Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- 1. Social anxiety involves intense fear and avoidance of social situations, impacting mental clarity and overall quality of life.
2. Imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, GABA, and norepinephrine significantly contribute to social anxiety.
3. Natural nootropics such as L-Theanine (which promotes relaxation), Ashwagandha, Bacopa Monnieri, Rhodiola Rosea, and Magnesium effectively lower stress and ease anxiety symptoms without typical pharmaceutical side effects.
4. Natural beta-blocker alternatives like Magnesium and Potassium can manage physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heartbeat and trembling.
5. Combining targeted nootropics can enhance confidence, calm nerves, and improve social performance, creating long-term relief from social anxiety.
What is Social Anxiety?
If you feel inadequate, embarrassed, inferior or humiliated. And it prevents you from going out, meeting new people, or generally messes with your mental energy and quality of life – nootropics can help.
Social anxiety is a form of anxiety. And according to one study affects at least 14% of people living in the U.S.[i] I have a feeling that that estimate is far too low and not an accurate estimate of what’s really going on in our community.
You are dealing with social anxiety if you tend to avoid going into any situation where you feel you may be negatively judged or evaluated. Back in the day, they used to call these things ‘phobias’. In this case, it was “social phobia”.
People with social anxiety often remain in a state of high alert, even after the social situation has ended, making it difficult to relax and regain peace of mind.
In this post, you’ll find out why prescription drugs often do not succeed in taming your symptoms. Here you’ll learn about some natural options that may work better for your social anxiety symptoms.
Use the “Table of Contents” above if you’d like to skip down to nootropic supplement suggestions so you can get started right away.
What Causes Social Anxiety?
Social anxiety can be caused by a number of cognitive issues that can wreak havoc with your emotional regulation and anxiety levels:
Genetics: If you have a family history of anxiety, depression, or related mood disorders you are more likely to experience social anxiety. Genetic susceptibility can influence the structure and sensitivity of brain cells and networks involved in fear and emotional processing.
Brain chemistry: Neurotransmitter imbalances often play a key role in the development of social anxiety. Low levels of serotonin and GABA can lead to reduced mood stability and poor stress regulation. Dopamine dysregulation may reduce motivation and heighten feelings of self-consciousness. Elevated norepinephrine can create a hyper-alert, fight-or-flight state that amplifies social tension.[ii]
Personality traits: Traits such as behavioral inhibition, heightened sensitivity to rejection, and high neuroticism contribute to an overactive response to perceived social threats. If you have low self-confidence or high levels of self-criticism you are particularly prone to anxiety in social settings.
Environment and experiences: Traumatic social experiences—such as bullying at school, exclusion, or embarrassment—can create associations between social interaction and emotional pain. Overprotective or overly critical parenting can also foster social avoidance or dependence.
Cognitive patterns: People with social anxiety often engage in negative self-talk, catastrophizing, and overgeneralization. You may mentally rehearse potential failure or judgment before social events, reinforcing or anticipating anxiety and avoidance behaviors.
These risk factors contribute to overactivation of the amygdala (your brain’s emotional threat detector) and under activation of your prefrontal cortex (which helps regulate and rationalize fear responses).
This neural imbalance creates a feedback loop where social threats feel exaggerated and difficult to control, perpetuating social anxiety symptoms.
In these situations, the body’s stress response is triggered, activating the fight-or-flight mechanism and leading to physical symptoms like increased heart rate, sweating, and emotional distress.
What Does Social Anxiety Feel Like?
In social settings, individuals with SAD experience:
Physical symptoms: Rapid heartbeat, trembling, sweating, blushing, nausea, shortness of breath, and muscle tension.
Cognitive symptoms: Persistent worry about being negatively evaluated or appearing foolish.
Emotional symptoms: Overwhelming feelings of dread, fear, shame, or humiliation.
Behavioral symptoms: Avoiding eye contact, speaking at inappropriate times or not speaking at all, or avoiding social gatherings.
In severe cases, these symptoms can become debilitating and significantly interfere with daily functioning.
These symptoms often lead to feelings of isolation or underperforming in public roles because of fear of scrutiny.
How does social anxiety work in the brain? Neuroscience breakdown
Social anxiety is rooted in neural circuitry involving:
- Amygdala hyperactivity: Over-sensitive to negative social cues, like criticism or rejection.[iii]
- Prefrontal cortex under-regulation: The medial prefrontal cortex normally dampens amygdala responses; weak top-down control means heightened anxiety in social settings.[iv]
- Neurotransmitter imbalances:
- GABA: Main inhibitory neurotransmitter; low GABA activity causes over-arousal.[v]Serotonin: Important in mood and anxiety regulation; imbalance contributes to heightened social fear.[vi]Dopamine: Drives reward and motivation; low levels can reduce confidence and exacerbate negative self-focus.[vii]
Norepinephrine: Heightened stress/fight-or-flight response in social contexts.[viii]
These neurotransmitters and brain regions are all components of the central nervous system, which coordinates the body’s response to social stress.
- Stress hormones: Elevated cortisol worsens neural sensitivity to social interactions specifically.[ix]
SAD reflects overreactive threat detection and insufficient neural regulation, leading to anxiety symptoms when faced with social interactions.
Nootropics for Social Interactions
Navigating social interactions can be challenging for those who experience social anxiety, but the right nootropics can make a significant difference.
Nootropics for social anxiety are designed to support both mental and bodily health by targeting the underlying anxiety symptoms that make social situations feel overwhelming.
These supplements work by enhancing cognitive function, reducing stress levels, and promoting a sense of calm, which can help you feel more at ease during social interactions.
Some of the best nootropics for social interactions include L-Theanine, Rhodiola Rosea, and Bacopa Monnieri.
L-Theanine, found naturally in green tea, is well-known for its ability to promote relaxation without causing drowsiness, making it easier to engage in conversations and group activities.
Rhodiola Rosea helps the body adapt to stress, supporting a balanced mood and improved cognitive function even in high-pressure social settings.
Bacopa Monnieri, another powerful adaptogen, has been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms and support memory and mental clarity, which can be especially helpful when you need to think on your feet.
By incorporating these nootropics for social anxiety into your routine, you may notice various subtle improvements in your ability to handle social situations. Whether you’re attending a meeting, giving a presentation, or simply socializing with friends, these supplements can help reduce anxiety, boost cognitive performance, and make social interactions feel less daunting.
What are the best nootropics to reduce social anxiety symptoms?
Many natural nootropic supplements have evidence supporting their anti-anxiety effects.
In addition, many of these nootropics are also valued for their cognitive enhancement properties, improving memory, focus, and decision-making.
L‑Theanine
L-Theanine is an amino acid found in green tea. It helps reduce cortisol, increases brain levels of GABA, serotonin, dopamine, and boosts alpha brain waves and theta brain waves .
Clinical trials (100–150 mg 3-times per day) using an L-Theanine supplement shows stress relief, lowered heart rate, and reduced anxiety in social situations.[x]
Ashwagandha
An Ayurvedic adaptogen. Ashwagandha lowers cortisol and increases the sensitivity of GABA receptors which helps reduce stress levels and less social anxiety.
Clinical studies have shown Ashwagandha can repair and even reverse damage caused in the brain caused by chronic anxiety and stress. Recommended Ashwagandha extract dosage for general anxiety is 300 mg twice per day.
Bacopa Monnieri
Bacopa Monnieri is an herbal adaptogen that has been used since ancient times to reduce anxiety, depression and stress. It protects your neurons and balances neurotransmitters.
Bacopa Monnieri has a significant anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effect. It appears to modulate brain levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin. This has an effect on mood regulation.
Research at Banaras Hindu University in India showed Bacopa Monnieri as effective for reducing symptoms of anxiety as the benzodiazepine drug lorazepam.[xi]
Recommended dosage of Bacopa Monnieri containing 20% bacosides is 750 mg per day.
Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola Rosea activates AMPA receptors in your brain. Which helps decrease depression and stress-related mood swings, reduces fatigue, stimulates energy and alertness and boosts cognition.
Rhodiola Rosea boosts mood by influencing serotonin and norepinephrine levels in your brain, and the feel-good opioids like beta-endorphins.[xii]
Recommended dose of Rhodiola Rosea extract is 150 – 200 mg per day.
Phosphatidylserine (PS)
Phosphatidylserine (PS) helps lower cortisol which is effective in relieving stress.
Many clinical trials with Phosphatidylserine (PS) have shown improvements in working- and long-term memory, recall, logic and even speech. Attention span increases while using Phosphatidylserine (PS). And motivation, socialization and initiative all increased when using Phosphatidylserine (PS) as a nootropic.[xiii]
Recommended Phosphatidylserine (PS) dosage is 300 mg per day.
GABA precursors and analogues
GABA
Clinical studies show that boosting GABA with a supplement relieves anxiety, stress, and boosts the production of alpha brain waves.[xiv] Recommended dosage of PharmaGABA is 250 mg per day.
Taurine
Taurine modulates GABA and glycine receptors in the brain which helps treat anxiety.[xv] Recommended Taurine dosage is 500 – 2000 mg per day.
Aniracetam, Noopept (Racetam family)
Aniracetam
Aniracetam can reduce anxiety, depression and fear. And increase sociability. It works by its effects on dopamine and serotonin receptors in your brain. Improving verbal fluency.[xvi] Recommended dosage for Aniracetam is 750 mg twice per day.
Noopept
Noopept boosts Alpha and Beta brain wave activity.[xvii] You become calmer and more creative. It’s easier to go into a flow state. And you are prone to making innovative and resourceful decisions. Recommended Noopept dosage is 10 – 30 mg per day.
L‑Tyrosine
L- Tyrosine is a precursor to dopamine and norepinephrine, boosting mental clarity, mood and confidence during stressful situations.[xviii] Recommended L-Tyrosine dosage is 500 mg twice per day.
Magnesium (especially L-Threonate)
Magnesium is a precursor to the synthesis of GABA, dopamine and serotonin which stabilizes mood, and supports cognitive function.[xix]
Magnesium L‑Threonate is particularly neuroactive and consistent daily use can help reduce prolonged anxiety. Recommended dosage of Magnesium L-Threonate is up to 1,000 mg per day
Kava
Kava seems to provide a calming effect by increasing the number of GABA-a receptors. And Kava inhibits norepinephrine reuptake. Clinical trials show short‑term anxiety relief comparable to prescription anxiolytics.[xx]
Kava extracts have also been seen to bind to GABA, dopamine, serotonin and opiate receptors as well. This implies that more of each neurotransmitter is available to your brain since their associated receptors are blocked or inhibited by Kava.
Most research shows there is little to no evidence to support the notion of liver damage when using Kava. For example, one large review out of the University of Melbourne included 24 clinical studies.
One of the researchers stated, “Of the 435 clinical trial participants taking Kava supplements in our review, some at high doses, no liver issues were reported. Therefore, the current review supports the conclusion that liver toxicity is indeed a rare side effect.”[xxi]
Look for a Kava extract called “WS1490”. For anxiety and other cognitive issues use 300 mg of this extract daily. Preferably split into three 100 mg doses. One dose in the morning, one in the early afternoon and the last in the evening.
Nootropic Supplements Alternatives to Beta Blockers
Beta blockers (e.g., propranolol) reduce physical anxiety by blocking adrenergic receptors—but many natural options offer milder effects:
Magnesium
Magnesium acts like a beta blocker, reducing stress-induced heart rate and blood pressure. See Magnesium above for all the ways this mineral will boost cognitive performance.
Potassium
Potassium channels in your brain are involved in serotonin regulation. And how serotonin is used to reduce feelings of guilt, helplessness, hopelessness, low self-worth and even suicide.[xxii]
You need adequate levels of potassium for serotonin to work and do its job. Even small decreases in optimal potassium levels can result in social and generalized anxiety.
What are the best natural alternatives to SSRIs, MAOIs & other anti‑anxiety drugs?
For you if you are looking for alternatives to prescription treatments like SSRIs or benzodiazepines:
Ginkgo biloba is another natural supplement that may help regulate serotonin levels and reduce anxiety and is often included in herbal nootropic stack for its safety and effectiveness.
St. John’s wort
St. John’s wort inhibits the uptake of serotonin, dopamine, GABA, glutamate and norepinephrine. Inhibiting the neuronal uptake of these neurotransmitters can have a profound effect on depression and mood.[xxiii]
And St. John’s wort moderates the genes controlling the function of your HPA-axis which is directly related to symptoms of anxiety disorder, social anxiety, and stress responses.
St. John’s wort has been shown to be as effective as many antidepressant medications. Recommended dosage for St. John’s wort extract (Perika®) for social anxiety is up to 900 mg per day.
Holy Basil
Holy Basil increases levels of dopamine, and serotonin, and reduces epinephrine, norepinephrine, and monoamine oxidase.[xxiv]
On study found that Holy Basil may be useful in the treatment of General Anxiety Disorder in humans and may be a promising anxiolytic agent”.
Research shows Holy Basil as effective in treating depression as the tricyclic antidepressant Tofranil and and Valium for treating social anxiety. Recommended dosage for Holy Basil extract for social anxiety is 300 – 2,000 mg per day.
Passionflower
Passionflower supports healthy GABA levels in your brain. As a nootropic it provides an anxiolytic effect without the unwanted side effects of anti-anxiety meds.[xxv]
One mechanism involves the GABA system and a GABAa (benzodiazepine) receptor which is the binding site of benzodiazepines, and which regulate chloride flow through ion channels. Studies show the anxiolytic activity of Passionflower is due to Passiflora apigenin and chrysin which are partial agonists of the same GABAa receptors.
Recommended dosage of Passionflower for social anxiety is 250-1,000 mg per day. Larger doses should be divided into 2 or 3 smaller doses during your day.
CBD Oil
CBD oil has been shown in the lab and through practical user experience to provide anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects. Reducing anxiety in those with social anxiety disorder. And as an antidepressant by enhancing serotonin and glutamate signaling via 5-HT1a.[xxvi]
A double-blind, placebo controlled trial conducted in Brazil worked with 10 patients diagnosed with social anxiety disorder. One group received 400 mg of CBD while the control group took a placebo. The researchers concluded that CBD was effective in reducing anxiety.[xxvii]
Safety and Efficacy of Nootropics
When considering nootropics for social anxiety, it’s important to prioritize both safety and efficacy. Clinical trials have shown that nootropics like L-Theanine, Rhodiola Rosea, and Bacopa Monnieri are generally safe and well-tolerated, with a low risk profile and minimal side effects for most people.
These supplements have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing anxiety symptoms, improving cognitive function, and promoting relaxation, making them valuable tools for those seeking natural support for social anxiety.
However, everyone’s body and brain functions are unique, and you may want to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new nootropic supplement—especially if you are currently taking prescription drugs. A healthcare professional can help you monitor any potential interactions or side effects.
And keep an eye on things like blood pressure and sleep quality when using nootropics for social anxiety. Regular monitoring ensures that your supplement regimen support both your mental and bodily health without causing unwanted effects.
Taking a thoughtful and informed approach, you can safely and effectively use nootropics to reduce anxiety symptoms and improve your overall well-being.
The World is a Better Place After Eliminating Social Anxiety
Imagine a world where social anxiety no longer holds you back from enjoying your life to the fullest.
Nootropic supplements are a strong alternative to many anti-anxiety medications currently prescribed by doctors. And promoted by the Big Pharmaceutical companies.
I encourage you to try some of the supplements I reviewed in the article above. Try them one-at-a-time until you find one or two that works. All it takes is a day or two to try each nootropic supplement to see if you get any relief from your social anxiety symptoms.
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 social 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.
Join The Discussion - 228 comments
Jim
October 26, 2018
Great article/list. But one compound missing that has been proven effective and possibly more effective than anxiety reduction pharmaceuticals is Passionflower: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11679026
My, and others I know, experience is that it impressively takes the edge off. Highly recommended for anxiety including SAD.
David Tomen
October 26, 2018
Good one Jim. I’ll add it to my list of nootropic supplement to review. Thanks.
Rob
October 18, 2018
What are the people in benzodiazepine withdrawal, like Xanax? Also with ruminations that are negative often. I know it’s kind of conditioning, but getting through these rough. Sometimes debilitating and full despair.
I don’t know why they keep trying serotonin type medications on me and they always have an adverse effect.
I fear though the way Benzo’s work, and being in there with drawl state where receptors are so down regulated that in the traffic that works the same way with Kindle me, or cause more trouble.
Thank you
David Tomen
October 21, 2018
Rob, you are correct in that benzos like Xanax likely down-regulate GABA receptors over time. Ashwagandha has been found to upregulate and reactivate GABA receptors.
Allie Strain
October 16, 2018
Hi David,
I have just stumbled upon your website, and have found this article very in formative and helpful. I have recently discovered nootropics, although always had a passion for natural health.
I have social anxiety and generalised anxiety, and have dealt with this for years without realising I had anxiety – I just thought I was a ‘stress head’. I recently went to the doctor about this and she put me on SSRI’s. I hated it, hence here I am, looking for a natural alternative.
I have read through your replies and I understand it may take some time before I find whats right/works for me, but I am just wondering if you have any suggestions on where to start? I am 29, work in a high-stress job, and would like to find something that calms my anxiety and irritability (I get triggered easily at the best of times). I am currently taking Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Magnesium, Vitamin C and Tumeric daily. I have just ordered some Lions Mane and Reishi mushrooms, which I will mix together as I would like the benefits from each strain which differ from what I have read.
Thanks in advance, and thanks for your time.
David Tomen
October 16, 2018
Allie, you mentioned that you tried a SSRI but hated it. But did it work for you? Because if you had some success in curbing anxiety symptoms with the SSRI then you may be dealing with a serotonin issue. If you had no success whatsoever then it may be a dopamine issue. Or something else.
Start with a high quality B-Complex supplement that uses folate (NOT folic acid) and methylcobalamin (NOT cyanocobalamin) at fairly high dosages. Check each individual review for an idea on the doses I’m talking about. They are considerably higher than the RDA but not so high they are toxic.
Also make sure your magnesium dosage in high enough. Again, check the review. The depending on your response to the first part of this response, you can try L-Tryptophan for serotonin or L-Tyrosine for dopamine.
See where I’m going with this?
Seeking Truth
October 14, 2018
Hi…this is my first post EVER on any of the sites (like here on NE.com) or forums I’ve been silently reading for many years. In a one-sentence nutshell, I suffer from ACUTE/SEVERE social anxiety in on specific case: in front of an audience. Surprisingly I have ZERO social-anxiety in groups of 5-or-less (and even thrive on it), but when I’m giving company-wide presentations, announcements, or heading up weekly meetings to 100+ employees, I LITERALLY (this has happened several times in my career) cannot catch my breath, and my heart-rate feels WORSE than when I mountain-bile 10+ miles. These are NOT exaggerations: I have had to WALK OUT of board-rooms and from behind podiums before, always making up excuses that I got ‘sick.’ I manage a very successful insurance firm with many brokerage branches, and it’s very often I’m in front of 100’s of staff giving out awards, or doing live web-casts to 6+ offices.
PLEASE…PLEASE HELP! After years of researching and self-medicating with theanine and other non-script alternatives, I’ve been hesitant to reach out for specific help with my condition. In smaller groups, I often give multi-million dollar annuity and investment presentations or can be the life of the party etc., I’m in charge of office operations (hiring, firing, training etc.) but when it comes to large groups…I get crippled with hyperventilation and my sternum (chest bone) feels like it’s going to blister from the pounding of my heart!! Thanks.
David Tomen
October 14, 2018
As you can see from this post there could be a number of things causing your anxiety when in front of a large audience. Scroll up to the “norepinephrine” section where it says, “For example, propranolol (which is classed as a beta-blocker), an antagonist of the beta2-norepinephrine receptor, is used to reduce the rapid heart rate, tremors and quivering voice that you get when you’re about to step on stage in front of an audience.”
So in that section you could try magnesium, L-Tryptophan and St. John’s wort to calm spikes in norepinephrine.
But the bottom-line is it’ll likely take several different nootropics used consistently and daily before you achieve what you want. And it’ll take some trial and error as well.
Try putting together a stack by selecting one or two nootropics from each section of this post. Including a high quality B-Complex supplement, magnesium and DHA.
Michael
October 22, 2018
Seeking truth just described my situation exactly.
So what if my dopamine seems low and my norepinephrine is shooting high under stress in front of crowds?
David Tomen
October 22, 2018
Michael, you can bring norepinephrine under control with L-Theanine, NAC, Inositol, and a high quality Omega-3 which is high in DHA. These supplements help control glutamate and norepinephrine which calms your brain.
Michael
October 22, 2018
Ok.. and can I still take Mucuna Pruriens for the dopamine? Or am I gonna cause my norepinephrine levels to get worse? I only get spikes in stressful situations
David Tomen
October 23, 2018
Michael, it really depends on how your body converts dopamine to norepinephrine. The best you can do is to use those nootropics daily and consistently even while using Mucuna and it should help.
Jac
September 23, 2018
I’m very new to all of this and have experienced anxiety and depression for years. I want to finally take control. I’ve bought 5-htp, gaba actyl carnitine (for weight loss also), nacetyl cysteine and niacinamide. I’m trialling and learning about stacking. I want to do it safely. ATM I’m on acetylcarnitine, nacetyl cystein and I think I took some ixoracetam as well this morning. I will buy some scales to be sure to only take the right amount. My question is, is it safe to continue alcohol use – once a week or so – say a couple of glasses of wine? And can anyone recommend the right stack to start with? Thanks.
David Tomen
September 24, 2018
Jac, I haven’t seen any clinical trials or other data that would indicate a couple of weekly glasses of wine would make much difference.
And there is no “right stack” because when treating something like anxiety, it really is trial and error. Try different supplements until you find that perfect combination for you. It takes time but is well worth the effort.
I wish I could, but I can’t begin every post with a “recommended nootropic stack” for anxiety, depression, memory or whatever it is that needs fixing. The best I can do is provide a list of nootropics shown to be effective for treating something like anxiety. Everyone one of us is different with unique causes of anxiety.
Ken
August 31, 2018
Hi David,
Thanks for your recommendations. I too have had generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic attacks, etc., a lot of which I think has to do with previous addictions and resulting withdrawal syndrome.
The low magnesium is interesting since I have a history of kidney stones and I’m starting to put 2 and 2 together.
I’m wondering what’s your take on probiotics for anxiety? I’ve had several food intolerances and started taking them just a few days ago in an attempt to restore gut flora. You could not believe the reaction I’ve had to taking these. Feeling very ill (like the flu but with pronounced muscle pain) and am wondering whether it’s a Herx/detox or some type of blood poisoning because of the bacteria, although it is said that probiotics are generally safe and actual sepsis from taking them is rare.
I possibly do have undiagnosed (Lyme, Epstein Barr) infection, although I’ve been thoroughly examined, which I think has been contributing to my anxiety. A herx of course would confirm my suspicion and if so I’d like to continue treatment with these probiotics, although in smaller doses or not as often. I’ve had a splenectomy as a kid so don’t really know if I’m immunocompromised or not and if it’s safe for me to continue taking these organisms.
I’d really appreciate your thoughts. Magnesium seems to be something I really need and will be taking it from now on. I’ve had low D, B12 and testosterone as well. I don’t always react well to supplements but if I’m not mistaking certain mineral deficiencies could be to blame for low vitamin counts due to problems with synthesis?
I’ve been prescribed anti depressant medication but really don’t like taking them at all.
Also would like to know what you’d recommend to take for post acute withdrawal syndrome and the restoration of dopamine receptors. Would magnesium be helpful? I don’t really like taking adaptogens since they always seem to cause adverse reactions after a number of days.
Thanks in any case,
Ken
David Tomen
August 31, 2018
Ken, Sulbutiamine has been shown to increase the density of dopamine receptors. And N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC) helps protect and restore them.
Your body and brain require all the vitamins and minerals I mention in my posts on vitamins and minerals. Scroll through this list of posts to locate them: https://nootropicsexpert.com/blog/. At the correct dosages they all support each other and work in synergy. But you need to be careful to stay with recommended dosages. For example, too much zinc will suppress copper.
It’s possible that something you are taking (i.e. probiotic) is acting as detox agent and our are dealing with detox symptoms. They eventually go away.
A safer option for you right now may be Performance Lab’s Prebiotic which acts to support your existing gut flora: https://nootropicsexpert.com/performance-lab-prebiotic-review/
Ken
September 2, 2018
Many thanks for the reply sir. I appreciate your time and effort.
Michael
August 22, 2018
Thank you, very valuable information! I love your videos, however I am a bit overwhelmed with so many Nootropics and which ones to use. Is it safe to stack all of the nootropics mentioned for social anxiety at once? If not, are some, essential must have and others can be introduced ramdomly and experimented with over time. Or are Nootropics divided by cotegories, therefore recommended to use one from each category.
I suffer from Social phobia, shyness, depression, anxiety, lack of focus, memory, and motivation. Also I could use a little more energy Thanks!
David Tomen
August 22, 2018
Michael, the difficult thing about recommending a nootropic stack for each of your symptoms is that it each may have different causes. And unless you know exactly what the root cause it then you need to experiment. The process of elimination will leave you with a usable stack of maybe 6 supplements and you could be symptom-free.
But where to start? You could safely select one nootropic from each of the neurotransmitter categories above and see if it works. The section before the subhead “Recommendations …). Chances are you’ll have some relief but not be completely symptom-free. Or you may get lucky. But after using a stack like this for a few weeks you’ll start to know what works. And what doesn’t.
I always suggest starting with the basics like the B-Complex vitamins, magnesium, DHA and a good multivitamin. Then add two or three others and go from there.
I realize this seems like a long process. But then, how long have you been feeling this way? And how motivated are you to get better?
Final note, always read (and understand) the recommended dosage of each nootropic you intend to try, possible side effects and drug interactions. This slow, careful approach will limit negative side effects. And using the correct dose (not necessarily what the manufacturer says on the bottle) will provide a more accurate way to assess if something is working for you. Or not.
michael arevalo
September 14, 2018
Greetings David,
Thank you for all the very useful information.
You have made my introduction to Nootropics a better experience 🙂
It’s been 15 days since I started my stack and I’m definitely feeling a very small improvement in mood and mental fog. I also cleaned up my diet significantly, eliminated sugar, decreased carbs and increased healthy fats.
This is the current stack I stated on:
In the morning on an empty stomach – Taken with water:
Piracetam (1g)
Alpha GPC (100mg)
L-theanine (400mg)
ALCAR (500mg)
1 hour later – taken with MCT oil and green juice (contents – avocado, kale, spinach, peanut butter, blue berries, chia seeds, cashew – almond milk with pea protein, coconut oil):
Aniracetam (500mg)
Alpha GPC (100mg)
Magnesium – bisglycinate (100mg)
Sulbutiamine (200mg)
1 hour later taken with breakfast:
Krill oil (1,00mg)
Curcumin,Bioperine, Ginger combination (750mg Curcumin, Bioperine 5mg, Ginger 35mg)
2 hours later taken with lunch:
Life Extension Bio-Active Complete B-Complex (recommended daily dosage)
Zinc
Vitamin C
Vitamin D3
2 hours later with a snack: (typically an avacado or pumpkin seeds)
Another serving of
Krill oil (1,00mg)
or
Curcumin,Bioperine, Ginger combination (750mg Curcumin, Bioperine 5mg, Ginger 35mg)
2 hours before bedtime
Magnesium – bisglycinate (100mg)
My mental history: I grew up with low self esteem, insecurities, social phobia, and low motivation. I’m sure this was the result of parental verbal abuse and contemp. I wasn’t depressed, but I wasn’t happy either. At the age of 19 I was put on Prozac. Prozac worked wonders, restored my happiness and eliminated Social Anxiety. Unfortunately, the effect only lasted about 2 months. I was back where I stated with the addition of actual depression and new forms of anxiety. I tried other meds on and off over the years with very little susccess, the only 2 that helped a ittle were Celexa and Effector, but with sexual side effects. I eventually switched to Lamotrigina as a mood estabilizer and Hydroxyzine for Anxiety.
Since I started my Nootropic stack I decreased the Lamotrigine from 125 mg to 75 per day. I also eliminated the Hydroxyzine, and as a resul my mental fog decreased, however my insomnia increased.
I just placed an order for L-Tryptophan to aid with the insomnia.
I would gratfully appreciate it if you can give me your feed back and suggestions on optimizing my stack and the order in which I’m supplementing them. Also any advise to improve sleep.
Thanks again.
David Tomen
September 14, 2018
Michael, I’ve had good success using magnesium 400 mg, L-Trytophan 500 mg and tart cherry juice for sleep. https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-sleep/. Or you could try a very similar stack with Performance Lab Sleep: https://nootropicsexpert.com/performance-lab-sleep-review/. If you try it I’d recommend adding another 300 mg magnesium to it before bed.
As a side note: switch ALL of your magnesium so you’re taking it 60 – 90 minutes before bed.
For depressive symptoms you could try St. John’s wort or Ginkgo Biloba but I would read the side effects and contraindications of each one before you try either one.
You may also want to consider increasing your Alpha GPC dosage each time you take it. And use a tablespoon of unrefined coconut oil each time you take your stack as well.
Sam
August 12, 2018
Hi there, have been suffering from social anxiety, OCD and bouts of depression for the last 10 years am 26 years old. Have tried SSRI’s, CBT, hypnotherapy and a few natural supplements with nothing helping me. I had blood tests done testosterone and cortisol normal levels. Did a vitamins and minerals test was almost deficient in glutamic acid, magnesium, iron and Maltase. Was a few others but not as serious. Been taking all the supplements needed for months now and I feel no different, decided I’ve had enough and stumbled across nootropics. I’ve tried piracetam for just over a week but made me so tired was struggling at work. Have read Aniracetam may be a better alternative? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated
Sam
August 12, 2018
* also was very low in B vitamins but been taking a good multi B vitamin for a about 4 months solid. I exercise a lot and eat a healthy diet
David Tomen
August 13, 2018
Sam, you will not get any benefit from Piracetam (or any of the racetams) if you don’t dose them correctly. Including using a good choline supplement like Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline. It likely made you tired because it used up most of the acetylcholine in your brain and you didn’t replenish it.
I suggest you do a search using the search function top right here on Nootropics Expert for the keyword “OCD”. You’ll get results like Tryptophan and Uridine along with others. Choose a couple of those supplements and see if they work for you.
Please read this post on depression: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-depression/ so you have a better idea on what you’re dealing with here. And possibly a different approach to correcting these problems.
Sam
August 13, 2018
Thanks a lot for the reply. What dose would you recommend for piracetam?I’ve tried small and large with the same feelings also have alpha gpc rather than a not so good choline source I was using to take alongside, so will give another go. I will look in to all those thing so thanks again
David Tomen
August 13, 2018
Sam, see dosage instructions here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/piracetam/