8 Best Nootropics For Benzo Withdrawal In 2024

Updated May 5, 2024 by | Reviewed by William Gallagher, MNeuroSci
(Estimated reading time: 10 minutes)

In this article, I'll look at the 8 best nootropics for benzo withdrawal. I'll also cover the potential risks and side effects you may run into and the benefits you can expect.

What are the best nootropics for benzo withdrawal? This is a question that many people are asking as they look to ease the symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal.

While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, there are certain nootropics that can be helpful for those going through benzo withdrawal.

Let's take a closer look at the 8 best nootropics for benzo withdrawal.

The best nootropics for benzodiazepine withdrawal, according to scientific evidence, are:

  • Mind Lab Pro
  • Selank
  • Agmatine Sulfate
  • Semax
  • Phenibut
  • Fabomotizole
  • Memantine
  • L-Theanine

1. Mind Lab Pro

Mind Lab Pro is a comprehensive nootropic blend that can help to ease the symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal by reducing anxiety, improving mood, and boosting cognitive performance.

The nootropic contains a blend of 11 natural ingredients that work together to support brain health.

Some of the key ingredients in Mind Lab Pro include:

  • Citicoline: An essential precursor for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is linked to improved cognitive function and memory.[1]
  • Bacopa Monnieri: A traditional Ayurvedic herb that has been shown to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and enhance cognitive performance.[2]
  • Rhodiola Rosea: An adaptogenic herb that helps the body to better deal with stress, reduces anxiety, and improves mood.[3]
  • L-Theanine: An amino acid found in green tea that has calming and relaxing effects, helping to ease anxiety.[4]

If you're looking for a comprehensive nootropic blend to help ease the symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal, Mind Lab Pro is a great option. It's an all-natural supplement that is designed to support overall brain health and well-being.

Mind Lab Pros

  • All-natural with 11 powerful ingredients
  • Reduces anxiety and improves mood
  • Enhances cognitive performance
  • Available without a prescription

Mind Lab Pro Cons

  • Not as powerful as synthetic nootropics

Mind Lab Pro in Summary

Overall, Mind Lab Pro is a great option for those looking for an all-natural nootropic to help ease the symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal. The nootropic contains a blend of 11 powerful ingredients that work together to support overall brain health and well-being.

2. Selank

Selank is a synthetic analog of the immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin, which is produced by the thymus gland. Selank has been shown to modulate the immune system by increasing T-cell proliferation and activation and by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Selank has also been shown to reduce anxiety and depression-like behaviors in various animal studies. One study, in particular, done on rats, showed to be effective in eliminating alcohol withdrawal symptoms.[5]

Selank has a major advantage over traditional anxiety treatments, such as benzodiazepines, as it has no sedating or negative cognitive side effects and no associated addiction or withdrawal problems.

Selank Pros

  • Reduces anxiety and depression-like behaviors
  • Eliminates benzo withdrawal symptoms
  • No sedating or negative cognitive side effects
  • No addiction or withdrawal problems

Selank Cons

  • Not as widely studied as other nootropics

Selank in Summary

Selank is a great option for those looking for a nootropic that can help ease the symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal. The nootropic has been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety and depression-like behaviors in various animal studies. Selank also has a major advantage over traditional anxiety treatments.

3. Agmatine Sulfate

Agmatine Sulfate is a derivative of the amino acid arginine that has several benefits for brain health. Agmatine sulfate works by inhibiting the enzyme that breaks down nitric oxide, increasing the brain's nitric oxide levels.[6]

Nitric oxide is a molecule that plays a role in neurotransmission, and increased nitric oxide levels have been shown to improve behavioral function in animal studies.[7]

Agmatine has been shown to block morphine physical dependence in mammals by inhibiting the NMDA receptors. This suggests that agmatine could be a useful tool for helping people to overcome addiction to morphine and other opioids.[8]

Agmatine Sulfate Pros

  • Inhibits the enzyme that breaks down nitric oxide
  • Increases brain's nitric oxide levels
  • Shown to improve behavioral function in animal studies
  • Blocks morphine physical dependence

Agmatine Sulfate Cons

  • Not as widely studied as other nootropics

Agmatine Sulfate in Summary

Agmatine Sulfate is a derivative of the amino acid Arginine that has several benefits for brain health. Agmatine Sulfate works by inhibiting the enzyme that breaks down nitric oxide, increasing the brain's nitric oxide levels.

Agmatine has also been shown to block morphine's physical dependence in mammals, making it a potentially useful tool for those looking to overcome addiction.

4. Semax

Semax is a nootropic peptide that has been shown to improve cognitive function in rodents.[9] Semax works by upregulating the expression of NGF and BDNF, which are neurotrophic factors responsible for the growth and development of neurons.

Semax has also been found to rapidly elevate the levels and expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its signaling receptor TrkB in the hippocampus and rapidly activate serotonergic and dopaminergic brain systems.[10]

Accordingly, it has been found to produce antidepressant-like and anxiolytic-like effects and attenuate the behavioral effects of exposure to chronic stress. Thus, can be effective in people who are going through withdrawal from benzodiazepines.

Semax Pros

  • Upregulates the expression of NGF and BDNF
  • Rapidly activates serotonergic and dopaminergic brain systems
  • Can be effective in people who are going through withdrawal from benzodiazepines

Semax Cons

  • Most studies are done on animals

Semax in Summary

Semax is a nootropic peptide that has been shown to improve cognitive function in rodents. Semax works by upregulating the expression of NGF and BDNF, which are neurotrophic factors responsible for the growth and development of neurons.

It also rapidly activates serotonergic and dopaminergic brain systems, making it effective in people who are going through withdrawal from benzodiazepines.

5. Phenibut

Phenibut is a central nervous system depressant that is structurally similar to the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA.

It was originally developed in Russia in the 1960s for use as a psychostimulant, but it was later found to be more effective as an anti-anxiety medication and sleep aid.[11]

Phenibut has been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety, improving sleep quality, and reducing stress. It is also thought to have cognitive-enhancing effects, although this has not been extensively studied.

Due to its similarity to GABA, Phenibut is thought to be able to mimic the effects of benzodiazepines by binding to GABA receptors and increasing neurotransmitter levels.[12]

This can help to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Additionally, Phenibut help reduces withdrawal symptoms from benzodiazepines by reducing cravings and decreasing the severity of symptoms such as anxiety and insomnia.

However, Phenibut should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider due to the risk of addiction and abuse.

Phenibut Pros

  • Reduces anxiety
  • Improves sleep quality
  • Reduces stress

Phenibut Cons

  • Risk of addiction and abuse

Phenibut in Summary

Phenibut is a tranquilizer and nootropic drug that is structurally similar to the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. It was originally developed in Russia in the 1960s, but it was later found to be more effective as an anti-anxiety medication and sleep aid.

Phenibut has been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety, improving sleep quality, and reducing stress. It is also thought to have cognitive-enhancing effects.

6. Fabomotizole

Fabomotizole (sold under the brand name Afobazole) is a drug that was launched in Russia in the early 2000s. It is an anxiolytic drug that produces anxiolytic and neuroprotective effects without any sedative or muscle relaxant actions.

While its mechanism of action remains poorly defined, it is believed to work through GABAergic, NGF- and BDNF-release-promoting, MT1 receptor agonism, MT3 receptor antagonism, and sigma agonism mechanisms.

Clinical trials have shown fabomotizole to be well-tolerated and reasonably effective for treating anxiety. Experiments of mice have also shown that the drug has antimutagenic and antiteratogenic properties.[13]

Its anxiolytic effects can be helpful in people who are going through withdrawal from benzodiazepines. Additionally, its neuroprotective effects may help to protect against some of the cognitive impairments that can occur with long-term benzodiazepine use.

Fabomotizole Pros

  • Powerful anxiolytic and neuroprotective effects
  • Helps to protect against cognitive impairments associated with benzodiazepine use

Fabomotizole Cons

  • Poorly understood mechanism of action

Fabomotizole in Summary

Fabomotizole is a well-tolerated anxiolytic drug that is reasonably effective for treating anxiety. It has also been shown to have neuroprotective effects. It can be helpful in people who are going through withdrawal from benzodiazepines.

7. Memantine

Memantine is a drug that is used to treat Alzheimer’s disease. It works by blocking the NMDA receptor, which helps to protect against the cognitive decline that can occur with Alzheimer’s.[14]

Regarding benzodiazepine withdrawal, memantine can help to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. Additionally, it can help to protect against cognitive impairments that can occur with long-term benzodiazepine use.[15]

Memantine Pros

  • Blocks the NMDA receptor
  • Reduces anxiety and improves sleep quality
  • Protects against cognitive decline associated with benzodiazepine use

Memantine Cons

  • Not as powerful as some other nootropics

Memantine in Summary

Memantine is a drug that is used to treat Alzheimer’s disease. It works by blocking the NMDA receptor, which helps to protect against the cognitive decline that can occur with Alzheimer’s.

8. L-Theanine

L-Theanine is an amino acid that is found naturally in tea leaves. It produces a calming effect without causing drowsiness. L-Theanine works by increasing levels of GABA, serotonin, and dopamine in the brain.

Regarding benzodiazepine withdrawal, L-theanine can help to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality.[16]

It's an all-natural nootropic with very few side effects, making it ideal for people who are going through withdrawal from benzodiazepines.

L-Theanine Pros

  • All-natural
  • Reduces anxiety and improves sleep quality
  • Regulates brain electrochemical activity

L-Theanine Cons

  • Not as powerful as synthetic nootropics

L-Theanine in Summary

L-Theanine is an amino acid that produces a calming effect without causing drowsiness. L-Theanine works by increasing levels of GABA, serotonin, and dopamine in the brain. Regarding benzodiazepine withdrawal, L-theanine can help to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality.

What Are the Best Nootropics for Benzo Withdrawal?

The best nootropics for benzo withdrawal are:

  1. Mind Lab Pro
  2. Selank
  3. Agmatine Sulfate
  4. Semax
  5. Phenibut
  6. Fabomotizole
  7. Memantine
  8. L-Theanine

Each of these nootropics has powerful anxiolytic and neuroprotective effects that can help ease withdrawal symptoms and protect against the cognitive impairments associated with long-term benzodiazepine use.

Some are more potent than others, so it’s important to start with a lower dose and increase as needed.

How to Choose the Right Nootropic Supplement for Benzo Withdrawal?

When choosing the right nootropic supplement for benzo withdrawal, it’s important to consider the following factors:

  • Potency
  • Side effects
  • Safety
  • Ease of use
  • Synthetic vs. natural nootropics

If you're going through benzo withdrawal, you want a nootropic that will be potent enough to reduce your symptoms but not so potent that it causes side effects. Additionally, you want a nootropic that is safe and easy to use.

Some people prefer natural nootropics, while others prefer synthetic nootropics. There are pros and cons to both, so choosing the one, you feel most comfortable with is important.

That being said, I always recommend going the all-natural route if possible which is why Mind Lab Pro is on the top of my list. Not only is it potent and effective, but it's also made with all-natural ingredients and has few reported side effects.

If you want something a little more powerful, then Phenibut is a good option. It's synthetic, so it's not for everyone, but it's very effective at reducing anxiety.

What Are the Benefits of Nootropics for Benzo Withdrawal?

The benefits of nootropics for benzo withdrawal are:

  • Reduced anxiety
  • Improved sleep quality
  • Protection against cognitive decline
  • Neuroprotection
  • Ease of use
  • Safety
  • All-natural ingredients
  • Few side effects
  • Potent and effective

Nootropics can provide significant relief from the symptoms of benzo withdrawal and protect against the cognitive decline that can occur with long-term use of benzodiazepines. They are safe, easy to use, and have few reported side effects.

Additionally, they are potent and effective, making them an ideal choice for people who are going through benzo withdrawal.

What Are the Side Effects of Nootropics for Benzo Withdrawal?

withdrawal

The side effects of nootropics for benzo withdrawal are:

  • Drowsiness
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness

The side effects of nootropics are generally mild and rare. Drowsiness, headache, nausea, and dizziness are the most common side effects. If you experience any of these side effects, simply reduce your dose or stop taking the nootropic.

That being said, it's important to distinguish between the side effects of synthetic nootropics and those of natural nootropics.

Synthetic nootropics often come with more side effects than natural nootropics. Phenibut, for example, can cause dependence and withdrawal symptoms if not used properly.

On the other hand, natural nootropics are much safer and have fewer reported side effects.

Do Nootropics Really Work for Benzo Withdrawal?

Yes, nootropics really work for benzo withdrawal. Nootropics are potent, effective, and safe. They can provide significant relief from the symptoms of benzo withdrawal and protect against the cognitive decline that can occur with long-term use of benzodiazepines.

While some nootropics are way more potent than others, they all have anxiolytic and neuroprotective effects that can help ease withdrawal symptoms, reduce anxiety and help with sleep.

Some nootropics can curb your cravings for benzodiazepines, making it easier to stick to your withdrawal plan.

Additionally, nootropics can help boost your cognitive function, which is often impaired during benzodiazepine withdrawal.

Final Thoughts

So do I recommend trying nootropics for benzo withdrawal?

Absolutely.

Nootropics are safe, effective, and easy to use. They can provide significant relief from the symptoms of benzo withdrawal. I always recommend going the natural route if possible, and Mind Lab Pro is my favorite all-natural nootropic.

That being said, if you're struggling with severe anxiety, then Phenibut may be a better option for you. Just be sure to use it responsibly to avoid dependence and withdrawal symptoms.

References
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