8 Best Nootropics For Confidence In 2024

Updated March 8, 2024 by | Reviewed by William Gallagher, MNeuroSci
(Estimated reading time: 10 minutes)

In this article, I'll take a closer at the 8 best nootropics for confidence. I'll also cover the potential risks and side effects you may run into, as well as the benefits you can expect.

In recent years, nootropics have become increasingly popular as a way to improve cognitive function.

However, many people are not aware of the benefits that these supplements can provide for confidence and self-esteem.

In this article, I will explore the 8 best nootropics for confidence. These supplements have been shown to help increase feelings of self-confidence and reduce stress.

So without further ado, let's dive in!

The best nootropics for confidence, according to scientific evidence, are:

  • Mind Lab Pro
  • Phenibut
  • L-Theanine
  • L-Theanine + Caffeine Stack
  • Rhodium Rosea
  • Modafinil
  • Ashwagandha
  • Reishi Mushroom
Table of Contents show

1. Mind Lab Pro

Mind Lab Pro is a cognitive enhancer that promises to increase confidence by improving focus, memory, and energy levels. The supplement contains 11 nootropic ingredients that are clinically proven to support cognitive function.

One of the key ingredients in Mind Lab Pro is citicoline, which is known to increase dopamine levels in the brain.[1]

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with reward and motivation, so increasing its levels can lead to feelings of confidence and happiness.

Overall, Mind Lab Pro is a well-rounded supplement with scientifically proven ingredients to support cognitive function and boost confidence.

Mind Lab Pros

  • It contains citicoline, which increases dopamine levels
  • 11 clinically proven nootropic ingredients
  • Improves cognitive function and energy levels
  • Boosts your confidence

Mind Lab Pro Cons

  • Can be expensive for some people

Mind Lab Pro in Summary

Mind Lab Pro is great for people looking for a well-rounded nootropic supplement to improve cognitive function and boost confidence. It contains 11 all-natural ingredients that have been clinically proven to support cognitive health.

2. Phenibut

Phenibut is a synthetic derivative of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. It is structurally similar to GABA, and works by binding to GABA receptors and inhibiting the reuptake of GABA.

This action results in increased levels of GABA in the brain, which leads to increased inhibition and calmness. In addition to its effects on GABA levels, Phenibut has also been shown to increase dopamine levels.[2]

This ability to increase dopamine levels may contribute to its effects on confidence and self-esteem. Additionally, Phenibut has been shown to reduce anxiety.

This effect is likely due to its pharmacological properties and ability to increase GABA levels. Ultimately, Phenibut's calming and mood-boosting effects can increase confidence and self-esteem.

Phenibut Pros

  • It has calming and mood-boosting effects
  • Can increase confidence and self-esteem
  • Reduces anxiety

Phenibut Cons

  • It's difficult to find high-quality Phenibut

Phenibut in Summary

Phenibut is a popular tranquilizer and nootropic drug that can have calming and mood-boosting effects. It has also been shown to increase dopamine levels, which may affect confidence and self-esteem.

3. L-Theanine

L-Theanine is an amino acid found naturally in tea leaves. It is also available in supplement form. L-Theanine has been shown to promote relaxation and reduce stress.[3]

It does this by helping to increase levels of certain calming chemicals in the brain, including serotonin and dopamine.

L-Theanine may also help to reduce anxiety by increasing alpha brain wave activity. This is the brain wave associated with a relaxed but alert state of mind. When taken before a stressful event, L-Theanine has been shown to help people feel calmer, thus, making them more confident.[4]

If you're looking for a natural way to boost your confidence, L-Theanine is a good option that can be stacked with other nootropics or taken on its own.

L-Theanine Pros

  • It's a natural amino acid
  • It helps increase levels of calming chemicals in the brain
  • It helps reduce anxiety
  • It can be taken before a stressful event to help you feel calmer and more confident

L-Theanine Cons

  • It may not be as effective as some other nootropics for boosting confidence

L-Theanine in Summary

If you're looking for a natural way to boost your confidence, L-Theanine is a good option. It helps increase levels of calming chemicals in the brain and can help reduce anxiety. It can be taken before a stressful event to help you feel calmer and more confident.

4. L-Theanine + Caffeine Stack

Caffeine is a stimulant that blocks the neurotransmitter adenosine from binding to its receptors. This increases the activity of other neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which leads to increased alertness and energy.[5]

L-Theanine works by increasing levels of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps to reduce anxiety. The combination of caffeine and L-Theanine is more effective at improving attention and focus than caffeine alone.

For example, one study found that participants who took a caffeine-L-Theanine supplement could complete a task more quickly and with fewer errors than those who took a placebo.[6]

When these two nootropics are stacked, they can create a powerful synergistic effect that will help you to feel more alert and confident but without the jitters or anxiety that can sometimes be caused by caffeine alone.

Caffeine + L-Theanine Stack Pros

  • It's a more effective way to improve attention and focus than caffeine alone
  • It can help you feel more alert and confident without the jitters

Caffeine + L-Theanine Stack Cons

  • People who are hypersensitive to caffeine may not tolerate this stack well

Caffeine + L-Theanine Stack in Summary

All in all, the caffeine + L-Theanine stack is a great option for those who want to feel more alert and confident. It's a more effective way to improve attention and focus than caffeine alone, and it can help you feel more alert and confident without the jitters.

5. Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola Rosea is an herb that has been used for centuries to help relieve stress and increase energy levels. The active ingredients in Rhodiola Rosea are thought to be rosavin and salidroside.

These compounds work together to increase neurotransmitter norepinephrine levels, which helps improve mood and reduce anxiety.

Rhodiola Rosea is also thought to increase serotonin levels, another neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood. In addition, Rhodiola Rosea is believed to help protect cells from the damaging effects of stress by increasing levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

As a result, Rhodiola Rosea is often referred to as an "adaptogen," which helps the body adapt to stress. Regarding confidence, Rhodiola Rosea may help improve self-esteem and reduce anxiety in social settings.[7]

Rhodiola Rosea Pros

  • It's been used for centuries to help relieve stress
  • Rhodiola Rosea is also thought to increase serotonin levels
  • Can help reduce anxiety and improve self-esteem

Rhodiola Rosea Cons

  • May not be suitable for people with high blood pressure

Rhodiola Rosea in Summary

Rhodiola Rosea is a good option if you're looking for an herb that can help you adapt to stress and reduce anxiety. This makes it a great choice in social settings where you need to feel more confident.

6. Modafinil

Modafinil is a pharmaceutical drug that is used to treat sleep disorders such as narcolepsy. It is classified as a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant and works by increasing the activity of certain chemicals in the brain.

Modafinil has been shown to improve wakefulness, vigilance, and task performance in sleep-deprived individuals. In addition, Modafinil has been shown to improve working memory and reaction time in healthy individuals.[8]

While the exact mechanisms by which Modafinil enhances cognitive performance are not fully understood, it is thought to work by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. These neurotransmitters regulate mood and motivation, which may explain why Modafinil can improve confidence.

In addition, Modafinil has also been shown to increase histamine levels, another neurotransmitter that plays a role in arousal and alertness.[9]

Therefore, it is thought that the combination of these mechanisms may account for Modafinil's cognitive-enhancing and mood-boosting effects.

Modafinil Pros

  • It can help improve Wakefulness, vigilance, and task performance
  • Shown to improve working memory and reaction time in healthy individuals
  • Increases dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain
  • Helps with mood and motivation

Modafinil Cons

  • Can be hard to find high-quality Modafinil online

Modafinil in Summary

Modafinil can help with mood, confidence, and motivation by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. If you're looking for a cognitive enhancer, Modafinil is a good choice.

7. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is an herb that has been used in traditional Indian medicine for centuries. Modern science has now begun to uncover how this herb works in the body to produce its effects.

Ashwagandha is a nightshade family member, and its roots and berries contain several active compounds, including Withaferin A, Withanolides, and Withanosides.

These compounds work together to produce several effects in the body, including promoting nerve growth factor (NGF) production.[10]

NGF is a protein that helps promote neurons' survival and growth. This, in turn, helps to support cognitive function and promote feelings of well-being and confidence.

In addition, Ashwagandha root extract has also been shown to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol. This can help to further promote feelings of calmness and relaxation.[11]

Together, these effects help explain why Ashwagandha effectively promotes confidence and reduces stress.

Ashwagandha Pros

  • Reduces stress hormone cortisol
  • Promotes nerve growth factor (NGF) production
  • Promotes overall feelings of well-being

Ashwagandha Cons

  • Important to get the dosage right – too much can have the opposite effect
  • Getting the right amount of active compounds can be difficult

Ashwagandha in Summary

All in all, Ashwagandha is an effective way to promote confidence by reducing stress hormone levels and promoting nerve growth factor production.

8. Reishi Mushroom

The Reishi Mushroom, or Ganoderma lucidum, has been a traditional medicinal herb in Asia for centuries and is thought to have a range of health benefits.

Reishi Mushroom extract is rich in several active compounds, including triterpenes, ganodermatins, and polysaccharides.

These compounds work together to produce several effects in the body, including reducing inflammation and boosting immune function.

In addition, Reishi Mushroom has also been shown to improve cognitive function, including memory and executive function.[12]

Since Reishi Mushroom is considered an adaptogen, it can help the body to adapt to stress and promote feelings of calmness and relaxation.

Together, these effects help explain why Reishi Mushroom is an effective way to promote confidence and reduce stress.

Reishi Mushroom Pros

  • Reduces inflammation
  • Boosts immune function
  • Improves cognitive function
  • Helps with stress and anxiety

Reishi Mushroom Cons

  • Not easily found in stores
  • Can be expensive

Reishi Mushroom in Summary

Overall, Reishi Mushroom is an effective way to promote confidence by reducing stress and anxiety and improving cognitive function.

What Are the Best Nootropics for Confidence?

nootropics-and-confidence

A number of different nootropics can help promote confidence, but some are more effective than others.

Here are my top 8 nootropics for confidence in 2022:

  1. Mind Lab Pro
  2. Phenibut
  3. L-Theanine
  4. L-Theanine + Caffeine Stack
  5. Rhodium Rosea
  6. Modafinil
  7. Ashwagandha
  8. Reishi Mushroom

All of these nootropics can help to reduce stress, improve cognitive function, and promote feelings of well-being. If you're looking for a nootropic to help you feel more confident, any of these would be a good choice.

How to Choose the Right Nootropic Supplement for Confidence?

To choose the right nootropic supplement for confidence, it's important to consider what you want to achieve.

Do you want to reduce stress? Improve cognitive function? Or promote overall feelings of well-being by decreasing anxiety?

Once you know your goals, you can narrow down your choices and choose the best supplement for you.

For example, if your goal is to reduce stress, then Ashwagandha or Rhodiola Rosea would be a good choice. If you're looking to improve cognitive function and overall sense of well-being, then something like Mind Lab Pro would be a good choice.

Personally, I recommend Mind Lab Pro because you get 11 different nootropics in one supplement, so it's great for overall cognitive enhancement and mood.

It's also vegan, gluten-free, and has no artificial ingredients, so it's perfect for people with sensitivities or allergies.

What Are the Benefits of Nootropics for Confidence?

The benefits of nootropics for confidence are many and varied.

Some of the most common benefits include:

  • Reduced stress levels
  • Improved cognitive function
  • Promoted sense of well-being
  • Decreased anxiety

All of these benefits can lead to increased confidence, which is why nootropics are so effective for this purpose.

Nootropics are definitely worth considering if you're looking for a way to feel more confident

What Are the Side Effects of Nootropics for Confidence?

The side effects of nootropics for confidence are usually mild and include things like headache, nausea, and dizziness.

These side effects are usually only experienced when starting a new supplement or increasing the dosage.

They typically disappear within a few days as your body adjusts to the supplement.

Overall, nootropics are considered safe and effective for promoting confidence.

Do Nootropics Really Work for Confidence?

Yes, nootropics really do work for confidence: They work by reducing stress, improving cognitive function, and promoting feelings of well-being.

All of these effects can lead to increased confidence, especially in social settings where you may feel anxious or stressed.

Final Thoughts

So do I recommend using nootropics for confidence? Yes, Absolutely!

I've personally used Mind Lab Pro for years with great success. It's an incredibly well-rounded nootropic that can help with many cognitive functions, including mood, thus, impacting your confidence.

I've also used L-Theanine and Caffeine, which help with relaxation in social settings where you need to be at your best. This is also a great stack for public speaking or meeting new people.

References
  1. Wignall, Nicholas D, and E Sherwood Brown. “Citicoline in addictive disorders: a review of the literature.” The American journal of drug and alcohol abuse vol. 40,4 (2014): 262-8. doi:10.3109/00952990.2014.925467 ↑
  2. Lapin, I. “Phenibut (beta-phenyl-GABA): a tranquilizer and nootropic drug.” CNS drug reviews vol. 7,4 (2001): 471-81. doi:10.1111/j.1527-3458.2001.tb00211.x ↑
  3. Shen, Manjun et al. “L-theanine ameliorate depressive-like behavior in a chronic unpredictable mild stress rat model via modulating the monoamine levels in limbic-cortical-striatal-pallidal-thalamic-circuit related brain regions.” Phytotherapy research : PTR vol. 33,2 (2019): 412-421. doi:10.1002/ptr.6237 ↑
  4. Hidese, Shinsuke et al. “Effects of L-Theanine Administration on Stress-Related Symptoms and Cognitive Functions in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Nutrients vol. 11,10 2362. 3 Oct. 2019, doi:10.3390/nu11102362 ↑
  5. Ribeiro, Joaquim A, and Ana M Sebastião. “Caffeine and adenosine.” Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD vol. 20 Suppl 1 (2010): S3-15. doi:10.3233/JAD-2010-1379 ↑
  6. Giesbrecht, T et al. “The combination of L-theanine and caffeine improves cognitive performance and increases subjective alertness.” Nutritional neuroscience vol. 13,6 (2010): 283-90. doi:10.1179/147683010X12611460764840 ↑
  7. Cropley, Mark et al. “The Effects of Rhodiola rosea L. Extract on Anxiety, Stress, Cognition and Other Mood Symptoms.” Phytotherapy research : PTR vol. 29,12 (2015): 1934-9. doi:10.1002/ptr.5486 ↑
  8. Schwartz, Jonathan R L et al. “Effects of modafinil on wakefulness and executive function in patients with narcolepsy experiencing late-day sleepiness.” Clinical neuropharmacology vol. 27,2 (2004): 74-9. doi:10.1097/00002826-200403000-00005 ↑
  9. Ishizuka, Tomoko et al. “Action of modafinil through histaminergic and orexinergic neurons.” Vitamins and hormones vol. 89 (2012): 259-78. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-394623-2.00014-7 ↑
  10. Kuboyama, Tomoharu et al. “Neuritic regeneration and synaptic reconstruction induced by withanolide A.” British journal of pharmacology vol. 144,7 (2005): 961-71. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706122 ↑
  11. Gopukumar, Kumarpillai et al. “Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract on Cognitive Functions in Healthy, Stressed Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.” Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM vol. 2021 8254344. 30 Nov. 2021, doi:10.1155/2021/8254344 ↑
  12. Huang, Shichao et al. “Polysaccharides from Ganoderma lucidum Promote Cognitive Function and Neural Progenitor Proliferation in Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease.” Stem cell reports vol. 8,1 (2017): 84-94. doi:10.1016/j.stemcr.2016.12.007 ↑