Best Racetams for Anxiety (15+ Best Nootropics)

This is a list of the best racetams for anxiety. Since this is a class of drugs, you need a prescription to buy these. Our list also contains several nootropics that can produce effects similar to that of racetams. Use these for enhanced cognition and to work despite anxiety.

What are the Best Racetams for Anxiety?

Racetams and Nootropics that Ease Anxiety

Racetams are a type of drugs that are characterised by a structural feature called  pyrrolidone nucleus. These are said to have a modulating effect on neurotransmitters like acetylcholine and glutamate. Nootropics have a similar effect on the body, especially in terms of metabolism, energy, and memory.

Racetams and nootropics are marketed as quick solutions for cognition-based problems associated with anxiety. These symptoms include poor memory, inability to concentrate, distractibility, and the like.

The usage of these substances is controversial and some people advise against it. However, if you’re convinced that this something you want to try out, here are the best ones:

Piracetam

Piracetam is a synthetic nootropic that may boost mental performance. Its positive effects on the brain seem more apparent in older adults. As well as people with mental impairment, dementia, or learning disorders, such as dyslexia have benefitted from it. 

In a social interaction test of anxiety, Piracetam had an anxiolytic profile similar to that seen after administration of chlordiazepoxide. However, Piracetam produced no signs of sedation and it was therefore suggested that it might be a non-sedative anxiolytic drug. This is another great feature of this drug.

Aniracetam

Nootropic drugs can sharpen the mind or memory. Aniracetam, a nootropic, could influence a receptor in the Central Nervous System called the AMPA receptor. The AMPA receptor largely regulates the speed by which nerve signals move between neurons (nerve cells). 

By stimulating AMPA receptors, it is believed that aniracetam can sharpen memory, improve concentration, and increase mental alertness. Aniracetam and GABA regulate the level of serotonin in your organism. For this reason, these nootropics can help you fight fear and anxiety. In fact, these nootropics can make you more sociable.

Phenylpiracetam

Nootropic agents like Phenylpiracetam  have been known to stimulate the process of learning, improve memory and mental capacity. Phenylpiracetam is reported to be more neuroprotective than piracetam is. However it  also possesses psychostimulatory properties and is reported to enhance physical performance. 

It helps the brain recover from various injuries like stroke, epilepsy and trauma. In combination with a vasodilator drug, piracetam appeared to have an additive beneficial effect on various cognitive disabilities.

Nefiracetam

Nefiracetam is a nootropic drug of the racetam family. Preliminary studies suggest that it improves apathy and motivation. It may also exhibit anti-amnesia effects for the Alzheimer’s type and cerebrovascular type of dementia. 

In addition, research in animal models suggests antiamnesic effects against a number of memory impairing substances. This includes ethanol, chlorodiazepoxide, picrotoxin, and cycloheximide.It is suggested that nefiracetam improves the dysfunction of GABAergic neuronal function and enhances the release of neurotransmitters. This may have an impact on anxiety and cognition.

Levetiracetam

Levetiracetam works differently from most seizure medicines. It joins with a protein (SV2A) that is involved with the release of certain chemicals called neurotransmitters in the brain. The exact way that these actions lead to decreased seizures is not fully known. 

Brain cells normally “talk” to each other using electrical signals and chemicals. Seizures can happen when the brain cells are not working properly or working faster than usual. Levetiracetam slows down these electrical signals to stop seizures.

Element Nutraceuticals Alpha GPC

Alpha GPC has significant nootropic properties, including memory enhancement and protection against brain aging. It has non-nootropic benefits, including the ability to enhance cell membrane health and promote rapid recovery after physical exertion. 

A great energy booster and neuroprotectant, this nutraceutical increases strength and rapid post-exertion recovery, mood and mental stamina. Alpha GPC has no negative side effects for most people. Many consumers have come to consider it an essential daily supplement to replace depleted synaptic fluid in the vesicles quickly.

Genius Consciousness

Genius Consciousness is a super nootropic brain-boosting, awakening supplement. Known for enhancing focus, boosting concentration and improving memory, it is clinically proven to support thought processing and dopamine production. 

Reduce brain fog and clear the cobwebs holding you back from achieving limitless status! Find creativity and free your thoughts with modern science of this great neuron-igniting supplement. Gain your neuro peak and leave anxiety behind with phosphatidylserine & lions mane mushroom.

Neuriva Nootropic Brain Support Supplement

Neuriva is a breakthrough brain performance supplement. It aims to make the world a healthier and brighter place by developing a product that can help your brain. Neurofactor, the hero ingredient in Neuriva, is believed to increase levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). 

BDNF is known to strengthen the connections between brain cells. Phosphatidylserine, the second ingredient is clinically proven to aid neuron health and fuel memory and learning. When you take Neuriva, it helps support focus, memory, learning, accuracy and concentration.

Nuoptimal metaFOCUS

Improve your focus and attention span with this potent blend. metaFOCUS was formulated with 8 powerful nootropic ingredients. These aid in achieving flow state so you can better tackle the tasks that require your full concentration. It helps improve and regulate the neurotransmitters’ functions in your brain. 

This in turn helps eradicate cognitive obscurity and also better your overall mood. metaFOCUS is a caffeine-free alternative that will provide you the cognitive enhancements that caffeine is known for. However there will be no jitteriness or crash associated with caffeine use.

Brain Basics Ultra Alpha-GPC

Alpha GPC is a Critical Building Block for Acetylcholine. Acetylcholine plays an important role in many cognitive processes including memory, muscle activity, intelligence and mood. 

Thus, it is used as the first line therapy for cognitive issues such as memory and focus. Alpha GPC is the choice of thousands due to its ability to cross the blood brain barrier. In turn, this helps it to  go directly to where it is needed.

Gaia Herbs Nootropic Focus

An herbal supplement designed for brain and cognitive support, Nootropic focus is perfect for anyone trying to keep up with a fast-paced life! Its main ingredients are Ginkgo Biloba extract and spearmint. These are associated with increased focus, mental alertness, and clarity. 

The saffron and lemon balm help wind you down, support your nervous system functioning, and improve your mood. This company also has a cognitive line that was created using plant-based nootropics to give your brain its necessary nourishment. You can choose between their various products!

NeuronX Nootropic Limitless Pill

100% safe and natural, NeuronX nootropic is a great way for athletes, businessmen and moms everywhere to improve memory. Along with this, it enhances cognitive functioning, accelerates mental acuity, performance, promotes positive mood, increases energy and so much more! 

By promoting sleep, fastening cellular repair and repairing damaged DNA, it has accelerated the evolution of the human mental capacity. NeuronX helps you achieve your goals safely, naturally, keeping your betterment in mind!

MOJO Kickstart Nootropic Brain Support

Unleash your potential with MOJO Kickstart. It is the perfect way to boost cognitive performance and eliminate cognitive muddle. Take your focus to the next level and reinvigorate the way you think. Highly used by executives, students, entrepreneurs and athletes, you can gain a lot of energy and sharpness using this supplement. 

Designed to give you a perfectly balanced upliftment in the morning, it also makes you feel happy. You will feel more alert than ever before. Unlike caffeine, MOJO Kickstart delivers sustained mental energy throughout the day.

Cortex Nootropic Stack

This Nootropic stack is made with outstanding ingredients that support your mental health. 

Uridine Monophosphate brings with it the capacity to induce neurite outgrowth and enhance creation of phosphatidylcholine for optimized brain function. Uridine also positively modulates dopamine receptors, providing a powerful motivating effect.

Adaptogenic herbs, like Bacopa, promote axon and dendrite growth within the brain, and help the body and brain deal with incoming stress. Artichoke extract has cAMP which helps the brain promote a state of focus and energy.

ONNIT Nootropic Stack

ONNIT Nootropic Stack is designed to help you manage stress without affecting alertness, reaction time, or concentration. Created to help reduce mental dysfunction and improve attention, Alpha Brain has been a market leader in the nootropics space since 2011. 

Whether you’re focused on career, academics, social life, or athletics, taking Alpha Brain is like another gear for your brain. While most supplements rely on caffeine and other stimulants to get you going, this is a stimulant-free brain supplement. This means no dreaded afternoon crash!

Natures Craft’s Mind Enhancement Supplement

The last item on the list is the potent Neuro Health supplement, perfect for everyone. Offering a natural way to fight cognitive decline, it contains a nourishing mix of nutrients that support ideal brain health. 

These memory enhancing pills improve recall to ensure that you are no longer as scatterbrained. Take this extra strength memory booster to notice the difference. Use it to keep your brain as sharp as you age!

Side Note: I have tried and tested various products and services to help with my anxiety and depression. See my top recommendations here, as well as a full list of all products and services our team has tested for various mental health conditions and general wellness.

Conclusion

This was a list of the best racetams for anxiety. Since this is a class of drugs, you need a prescription to buy these. Our list also contained several nootropics that can produce effects similar to that of racetams. Use these for enhanced cognition and to work despite anxiety.

Racetams and nootropics described here included Piracetam, Aniracetam, Phenylpiracetam, Nefiracetam, Levetiracetam, Element Nutraceuticals Alpha GPC, Genius Consciousness, Neuriva Nootropic Brain Support Supplement, Nuoptimal metaFOCUS.

More nootropics listed here were Brain Basics Ultra Alpha-GPC, Gaia Herbs Nootropic Focus, NeuronX Nootropic Limitless Pill, MOJO Kickstart Nootropic Brain Support, Cortex Nootropic Stack, ONNIT Nootropic Stack, Natures Craft’s Mind Enhancement Supplement.

FAQs (Best Racetams for Anxiety)

Can theanine help with anxiety?

Theanine is an amino acid primarily found in plant or fungal species. It is commonly consumed as a component of green tea and has been used historically as a relaxing agent. Lu et al (2004) compared the effect of theanine and Alprazolam on anxiety states in 16 healthy adults. 
Alprazolam is a psychiatric drug prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders. The experiment revealed that there was no difference in the influence of the drug or theanine. Theanine supplements are a viable option for anxiety relief if pharmacotherapy is not your cup of tea.

Does Alpha Brain help with anxiety?

Alpha Brain is a combination of caffeine and sun-theanine, both of which are effective in enhancing brain functions. This product can help with anxiety by lowering stress, reducing pain, and preventing fatigue.

Why is piracetam banned?

Piracetam can be purchased with a prescription in European countries but some countries have banned it. This is because the substance is said to have psychological side effects and is not essential treatment for any health condition.

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