best nootropics for social anxiety
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19 Best Nootropics for Social Anxiety

David Tomen
Author:
David Tomen
14 minute read

Key Takeaways

  1. Serotonin modulation through nootropics like L-Tryptophan, 5-HTP, Bacopa Monnieri, Ginkgo Biloba, and Rhodiola Rosea can provide relief from social anxiety symptoms.
  2. GABA, the main inhibitory neurotransmitter, can be increased for anxiety relief, with nootropics like Aniracetam and Oxiracetam affecting GABA transmission.
  3. Dopamine signaling, enhanced by nootropics like L-Tyrosine and L-Theanine, promotes self-confidence and may reduce social anxiety.
  4. Modulating norepinephrine using nootropics like Magnesium and St. John’s Wort can aid in managing social anxiety symptoms.
  5. 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

Anti-anxiety (Anxiolytic) nootropicOne 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

anti anxiety nootropic stackSerotonin 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

Aniracetam for social anxietyDopamine’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]

nootropics for anxiety

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.

safe alternatives to anti-anxiety drugs

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.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may also contain other affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

[i] Kessler R.C., McGonagle K.A., Zhao S., Nelson C.B., Hughes M., Eshleman S., Wittchen H.U., Kendler K.S. “Lifetime and 12-month prevalence of DSM-III-R psychiatric disorders in the United States. Results from the National Comorbidity Survey.” Archives of General Psychiatry. 1994 Jan;51(1):8-19. (source)

[ii] Charney D.S. “Neuroanatomical circuits modulating fear and anxiety behaviors.” Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica: Supplement. 2003;(417):38-50. (source)

[iii] Pytliak M1, Vargová V, Mechírová V, Felšöci M. “Serotonin receptors – from molecular biology to clinical applications.” Physiological Research. 2011;60(1):15-25. (source)

[iv] Heninger G.R., Charney D.S. “Monoamine receptor systems and anxiety disorders.” Psychiatric Clinics of North America. 1988 Jun;11(2):309-26. (source)

[v] Harvey B.H., Naciti C., Brand L., Stein D.J. “Endocrine, cognitive and hippocampal/cortical 5HT 1A/2A receptor changes evoked by a time-dependent sensitisation (TDS) stress model in rats.” Brain Research. 2003 Sep 5; 983(1-2):97-107. (source)

[vi] Burris K.D., Sanders-Bush E. “Unsurmountable antagonism of brain 5-hydroxytryptamine2 receptors by (+)-lysergic acid diethylamide and bromo-lysergic acid diethylamide.” Molecular Pharmacology. 1992 Nov; 42(5):826-30. (source)

[vii] Roy-Byrne P.P., Sullivan M.D., Cowley D.S., Ries R.K. “Adjunctive treatment of benzodiazepine discontinuation syndromes: a review.” Journal of Psychiatric Research. 1993; 27 Suppl 1():143-53. (source)

[viii] Pollack M.H., Matthews J., Scott E.L. “Gabapentin as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders.” American Journal of Psychiatry. 1998 Jul; 155(7):992-3. (source)

[ix] de la Mora M.P., Gallegos-Cari A., Arizmendi-García Y., Marcellino D., Fuxe K. “Role of dopamine receptor mechanisms in the amygdaloid modulation of fear and anxiety: Structural and functional analysis.” Progress in Neurobiology. 2010 Feb 9; 90(2):198-216. (source)

[x] Bystritsky A., Kerwin L., Feusner J.D., Vapnik T. “A pilot controlled trial of bupropion XL versus escitalopram in generalized anxiety disorder.” Psychopharmacology Bulletin. 2008; 41(1):46-51. (source)

[xi] Davidson J.R., Foa E.B., Connor K.M., Churchill L.E. “Hyperhidrosis in social anxiety disorder.” Progress in Neuropsychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry. 2002 Dec; 26(7-8):1327-31. (source)

[xii] Mancini M., Perna G., Rossi A., Petralia A. “Use of duloxetine in patients with an anxiety disorder, or with comorbid anxiety and major depressive disorder: a review of the literature.” Expert Opinion in Pharmacotherapy. 2010 May;11(7):1167-81. (source)

[xiii] Carobrez A.P., Teixeira K.V., Graeff F.G. “Modulation of defensive behavior by periaqueductal gray NMDA/glycine-B receptor.” Neuroscience of Biobehavioral Review. 2001 Dec; 25(7-8):697-709. (source)

[xiv] Myers K.M., Carlezon W.A. Jr., Davis M. “Glutamate receptors in extinction and extinction-based therapies for psychiatric illness.” Neuropsychopharmacology. 2011 Jan;36(1):274-93 (source)

[xv] Moreira F.A., Wotjak C.T. “Cannabinoids and anxiety.” Current Top Behavioral Neuroscience. 2010;2:429-50. (source)

[xvi] Gudasheva T.A., Konstantinopol’skii M.A., Ostrovskaya R.U., Seredenin S.B. “Anxiolytic activity of endogenous nootropic dipeptide cycloprolylglycine in elevated plus-maze test.” Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine. 2001 May;131(5):464-6. (source)

[xvii] Astin J.A. “Why patients use alternative medicine: results of a national study.” JAMA. 1998 May 20;279(19):1548-53. (source)

[xviii] Roshanaei-Moghaddam B., Pauly M.C., Atkins D.C., Baldwin S.A., Stein M.B., Roy-Byrne P. “Relative effects of CBT and pharmacotherapy in depression versus anxiety: is medication somewhat better for depression, and CBT somewhat better for anxiety?” Depression and Anxiety. 2011 Jul;28(7):560-7 (source)

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Join The Discussion - 228 comments

samer
September 13, 2023

Are there nutritional supplements that have the same effect as the anticonvulsant primidone (Mysoline)?Because I suffer from essential tremor disease. The doctor prescribed me the anticonvulsant primidone. It was a very effective treatment, and the tremor completely disappeared..but it contains side effects

Reply

    David Tomen
    September 13, 2023

    Samer, we can often reverse engineer a prescription drug and find a natural alternative. The problem here is even after over 50 years on the market no one knows the mechanism of action for primidone. So we have nothing to work with when looking for a natural solution based on how primidone works.

    Reply

      TIM
      October 23, 2023

      Is there a supplement on the market you recommend for anxiety. Yes all these listed is nice but to buy or go thru them all. What supplement or brand of smthn seems to be legit n work best. Even if it’s a list of 3 dif ones. Any recommendations dating.

      Reply

        David Tomen
        October 26, 2023

        Tim, there is no “best” supplement for anxiety because anxiety has so many different causes. If you had success with a prescription anti-anxiety med you could reverse engineer its mechanism and possibly find a natural solution. But if you have not then the only way to find the best for you is trial and error.

        Reply

    Mark David
    December 31, 2023

    One sometimes overlooked cause of tremors is low Magnesium levels in the body. I thought she had Parkinson’s until I tried Magnesium Threonate at 400 mg/day. Within the first day, the hand tremors started to subside and then went away on the third day.

    Reply

Ryan
August 31, 2023

Hi David,

You mention excess serotonin having the potential to cause anxiety. Is this referring to serotonin transmission? Or just physical levels of serotonin in the brain? I ask because I am wondering, if someone gets anxiety from taking 500mg tryptophan, would that indicate that they are also likely to get anxiety from taking an SSRI?

Thanks,
Ryan

Reply

    David Tomen
    September 13, 2023

    Ryan, that’s physical levels of serotonin. SSRIs are reuptake inhibitors but don’t increase levels of serotonin.

    Reply

      Ryan
      September 14, 2023

      Okay, thanks for the response. Are you aware of the reason why excess physical levels of serotonin increases anxiety but medications that increase serotonin transmission don’t have that same effect? Is it because increasing physical levels would be stimulating the presynaptic serotonin-1a receptor but SSRIs/SNRIs don’t stimulate it?

      Reply

        David Tomen
        September 20, 2023

        Ryan, I haven’t dug into the neuroscience on why this happens. But again, SSRIs do not increase physical levels of serotonin. There is even some debate recently that SSRIs help some with depression because they increase BDNF and not how they affect serotonin. The other thing is serotonin and dopamine must be in balance. If you increase one in excess and not the other you’ve got problems and which can manifest as anxiety or depression. The amount of either may be different from person to person.

        Reply

        Ryan
        November 1, 2023

        Thanks David. I wanted to ask one quick thing to add on to that, can the serotonin-boosting effects of MAOIs cause this same kind of anxiety as tryptophan? I get anxiety from even small doses of tryptophan and am wondering if that means I should avoid MAOI-A inhibitors.

        Reply

        David Tomen
        November 1, 2023

        Ryan, that’s a complete unknown and the only way to find out is to try using a natural MAOI. Each of us is unique in body chemistry and genetics. There are some general known side effects for each supplement. But after that it is individual testing by experimenting.

        Reply

Jerry Cahill
January 26, 2023

This is very good information. The task of trying all these supplements seems overwhelming to me.

I do think there are a few that keep coming up in different places and I do take some of those.

I wonder if you might do some research into the area of Insulin Resistance and it’s ill affects on the body and the brain.

I often read about the gut – brain connection. I wonder if the prevalence of non-alcohol fatty liver might also somehow impact the brain. It just seems like when the liver is slow it impacts the body a lot.

I am currently looking at Rapamycin and Ketamine. Not OTC options but interesting developments.

Reply

    David Tomen
    January 27, 2023

    Jerry, use Berberine for insulin resistance (https://nootropicsexpert.com/berberine/). And you are correct about liver problems and cognition. A good supplement for liver support and one which I have not reviewed is Milk Thistle extract.

    Reply

aslı
December 27, 2022

Hi David,

Thank you for the website

Do you think piracetam will do any good for long term psychological ptsd/ mood enhancing? As trauma is related to the broca (speech) area and loss of neuroplasticity therefore change in the path ways of the brain and also memory loss ? I also read it is good for social isolation.

After trying almost every natural supplement in the book, I came across to nootropics. I have tried 800 mg once and the nausea was awful and I almost slept for the whole day. Do you have any idea about what can I do about it, is it only for a couple of days? I also read that it may cause depression and anxiety and apathy somewhere. What do you think?

Thank you

Reply

    David Tomen
    December 28, 2022

    Asli, did you use Piracetam with a choline supplement? Either Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline? Because if not then that’s likely your problem.

    Reply

      aslı
      December 29, 2022

      I had a vitamin B complex containing Choline, does it also counts? Anxiety and depression as a side effect is also related with Choline or is it depending on the dosage?

      I think aniracetam would work for me better but it’s not available in the country.

      Thank you so much for the time and advice

      Reply

        David Tomen
        December 29, 2022

        Ash, it depends on what form of choline is used in that B-Complex and the dosage. Manufacturers often add something like choline bitartrate and at a very low dose. Which does not even cross the blood-brain barrier. So it is useless addition in the majority of cases.

        Reply

Bob
December 5, 2022

Hi, would you recommend supplements to support SSRI therapy for anxiety and social anxiety?
I am thinking about l-tyrosine or antioxidant complex.
I am researching a lot but my knowledge is still small..
Thanks in advance
Bob

Reply

    David Tomen
    December 10, 2022

    Bob, any of the supplements I mentioned above should work. You just need to double check each one you decide to try and carefully read the “Side Effects” section before using it. To make sure it is not contraindicated with the drugs you are using.

    Reply

Olaa
November 15, 2022

Hi David,

Any thoughts on combining St John’s wort (600 mg once daily in the morning) with Mind Lab Pro (2 capsules 2 times daily) for slight social anxiety and mild depression?

Reply

    David Tomen
    November 16, 2022

    Olaa, the two supplements are not contraindicated and should not be a problem. But it all depends on your system and how it uses these two supplements. This combo may or may not work or you. Testing them is the only way to find out.

    But keep in mind that St. John’s wort is a very powerful supplement. And acts more like a prescription drug than most other supplements. So it’s up to you to consult with a medical professional if you think you need the support to be sure.

    Reply

Ola
November 14, 2022

Hi David!

Thanks for a great homepage with so much information! I have read a lot here and learnt so much, are currently experimenting with my nootropics stack and wonder if you can help with some advice.

Since I was a kid I have always had some issues with social anixty. It started with very easily blushing every now and then when I was around 10 years and was teased about it by my class mates. I always had friends but somehow this etched into my mind and the provoke followed me until I was about 18 years. I guess I developed some sentensy for certain social situations during that time which I’m still fighting with today and now I’m 40 years old; not blushing anymore but I am very sensitive to when people ”review me” and I’m anxious that they think that I look uncertain or not confident enough. I care too much what they think. The thing is that since two years I’m working as a project manager and constantly being in the middle of attention. Somehow it is good since I’m forced to handle the slight social anxiety, but on the other hand I need something for my mind to calm down and don’t activate the fight and flight system.

Now to what I’m taking:
Day starts with 2x Mind Lab Pro. I have since a couple of days also added 600 mg of St Johns wort (and that is what my concern is about, but let’s come back to that).
An hour after lunch I take additional 2x Mind Lab Pro. If I have an extra challenging day socially I add additional 200 mg Suntheanine at around 10 am (in between the MLPs) and additional 200 mg at around 5 pm.

I have been tested a lot of different things over the years (including SSRIs for a short period but with way too many side effects) and MLP is what I find best so far (started about 1,5 month ago). During the first weeks I was still taking what we in Sweden call snus (tabacco that you put under your lip) which gives you nicotine kicks. That in combination with MLP and extra Suntheanine was amazinh! But I decided that I cannot continue with snus and stopped 3 weeks ago. After that I thought maybe I need to compensate the loss of dopamine with something and tried with extra L-tyrosine. That didn’t help much and almost made me in a worse mood. So if not low on dopamine I now think maybe low on serotonine and here is where the St John’s wort come in.

I have tried for a couple of days and feel in a better mood and more confident at work. So maybe it is the right thing for me..? But I have had read a lot about St Johns and know it has some interactions, so I mailed MLP customer service and they responded that there may be risk for too high levels of serotonine wheb combining like this (serotonine syndrome). What do you think, is there a real risk for that? Any risk that the effects of MLP will be limited or shorter due to St Johns? I have understood that I could take L-tryptophan instead, but it is hard to order to Sweden.

When looking at my history and stack – do you have any advice?

Thanks a lot in advance!

BR Ola

Reply

    David Tomen
    November 16, 2022

    Ola, St. John’s wort is a very potent supplement and acts more like a prescription drug that it does a supplement. Theoretically, Mind Lab Pro could be a problem taken with this supplement. But there are no clinical studies verifying this of course.

    My only recommendation is become very familiar with the symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome and the side effects of MAOIs. And if you start to feel any of those symptoms then stop using Mind Lab Pro if you continue to use St. John’s wort.

    Reply

      Aubrey
      March 27, 2023

      I have an upcoming event where I need to be socially engaged, negotiate in-person, and provide adult entertainment for a week. However, I struggle with alcohol as it makes me feel terrible and embarrassed, and also reminds me of my father’s lifelong alcoholism and resulting dementia. I was previously addicted to street Xanax years ago, but it was immensely helpful and might be a good option if I could find a doctor that would actually provide it. I’m now trying to address my issues through neuroplasticity and career development. While I would like to see a psychiatrist for my social anxiety, binge eating, and possible ADD, I’m uninsured and have had slow and unhelpful experiences in the past. Therefore, I’m turning to nootropics and experimenting with Anxie-T, I also just purchased the month starter kit from Thesis, and I’ve had negative experiences with Kratom in the past (sweating, increased anxiety, agitation, fainting on low doses) but still have it in my supplement cabinet. I’m looking for fast-acting relief for my event that will provide me with motivation, euphoria, and socialbility to assist in my efforts in abstaining from alcohol. Do you have any stack recommendations that would be the best bet for my circumstance, given my limited time to experiment with different compounds? Thank you!

      Reply

        David Tomen
        March 31, 2023

        Aubrey, try not to write in blocks of text because it is very hard to read.

        Use the search function top right of this website and search for “Xanax”. And see what turns up. You will get a list of supplements to either work similar to that drug or users have said it worked as well as or better than the drug.

        Reply

MmH
October 11, 2022

Hello,
I’ve been taking a lot of supplements that contain B6. Do we know if it is possible to be getting too much B6 and in turn perpetuating a cycle of constant anxiety from too much serotonin produced by the B6? I believe B vitamins are water soluble, but if I’m taking B6 morning, noon and night couldn’t that cause a problem?

Thank you for all the information, it is so concise and easy to read.

Reply

    David Tomen
    October 12, 2022

    If you are using pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (P-5-P) form of Vitamin B6 you are safe up to 100 mg per day.

    But if you are using the synthetic form Pyridoxine is is toxic if using more than 100 mg per day. 200 mg and above can be extremely dangerous.

    See my full review of Vitamin B6 here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/vitamin-b6-pyridoxine/

    Reply

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