8 Best Nootropics For Socializing In 2024

Updated November 4, 2024 by | Reviewed by William Gallagher, MNeuroSci
(Estimated reading time: 9 minutes)

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

Have you ever felt anxious or uncomfortable in social situations?

If so, you're not alone. In fact, social anxiety is one of the most common psychological disorders, affecting over 15 million adults in the United States alone.

Fortunately, there are treatments available that can help ease the symptoms of social anxiety and make it easier to interact with others. One popular treatment option is the use of nootropics, or "smart drugs."

Let's take a look at the 8 best nootropics for socializing and see how they can help you feel more comfortable in social situations.

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

  • NooCube
  • Mind Lab Pro
  • Phenibut
  • Theacrine
  • L-Theanine
  • Aniracetam
  • Rhodiola Rosea
  • L-Tyrosine

1. NooCube

NooCube is a nootropic blend that contains 12 of the most potent nootropic ingredients available.

The ingredients in NooCube are designed to support cognitive function, including memory, focus, and concentration. What's more, NooCube is also designed to help reduce stress and anxiety.

This makes it an ideal choice for those who suffer from social anxiety.

The main ingredients in NooCube include:

  • 250mg of Bacopa monnieri extract 
  • 250mg of L-tyrosine
  • 175mg of cat’s claw concentrate 
  • 150mg of oat straw concentrate 
  • 100mg of L-theanine
  • 50mg of Alpha GPC
  • 20mg of marigold extract
  • 14.3mg of resveratrol
  • 140mcg of pterostilbene
  • 1.2mg of vitamin B1 (100% DV)
  • 2.4mcg of vitamin B12 (100% DV)
  • 50mcg of biotin (167% DV)

The way NooCube helps with socializing is by reducing stress and anxiety.

This can make interacting with others easier and more comfortable in social situations. NooCube can also help improve cognitive function, which can benefit those suffering from social anxiety due to poor memory or concentration.

NooCube Pros

  • It helps reduce stress and anxiety
  • Improves cognitive function and socializing
  • It contains 12 potent nootropic ingredients
  • GMO-free, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly

NooCube Cons

  • Pricier than some other nootropic blends

NooCube in Summary

NooCube is a nootropic blend containing 12 different ingredients that all work synergistically to help you focus and relax in socially demanding situations. It's designed to help reduce stress and anxiety while also improving cognitive function.

2. Mind Lab Pro 4.0

Mind Lab Pro 4.0 is a new nootropic supplement with 11 clinically proven ingredients. The ingredients in Mind Lab Pro 4.0 are designed to support cognitive function, including memory, focus, attention, and brain health.

What's more, Mind Lab Pro 4.0 is also designed to help reduce stress and anxiety. This makes it an ideal choice for those who suffer from social anxiety.

The main ingredients in Mind Lab Pro 4.0 include:

  • Bacopa Monnieri 150 mg (24% bacosides w/ 9 bioactive)
  • Citicoline 250 mg
  • Phosphatidylserine (PS) (as Sharp PS® Green) 100 mg
  • Lion’s Mane Mushroom (organic full spectrum, fruiting body) 500 mg
  • Rhodiola Rosea (3% rosavins and 1% salidrosides) 50 mg
  • L-Theanine (as Suntheanine®) 100 mg
  • N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine (NALT) 175 mg
  • Maritime Pine Bark Extract (95% proanthocyanidins) 75 mg
  • Vitamin B6 (NutriGenesis® pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)) 2.5 mg
  • Vitamin B9 (NutriGenesis® methyl-folate) 100 mcg
  • Vitamin B12 (NutriGenesis® methylcobalamin) 7.5 mcg

Mind Lab Pro is a great choice if you want an all-natural nootropic supplement to help you focus, relax and feel more comfortable in social situations.

Mind Lab Pros

  • It helps reduce stress and anxiety
  • Improves cognitive function
  • Vegan-friendly and non-GMO

Mind Lab Cons

  • Some users complain about the taste
  • It might not be ideal if you're on a budget

Mind Lab Pro in Summary

With 11 clinically proven ingredients, Mind Lab Pro is designed to help you focus, relax, and feel more comfortable in social situations. The ingredients are all vegan-friendly and non-GMO, making it a great choice for those who want an all-natural nootropic supplement.

Mind Lab Pro contains adaptogens like Rhodiola Rosea and Maritime Pine Bark Extract, which help to reduce stress and anxiety.

3. Phenibut

Phenibut is a derivative of the neurotransmitter GABA, which regulates anxiety levels in the brain. When taken as a supplement, Phenibut works to increase levels of GABA, resulting in a calming effect.

Phenibut also helps to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, making it an ideal supplement for social situations. In addition, Phenibut can help to improve cognition and focus, making it easier to carry on a conversation.

At 200-1000 mg doses, Phenibut is generally well tolerated with few side effects. However, it is important to know that high doses of Phenibut can cause drowsiness and dizziness.

Therefore, starting with a lower dose and increasing gradually as needed is important. When used responsibly, Phenibut can be an effective way to reduce anxiety and improve your socialization skills.

Phenibut Pros

  • Extremely potent anxiety reliever
  • It also acts as a cognitive enhancer
  • Can be taken on an as-needed basis
  • Improves your socialization skills

Phenibut Cons

  • Most people build up a tolerance quickly
  • Can be hard to find high-quality Phenibut

Phenibut in Summary

Phenibut is an extremely potent anxiety reliever that also acts as a cognitive enhancer. At lower doses, it can be taken on an as-needed basis to improve your socialization skills.

However, most people build up a tolerance quickly, so it is important to cycle off Phenibut every few weeks, if you decide to use it regularly.

4. Theacrine

Theacrine is a purine alkaloid that is structurally similar to caffeine. It acts as a central nervous system stimulant and has thermogenic properties. Theacrine has been shown to increase energy levels, focus, mood, and motivation.[1]

According to Feduccia et al., Theacrine also decreases perceived fatigue and enhances physical performance by binding to adenosine receptors in the brain.

Adenosine is a neurotransmitter that promotes feelings of fatigue. By blocking these receptors, theacrine reduces feelings of fatigue and increases energy levels.

In addition, Feduccia et al. showed that Theacrine increases dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is associated with pleasure and motivation.

All these effects are extremely beneficial for socializing, as they can help you feel more energetic and motivated without causing jitters or anxiety.

Theacrine Pros

  • Increases energy levels, focus, mood, and motivation
  • Decreases perceived fatigue
  • Can be taken on an as-needed basis
  • Great if you want a boost without the jitters

Theacrine Cons

  • Can be hard to find high-quality Theacrine

Theacrine in Summary

Theacrine is great if you want an energy boost without the jitters. It increases energy levels, focus, mood, and motivation while also decreasing perceived fatigue.

When socializing, Theacrine can help you feel more energetic and motivated, making it easier to carry on a conversation.

5. L-Theanine

L-Theanine is an amino acid found naturally in tea leaves. It is considered a relaxant and has been shown to promote calmness and reduce stress levels.

L-Theanine works by crossing the blood-brain barrier and interacting with the neurotransmitter GABA. This increases GABA activity, which leads to a decrease in neuronal excitability. This, in turn, leads to a state of relaxation without drowsiness.[2]

In animal studies, L-Theanine has also been shown to boost levels of serotonin and dopamine, which are neurotransmitters associated with happiness and well-being.[3]

For these reasons, L-Theanine may be an effective supplement for socializing, as it can help to reduce anxiety and promote feelings of calmness and happiness.

L-Theanine Pros

  • Shown to reduce stress levels
  • Can help promote feelings of calmness and happiness
  • Helps reduce anxiety

L-Theanine Cons

  • May not be as effective if you’re already taking other supplements for anxiety

L-Theanine in Summary

L-Theanine is an amino acid found in tea leaves that has been shown to reduce stress levels and promote feelings of calmness and happiness. It can also help reduce anxiety, making it a great supplement for socializing.

6. Aniracetam

Aniracetam is a cognitive enhancer that has been shown to decrease anxiety, improve memory, and increase focus in animal studies.[4]

It is thought to work by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Acetylcholine involves many cognitive processes, including attention, learning, and memory.

Increasing this neurotransmitter's levels, Aniracetam may help improve memory recall and social skills. Additionally, Aniracetam has been shown to increase serotonin levels, another neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood and social behavior.[5]

Aniracetam Pros

  • Shown to improve memory and focus
  • Helps reduce social anxiety
  • Increases serotonin levels

Aniracetam Cons

  • Can be hard to get your hands on

Aniracetam in Summary

Aniracetam is a nootropic that has been shown to decrease anxiety, improve memory, and increase focus. Additionally, it has been shown to increase serotonin levels, making it a great supplement for socializing.

7. Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola Rosea is an herb that has been traditionally used to help address a number of conditions, including fatigue and anxiety. More recently, it has also been studied for its potential role in helping to ease Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) symptoms.[6]

GAD can have negative effects on social interactions, as people with GAD often worry about how they will be perceived by others. Rhodiola Rosea helps to reduce anxiety by increasing levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine.

If you're looking for an herbal supplement to help ease your anxiety and improve your social interactions, Rhodiola Rosea may be a good option for you.

Rhodiola Rosea Pros

  • Traditionally used to help address fatigue and anxiety
  • Shown to ease symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
  • Increases levels of serotonin and dopamine

Rhodiola Rosea Cons

  • Some vendors sell low-quality Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola Rosea in Summary

8. L-Tyrosine

L-Tyrosine is an amino acid that plays an important role in the production of neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that allow communication between nerve cells. dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.

These neurotransmitters are important for regulating mood, energy levels, and concentration. Taking L-Tyrosine supplements has been shown to improve cognitive function and increase dopamine levels in the brain.[7]

If you're looking for an all-natural way to improve your focus and energy levels whilst also reducing stress, then L-Tyrosine may be a good option for you.

L-Tyrosine Pros

  • Shown to improve cognitive function
  • Increases dopamine levels
  • Reduces stress

L-Tyrosine Cons

  • Can be expensive

L-Tyrosine in Summary

L-Tyrosine is an amino acid that has been shown to improve cognitive function, increase dopamine levels, and reduce stress. If you're looking for a natural way to boost your energy and concentration, then L-Tyrosine may be a good option for you.

What Are the Best Nootropics for Socializing?

The best nootropics for socializing are those that reduce anxiety and improve mood. Additionally, supplements that increase dopamine and serotonin levels may also be helpful.

Some great nootropics for socializing include:

  • NooCube
  • Phenibut
  • Aniracetam
  • Rhodiola Rosea
  • L-Theanine

If you're looking for a way to take your social interactions to the next level, then these nootropics may be a good option for you.

How to Choose the Right Nootropic Supplement for Socializing?

nootropics-for-socializing

When choosing a nootropic supplement for socializing, it's important to consider your individual needs and goals. Additionally, be sure to choose a high-quality supplement from a reputable manufacturer.

Are you looking for a way to reduce anxiety and improve your mood at the same time? If so, nootropics that increase serotonin and dopamine levels may be a good option.

If you're looking for a way to boost your energy and concentration, then nootropics that boost acetylcholine levels are the way to go.

Ultimately, the best nootropic supplement for socializing is one that meets your individual needs and goals. If you want to enhance the effects of the nootropics listed above, then consider stacking them.

Stacking is when you take two or more different nootropic supplements together to achieve synergistic effects. For example, you could stack NooCube with Phenibut to simultaneously reduce anxiety and improve focus.

What Are the Benefits of Nootropics for Socializing?

Nootropics offer a wide range of benefits for socializing, including reducing anxiety, improving mood, and increasing dopamine levels. Additionally, nootropics may also improve cognitive function and boost energy levels.

The way in which nootropics work for socializing is by modulating neurotransmitter levels in the brain. This helps improve communication between nerve cells, enhancing cognitive function and reducing stress.

This can be beneficial in social situations as it can help you think more clearly, remember names and faces more easily, and feel more relaxed and confident without having to rely on alcohol or other drugs.

What Are the Side Effects of Nootropics for Socializing?

The side effects of most nootropics for socializing are typically mild and may include:

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Insomnia

That being said, synthetic nootropics like Phenibut can cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms in high doses, so it's important to be aware of the risks before taking them.

Additionally, some nootropics may interact with medications such as SSRIs, so it's always best to speak with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.

Do Nootropics Really Work for Socializing?

Yes, nootropics can really work for socializing by reducing anxiety, improving mood, and increasing dopamine levels. Additionally, nootropics may also improve cognitive function and boost energy levels.

That being said, choosing a high-quality supplement from a reputable manufacturer is important. There are vendors selling fake or low-quality nootropics online, so be sure to do your research before making a purchase.

Additionally, it's always best to speak with a healthcare professional before taking any new supplement, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medication.

Final Thoughts

So, do nootropics really work for socializing? Yes, absolutely! Nootropics offer a wide range of benefits that can be helpful in social situations.

I recommend nootropics like NooCube and Phenibut for socializing as they are designed to help reduce anxiety, improve mood, and increase dopamine levels.

If you want to enhance the effects of these nootropics, then consider stacking them to take advantage of their synergistic effects.

References
  1. Feduccia, Allison A et al. “Locomotor activation by theacrine, a purine alkaloid structurally similar to caffeine: involvement of adenosine and dopamine receptors.” Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior vol. 102,2 (2012): 241-8. doi:10.1016/j.pbb.2012.04.014 â†‘
  2. 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 â†‘
  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 â†‘
  4. Nakamura, K, and M Kurasawa. “Anxiolytic effects of aniracetam in three different mouse models of anxiety and the underlying mechanism.” European journal of pharmacology vol. 420,1 (2001): 33-43. doi:10.1016/s0014-2999(01)01005-6 â†‘
  5. Shirane, M, and K Nakamura. “Aniracetam enhances cortical dopamine and serotonin release via cholinergic and glutamatergic mechanisms in SHRSP.” Brain research vol. 916,1-2 (2001): 211-21. doi:10.1016/s0006-8993(01)02939-0 â†‘
  6. Bystritsky, Alexander et al. “A pilot study of Rhodiola rosea (Rhodax) for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).” Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.) vol. 14,2 (2008): 175-80. doi:10.1089/acm.2007.7117 â†‘
  7. Jongkees, Bryant J et al. “Effect of tyrosine supplementation on clinical and healthy populations under stress or cognitive demands--A review.” Journal of psychiatric research vol. 70 (2015): 50-7. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2015.08.014 â†‘