The Best Nootropics for Anxiety and Depression

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Can nootropics help you manage feelings of anxiety and depression?

You’ve landed on this blogpost which probably means that like many others, you turned Google and asked “can nootropics help with anxiety and depression”. Well, you’ve come to the right place. In this article we’ll explore how nootropics work, in what ways could it help reduce anxiety and manage low moods and depresssive states and of course, the different types of nootropics (natural and synthetic) recommended for this specific purpose.

In today’s fast-paced world, excitement and possibilities abound, but it can also feel overwhelming. Anxiety and depression can negatively impact both our mental and physical health. Did you know that feeling depressed can hurt our cognitive performance too? Emotional distress and a reduced quality of life can worsen our mental state, potentially leading to issues like panic attacks and substance abuse. On the physical side, anxiety and depression can disrupt sleep, cause chronic fatigue, loss of appetite, weaken our immune system, and even result in chronic pain like headaches and digestive problems.

Fortunately, nootropics offers a beacon of hope. It can help give you the energy to face each day knowing you’re in control of your mental health and emotional wellbeing. 

But first, how do nootropics work? 

Nootropics, often called “smart drugs,” help manage anxiety and depression by boosting the brain’s natural chemistry. They enhance the production of key neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, which are essential for keeping our mood stable and emotions in check. Some nootropics make our brains more adaptable, helping us handle stress and emotional ups and downs better. Others have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, protecting our brain cells and reducing inflammation linked to depression and anxiety. By supporting these various brain functions, nootropics can help balance our mood, ease anxiety, and improve overall mental well-being.

Now that you understand how nootropics can help restore balance and promote overall mental health, let’s explore 13 different nootropics known to alleviate anxiety and feelings of depression. 

By the way, this is our second article on the topic of anxiety and depression. Check out the first article we published here – Nootropics for Depression.

1. Kava’s calming effect

Kava, a traditional drink from the South Pacific islands, has been cherished for its calming effects and ability to reduce anxiety for centuries. Made from the root of the Piper methysticum plant, kava promotes relaxation without making you feel sedated or affecting your cognitive function. The secret lies in its active compounds, called kavalactones, which interact with brain receptors to modulate neurotransmitters like GABA and dopamine. This helps reduce anxiety, tension, and restlessness, while also boosting a sense of well-being and contentment.

In my personal experience, incorporating kava into my daily routine has been a game-changer. Its calming effects have helped me navigate stressful situations with greater ease and have provided a natural alternative to conventional anxiety medications, which often come with undesirable side effects.

We recommend Liftmode’s Kava extract powder with 30% kavalactones which has been vigorously HPLC-tested to confirm its 30% purity. 

Kava extract dosage recommendations

Liftmode recommends starting with a single 500mg serving. You can take 1-2 servings a day, with or without food, as needed. Begin with the lowest dose of 500mg and see how your body responds before considering any adjustments. As with all nootropics, it’s important to start with the lowest possible dose and carefully monitor your response before adjusting your intake.

2. Lion’s Mane Mushroom for mental health

Lion’s Mane Mushroom, also known as Hericium erinaceus, is a nootropic recognized for supporting cognitive function and mental well-being. Used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, it contains hericenones, which stimulate the growth and repair of neurons in the brain. This neuroprotective effect can help combat cognitive decline and aid in the regeneration of damaged brain cells, making it a promising natural remedy for anxiety and depression. Additionally, compounds in Lion’s Mane modulate neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, crucial for mood regulation. By promoting a balanced neurotransmitter system, it can help alleviate anxiety and depression, leading to improved mental clarity and emotional stability.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom extract dosage recommendations

Neurohackers generally start with a single 1000mg serving. You can take 1-2 servings up to 3 times a day. Begin with the lowest dose of 1000mg and see how your body responds before considering any adjustments. As with all nootropics, it’s important to start with the lowest possible dose and carefully monitor your response before adjusting your intake.

Bulk Supplements.com sells 3 different variants of Lion’s Mane Mushroom in powder, extract and capsule form and each come with specific dosage recommendations.

3. Magnesium to reduce anxiety and depression

Magnesium, an essential mineral, is pivotal for regulating mood and stress response. Unfortunately, many suffer from magnesium deficiency due to factors like poor diet and stress. Research indicates its profound impact on anxiety and depression by regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, essential for positive mood and emotional balance. Incorporating magnesium-rich foods such as leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains can help maintain adequate intake. Additionally, high-quality magnesium supplements like magnesium glycinate or magnesium taurate can effectively address deficiencies and support mental well-being.

Magnesium dosage recommendations

Cosmic Nootropic recommends a daily dose of 6–8 tablets. They recommended dividing the daily dose into 2-3 administrations. Take the tablets with meals washed down by a glass of water.

The average length of the treatment course is one month. Once the amount of magnesium stabilizes, it is recommended to discontinue treatment.

As with all nootropics, start with the lowest dose and see how your body responds before considering any adjustments.

BulkSupplements.com carries different types of magnesium to suit every need. They come in powder form and capsules and each product specifies easy-to-follow dosage recommendations. Explore which type of Magnesium is right for you.

4. Mucuna Pruriens (L-DOPA) and mood

Mucuna Pruriens, also known as the “velvet bean,” is a tropical legume with a rich history in Ayurvedic medicine. Its standout feature is its high L-DOPA content, a precursor to dopamine and norepinephrine—neurotransmitters crucial for mood, motivation, and stress response. By providing a natural source of L-DOPA, Mucuna Pruriens supports healthy neurotransmitter levels, potentially easing symptoms of depression, low motivation, and lack of focus. Moreover, its neuroprotective properties make it a promising remedy for conditions like Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.

L-DOPA dosage recommendations

According to Nootropics Expert, the suggested dosage of L-DOPA (Mucuna Pruriens extract) is typically 250 – 500 mg taken twice daily. Since most extracts contain 15 – 20% L-DOPA, you might need to adjust your dosage based on your response to the supplement. It’s advisable to cycle the use of L-DOPA, limiting it to 4 or 5 days a week, to prevent tolerances and dependencies, common with dopamine agonists. As with all nootropics, start with the lowest dose and monitor your body’s response before making any adjustments.

5. N-Acetyl L-Cysteine  (NAC)’s impact on anxiety and depression

N-acetyl L-cysteine (NAC) is a potent antioxidant and precursor to cysteine, essential for producing the antioxidant glutathione. While often used for respiratory issues like bronchitis and COPD, NAC also shows promise in alleviating anxiety and depression. It helps regulate glutamate levels, an excess of which can lead to anxiety and depression, thereby restoring balance in the brain’s neurotransmitter system. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties may reduce brain inflammation, further enhancing its mood-boosting effects.

NAC dosage recommendations

BulkSupplements.com recommends a NAC powder dosage of 600mg (about 1/4 tsp) up to three times daily or 1 capsule daily. As with all nootropics, start with the lowest dose and see how your body responds before considering any adjustments. Never take NAC with any nitrates, especially Nitroglycerin. 

6. N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine (NALT), a mood enhancer

N-acetyl L-tyrosine (NALT) is a modified form of the amino acid tyrosine, designed for better absorption and bioavailability. As a precursor to neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, NALT supports mood, motivation, and stress response. By providing an easily absorbed source of tyrosine, NALT helps replenish neurotransmitter levels depleted by stress, physical activity, or lack of sleep. Additionally, NALT is known to enhance focus, attention, and mental performance, particularly under stressful conditions.

NALT dosage recommendations

BulkSupplements.com recommends starting with a single 400mg serving (about 1/5 of a teaspoon) once daily and see how your body responds before considering any adjustments. As with all nootropics, it’s important to start with the lowest possible dose and carefully monitor your response before adjusting your intake.

You can add a serving of NALT to your morning smoothie for a cognitive boost, into your pre-workout drink for increased focus and endurance, into hot tea for a calming mental boost or onto snacks for concentration and cognitive power while you work or study.

7. Nefiracetam and Aniracetam for anxiety and depression

Both part of the racetam family known for cognitive enhancement, Nefiracetam and Aniracetam offer benefits for anxiety and depression as well. Nefiracetam modulates neurotransmitters like GABA, glutamate, and acetylcholine, promoting balance and reducing anxiety while improving mood stability. Aniracetam enhances the release of dopamine and serotonin, key neurotransmitters for mood regulation, helping to alleviate depression and support a positive outlook. Besides boosting memory, focus, and learning, these nootropics can contribute to overall emotional well-being.

Nefiracetam dosage recommendations

Nootropics Expert recommends a Nefiracetam dosage of 100 mg to 900 mg per day. Taken in divided doses. One Nefiracetam dose in the morning, and one in the early afternoon. As with all nootropics, it’s important to start with the lowest possible dose and carefully monitor your response before adjusting your intake.

Aniracetam dosage recommendations

Nootropics Expert recommends a Aniracetam dosage of 1,500 mg per day. Taken in two 750 mg doses. One Aniracetam dose in the morning, and one in the early afternoon. As with all nootropics, it’s important to start with the lowest possible dose and carefully monitor your response before adjusting your intake.

Aniracetam has been shown to relieve depression, boost learning & memory, improve verbal fluidity, increase music listening pleasure, and make you more social.
A favorite racetam among the nootropics community Neurohackers use Aniracetam to relieve anxiety, depression, stress, and improve sociability.

8. Noopept for anxiety and depression

Noopept, a synthetic nootropic, is popular for its cognitive-enhancing properties and potential benefits in alleviating anxiety and depression. It modulates neurotransmitters like acetylcholine, dopamine, and serotonin, promoting balance and reducing anxiety while improving mood stability. Additionally, Noopept‘s neuroprotective properties may help alleviate symptoms associated with neurological conditions or cognitive impairment.

Noopept dosage recommendations

1. Science.bio Noopept

The recommended dosage for Noopept is 10 to 30mg per day. As with all nootropics, it’s important to start with the lowest possible dose and carefully monitor your response before adjusting your intake.

Use the code “GOODBRAINGUIDE10” for Science.bio discounts, storewide.

2. Swisschems Noopept

 

3. Cosmic Nootropic’s Noopept

Cosmic Nootropic‘s Noopept comes in an easy-to-consume pill form. While the average daily dose is 20-30mg, it’s advisable to start with the lowest possible dose of 10mg. As with all nootropics, it’s important to start with the lowest possible dose and carefully monitor your response before adjusting your intake.

9. Phenylalanine and mood regulation

L-Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid vital for producing neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, which regulate mood, motivation, and emotional well-being. By providing a readily available source of phenylalanine, this nootropic can support healthy neurotransmitter levels, potentially easing depression, boosting motivation, and improving focus. Additionally, phenylalanine is a precursor to tyrosine, another amino acid crucial for neurotransmitter production, enhancing its mood-boosting effects.

L-Phenylalanine dosage recommendations

The suggested dosage for L-Phenylalanine is 500mg, up to 3 times per day. Because L-Phenylalanine is an amino acid, it’s best to take it on an empty stomach, at least an hour before food, to ensure optimal absorption and avoid competition with other amino acids. As with all nootropics, it’s important to start with the lowest possible dose and carefully monitor your response before adjusting your intake.

 

10. Rhodiola Rosea for anxiety and depression

Rhodiola Rosea, also known as “golden root,” is an adaptogenic herb used in traditional medicine for centuries. This nootropic is notable for alleviating anxiety and depression and enhancing stress resilience. Rhodiola Rosea works by modulating neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, promoting balance and improving mood stability. Its neuroprotective properties further contribute to easing anxiety and depression, particularly those linked to neurological conditions or cognitive impairment.

Rhodiola Rosea dosage recommendations

The recommended dosage for Rhodiola Rosea is 150 to 200mg per day. You can safely take up to 600mg a day but as with all nootropics, it’s important to start with the lowest possible dose and carefully monitor your response before adjusting your intake.

11. Sulbutiamine to reduce anxiety and depression

Sulbutiamine, a synthetic derivative of vitamin B1 (thiamine), shows promise in relieving symptoms of anxiety and depression. By enhancing thiamine metabolism and utilization in the brain, it boosts energy production and cognitive function. Sulbutiamine modulates neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate, promoting balance and improving mood stability. Its neuroprotective properties further support its potential in alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression linked to neurological conditions or cognitive impairment.

Sulbutiamine dosage recommendations

The recommended Sulbutiamine dosage ranges from 400 mg to 1,000 mg per day, with higher doses split between morning and early afternoon to avoid interference with sleep due to its mild stimulant qualities. As with all nootropics, it’s important to start with the lowest possible dose and carefully monitor your response before adjusting your intake.

12. Uridine Monophosphate’s (UMP) impact on anxiety and depression

Uridine Monophosphate (UMP), a naturally occurring compound, is essential for various biochemical processes, including synthesizing phospholipids crucial for brain cell membranes. Research suggests UMP positively impacts mental well-being by supporting phospholipid synthesis, enhancing membrane fluidity and brain cell communication, potentially easing anxiety and depression symptoms. Its neuroprotective properties further aid in alleviating symptoms associated with neurological conditions or cognitive impairment.

Uridine Monophosphate (UMP) dosage recommendations

The recommended dosage for Uridine Monophosphate (UMP) is 150 – 250mg taken twice daily. As with all nootropics, it’s important to start with the lowest possible dose and carefully monitor your response before adjusting your intake.

Uridine Monophosphate has been shown to increase neuron and synapse density, dopamine and acetylcholine release, boost learning and memory, and decrease depression
Uridine helps boost the release of dopamine in your brain. Leading to better mood, alertness and cognition.

Conclusion: Harnessing the power of nootropics to manage depression and anxiety 

As you embark on this journey of self-discovery and mental well-being, natural and synthetic nootropics offers a promising solution to effective ways to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression while promoting overall cognitive function and emotional balance.

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*This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.

 

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