxiety is something that most of us deal with, some more than others.
Anxiety is a fear of something that may or may never exist. It is created within our minds and with certain brain chemicals anxiety can be reduced.
Causes of anxiety
There is no single cause of anxiety but rather a number of factors that contribute to developing an anxiety condition.
Below are some common external factors that cause anxiety
- Stress from school
- Stress at work
- Financial stress
- Side effect of medication
- Use of illicit drugs such as cocaine
- Stress from emotional trauma such as death of a loved one
- Stress in a personal relationship
- GABA deficiency in brain
How Nootropic help anxiety?
So now you know anxiety can be caused due to number of factors. But one of the main factor that causes anxiety is GABA deficiency in brain.
GABA aka Gamma Aninobutyric Acid is a neurotransmitter that is made by another neurochemical called Glutamate. It has an inhibitory effect on our central nervous system (CNS) and that is why it functions as main neurotransmitter to counter the feelings of anxiety.
When GABA signals are low, your nerve cells can become overactive transmitting signals with more frequency than supposed to. As a result you can feel nervous or mentally strained.
When GABA signals are normal or higher, chances of you experiencing anxiety becomes lower or in simple words, you feel relaxed and calm.
When you take nootropic supplement, they work by stimulating GABA receptors. They cross the blood brain barrier and prevent the anxiety causing signals in the brain.
The nootropic mentioned below are fully capable of crossing the blood brain barrier, which is why they are considered to be very effective in reducing anxiety.
Best Nootropic for Anxiety
Nootropic Stack | Type | Dosage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powder | 1-2 gm daily | |
| Powder | 10-30 mg daily | |
| Capsules | 50-200 mg daily | |
| Capsules | 500-5000 mg per day | |
Powder | 2-3 mg daily | ||
| Capsules | 50-100 mg daily | |
| Powder | 250-500 mg daily | |
| Powder | 250-1000 mg daily | |
| Capsules | 500 mg twice daily | |
| Capsules | 300 mg daily |
1. Aniracetam
Aniracetam a nootropic supplement was developed in 1970s by a Belgium company known as Hoffman-La Roche.
This supplement tops in the class of nootropics known as Racetams, which are known for their ability to increase and improve a number of cognitive processes.
Aniracetam main function is to improve mental performance by increasing memory and enhancing learning capacity.
This drug starts working immediately, some will see strong effects and begin remembering everything while others may remember small and subtle details.
Rate at which this drug will affect you depends on your current mood than anything else. Those having nervousness or anxiety will see a calming effect.
How Aniracetam works?
The exact working of Aniracetam is not known completely but there are several theories about how this supplement works.
When you take a dose of aniracetam, it easily cross the blood brain barrier and binds to Acetylcholine receptors, causing this supplement to remain active in brain for a longer period of time.
By increasing activity in these chemical receptors sites, the supplement is able to help in areas of improving anxiety and other mood issues.
Aniracetam Dosage
Oral doses in the 1-2 gm range over the course of the day tend to be effective.
Also doses as low as 400 mg have also shown some results and it is common to take 1000 -1500 mg Aniracetam in two divided doses of 500-750 mg doses.
Aniracetam Stacks
To see stronger benefits a user may combine Aniracetam with different supplements. This process is known as nootropic stacking.
Some of the stacks with Aniracetam are
- Aniracetam go together well with Racetam supplements.
- Combining Aniracetam with Piracetam and Oxiracetam is also good.
Pros
- Enhances Memory
- Boosts Motivation
- Increases mental energy
- Anti-anxiety and mood enhancing effects
Cons
- Minor headache
- Limited clinical data
- Has bitter taste
2. Noopept
Noopept is a name given to N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester, a synthetic Nootropic molecule. Noopept is one of the most effective and strongest best nootropic for anxiety present in the market today.
It has been found to increase learning capacity, improve memory and concentration.
Noopept is also considered to be neuroprotectant, as it has the capability to protect neurons in brain from getting damage.
Most of the people use noopept to increase their brain power and experience cognitive enhancement. Memory recollection speed is also improved.
How noopept works?
When you take a dose of noopept, it gets absorbed from the body within GI tract where then it circulates into brain and crosses blood brain barrier with ease.
It is one of the fastest acting nootropic as it is capable of reaching maximum concentration within about 15 to 20 minutes.
Noopept after reaching brain travels to specific glutamate receptor sites and helps to inhibit breakdown of glutamate which is one of the most powerful neurotransmitters relative to cognitive function.
Noopept Dosage
If you are new to usage of nootropics then the proper way to use Noopept is to start low and increase its usage over time as needed. This means you might want to begin with a dosage as little as 5mg two or three times a day.
Some people take 40 mg dosage per day but it is normal to take 10-30 mg of noopept per day.
NOTE- Under no circumstances you should not exceed your dosage 20mg three times a day. As this will overstimulate glutamate receptors.
Noopept Stacks
Although this strategy is not recommended for beginners. Under some conditions users may stack Noopept with other Nootropics to enhance the benefits.
Popular Noopept Stacks are
- Noopept with Alpha GPC
- Noopept with Citicoline
- Noopept with Piracetam
Pros
- Enhances Memory
- Exhibits significant neuroprotective effect
- Require lower dosage
- Promotes memory and synaptic plasticity
Cons
- Can Cause Minor headache
- Causes Stomach distress
- Can cause loss of appetite.
3. L-Theanine
L-Theanine is an amino acid found in green tea. When you take this supplement it alters the level of various neurotransmitters, producing a calming effect which results in reducing the anxiety level.
It also works with caffeine to increase concentration on mental tasks, producing what tea lovers call “alert calmness”.
L-Theanine can be summed up as a relaxing agent without sedation something like lemon balm and is also involved in reducing the level of stress and also improves attention.
As some effects of L-theanine is associated with tea, it is marketed as a dietary supplement. At lower levels it is also used as additive in food and beverage, especially in Japan to provide a savoury flavour.
How L-Theanine works?
For all those who are interested in reducing anxiety and improving the quality of their sleep, L-Theanine is a one of the best nootropic for anxiety worth looking into.
So, how does L-Theanine actually works?
Once you take this supplement it gets transmitted over the blood brain barrier and enters into the central nervous system moderating the alpha brain waves.
When it reaches the brain tissue, it targets neurotransmitters that regulate stress, pleasure, attention and arousal. By dampening their activity, L-Theanine produces sensation of relaxation and contentment.
L-Theanine Dosage
The general recommended dosage of L-Theanine is between 50 and 200 mg per day. It is safe to take this nootropic on daily basis or you may cycle it also to avoid any sort of tolerance from forming.
L-Theanine Stacks
L-Theanine alone has the ability to enhance focus and relaxation but it is most effective when combined in a stack with other nootropic.
Popular L-Theanine stack is L-Theanine and Caffine Stack.
A combination of L-Theanine with caffine enhances cognition and attention. For this reason it is one of the most popular nootropic stack.
Pros
- Promotes Relaxation without sedative effects
- Reduces stress
- Increases attention and focus
- Improve sleep quality
Cons
- Decreases blood pressure
- L-Theanine in green tea may have lower bio-availability.
4. Inositol
Inositol is a word that that refers to molecule with similar structure. Scientifically, Inositol is a name given to a group of nine stereoisomer molecule known as cyclohexane- 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexol.
It is connected to B-vitamin class of compounds and is a dietary supplement that is commonly used to enhance mood, control anxiety, improve sleep patterns and improve focus.
It also helps in fat metabolism and transportation by breaking down fat particles, especially in organs such as liver.
Inositol is very effective in treating a wide range of mental health conditions and in some cases it is even better than usually prescribed medications.
How Inositol works?
When you take inositol supplement, it balances certain chemicals in body to help with conditions such as depression, panic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder.
Inositol Dosage
Usually the Inositol dosage ranges between 500mg to 5000 mg per day. Higher dosage are recommended for individuals suffering from severe cases of depression and anxiety.
It is recommended that you split your dosage into 2-4 administrations per day to ensure benefits lasts all day long.
Inositol Stacks
Inositol is well known and highly regarded supplement. But when taken with choline, it becomes a powerful nootropic combo that works great to boost memory, motivation, focus and cognitive function.
Pros
- Fights depression
- Improves weight loss
- Helps in improving blood circulation
- Lowers anxiety
Cons
- Might upset digestive system
- Might reduce uterine contractions in pregnant women, so should be avoided during pregnancy
5. Coluracetam
Coluracetam is a nootropic that belongs to racetam family. In coming years it might be the next best nootropic for anxiety to dominate the market of brain supplements.
It was invented in Japan by the Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation for Alzheimer’s disease. It is often used for its memory boosting effects and for its effects on lowering anxiety.
In future coluracetam can be adopted by medical practitioners as a medicine for preventing and treating optic nerve and retinal injury.
In fact it gets its name due to its noticeable effect on improving eyesight, making colors and shapes more vivid.
How Coluracetam works?
Coluracetam is an effective nootropic supplement to treat Major Depression Disorder (MDD). When you take a dose of Coluracetam it enhances the Choline uptake within the brain.
This increases the supply of Acetylcholine within the brain which is a powerful neurotransmitter that mediate a number of different cognitive and mental process. It reduces the level of stress and anxiety by blocking out excessive stimuli.
Coluracetam Dosage
Since it is a relatively new supplement, its recommended dosage has not been established yet. But on studies conducted using rats, you might consider it taking between 2.5 to 3 mg per kilogram of body weight.
Coluracetam Stacks
Sine Coluracetam belongs to Racetam family of nootropic supplements. Coluracetam stacks work well choline source such as Alpha GPC. It has numerous cognitive and memory benefits.
Pros
- Enhances Mood
- Reduces effects of leaning deficits
- Powerful memory supplement
- Lowers anxiety
Cons
- Might induce headaches
6. Fasoracetam
A member of racetam family, Fasoracetam was initially made for the treatment of Alzheimers by Nippon Shinyaku.
Fasoracetam affects 3 different kinds of receptors in tandem – cholinergic, GABA and glutamate. All of these three receptors are associated with formation and retention of new memories.
Fasoracetam acts to improve general intelligence while reducing anxiety simultaneously. This best nootropic for anxiety has a remarkable property, that your body will not develop tolerance against this supplement.
Each of its dose is more effective in alleviating anxiety and depression.
How Fasoracetam works?
Fasoracetam is mainly used by advanced nootropic users who seek to gain stronger effects as compared to other racetams.
When you take a dose of Fasoracetam, it increases the number of GABA receptors in the cerebral cortex. Also it does not affect the binding properties of adrenoreceptors and 5-HT2 receptors which helps the brain to not develop a tolerance against this drug. It means its effectiveness remains the same every time you take it.
Fasoracetam Dosage
Large doses of Fasoracetam shows most prominent antidepressant effects and a standard dose has not been decided yet. But the subjects in human trials have been given a dose of 100 mg per day and they did not develop any negative effects.
However due to lack of studies not final amount of dosage is decided yet but some users of this drug say 50 -100mg of this drug is sufficient per day.
Fasoracetam Stacks
To eliminate effects of anxiety from body, below are the ingredients of stack that you should take
- Phenibut
- Magnesium
- Fasoracetam
- N Acetyl Selank
- N Acetyl Semax
Pros
- Improves mental clarity
- Increases motivation
- Improves focus
- Enhances learning
Cons
- Lack of study on humans so no finite amount of dosage is known
7. Kava Kava
Kava also known as Kava Kava is a herbal plant which grows in western pacific region and is actually a relative of pepper plant.
Traditionally Kava is prepared as a tea but is also available as a dietary supplement in powder form. Kava has a calming effect on mind by producing brain waves that are similar to waves produced when you take calming medicines.
Kava’s calming effect relieves anxiety, sleeplessness and stress related symptoms. It may also relieve pain.
NOTE- Kava Kava supplements are potentially toxic to the liver and do have several safety concerns.
How Kava Kava works?
When taken Kava dosage, Kava affects the brain and other parts of central nervous system. After reaching brain it works by binding to GABA receptor sites which calms the brain by preventing over active neurons from firing.
As it lowers the anxiety levels, the overall stress also decreases. It also helps in improving overall mood also.
Some studies also shows that this supplement also helps in increasing the levels of dopamine within the brain which is another powerful neurotransmitter that affects things related to movement and mood.
Kava Kava Dosage
The general recommended dosage of Kava Kava is between 250 and 500 mg per day. It is usually taken multiple times a day with meals. It can be taken as a single dose per day but it should be before sleep.
However there are many experts who suggest that taking less dose of Kava Kava is safer.
Kava Kava Stacks
Below are the ingredients of a Kava Kava stack to manage anxiety and related issues.
Kava Kava
- L-Tyrosine
- 5-HTP
Pros
- Improves feeling of well being
- Improves sleep
- Improves depression
- Enhances cognition
Cons
- May decrease reaction time
- Excessive dosage damages liver
- Should not be taken with alcohol
8. Phenibut
Phenibut is a derivative of the neurotransmitter GABA having chemical name Beta-Phenyl-gamma-aminobutyric acid.
Phenibut is a common nootropic supplement developed in Soviet Union in 1960s and is used to reduce anxiety, improve sleep patterns and support cognitive patterns. It is also a common component of various nootropic stacks that are designed to reduce stress and enhance your mood. It is also sometimes used as an anxiolytic by individuals who suffers from social anxiety.
If used properly there are several different beneficial mechanisms of action of Phenibut with low risk of side effects. However, withdrawal symptoms can occur when you stop taking it.
How Phenibut works?
Phenibut is modified version of GABA which is one of the inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. Using phenibut can replicate effects of GABA.
Phenibut when crosses the blood brain barrier and reached the brain. It activates the GABA receptors which decreases the anxiety and support cognitive patterns.
This mechanism of action of Phenibut is similar to mechanism of action of alcohol which also stimulates the GABA receptors to decrease anxiety and stress, reduce inhibitions and provide a sedative like effects.
Phenibut Dosage
The recommended dosage of phenibut lies between 250mg to 1000mg. But if you have just started taking this supplement, then you should start with a smaller dose and increase as your body adjusts to it.
Phenibut Stacks
To decrease anxiety and improve natural sleep patterns, following are the ingredients of Phenibut stack that will help you achieve it.
- Alpha GPC
- Phenibut
- Omega-3
- Pramiracetam
- Bacopa monnieri
Pros
- Reduces stress
- Improves sleep onset
- Increases sociability
- Promotes a sense of calm
Cons
- Risk of withdrawal symptoms if overused
- Tolerance may build quickly
- Excessive dosage can cause side effects
9. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a plant that is frequently referred as “Indian ginseng” because of its rejuvenating properties.
This plant has been used as an Indian medicine for centuries and it helps body reaction to stress and facilitate learning. In Sanskrit Ashwagandha means “the smell of a horse”. It is said so because it imparts the strength of a horse and help people strengthen their immune system after illness.
Ashwagandha is growing its popularity as best nootropic for anxiety that reduces anxiety and increases longevity. Ashwagandha benefits are extensive and highly neuroprotective with possibility of reducing signs of aging on your brain.
How Ashwagandha works?
The exact mechanism of action of this herb is not known but researchers say that it acts as a powerful anti-oxidant agent.
It searches for free radicals within your body and removes them from your body organs which include brain also. This helps to reduce stress and damage that occur within the body.
Studies also shows that this plant enhances the ability of immune cells to destroy pathogens within our body.
Ashwagandha Dosage
The recommended dosage of Ashwagandha is between 500mg and 1000 mg twice per day. Most of the benefits of this herb are visible after few weeks of medication. It works best when taken two to three times per day.
Ashwagandha Stacks
To improve focus, energy and mood below are the ingredients of Ashwagandha stack.
- Alpha GPC
- Choline Bitarrate
- Ashwagandha
- Piracetam
- Caffeine
Pros
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Improves sleep
- Increase energy
- Reduce fatigue
Cons
- May exhibit a diuretic effect
10. Bacopa
Bacopa is one of the most commonly used best nootropic for anxiety that has proven to improve cognition by reducing anxiety.
Bacopa is also known as Brahami is an herb that is native of North India and has been used since ancient times in Ayurvedic Medical practices.
Of all the brain supplements available, Bacopa is closest to natural Piracetam and is much stronger than equivalent products.
Bacopa is used for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, improving memory, reducing anxiety and to fight stress. People also take Bacopa to treat backache, mental illness and sexual performance in both men and women.
How Bacopa works?
Bacopa was traditionally used by Indians to improve thought clarity and increase brainpower.
When you take Bacopa dosage it increases certain brain chemicals which are involved in thinking, learning and memory. This helps to reduce anxiety and stress.
Bacopa Dosage
Bacopa can be taken in powder form. The standard recommended dosage of Bacopa is 300mg.
NOTE- since Bacopa is fat soluble and requires a lipoid transporter to be absorbed, therefore it should be always taken with a meal.
Bacopa Stacks
Bacopa works well on its own but for anxiety and stress relief it works well with other nootropics. Below are the ingredients of Bacopa Stack
- Aplha GPC
- Phenibut
- Bacopa
- Pramiracetam
- Omega-3
Pros
- Long term use improves memory
- Improve anxiety
- Increases focus and stability
- Enhance brain communication
Cons
- Can cause stomach discomfort
- Fat soluble therefore need to use with a lipid source
- Powder has a bitter taste
Wrapping it up
There are many nootropics that can be listed under best nootropic for anxiety. But to make things easier for you we have only listed the best 10 of the nootropics that can reduce anxiety.
Each of the nootropics listed under best nootropic for anxiety has its own distinct form of anti-anxiety effects. For that reason it is best that you try a number of nootropics before settling up for the one that works best for you.
So what nootropics will you try? Comment below.