This post is for you if tried anti-anxiety meds, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, counseling, or psychotherapy. And are looking for a natural nootropic alternative.
Or maybe you tried talking to your doctor about how you feel and didn’t get the help you need.
It may be of little comfort, but did you know there is a 77% chance that your anxiety has been misdiagnosed as some physical problem instead?[i]
Because anxiety often manifests as sweating, trembling, nausea, abdominal problems, dizziness, insomnia, heart palpitations, accelerated heart rate, chest pain, shortness of breath, pins and needles, feeling like your losing control and/or feelings of impending doom.
Instead of dealing with the real cause, maybe you were sent down the wrong path. And are still looking for answers.
Nootropic supplements may help if you’re dealing with a genuine anxiety disorder. The kind of anxiety that has you feeling constantly on-edge and an overwhelming sense of dread.
The type of anxiety where you have difficulty concentrating, you’re irritable or restless to the point you’re avoiding family and friends just to numb yourself from feelings of worry and unrelenting doom.
Here you’ll discover the real cause of your anxiety symptoms. And get some help dealing with how you feel. Concrete steps to take that doesn’t include meditation, yoga, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or psychoanalysis.
Table of Contents
The Root Cause of Anxiety Disorders
Something may have happened that triggered the anxiety that has turned your life upside down. But if your feelings of anxiety are hanging on and won’t let go, it’s likely because of the dysfunction of neurochemicals in your brain.[ii]
It could be problems with acetylcholine, dopamine, GABA, glutamate, norepinephrine, or serotonin.
But the challenge is figuring out which neurotransmitter is causing the problem. And why drugs like benzodiazepines, SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, and MAOIs are often prescribed for treating anxiety.
How to Find the Root Cause
If you have been using an anti-anxiety drug and experienced some relief in your symptoms, you have a head-start.
Because now you have a clue what could be causing your problem. And it may be easier for you to decide which nootropics to try to help you get better.
First, become familiar with the mechanism of action (or pharmacology) of the med you are using. Wikipedia.org is a good resource for this information.
Simply do a search of Wikipedia for your drug’s generic name. And scroll down to the section “Pharmacology”. Sometimes called the “mechanism of action”.
Once you understand how the drug works in your brain. And which neurotransmitter system it affects. Scroll down the list of nootropic supplements below.
And choose a nootropic that has a similar mechanism of action to the drug you were using. Then follow the dosage recommendations for that supplement and try it to see if you feel any relief.
But if you’ve never tried using a pharmaceutical to treat your anxiety, or have used one that didn’t work, you’ll need to try each nootropic separately.
And by trial and error you’ll work your way down to find the neurotransmitter system that is causing your anxiety.
Start at the beginning of the list below and try the first nootropic for 1 or 2 days. And see how you feel. If you experience relief from your anxiety symptoms, success!
Now you know which neurotransmitter to work with. You can continue using that nootropic as recommended. And look for other natural nootropic adaptogens that work on the same system.
But if the first nootropic you try doesn’t provide any comfort, put it aside. And try the next one for a couple of days again following dosage recommendations.
Go through the list one-by-one until you find a nootropic that helps you and relieves at least some of your anxiety symptoms.
Some of the nootropics on the list below are precursors. Which means it provides the chemical or molecule needed to make a specific neurotransmitter.
And others are adaptogens that affect a specific neurotransmitter system. Usually by modulating how that brain chemical works in your brain.
Let’s get started …
Neurotransmitter imbalances
Acetylcholine
Acetylcholine plays a critical role in learning and memory. And acetylcholine levels are modulated by levels of stress in several regions of your brain.
Acetylcholine levels decline as you get older. You need choline for the production of acetylcholine. Not eating enough foods high in choline can also result in insufficient acetylcholine.
In fact, choline is so vital to cognition and nerve function that, without it, we couldn’t move, think, sleep or remember anything.
Studies show that acetylcholine signaling in your hippocampus regulates social stress resilience and anxiety.[iii]
You can increase acetylcholine levels in your brain using either Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline (Citicoline).
Alpha GPC
Alpha GPC is a precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Alpha GPC naturally occurs in your brain as a byproduct of phosphatidylcholine (PC).
When your brain needs more choline, and the choline floating around in your brain is running low, it breaks down PC from cell membranes. And turns it into Alpha GPC.
Alpha GPC, acetyl L-carnitine (ALCAR), and phosphatidylserine (PS) provide mitochondrial support and conserve growth factor receptors.
DHA (Omega-3) combines with Alpha GPC and PS to form brain cell membranes critical for neuron generation and regeneration.[iv]
Recommended dosage of Alpha GPC is 300 mg 3-times per day.
CDP-Choline (Citicoline)
CDP-Choline is a type of choline that is present in every cell in your body.
Taken as a supplement, it’s then converted to cytidine and choline in your gut. Once it crosses the blood-brain barrier it’s converted back to CDP-Choline.[v] The choline then assists cell membranes and helps create acetylcholine.
CDP-Choline is involved in memory and cognitive functions. And provides energy for the brain to conduct sustained mental effort.
Recommended CDP-Choline dosage is 250 – 500 mg per day.
Dopamine
L-Tyrosine taken as a nootropic supplement converts into the neurotransmitter dopamine.
Dopamine helps control movement in your body, is fundamental to memory, attention and problem solving.
The unused dopamine can then convert into the catecholamine neurotransmitters norepinephrine (noradrenaline) and epinephrine (adrenaline).
Norepinephrine is important for attentiveness, emotions, sleeping, dreaming, and learning.
Epinephrine drives your ‘flight-or-flight’ response. It’s what prompts your reaction to dangerous circumstances, emergency situations, or in stressful situations or environments.
Sleep deprivation and extreme stressors like heat and cold can deplete catecholamine levels. L-Tyrosine restores them to preserve optimal cognition and reduce anxiety.[vi]
Recommended dosage of L-Tyrosine is 500 mg 2 or 3-times per day.
GABA
GABA (Gamma-amino butyric acid) is the most abundant inhibitory neurotransmitter in your brain. And known to counterbalance the action of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate.
GABA has long been recognized as the main regulator of anxiety. And the GABA neurotransmitter system is the main target of benzodiazepines and other anxiety related drugs used to treat anxiety disorders.[vii]
When GABA is taken as a nootropic supplement, it binds with the GABAA receptor protein complex, and acts as an agonist: inducing changes in which the permeability of the central pore to chloride ions gets increased.
The resulting chloride flux hyperpolarizes the neuron, leading to a reduction in its excitability. And producing a general inhibitory effect on neuronal activity.[viii]
Recommended dosage of GABA is 250 – 500 mg per day
Glutamate
L-glutamine is a ‘conditionally’ essential amino acid and main precursor for the production of glutamate and GABA in your brain.
(NOTE: Don’t confuse glutamine with glutamate!)
Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in your body. And is involved in many of your bodily functions. Including much of the activity in your brain.
But Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in your brain.[ix] And the balance of glutamine and glutamate is critical for optimal brain function.
Glutamate plays various important positive roles in your brain including brain development, learning and memory.
And degenerative roles including stroke, traumatic brain injury, Huntington’s and Alzheimer’s disease, stress response, and anxiety disorders.
Glutamate mainly acts through ion channel receptors including NMDA receptors, AMPA receptors, and G protein-coupled metabotropic receptors (mGluR1-8).
Glutamate is involved in synaptic release of acetylcholine, adenosine, kappa opioid, GABA, and neuropeptides.[x]
Recent research shows that glutamate dysfunction is involved in fear conditioning, OCD, PTSD, anxiety disorder and social phobia.[xi]
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) which is used as a flavor enhancer has been linked to obesity, metabolic syndrome, and neuron toxicity that can lead to cell death causing stroke, epilepsy, schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).[xii]
Eliminating your anxiety could be as simple as avoiding all foods containing MSG.
When your neurotransmitters, including L-glutamine and glutamate are in balance, you feel motivated, productive, and energetic. And you feel calm and relaxed during downtime.
When L-glutamine levels are low you feel filled with dread, you’re constantly worried, you have racing thoughts, and you’re frequently late and disorganized.
When you are in this L-glutamine slump is when you’re tempted to resort to high carbohydrate foods, and drugs or alcohol to relax.
Recommended dosage of L-Glutamine is 2 – 5 grams per day.
But remember, glutamine and glutamate must be in balance! If you suspect your glutamate levels are too high, you can get it under control by inhibiting its NMDA and AMPA receptors.
Some antidepressant drugs relieve anxiety by inhibiting NMDA receptors.[xiii]
Try the nootropics including Cat’s Claw[xiv], and L-Theanine[xv] for inhibiting NMDA receptors. And Noopept[xvi] and many of the racetams[xvii] which inhibit AMPA receptors.
Keeping glutamate under control and helping to reduce anxiety if your condition is caused by glutamate dysfunction.
Serotonin
Serotonin plays a significant role in the development and persistence of anxiety disorders.
Several studies show that increases in serotonin increases anxiety. And when serotonin decreases you may experience a reduction in the anxiety that’s associated with OCD or PTSD[xviii].
Too much serotonin and excess serotonin signaling has been implicated in social anxiety disorders.[xix]
If you are experiencing any type of anxiety, you should avoid anything that increases serotonin. Do NOT use nootropics like L-Tryptophan or 5-HTP.
Instead, use nootropics that help modulate serotonin and bring it under control.
Bacopa Monnieri helps modulate serotonin and dopamine which produces an anxiolytic effect. Studies show that Bacopa is as effective as the anti-anxiety drug lorazepam in reducing anxiety.[xx]
Vitamin D3 and Omega-3s (EPA & DHA) helps control serotonin synthesis and action. EPA helps inhibit serotonin release and DHA influences serotonin receptors. While Vitamin D3 deficiency can contribute to anxiety. Supplementing with Omega-3s and Vitamin D3 may help reduce anxiety.[xxi]
Ginkgo Biloba acts as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) which helps boost dopamine in your brain. Increasing dopamine can help lower serotonin levels. The result can be a reduction in anxiety.[xxii]
Rhodiola Rosea is an adaptogen that has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. Rhodiola enhances stress tolerance and relieves anxiety by modulating key brain neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine and beta-endorphins (opioid neuropeptides).[xxiii]
Anxiety Eliminated
Nootropics are a viable and potent alternative to many anti-anxiety medications.
But you first need to determine the cause of anxiety in your brain. Use the trial and error method I suggested above and work through the nootropic supplements recommended one-by-one.
But a very strong word of caution – if you are currently using any prescription anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications. Or any medications for that matter. Research each nootropic including side effects and prescription drug interactions before using them.
You can eliminate anxiety once-and-for-all with nootropics. If you do your research. And are willing to experiment until you find the one or two that is right for you.
[i] Roy-Byrne P.P., Wagner A. “Primary care perspectives on generalized anxiety disorder” The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry 2004;65 Suppl 13:20-6. (source)
[ii] Kaur S., Singh R. “ROLE OF DIFFERENT NEUROTRANSMITTERS IN ANXIETY: A SYSTEMIC REVIEW” International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research Projected Impact Factor (2019): 1.230, CiteScore (2017): 0.27 (source)
[iii] Mineur, Y. S., Obayemi, A., Wigestrand, M. B., Fote, G. M., Calarco, C. A., Li, A. M., & Picciotto, M. R. (2013). “Cholinergic signaling in the hippocampus regulates social stress resilience and anxiety- and depression-like behavior.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 110(9), 3573–3578. (source)
[iv] Kidd P. M. (2005). “Neurodegeneration from mitochondrial insufficiency: nutrients, stem cells, growth factors, and prospects for brain rebuilding using integrative management.” Alternative Medicine Review: a journal of clinical therapeutic, 10(4), 268–293. (source)
[v] Rao A.M., Hatcher J.F., Dempsey R.J. “CDP-choline: neuroprotection in transient forebrain ischemia of gerbils.” Journal of Neuroscience Research 1999 Dec 1;58(5):697-705. (source)
[vi] Hase A., Jung S.E., a het Rot M. “Behavioral and cognitive effects of tyrosine intake in healthy human adults.” Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior. 2015 Jun; 133:1-6. (source)
[vii] Lydiard R. B. (2003). “The role of GABA in anxiety disorders.” The Journal of clinical psychiatry, 64 Suppl 3, 21–27. (source)
[viii] Nutt, D. J., Ballenger, J. C., Sheehan, D., & Wittchen, H. U. (2002). “Generalized anxiety disorder: comorbidity, comparative biology and treatment.” The international journal of neuropsychopharmacology, 5(4), 315–325. (source)
[ix] Meldrum B.S. “Glutamate as a Neurotransmitter in the Brain: Review of Physiology and Pathology” The Journal of Nutrition, Volume 130, Issue 4, April 2000, Pages 1007S–1015S (source)
[x] Roberts-Wolfe, D. J., & Kalivas, P. W. (2015). “Glutamate Transporter GLT-1 as a Therapeutic Target for Substance Use Disorders” CNS & neurological disorders drug targets, 14(6), 745–756. (source)
[xi] Cortese, B. M., & Phan, K. L. (2005). “The role of glutamate in anxiety and related disorders.” CNS spectrums, 10(10), 820–830. (source)
[xii] Marcincakova H., Veronika & Ostatníková, D. (2013). “Monosodium Glutamate Toxic Effects and Their Implications for Human Intake: A Review.” JMED Research. 20135171. 10.5171/2013.608765. (source)
[xiii] Petrie, R. X., Reid, I. C., & Stewart, C. A. (2000). “The N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, synaptic plasticity, and depressive disorder. A critical review” Pharmacology & therapeutics 87(1), 11–25. (source)
[xiv] Mohamed A.F., Matsumoto K., Tabata K., Takayama H., Kitajima M., Watanabe H. “Effects of Uncaria tomentosa total alkaloid and its components on experimental amnesia in mice: elucidation using the passive avoidance test.” Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. 2000 Dec;52(12):1553-61. (source)
[xv] Lu M., Gray, Oliver C. “The Neuropharmacology of L-Theanine(N-Ethyl-L-Glutamine)” Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy Volume 6, Issue 2, 2006 (source)
[xvi] Gudasheva T.A. et. Al. “The major metabolite of dipeptide piracetam analogue GVS-111 in rat brain and its similarity to endogenous neuropeptide cyclo-L-prolylglycine.” European Journal of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics. 1997 Jul-Sep;22(3):245-52. (source)
[xvii] Isaacson J.S., Nicoll R. A. “Aniracetam reduces glutamate receptor desensitization and slows the decay of fast excitatory synaptic currents in the hippocampus” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in the United States of America vol. 88, pp. 10936-10940, December 1991 (source)
[xviii] Murphy, D. L., Moya, P. R., Fox, M. A., Rubenstein, L. M., Wendland, J. R., & Timpano, K. R. (2013). “Anxiety and affective disorder comorbidity related to serotonin and other neurotransmitter systems: obsessive-compulsive disorder as an example of overlapping clinical and genetic heterogeneity” Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences, 368(1615), 20120435. (source)
[xix] rick, A., Åhs, F., Engman, J., Jonasson, M., Alaie, I., Björkstrand, J., Frans, Ö., Faria, V., Linnman, C., Appel, L., Wahlstedt, K., Lubberink, M., Fredrikson, M., & Furmark, T. (2015). “Serotonin Synthesis and Reuptake in Social Anxiety Disorder: A Positron Emission Tomography Study” JAMA psychiatry, 72(8), 794–802. (source)
[xx] Bhattacharya, S. K., & Ghosal, S. (1998). “Anxiolytic activity of a standardized extract of Bacopa monniera: an experimental study” Phytomedicine: International Journal of Phytotherapy and phytopharmacology, 5(2), 77–82. (source)
[xxi] Patrick, R. P., & Ames, B. N. (2015). “Vitamin D and the omega-3 fatty acids control serotonin synthesis and action, part 2: relevance for ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and impulsive behavior” FASEB journal: official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, 29(6), 2207–2222. (source)
[xxii] Woelk, H., Arnoldt, K. H., Kieser, M., & Hoerr, R. (2007). “Ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 in generalized anxiety disorder and adjustment disorder with anxious mood: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial” Journal of psychiatric research, 41(6), 472–480. (source)
[xxiii] Lishmanov Iu.B., Trifonova Zh.V., Tsibin A.N., Maslova L.V., Dement’eva L.A. “[Plasma beta-endorphin and stress hormones in stress and adaptation].” – in Russian Biull Eksp Biol Med. 1987 Apr;103(4):422-4. (source)
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Hi, intersting website, anxiety seems to be common issue. I tried to write this so many times, but it comes out too long every time.
Both me and my spouse have been suffering anxiety, OCD, and lack of motivation. My anxiety is mostly social, while spouse’s is more of racing thoughts kind. Some days I also feel slow, and can’t keep up with conversations, I’m 30, but that makes me feel like almost as I was old and demented.
We took the Braverman test mentioned in Comments, we got similar results, only that I had 2 Major deficiencies and she had moderate ones, I was at least moderately deficient in all but mostly severely in GABA according to the test.
I have been taking Ashwaganda, but that alone makes me feel even more drowsy, taking maca with it has helped thought. It does seem to help with OCD but not so much with the other problems. (social anxiety and lack of motivation). I also added B-vitamin complex and Magnesium. Summer time is currently helping, at winter i’ve felt so depleted of everything here in Northern Europe.
Sadly spouse had adverse reaction to ashwagandha, it seemed to make her lethargic and depressed. It actually helped her not to take Aswagandha but just taking B-vitamin complex and magnesium. I wonder why is that?
I think we definitely need something to get us on track with life, before it just passes by. I don’t know what to add next. Reishi made me feel terribly lethargic and 5-HTP made me feel sad (When i took it couple years ago) like instantly. So at least not those.
Mucuna Pruriens? L-Tyrosine? Gingko Biloba? Something to take off social anxiety and lack of motivation. Ohh… and the terrible indecisiveness, I was contemplating for days before even posting this simple message.
That braverman test also said that I was Choline dominant natured, not quite sure what that means, but I was still deficient in all. Don’t know how accurate it is after all.
Nordic, that’s a lot in a few paragraphs and I’m not about to try and respond here. Ashwagandha is contraindicated with those with thyroid issues. I am hypothyroid and cannot use Ashwagandha.
It sounds like you need a consultation. If you are interested go to this page and you’ll find a link to my calendar: https://nootropicsexpert.com/personal-consultations/
Hello, I have been dealing with anxiety for an entire year now. Specifically, shortness of breath (air hunger), heart palpitations, dizziness, fatigue, brain fog, low mood and low libito. I have had a number of tests done including a full cardiac panel and everything is normal. What nootropics would you recommend to start? Desperate for your help! Thanks
Chantelle, did you read the above article before you posted your question? I suggest you do that and then come back to ask your questions. Because you will realize that it is impossible to suggest what you should try without knowing a LOT more than just your symptoms.
I do not mean to be harsh about this so please do not take it that way. Anxiety can be caused by a very long list of things. And it takes time to dig down to figure out what to try.
”If you are experiencing any type of anxiety, you should avoid anything that increases serotonin. Do NOT use nootropics like L-Tryptophan or 5-HTP.”
But what if you have depression, feeling depressed,?, which is in most cases based on low serotonin, and comes often with anxiety, this level should be raised right? What would you recommend instead of L-Tryptophan or 5-HTP?
So could you say that too much serotonin causes, or can cause, anxiety?, and more of it will make that worse maybe…
Miraka, it is simply not true that depressions is caused by a lack of serotonin. We were conditioned to think that because the pharmaceutical companies needed to sell their newly discovered SSRIs.
Excess serotonin will cause anxiety. Serotonin, like all your other major neurotransmitters must be in balance. So you need serotonin but not too much.
I suggest going back to the very top of this article and reading it word for word all the way to the bottom. Because clearly you skipped down to the part about L-Tryptophan and 5-HTP.
I looked up the author on the internet and couldn’t find a way to get in touch. Please contact me if you see this. I need your help.
Cheryl, you are not alone. Nearly everyone who comes to Nootropics Expert is looking for help. I also offer personal consultations if you are interested. Here is a link to my calendar: https://calendly.com/davidtomen/60-minute-consultation-with-report
David, first of all, thank you for the excellent material. I suffer for several years from Panic Attacks (mostly triggered by agoraphobia). I am currently not taking any medication and was looking for more “natural” ways of treating it. What do you recommend me to start?
Jonathan, for Panic Attacks best that you schedule a consultation with me: https://calendly.com/davidtomen/60-minute-consultation-with-report
Si el unico que realmente funciona es el L Tripotofano, pero solo me funciona en la mañana, Para dormir excelente esa misma noche. Me ha curado de entradas y salidas a benzos. Como regulo la dopamina a largo plazo? Es decir, tomo l triptofano en dosis normales 400 500 mg diarios, en la mañana. en la noche me genera insomnio. Entonces en que momento deberoa tomar fenialanina o l tirosina? ya que utilizan los mismos canales de absorcion.
Juna, if you use 500 – 1000 mg of L-Tyrosine morning and noon your system will get enough of this amino acid to raise dopamine levels. Even while using L-Tryptophan.
Can I safely use gaba 500mg with valerian 300-600 mg and l-theanine 250mg plus st.John wort ?
Marius, there are no clinical studies testing the safety of that combo. The first 3 should be no problem. But combining them with St. John’s wort may not be such a good idea.
Hi David. I really like your site here, it’s very interesting I am trying to understand would could work for me.
I have OCD, Social Anxiety + general anxiety.
My last medication was Effexor Venlafaxin. I have tried many.
I recently quit it, it was very hard, I had the so called brain zaps for a week and do still get it but it’s tolerable.
It has worked very well for my OCD and some but less for my anxiety, it was in high dosis 225-300 mg.
It was probably the best one iv’e tried.
But i found myself always tired, no matter how much sleep and also a lack of emotions. I was also concerned about the side effects. I am also never going back after the withdrawel side effects.
I want to try my luck with natural options.
My question is for you.
Do you think this stack can help me?
Gingko biloba – Bacopa Monnierni – Cat’s claw – Alpha GPD – Noopept – Glutemine – Inositol 18g per day.
Iv’e tried L-Theanine but i suspect it gives me more anxiety, so it want to try Cat’s claw since it will also effect the NMDA repectors and has the BNFD boost benefit.
Would you recommend i change or add something? Thanks.
Chris.
Chris, use the search function to right of the top menu and search for the keywords “OCD” and “social anxiety”. You will get a list of supplements shown in studies and anecdotally to help with both.
The key to make nootropics work for you is being willing to experiment. If something doesn’t work then try something else. If something causes problems then avoid using it.
Dear Dave ~ “If you are experiencing any type of anxiety, you should avoid anything that increases serotonin.
[edited for length]
I am also taking Vit D and Omega 3 too each day Dave …
Beth, summarize your question in two or three sentences please. I cannot read a block of text nor do I have the time.
Hi David – I have severe OCD, overwhelming anxiety and insomnia. I currently take 200mg theanine + 100mg L-Tyrosine in the morning and 1g Taurine + 1.5g L-Tryptophan in the evening. I also take choline, vit d and Omega 3, probiotics and other vitamin and mineral supplements. It needs tweaking as it is not working and I have just read that I shouldn’t be taking anything that increases serotonin. Please can you help me
Beth, you are likely using too much L-Tryptophan. Cut that back to 500 mg before bed.
And before you add these I suggest you read my full review for each. But they have been shown to help with OCD: Lemon Balm, Saffron, L-Glutamine, Uridine Monophosphate, Glycine and Valerian.
Serotonin is a funny one, isn’t it. One reads variously that too much and too little is the culprit.
SSRIs do work for me – they keep serotonin around for longer, as you know.
So why would tryptophan and 5HTP have an adverse effect?
Charlotte, SSRIs do not really “keep serotonin around for longer”. They are ‘reuptake inhibitors’ which changes the normal mechanism of how serotonin is used in your brain. You cannot compare them. It is true that some who are deficient in serotonin respond well to L-Tryptophan or low dose 5-HTP. But they may not respond well to SSRIs.
I am a classic case of being low in serotonin so 500 mg L-Tryptophan helps me if taken before bed. But get sick if I use an SSRI.
Tried GABA many times – before I knew it probably doesn’t cross the blood brain barrier, and after, when it was hypothesised that the supplement might still work another way.
And GABA supplements often have raving reviews.
I’ve never experienced the slightest advantage from them, apart from a slight tingling in the toes after taking especially high doses.
I cannot understand why it works for others, and not for me (benzos do work.)
Are all the rave reviewers getting placebo effects?
Charlotte, more recent research shows GABA does cross the blood-brain barrier. Benzos do not “increase” GABA. Instead they attach to a specific benzo receptor which is how they provide a benefit to those who respond to it well. Simply increasing physical levels of GABA will not provide the same effect.
Some respond well to GABA because they are low in GABA to start with. I’m a classic example of this and use PharmaGABA because it more easily gets into your brain. But PharmaGABA is not likely going to work with you either because it does not sound like low GABA is your problem.
Dear David!
May I ask you one more question about MAOI please?
“Ginkgo Biloba acts as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) which helps boost dopamine in your brain. Increasing dopamine can help lower serotonin levels. The result can be a reduction in anxiety”
I suffer from PTSD, OCD. Through last 2 years I found the hard way, that Lithium, Tryptophan, Magnesium glycinate etc. which increase serotonin worsened my anxiety to the point where I couldn’t focus on anything more than sad intrusive thoughts inside my head. I was focused at increasing GABA and decreasing Glutamate, but it didn’t solved the whole problem.
I would like to try prescription SSRI + Curcumin but I don’t understand. In the “text” above you mentioned that MAOI decrease serotonin.
Thank you for everything David!
Sandra, natural MOAIs like Gingko Biloba will likely have minimal effect on serotonin. As far as I can tell from my research and practical experience Gingko doesn’t touch serotonin levels.
Hi David, I have dealt with anxiety all my life (75 yrs) and have not slept well in yrs. Was diagnosed with GAD a number of yrs. ago. Recently got off my BP and anti-anxiety meds to try CBD which worked opposite of what it’s supposed to. At the advice of my PCP I started taking L-Glutamine. In researching it got re-introduced to GABA and then came across your website and Nootropics. Have a few questions. I take cal/mag, Vitamin D3&K2, Ubiquinol and Omega 3. Recently started taking the L-glutamine and GABA. They are helping. Am interested in Bacopa Monnieri but I see it’s called “water hyssop”. Is it safe for people with HBP issues (mine is pretty stable now) and does it lower a HR that’s already on the low side (60’s&70’s)? Could adding B.M. and or L-theanine help even more. Also is Milk Thistle contraindicated with any of these? I can’t find anything on that.
Thanks so much for any suggestions.
Erlinda, Bacopa Monnieri should not cause problems with blood pressure or heart rate. L-Theanine however could lower your blood pressure and you may need to avoid it.
Milk Thistle is not contraindicated with any of them.
This is a fantastic article that really puts it in comprehensible terms for the average person.
How can we properly discern how to check and balance the glutamine and glutamate properly as best as possible at home? Than you! Working on sorting out all of these symptoms.
Mandy, glutamine produces glutamate. If you are high in glutamate then using glutamine should help bring the balance back.
Hi David, I struggle with panick attacks in some periodes of time. For the past 2 months I’m in a bubble where I’m depressive, constantly nervous and can’t eat. I tried L-theanine, omega 3, curcumin, CBD, magnesium but nothing worked much. My psychologist says there is some imbalance in my neurotransmitters but didn’t know which part. I hope you could help me in a direction. In the dr. Braverman test it says I have a low GABA. I read somewhere that if you take GABA it doesn’t go in thru the receptors. I would love to hear your opinion.
Keram, Myo-Inositol, Lithium Orotate, Phosphatidylcholine (PC), Passionflower extract and L-Theanine have all been shown to help reduce panic attacks.
BTW, GABA does cross the blood-brain barrier. And PharmaGABA is especially effective at lower doses compared to synthetic GABA.
Thanks for your reply. I was wondering what do you think about this stack for my problem:
1. PharmaGABA
2. L-Tryptophan
3. Vitamin B-Complex (with 100 mg Inisitol)
4. Vitamin D3 (which I have a deficiency in)
5. Omega 3
6. L-theanine
Thanks for helping me out!!
Try it and see if it works for you. Give it a week of daily use and you’ll know whether it helps or not.