Social anxiety can be one of the most debilitating types of anxiety and fears that one can face.
What makes it so impactful is the fact that humans live in a society that requires man to behave as a ‘social animal’, and individuals that deviate from the norm are often cast out.
This is why we have brought to you an amazing solution!
But First, (In a Nut Shell): What Are The Best Nootropics for Social Anxiety?
The best nootropics for social anxiety are L-theanine, L-tyrosine, Phosphatidylserine, and others that interfere with the GABA receptors. Nootropics that target Serotonin, Dopamine, and Norepinephrine levels are also very effective. Social anxiety is a result of neurotransmitter imbalance and nootropics provide a modern solution for this disorder.
Quick List of the “Best Nootropics for Social Anxiety”:
- L-Theanine
- L-Tyrosine
- Ashwagandha
- Bacopa Monnieri
- Rhodiola Rosea
- Lion’s Mane Mushroom
- Phosphatidylserine
- Racetams
- Ginseng & Ginkgo Biloba
What Is The Mechanism Behind Social Anxiety?

Social anxiety results from either an imbalance of neurotransmitters or hyperactivity in certain areas of the brain…
Social anxiety from neurotransmitter imbalance:
This type of social anxiety arises from a lack of Dopamine and Serotonin.
Or the lack of affinity or ‘attraction’ of the receptors that allow the docking of Dopamine and/or Serotonin.
Social anxiety from brain hyperactivity:
The amygdala is the part of the brain that is associated with how we process emotions and fears.
It consequently affects our cognition in such situations.
For example, hyperactivity would result when one is about to give an important speech, after watching a horror movie or facing a dreaded fear.
Social pain is another symptom associated with a social anxiety disorder (SAD), but it is associated with the anterior cingulate cortex of our brain instead of the amygdala.
Signs And Symptoms Of SAD (Social Anxiety Disorder):
- Avoiding a situation where one can be the center of attention
- Avoiding meeting strangers
- Fear of interacting with people of authority
- Heart palpitations
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
Nootropics That Alleviate The Symptoms Of Social Anxiety Disorder…
1) L-Theanine
L-theanine is one of the best nootropics for anxiety and is found in green, white, black, and oolong tea.
This amino acid acts by boosting the alpha brain waves that effectively propagate a state of calm and tranquility.
Alpha brain waves are highest when one is in a relaxed state.
The only problem with this amino acid is that to enjoy its profound effect on the body, one would need to drink about a dozen cups of green tea a day!
This is why supermindhacker recommends its supplementation.
Check out our detailed review on L-Theanine to find out about some amazing benefits and product recommendations!
Here are a few benefits of L-Theanine:
- Calms you down
- Reduces cortisol levels
- Slow your heart rate
- Make you more alert
2) L-Tyrosine
This is also an amino acid, like L-Theanine.
It acts as a precursor for ALL the catecholamine neurotransmitters!
Especially for the ones that get alarming depleted in social anxiety disorder.
So it causes the release of Dopamine, Epinephrine, and Norepinephrine as well!
L-tyrosine is recommended to anyone that has any type of anxiety.
It increases focus, attention, and alertness and hence reduces anxiety by preventing your mind from wandering and spiraling out of control. In other words, heightened concentration!
L-tyrosine can prove to be helpful when one finds him/herself facing an uncomfortable social situation.
3) Ashwagandha
I can not stress enough the potency and effectiveness of this miraculous herb.
Its use dates back to the reign of Buddha, where it was used to treat ailments of all sorts.
I have thoroughly reviewed Ashwagandha on this website, including in a blog post where we talk about a famous experiment that proves its role as an anxiolytic agent.
Popular Ashwagandha Supplement Review – ZenWell Ashwagandha Review by SuperMindHacker
Proving itself more potent than Diazepam!
It works by altering the hypothalamic-pituitary axis; thus controlling the release of hormones that influence our mood and stress levels.
To find out the accurate dosage regimen, click here!
4) Bacopa Monnieri
Bacopa Monnieri, or Brahmi, is an ancient adaptogenic herb that tackles the negative effects of stress and anxiety.
Its adaptogenic property has graded it as a pharmaceutical herb.
Bacopa lowers cortisol levels in the body and thus reduces stress levels.
Since this is more of a natural or herbal route, one would require to supplement it for at least 8-12 weeks to notice the results.
* Links to Nootropic Supplement Reviews…
We have actually reviewed a few different nootropic supplements that contain bacopa monnieri (as well as some of the other ingredients listed in this article), and are perfect for social anxiety disorder.
Here are links to some of my detailed reviews below:
- MindMD Review – promotes Positive Mood & Mental Clarity
- Qualia Mind Review – Mental Performance Nootropic
- Mind Lab Pro Review – Very popular All-in-one Nootropic
- Brain Force Plus Review – A Cheaper Alternative, worth checking out
5) Rhodiola Rosea
This herb is also known as the ‘golden root’ and that too for a very good reason.
It has a very interesting mechanism of action to alleviate stress and anxiety.
We have covered notable researches and studies in our article on Rhodiola Rosea that prove its efficacy as an anxiolytic.
It mainly works by modulating three main neurotransmitters that influence the events of stress and anxiety:
- Dopamine
- Noradrenaline
- Serotonin
6) Lion’s Mane Mushroom
This is perhaps one of the most hyped nootropics of this era!
Its benefits are beyond the scope of this article, so we’ll mainly be focusing on how it exerts strong anxiolytic effects within the body.
Lion’s mane mushroom increases BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) and NGF (Nerve Growth Factor).
7) Phosphatidylserine
Phosphatidylserine or PS is great for social anxiety.
We have an article on Phosphatidylerine that features some really interesting findings on the mechanism of action of PS and its role in regulating sociability.
In short, it reduces cortisol levels whilst enhancing energy reserves in the body!
8) Racetams (Piracetam, Aniracetam, Phenylpiracetam, etc…)
Racetams such as Aniracetam effectively toggle the dopamine receptors, hence modulating their levels.
They also downregulate the Glutamate receptors thus contributing to dampened anxiousness and stress.
To find out which Racetam you should opt for, you can learn more about racetams here
Just keep in mind that they’re usually short-term nootropics. This means that you shouldn’t take them for extended periods of time, and you should cycle off of them often.
9) Ginseng & Gingko Biloba
These might be found as constituents of teas due to their relaxing properties.
Since these are natural derivatives, proper dosage is needed to enjoy the effects of these soothing and memory-boosting herbs!
Both of them possess antioxidant properties, hence prove to be great for neutralizing free radical damage-induced stress.
To find out the proper dosage and more, read our full write-up on gingko biloba as a nootropic here!
“What Are The Best Nootropics For Social Anxiety?” – Final Thoughts…
The above-mentioned nootropics not only tackle anxiety but can also significantly help to boost memory and enhance cognition as well.
Social anxiety silently consumes the confidence and pride of many individuals, and often times the victim remains oblivious as to what just happened to them.
Supermindhacker recommends thorough reflection of one’s capabilities and limitations.
One limitation isn’t enough to hamper your potential and it’s always okay to ask for help!
I hope these nootropics help you carve a path towards an anxiety-free lifestyle!
Quick Question…
Have you tried any of these nootropic substances to help with your social anxiety?
I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!

About David Gracey
Founder of SuperMindHacker.com
In other words, I am completely obsessed with anything and everything related to cognitive brain enhancement!
Whether it's nootropics supplements, challenging brain puzzles, or even meditation techniques, chances are, I've tried it! This website is my outlet to give back and share what I've learned in the past 15+ years in this field of study.
You Can Read my Other Posts Here: David Gracey's Articles