Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Serotonin modulation through nootropics like L-Tryptophan, 5-HTP, Bacopa Monnieri, Ginkgo Biloba, and Rhodiola Rosea can provide relief from social anxiety symptoms.
- GABA, the main inhibitory neurotransmitter, can be increased for anxiety relief, with nootropics like Aniracetam and Oxiracetam affecting GABA transmission.
- Dopamine signaling, enhanced by nootropics like L-Tyrosine and L-Theanine, promotes self-confidence and may reduce social anxiety.
- Modulating norepinephrine using nootropics like Magnesium and St. John’s Wort can aid in managing social anxiety symptoms.
- Glutamate modulating nootropics like Cat’s Claw, Racetams, and Noopept may help in unlearning social anxiety triggers, similar to Cognitive Behavior Therapy approaches.
If you feel inadequate, embarrassed, inferior or humiliated. And it prevents you from going out, meeting new people, or generally messes with your your mental energy and quality of life – nootropics can help.
Social anxiety is form of anxiety. And affects at least 13% of people living in the U.S.[i] But a very recent survey conducted in the USA revealed that nearly half of those surveyed said they were suffering with some form of anxiety.
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”.
Social anxiety is treated by mainstream medicine in two ways – Cognitive Behavior Therapy or with drugs. You may have tried either or both with limited success.
In this post, you’ll find out why drugs often do not succeed in taming your symptoms. Here you’ll learn about some natural options that may work better.
What Causes Social Anxiety
One of the problems with social anxiety is poor self-esteem. It always feels like it’s somehow your fault. You may feel that social anxiety is a moral failure. Or could have been caused by a crappy childhood.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Social anxiety is sometimes caused by a neurotransmitter imbalance in your brain. And if this balance of neurotransmitters and their systems is restored, you may get relief from your social anxiety symptoms.
Social anxiety symptoms may be a Neurotransmitter Problem
Your brain is governed by multiple neurotransmitter systems. The most extensive of these are GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) and glutamate.
The other three neurotransmitter systems – serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine – have also been studied extensively in both normal states, states of anxiety, and chronic stress.[ii]
And we know that each of these neurotransmitters are often associated with generalized anxiety disorder because there are prescription drug therapies that affect each one.
But social anxiety is not likely caused by a deficiency in one particular neurotransmitter or another. The networks governed by these neurotransmitters are interrelated, have multiple feedback loops, and sport complex receptor structures.[iii]
This is why you may have had little success with reducing your anxiety if you have tried using prescription benzos, SSRIs or MAOIs. Because they did not directly correct the cause of your anxiety.
Next, we’ll take a look at each neurotransmitter system and examine how something other than serotonin, GABA, or glutamate may be causing your problem. You will learn how to test this idea safely and hopefully reduce your anxiety levels naturally.
Serotonin
Serotonin plays a fundamental role in regulating your brain states. Including anxiety. Serotonin also modulates dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain.[iv]
To complicate things even further, you have several different serotonin receptor subtypes. For example, the serotonin-1a receptor is both a mediator and inhibitor of serotonin depending on whether it is on the presynaptic or postsynaptic neuron.[v]
So, not all serotonin receptor subtypes are involved with social anxiety disorder. A classic example of this is the serotonin-2a receptor which provides the psychedelic effects when you use LSD or mescaline.[vi]
But despite all this complexity, it’s true that many people get some relief from social anxiety symptoms by using meds that inhibit the reuptake of serotonin by using SSRI’s. But many do NOT respond well to SSRIs and get no relief from social anxiety symptoms or reducing stress.
If you respond well to SSRI’s but hate the side effects. And are looking for a safe alternative. You can try increasing serotonin by using nootropics like L-Tryptophan or 5-HTP.
But keep in mind that excess serotonin can be the cause of your social anxiety. So you’ll want to avoid increasing serotonin too much or avoid them altogether. You’ll know it could be excess serotonin because your anxiety gets worse if you use L-Tryptophan or 5-HTP.
Instead, you can try nootropics that help modulate serotonin and bring it under control. You can modulate serotonin by using Bacopa Monnieri, Ginkgo Biloba, Rhodiola Rosea, or Vitamin D3 with Omega-3s. All have been shown in clinical studies as well as practical user experience to reduce anxiety by keeping serotonin under control.
GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric Acid)
GABA is your main inhibitory neurotransmitter. Increases in GABA by using barbiturates or benzodiazepines can have a anxiolytic effect for some people.
Drugs in this class do not directly bind to GABA receptors. Instead, they affect the associated chloride channel. Barbiturates do this by increasing the duration of the channel’s open state. While benzodiazepines increase the frequency of opening.
The big problem with these types of drugs however is tolerance and potentially fatal side effects. And they kill your ability to encode memories.[vii]
So sometimes anticonvulsant drugs like gabapentin are used instead. Which works by blocking calcium channels. Resulting in a boost of GABA transmission.[viii]
This is why some of the racetams display anxiolytic activity. Because nootropics like Aniracetam and Oxiracetam affect calcium ion channels. Somehow increasing the excitability of those neurons and increasing the effectiveness of some neurotransmitters. More on that in the next section.
Dopamine
Dopamine’s role in optimal cognition as well as anxiety in your brain is complex. Dopamine pathways may affect social anxiety in several ways.[ix] For example, drugs like Olanzapine inhibits dopamine D2 receptors which provide its anti-anxiety benefits.
Dopamine signaling also helps promote feelings of self-confidence and self-esteem which helps to reduce anxiety disorder. Which is the reason why some people with social anxiety respond well to drugs like Wellbutrin which help boost dopamine use in your brain.[x]
See the next section for more on nootropics like L-Tyrosine, Folate and L-Theanine which help boost dopamine and dopamine use in your brain.
Norepinephrine
Norepinephrine plays a complex role in anxiety states. Social anxiety can be reduced by modulating norepinephrine in your brain.
For example, propranolol (which is classed as a beta-blocker), an antagonist of beta2-norepinephrine receptors, is used to reduce a rapid heart rate, tremors and quivering voice that you get when you’re about to step on stage in front of an audience.[xi]
Some SNRI’s (serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) are also effective in quelling social anxiety symptoms.[xii] Drugs like Cymbalta help boost serotonin and norepinephrine activity in your brain.
You can naturally boost serotonin and norepinephrine activity by supplementing with Saffron.
And several natural nootropic alternatives to beta-blockers are available. Nootropics like magnesium, L-tryptophan and St. John’s wort are used by many to treat social anxiety. More on these beta-blocker alternatives in the next section of this post.
Glutamate
Glutamate is your primary excitatory neurotransmitter. And is involved in every neuronal pathway in your brain and body. Including those that affect social anxiety.[xiii]
NMDA receptors are also particularly important for social anxiety disorders. NMDA receptors are glutamate receptors and are involved in learning and memory. Activation of the NMDA receptor triggers protein synthesis. Which strengthens the connection between neurons.[xiv]
This NMDA activity in learning and memory is likely one of the reasons why Cognitive Behavior Therapy is sometimes effective in treating social anxiety. Because you are put into situations that help you ‘unlearn’ certain situations that make you uncomfortable.
But forcing you to walk into a crowded bar and ask for the phone numbers of 50 female strangers. Simply to ‘unlearn’ the social anxiety that keep you from meeting new people. Seems like cruel and inhumane punishment to me. And does nothing for stress relief. There has to be better way.
And it turns out there is. Nootropics like Cat’s Claw, many of the racetam’s, L-Theanine, and Noopept all modulate NMDA receptors and glutamate.
Other Neurotransmitters
Several other neurotransmitters can play a role in social anxiety. And the associated systems involving fear and anxiety. Including neuropeptides, corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) and cannabinoids.
But none of the experimental compounds associated with these neurotransmitters have resulted in FDA-approved drugs. The excuse they provide is the stringent criteria for approval of these treatments.
I’d guess that money plays more of a role than “stringent criteria”.
You can’t easily patent and charge exorbitant prices for compounds like cannabis which in low doses is a very effective social anxiety treatment.[xv]
Another example is Noopept which is based off the endogenous neuropeptide cycloprolylglycine (CPG). Researchers in Moscow found Noopept similar to Piracetam in not only it’s nootropic effect, but also anxiolytic activity.[xvi]
Recommendations of Nootropics for Social Anxiety
If you are currently being treated for social anxiety. Or suspect you may be dealing with undiagnosed social anxiety or generalized anxiety disorder. And are looking for a more natural, safer way to treat your symptoms. Nootropics may help.
Natural Alternatives to Beta Blockers
In the section above on norepinephrine we found that prescription beta-blockers are often used to treat anxiety. Some natural Beta Blocker alternatives include:
- DHA (Omega-3) – fatty acids make up a significant portion of your brain cell membranes. Low levels of Omega-3’s can result in ADHD, anxiety, depression, suicide and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Recommended adult dosage for DHA is 1,000 mg per day. And half that of EPA. Try 3 GelCaps of my favorite Omega-3: Performance Lab® Omega-3
- Magnesium – a magnesium deficiency can cause brain fog, mental fatigue, social anxiety, and depression. Plasticity of neuron synapses is affected by the presence of adequate magnesium in brain cells. Choose a high quality chelated magnesium and use 400 mg before bed: Magnesium Glycinate (Amazon)
- St. John’s wort – has been used for centuries to treat anxiety, depression and stress. St. John’s wort works by preventing the re-uptake of serotonin in your brain. Much like prescription anti-depressants. Try: Nature’s Way – Perika (Amazon)
A quick note about Vitamin D. Excessive levels of this vitamin can affect the way your body and brain processes calcium. Calcium channels in your brain are implicated in social anxiety. You absolutely need adequate Vitamin D levels in your body. Just don’t overdo it.
Alternatives to SSRI’s, MAOI’s and other anti-anxiety drugs
Rather than separate these into how each affects the various neurotransmitters that affect social anxiety. I’m listing them in alphabetical order.
Please do the research on each nootropic before trying it. Especially if you are currently using any prescription drugs.
- Aniracetam – This member of the racetam-family of nootropics works with dopamine D2 and D3 receptors in your brain. And desensitizes AMPA (glutamate) receptors. Aniracetam is one of the most effective antidepressants I’ve ever tried. And its effects on dopamine in your brain can have a profound effect on anxiety symptoms. Recommended adult dosage is 750 mg Aniracetam twice per day (with 300 mg CDP-Choline).
- Ashwagandha – This adaptogen has been used for millennia to relieve anxiety, fatigue, restore energy and boost concentration. Clinical studies have shown Ashwagandha can repair and even reverse damage caused in the brain caused by chronic anxiety and stress. Try KSM-66 300 mg once or twice per day
- Bacopa Monnieri – This adaptogen has been used since ancient times to reduce anxiety, depression and stress. It protects your neurons and balances neurotransmitters. 150 mg Bacopa Monnieri extract in my favorite: Mind Lab Pro® v4.0
- Cacao – Cacao and dark chocolate (75%+ cacao) stimulates the release of phenylethylamine (PEA) which boosts focus and awareness. And increases anandamide (the bliss molecule) which helps you feel good. Cacao is a source of tryptophan which is the precursor to serotonin. And theobromine which boosts blood flow, is a stimulant, and may account for chocolate’s aphrodisiac qualities.
- Folate – Vitamin B9 (folate) is a cofactor in the synthesis of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. Folate is also involved in gene expression, protein synthesis, and myelin synthesis and repair. It’s even involved in cerebral circulation. Powerful anti-anxiety treatment in this B-vitamin. Get a therapeutic dose of natural methyl-folate in: Life Extension BioActive B-Complex
- Ginkgo Biloba – This tree native to China has been used for thousands of years to boost mental alertness, improve cerebral circulation and for overall brain function. Many have found Ginkgo to be very effective in reducing stress and social anxiety. And boosting overall mood.
- Ginseng – Panax ginseng is used as a memory booster, improves mood, lowers anxiety levels and boosts stamina and endurance.
- Gotu Kola – Gotu kola is one of the most important herbs in ancient Ayurvedic medicine. This herb helps boost nerve growth factor which can have a profound effect on social anxiety. Many report that Gotu Kola may be even more effective in reducing anxiety and relieving stress than Ashwagandha.
- Kava – Kava is native to the South Pacific. And the islanders use kava for its sedative effects. Kava can help reduce anxiety and improve mood. Unlike benzodiazepines, kava does not impair cognitive function. In fact, studies show kava may boost cognitive function.
- Lemon Balm – Lemon balm is used for its anti-anxiety effects. Rosmarinic acid, a compound found in lemon balm, inhibits the enzyme GABA transaminase. Which in turn helps maintain adequate levels of GABA in your brain. Resulting in a calming effect. I recommend: Zazzee Organic Lemon Balm extract (Amazon)
- L-Theanine – L-Theanine naturally occurs in green, black, and oolong tea. This amino acid is used as a nootropic for social anxiety, learning & memory, mood, and focus. It works quickly in your brain to support GABA, dopamine and serotonin. You’ll get an effective 100 mg dose of L-Theanine (as Suntheanine) in my favorite: Mind Lab Pro® v4.0
- Rhodiola Rosea – Rhodiola activates AMPA receptors in your brain. Which helps decrease depression and stress-related mood swings, reduces fatigue, stimulates energy and alertness and boosts cognition. Get Rhodiola Rosea extract in my favorite: Mind Lab Pro® v4.0
- St. John’s wort – This plant has been traditionally used for mood disorders and wound healing. Today it’s used mostly as a treatment for social anxiety, depression and stress. St. John’s wort works by inhibiting the uptake of serotonin, dopamine, GABA, glutamate and norepinephrine. But please read the precautions for using this nootropic in the extended article. Try: Nature’s Way – Perika
(Amazon) - Tryptophan – This amino acid is a precursor to serotonin, melatonin and niacin (Vitamin B3) in your brain. L-Tryptophan is used to treat anxiety, ADHD, depression, insomnia, memory loss, pain and eating disorders. You’ll get 250 mg L-Tryptophan in: Performance Lab® Sleep
- Vitamin B6 – Vitamin B6 helps your brain make serotonin, norepinephrine and melatonin. The activated form of Vitamin B6 called P-5-P is particularly effective in boosting serotonin and GABA in your brain. And providing potent anti-anxiety effects. Get a therapeutic dose of Vitamin B6 (P-5-P) in: Life Extension BioActive B-Complex
- Vitamin B12 – This B-vitamin plays a key role in the efficient conversion of carbohydrates to glucose – your cell’s source of fuel. It also helps your body convert fatty acids into energy. Supplementing with Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin) can help lower social anxiety, and elevate alertness, cognition, energy, vision, elevate mood and relieve insomnia. No more mood swings! Get a therapeutic dose of Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin) in: Life Extension BioActive B-Complex
Social Anxiety Eliminated
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 - 208 comments
Paolo
May 18, 2020
Hi David,
thanks a lot for your site.
I suffer just a very long time under Social Anxiety and lost many years of my life. Im trying to solve this problem for a while but all i tried did not work as great. Many things you listed i hear the first time so i guess may now i got on the correct way.
Im bit poor and cant try all of them. My main problems are panic attack under pressure like when going into Inn for meal, go to bank… Im having strong tremors, heart racing and loosing voice while this panic attacks and tremor gets much stronger when i notice people see it or look at me.
I read your article a few times but im not sure wich exactly is correct for me so i tought i try those few things:
l-theanine, L-Tryptophan, Phenibut, Aniracetam, Ashwagandha/St. John’s wort
May you please can tell me if those are good in combination or overall ? Thanks a lot David.
David Tomen
May 18, 2020
Paolo, I recommend a much more basic approach until you figure out what’s causing your anxiety. If it’s a neurotransmitter problem like explained in this post it’s better to figure out which one is causing the problem.
And you do that by going through them one at a time until you find something that makes you feel better.
So you start with Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline to raise acetylcholine for 2 – 3 days. If that does nothing then try L-Tyrosine for dopamine and norepinephrine for 2 – 3 days. If that does nothing then try L-Tryptophan for serotonin for 2 – 3 days. Etc.
Each of these neurotransmitters are listed at the top of this post in the Table of Contents. Then each section of this post tells you what will help that neurotransmitter.
Avoid starting with things like L-Theanine, Phenibut, Aniracetam, Ashwagandha or St. John’s wort because while each of these has some effect on individual neurotransmitters, they do not contribute to making more of each. Only the direct precursors do that like I mentioned 2 paragraphs above.
If you try the stack you suggested and something goes wrong, you won’t know why. It’s better to take this slow and one at a time until you have a better idea on what your problem is. That’s when you can start introducing some of the nootropics you mentioned.
Paolo
May 19, 2020
Hi David thanks a lot you spent your free time to answer me i appreciate a lot.
Unluckily im poor and cant spent more then ~50€ for my stock. If im trying now all 4 things you listed (inclusive glutamate may ?) i dont have enough money to buy me something else, aswell i couldnt find “Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline”.
Because of that i read a lot through everything in the past days and tried to understand all, how it works wich isnt as easy.
Im not a very happy but aswell not very depressiv person, i think my main problem is when i get in focus from multiple persons or single persons where it matters a lot, my fear triggers my symptoms. So my guess i should mainly try to desensitization glutamate and care there is enough gaba there.
Unluckily i cant get Phenibut, Picamilon, Aniracetam at all in Italy oof, wich i was interested a lot because of there strength.
In the end i came to this very basic stack:
-Phosphatidylserine reducing cortisol from bad mindflow (wich i have a lot)
-Ashwagandha and L-Theanine (i know they are quit similar but i think in combination they can closely reach Aniracetam/Phenibut in terms of regulating glutamate aswell boosting other neurotransmitters)
-L-Tryptophan to overall get enough base to let everything work well. (aswell i have problems to get asleep where melatonin helped me alot wich is a good sideeffect of tryptophan)
Im sorry i cant afford and test your recommandation because of money and availabiliy. I hope my stack can work tough. Ashwagandha and L-Theanine seems to be pretty basic to help at all scenarios because of there calming and boosting skills for all neurotransmitterl so i tought it cant be as bad for the beginning, Phosphatidylserine is very special in my case because i have a lot bad experiences/situations to work on.
If i forgot something or did a mistake please tell me. May i can afford me another thing in the next months to complete my stack.
David Tomen
May 19, 2020
Paolo, Alpha GPC and CDP-Choline (Citicoline) are the most effective ways to increase acetylcholine because you don’t have to use as much compared to some other choline supplements. But you can also use Choline Bitartrate or Choline Citrate. You just need to use higher doses for them to be effective.
Is it possible to get GABA where you are? That’s one way to keep glutamate in check.
Phosphatidylserine is great choice because it can be such an effective nootropic.
Don’t worry about not being able to get Phenibut or Picamilon because I don’t think them necessary to do what you’re trying to do. Same with Aniracetam in your case.
One thing you’re not addressing is dopamine. Have you thought of trying L-Tyrosine to raise dopamine?
Paolo
May 20, 2020
Thanks again for you help <3.
Oh Choline Bitartrate would have been available.
Gaba aswell available.
Yeah Phenibut i really liked to try, i would have used it on special cases like going for bank etc. Aswell Aniracetam sound very nice but ok. Maybe i can get it from other sites, but i read that it happened customs office catch packages in my country with Phenibut.
L-Tyrosine was already in the cart but i replaced it with Phosphatidylserine. I tought if im using L-Tryptophan wich modulate Dopamine im already on a good way, but maybe im wrong with this aswell i get Tryptophan from nuts already (im a peanut butter lover, over 3-4 Years all day i dont leave the house witouth, but according calculations its about 40mg tryptophan).
So in your opinion it would have been better using Gaba instead of one of the other Nootropics i have bought ?
In wich order it would be advisable to complete my stack for the future ?
David Tomen
May 20, 2020
Paolo, once again I go back to my original recommendation and that is to test each neurotransmitter with the appropriate precursor. That is the only way to find out what is causing your anxiety.
If peanut butter provided an adequate supply of L-Tryptophan and your problem was with serotonin then problem solved. But that doesn’t sound like that’s the case.
Rita
April 9, 2020
Hi David,
Thank you so much for providing so much useful information about the topic.
I have been struggling with social anxiety/shyness and agoraphobia for a while. The social anxiety (main issue) usually gets triggered while being in groups or with people I’m not close with, and often occurs before, during and after interactions.
I have been taking 117mg magnesium biglycinate (mixed with 33mg magnesium oxide and 30mg l-laurine) every morning for about a month. While i’m not sure if it’s helping the SA, I believe it’s helped reduce generalized anxiety and muscle cramps at night. I have been taking magnesium in the morning to calm my nerves throughout the day. Is it important to take it at night, and is the dosage high enough?
I also noticed feeling calm a few minutes after drinking jasmine green tea, but have been avoiding it due to caffeine. I’m not sure if it was the l-theanine or jasmine that might’ve helped.
I haven’t experimented with many nootropics for SA, do you have any recommendations to try? How long should I take them before seeing results? I also have ibs which gets triggered by anxiety, are there any supplements that help both (eg how do you feel about probiotics)? Or is it better to tackle SA with nootropics, and physical problems will go away?
Thank you!
David Tomen
April 23, 2020
Rita, the only way to find out if you anxiety is caused by a neurotransmitter problem is to experiment with the precursor for each as described in the above post. But you need to try them one at a time to see which is causing you a problem. You’ll know within a couple of hours if one works.
Higher doses of magnesium should be taken at night because it helps you sleep. Magnesium affects the GABAa receptor just like Ambien.
Your gut is connected to your brain. And when things go wrong with your microbiome you’ll have problems included depression and/or anxiety. You best bet is using a quality Prebiotic which is food for your existing gut bacteria. See this one for more: https://nootropicsexpert.com/performance-lab-prebiotic-review/
Lee
April 7, 2020
My anxiety causes fast heart rate as my main symptom I also get dry mouth, shaking legs..I was on 5mg of bisoprolol and 20mg of citalopram but I’ve recently started taking Whole food B Vitamin complex and benfotamine 50-100mg per day and I’ve been able to cut down from 5mg bisoprolol to 2.5mg but I’ve noticed I’m getting low blood pressure around 105/65 but sometimes down to the 90s I was wondering if the b vitamins could be causing this to go lower? And also should I increase my benfotamine to get better affect where I might be able to come off bisoprolol all together. thanks
David Tomen
April 23, 2020
Lee, it is unlikely that increasing your dose of benfotiamine will help much. And some would envy that blood pressure. But only you and your doctor know if it is safe for you.
It sounds like you are making progress and it may take time to get to where you want to go. What’s taken decades to get you here will not take decades to fix. But it’ll take time for your body and brain to heal.
I suggest learning the “mechanism of action” for both of those drugs. And then finding natural nootropics that do the same thing.
Kelly
March 19, 2020
Due to everything going on right now, I am having massive anxiety, and even a few panic attacks. Are there any supplements that are safe and effective to take on occasion when it gets really bad? I was considering Ashwaganda, but I take levoxyl for hypothyroidism. Thanks for any advice!
David Tomen
March 19, 2020
Kelly, for panic attacks you can try Lithium Orotate: https://nootropicsexpert.com/lithium-orotate/.
But nootropics are not like prescription antianxiety meds where you can simply swallow a tablet “when it gets really bad”. And expect to get instant results. If you’ve read this post from top to bottom and understand what you’re reading, you’ll know that you need to start experimenting to find out what is at the root of your anxiety.
I’ve provided plenty of examples for each neurotransmitter for you to test. But you need to go through them one at a time until you figure out what’s causing your anxiety.
Ashwagandha is a very powerful supplement for taming anxiety. But it doesn’t work for everyone. If you’ve a problem with GABA or excess cortisol it may work for you. But if it’s something else causing your anxiety it will not provide any benefit. But if you are going to try it you must be careful because it does affect thyroid function. And could mess with how your Thyroid meds work.
Kelly
March 19, 2020
It is due to all of the craziness going on right now with COVID 19. I’m not usually a highly anxious person.
David Tomen
March 19, 2020
I appreciate your concern Kelly. But that’s not how the human body works.
Events or situations may trigger an anxiety response. But it manifests in your body in a chemical way. It could be excess cortisol which affects your body and how it functions. And has a very powerful effect on how your brain functions as well. Or it could be a neurotransmitter imbalance triggered by your response to stress.
I’m going through exactly the same circumstances as you are. And am perfectly calm with a quiet mind. But I only got here because I was willing to put in the work necessary.
If you are willing to go through the steps needed to discover what’s at the heart of your anxiety can you begin to get well. Only then can you know what’s needed to straighten things out. And the post above can help you get there.
Kelly
March 20, 2020
Thanks, I understand what you are saying. I think for now, I am going to add l-tryptophan to my magnesium and tart cherry in the evening. I also may try some full spectrum CBD oil. Once my levels settle, I will start experimenting with the above suggestions. Thank you again!
Adrian
January 6, 2020
Amazing work you are doing, so much gratitude for all this info.
Do you use an app for taking your supplements?
I get confused when to take what and if I did take it already or not.
I’m taking lots of supplements and sometimes is hard to keep track.
Thanks again!
David Tomen
January 7, 2020
Adrian, it can get overwhelming with so much information available. The only thing I use when making a decision on what to use in my nootropic stack is research and how I want to feel.
As for dosage and timing I suggest you decide what you are going to use first. Then check each individual review for each supplement which includes recommended dosage and timing during the day.
Once you have that information decide if you need to take your supplements once, twice or three times per day. Timing would be morning, noon and later in the afternoon for supplements you are using during the day.
Olivera
November 14, 2019
Hi David,do you have any experience with Zembrin-Sceletium Tortuosum for anxiety problems? BR
David Tomen
November 14, 2019
Olivera, I have not done the research on Kanna nor have I tried it. It’s not a popular nootropic here in the USA and I haven’t spoken with anyone who has ever used it. Have you tried it for anxiety?
Olivera
November 15, 2019
Hi David,I ordered Zembrin for my son who is 24 year old and has OCD.I will try to give to him in order to help to him with social anxiety,intruisive thoughts and comulsions,because Prozak didn’t help him.BR Olivera
David Tomen
November 16, 2019
Olivera, let us know how Zembrin works for your son please.
Mick
July 2, 2019
Thanks David
Mick
July 2, 2019
Hi David,
My biggest problem is social anxiety and at the moment it’s not too bad, but I still feel uncomfortable in social situations. When I’m talking with strangers it’s hard for me to breath and I just want to do whatever I have to do and leave that place a.s.a.p.
I’m taking these nootropics at the moment:
B Complex, methylcobalamin, folate (in the morning)
DHA 1000mg (in the morning)
Performance Lab Whole-Food Multi (2 caps in the morning)
M.L.P. (2 caps in the morning)
Ashwaganda (6g dry root, in the morning)
Panax Korean Ginseng (500mg in the morning and 500mg in the afternoon)
L-Theanine (500mg in the morning and 500mg in the afternoon).
Magnesium L-Threonate (at night), I take 2 caps. (3 caps = 2,000mg)
GABA (500mg at night)
With unrefined coconut oil.
I’m also taking tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) Nortriptyline (Allegron) 100mg and Clozopin 200mg (at night)
The best nootropic that works for my social anxiety is L-Theanine.
David I would like to ask you, which of this four nootropics are the best for social anxiety?
1 Citicoline
2 Lion’s Mane Mushroom
3 Phosphtidylserine
4 Maritime Pine Bark Extract
Thank you David for your help
Mick
David Tomen
July 2, 2019
Mick, try Citicoline and DHA and see if that helps you.