Anxiety can significantly impact a person’s ability to think, perform everyday tasks, and make decisions; therefore, incorporating nootropics into one’s routine may provide effective relief and help improve cognitive function in individuals dealing with this common mental health problem.

There are a variety of nootropics available that can influence your mood, stress response, and motivation. This blog aims to help you find the best nootropics for anxiety and how they can make you feel more relaxed.

An Introduction To Nootropics

Nootropics have gained popularity in recent years for their ability to boost mental performance. While the primary focus of nootropics is to enhance focus, learning, and memory, they can also play a role in helping those who struggle with anxiety.

Nootropics, also known as “smart drugs,” are a group of supplements and medications that boost brain health and cognition.

These drugs affect the nervous system, but each type can have slightly different effects on the brain [1].

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a mental health disorder characterized by excessive fear and worry. Some common symptoms of anxiety include rapid heartbeat, sweating, shakiness, dizziness, and nausea [2].

Everyone feels anxious from time to time, but if your anxiety doesn’t go away or gets in the way of doing or enjoying things, it’s called an anxiety disorder.

About 19.1% of adults in the US have some type of anxiety disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) [3].

There are several types of anxiety disorders, each with its unique characteristics [4].

Panic disorder: Sudden, intense episodes of fear accompanied by different physical symptoms.

Agoraphobia: Scared of being in places where escape might be intricate.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Persistent worry about various aspects of life.

Separation anxiety disorder: Fear of being parted from loved ones.

Specific phobias: Fear of particular situations or objects.

How Nootropics Help With Anxiety?

Nootropics work by targeting certain neurotransmitters like dopamine, acetylcholine, and GABA, which play crucial roles in managing anxiety. These substances have been proven to treat symptoms of anxiety effectively.

By influencing these neurotransmitters, nootropics help to ease anxiety levels and improve mood. This action can provide significant relief for those dealing with daily stressors or with an anxiety disorder [5].

Benefits Of Nootropics For Anxiety

Some of the benefits of nootropics for anxiety include [6]:

Improved Focus and Cognitive Function

Anxiety often leads to difficulty concentrating. Nootropics enhance the activity of neurotransmitters, improving memory, problem-solving capacity, and mental clarity even in situations with high stress.

Enhances Sleep Quality

Poor sleeping schedules can exacerbate anxiety levels, creating a vicious cycle of restlessness and stress. Nootropics are known to improve sleep quality and promote relaxation by modulating GABA and cortisol levels, leading to deeper and restorative sleep.

Reduces Anxiety without Sedation

Unlike traditional anti-anxiety medicines, which can cause sleepiness or brain fog, many nootropics for anxiety promote relaxation while keeping you mentally alert and sharp. They help calm the nervous system without impairing cognitive function, helping you overcome anxiety disorders.

Supports Mood Stability

General anxiety disorder (GAD) can disrupt mental and emotional balance, making it harder to get through daily stressors. Nootropics regulate mood-related brain chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin, helping you stay calm and manage emotional stress.

Best Nootropics For Anxiety

There are two main types of nootropics, natural and synthetic. Natural nootropics come from plant sources and have been used in traditional medicine for their cognitive and anxiolytic properties.

In contrast, synthetic nootropics are man-made compounds designed to enhance cognitive functions.

Some of the well-known synthetic nootropics for anxiety include:

Aniracetam : It belongs to the synthetic nootropic type and has been shown to have anti-anxiety effects, possibly due to its ability to modulate the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine.

According to a study published in 2001, it was found that aniracetam reduced anxiety-related behaviors in rats.

Phenibut : It is a synthetic derivative of GABA that has gained popularity for its anti-anxiety effects. It acts as a GABA agonist, enhancing the calming effects of this neurotransmitter.

Modafinil : Modafinil is a prescription-based wakefulness-promoting agent used to treat excessive sleepiness associated with sleep apnea, shift work sleep disorder, and narcolepsy. It has been explored for various medical conditions, including anxiety. Individuals who took Modafinil tablets for anxiety reported improvements in focus and a reduction in anxiety symptoms, especially when anxiety is linked to fatigue or ADHD like symptoms.

Some of the best natural nootropics for anxiety include –

Ashwagandha : Ashwagandha is an evergreen plant indigenous to several parts of Africa, India, and the Middle East.

It comes in powder, pill, and liquid form, so it can easily be swallowed or incorporated into soups, smoothies, etc. It has been used in traditional medicine for hundreds of years and is now well known for its ability to reduce anxiety and boost energy levels.

Bacopa Monnieri : Bacopa monnieri is a perennial herb found in India, Australia, Asia, Europe, and North and South America. It is well known for its use in traditional Indian medicine. A review suggests that it could help reduce feelings of anxiety.

Some of the best natural nootropics for anxiety include –

L-theanine : L-theanine is a non-protein, water-soluble amino acid known for promoting relaxation and easing stress without causing sleepiness. It is found naturally in foods like black, green, and white teas, matcha, and fungi like some mushrooms. It is also available in supplement form, typically as a powder or a pill.

A randomized trial by Miho Ota et al. found that healthy adults who took L-theanine for four weeks had a reduction in stress-related symptoms.

Side Effects Of Nootropics For Anxiety

Generally, nootropics for anxiety seem to have a relatively low risk of adverse effects. But it’s worth noting that not all nootropics have been well studied, and most of the time, they are mild. Side effects may include

• Headaches
• Restlessness
• Insomnia
• Reduced appetite
• An upset stomach
• Higher blood pressure
• Irregular heartbeat

And if nootropics are stopped abruptly, you may also experience withdrawal symptoms.

In severe cases, nootropics can cause allergic reactions. If you get a rash or other allergy symptoms after taking a nootropic, report it to a healthcare professional, as it might not be the right approach.

How To Take Nootropics For Anxiety Safely?

To minimize the risk of adverse effects and drug interactions with medications, follow these safe usage guidelines when considering them.

Always consult a doctor – Before starting nootropic, always consult a doctor. Let them decide if a nootropic is right for your anxiety, and if so, which one is best for you; it must be agreed upon by them.

Dosage – The risk of side effects may increase with higher doses of nootropics; therefore, you must ask your doctor which dose is correct for you.

Monitor your body’s response – If you experience any side effects that bother you after taking a nootropic, discontinue and consult a provider.

Conclusion

Anxiety is a debilitating condition that can impact many aspects of life. However, there are ways to deal with it, and nootropics are one of them. If you suffer from anxiety, consider adding some of the nootropics mentioned in this blog. With their help, you can effectively alleviate anxiety and improve your overall health.