Reduce Anxiety and Promote Relaxation With Nootropics

Feelings of stress, anxiety, and being overwhelmed take a major toll both mentally and physically if untreated. The good news is certain nootropic supplements can promote relaxation while relieving anxious thoughts and hyperactivity.

This guide explains how calming nootropics work and provides a list of the most effective natural and synthetic compounds.

How Nootropics Reduce Anxiety

Nootropics aimed at relaxation work mainly by optimizing activity of GABA, glutamate, and norepinephrine in the brain.

They influence anxiety and stress by:

• Activating GABA receptors – GABA is the brain’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. Activation leads to feelings of calmness.
• Modulating glutamate activity – Glutamate is excitatory. Lowering excess glutamate eases overstimulation.
• increasing GABA synthesis – Some nootropics spur GABA production, enabling its calming effects.
• Lowering norepinephrine – High NE and epinephrine correlate to stress and anxiety. Calming nootropics counteract this.
• Boosting alpha brain waves – Alpha waves are associated with wakeful relaxation and mindfulness. Many anxiolytics increase alpha waves.

With continued use, anti-anxiety nootropics can rebalance neurochemistry, ease worries, and cultivate relaxation.

Best Natural Anti-Anxiety Nootropics

These natural nootropics derived from plants and amino acids can reduce anxiety without sedation or side effects:

L-Theanine

• An amino acid found in green tea that eases anxiety and boosts alpha waves.
• Induces a state of “calm alertness” and takes the edge off caffeine.
• Dosage range is 100-400mg. Effects felt within 30 minutes.

Lemon Balm

• Herb containing GABA-activating terpenes and flavonoids.
• Clinically shown to reduce anxiety, elevate mood, and improve cognition.
• Take 300-600mg lemon balm extract standardized to at least 5% rosmarinic acid.

Ashwagandha

• Adaptogenic herb used in Ayurveda to balance hyperactivity and improve resilience.
• Reduces anxiety, stress, and symptoms of PTSD. Supports healthy cortisol levels.
• Take 300-600mg high-concentration ashwagandha root extract per day.

Rhodiola Rosea

• Nootropic adaptogen herb that relieves stress, exhaustion, and anxiety.
• Activates serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine activity. Has anti-depressive effects.
• Effective dosing ranges from 200mg-600mg of roseroot extract daily.

Glycine

• Amino acid with neurotransmitter and anti-anxiety benefits. Has a calming, pro-sleep effect.
• Can boost mood, focus and cognitive performance in anxious individuals.
• General supplemental dosage is around 3-5 grams taken 1-2 times per day.

Most Potent Synthetic Anti-Anxiety Nootropics

These synthetic nootropics offer fast-acting and pronounced anxiolytic effects but should be used judiciously:

Phenibut

• GABA derivative developed in Russia that reduces anxiety, fear, and improves sociability at lower doses.
• Effects can last up to 4-6 hours. Use no more than twice weekly maximum to avoid dependence.
• Typical dosage range is 250-1500mg depending on individual. Start very low to assess sensitivity.

Picamilon

• Combination of GABA and niacin in a single molecule. Efficiently crosses the blood-brain barrier.
• Relieves anxiety, tension, and nervousness without sedation. Improves relaxation.
• Standard dosage range is 50-200mg up to twice daily.

Aniracetam

• Fat-soluble racetam nootropic with potent anxiolytic effects. Modulates AMPA receptors.
• Reduces social anxiety and fear response. Improves mood.
• Take 750-1500mg daily in 1-2 doses, either on its own or stacked with other racetams.

Inositol

• Carbohydrate compound involved in serotonin and dopamine modulation.
• Clinical trials demonstrate it can reduce panic attacks, anxiety, and depression.
• Typical supplemental doses range from 2-18 grams per day. Split into smaller doses throughout the day.

Best Anti-Anxiety Nootropic Stacks

Stacking complementary anxiolytic nootropics can optimize anxiety relief and mood balance:

• L-Theanine + Ashwagandha – L-theanine for relaxed focus, Ashwagandha for long-term stress adaptation.
• Aniracetam + Phosphatidylserine – Aniracetam relieves anxiety, PS bluts the stress hormone response.
• Rhodiola Rosea + Glycine – Rhodiola lifts mood and motivation, Glycine activates GABA for a calm relaxation.
• Lemon Balm + L-Theanine – Lemon balm’s GABA action combined with L-theanine’s alpha waves.

Start with smaller doses of each nootropic first to gauge effects and drug interactions. Those taking anti-anxiety medications should exercise caution when combining nootropics.

Side Effects and Safety

Natural anti-anxiety nootropics like L-theanine and ashwagandha have excellent safety profiles with minimal side effect risks at standard doses.

Synthetic anxiolytic compounds like phenibut or picamilon can have more adverse effects if misused, including dependency in the case of phenibut. Follow suggested dosing carefully.

Nootropics should never be combined with alcohol or other intoxicating substances. Those with mood disorders or on psychiatric medications should consult a doctor before trying new supplements. Start low and increase dosages gradually.

Conclusion

Using natural and synthetic nootropic supplements can safely provide anxiety relief, mood improvement, and relaxation without sedation or addiction potential of prescription medications.

Amino acids like L-theanine combined with adaptogenic herbs make excellent daily anti-anxiety stacks. Stronger compounds should be used carefully on occasion for fast relief of heightened stress and worry.