Best Nootropics For PTSD

L-theanine is a compound in green tea leaves. It is famous for promoting a sense of calm and relaxation. It can also ease symptoms of anxiety, which may be useful for people with PTSD.

While there are no human studies on PTSD and l-theanine, there is some evidence from animal trials that it may be useful.

Researchers induced PTSD in rats, then studied parts of their brain. The rats who took l-theanine showed significantly fewer signs of PTSD than their counterparts.²Ceremuga, Martinson. Effects of L-Theanine on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Induced Changes in Rat Brain Gene Expression, The Scientific World Journal 2014

L-theanine has yet to be tested clinically on people, but there are also anecdotal reports that it can ease some of the symptoms of PTSD in individuals.

Ashwagandha is an ancient herbal remedy with a ton of nootropic potential. This adaptogen can improve mood and cognition in many different ways, and could also help treat PTSD.

One trial looked at overstressed adults and ashwagandha. They concluded that “high-concentration full-spectrum Ashwagandha root extract safely and effectively improves an individual's resistance towards stress and thereby improves self-assessed quality of life.”³Chandrasekar, Kapoor. A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults, Indian J Psychol Med 2012

Ashwagandha keeps cortisol levels in balance. Cortisol is a primary stress hormone that often spikes in times of anxiety.

This function is part of the “fight-or-flight” response that can go haywire when people have PTSD.

So, ashwagandha could help smooth out the increases in anxiety associated with this disorder.

Like ashwagandha, Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogenic herb that can fight stress and stabilize mood. According to animal studies, it may also help treat PTSD.⁴Gou-ping Ma, et al. L. Improves Learning and Memory Function: Preclinical Evidence and Possible Mechanisms, Pharmacol. 2018

Rhodiola may achieve its antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects by helping balance the neurotransmitters in your brain.

It can prevent the breakdown of dopamine and serotonin in the brain, and also improve the sensitivity of these receptors.

This process could improve overall mental stability.⁵Naseem Akhtar Qureshi, Abdullah Mohammed Al-Bedah. Mood disorders and complementary and alternative medicine: a literature review, Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2013 ⁶van Diermen D, et al. Monoamine oxidase inhibition by Rhodiola rosea L. roots, J Ethnopharmacol. 2009

Rhodiola rosea works on many of the systems, such as dopamine, serotonin, and cortisol, that are often out of balance in people with PTSD.⁷Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – A Primer on Neuropsychiatry and Treatment, PsychSceneHub. 2019

NAC (N-Acetyl L-Cysteine) is a powerful antioxidant that can be used to treat PTSD.

It works by clearing and repairing the oxidative damage caused by stress. The symptoms of PTSD can be challenging and cause significant harm to neurons, which NAC can counteract.

It can also keep levels of glutamate, which is known to cause anxiety if it gets too high.

One trial looked at veterans with PTSD and substance abuse disorders. They saw that the group that took NAC for eight weeks saw significant improvement over the placebo group.

It reduced post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms by 46 percent, substance use cravings by 81 percent, and depression by 48 percent in the patients, according to the authors of the study.

Keep in mind that both groups were also doing cognitive-behavioral therapy as well; NAC was only supplemental. Still, this is an encouraging result.⁸Sudie E. Back, et al. A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial of N-Acetylcysteine in Veterans with PTSD and Substance Use Disorders, Clin Psychiatry. 2016

This nootropic is a potent anxiety-busting supplement that could be useful for the acute symptoms of PTSD.

The Soviet space program developed phenibut as an anti-anxiety medication for cosmonauts that would not impair their motor function during spacewalks.

It remains a popular prescription for Russians suffering a variety of conditions, including PTSD.⁹Lapin I. Phenibut (beta-phenyl-GABA): a tranquilizer and nootropic drug, CNS Drug Rev. 2001

Phenibut quickly crosses the blood-brain barrier and starts working on the GABA system.

This process causes a potent calming effect, similar to pharmaceuticals such as Xanax or Valium, but without the dangerous side-effects.

Many people say it can be more effective than these drugs.

However, keep in mind that phenibut is not without its downsides. It is very potent and should not be taken more than once or twice a week.

Otherwise, you may develop tolerance or addiction. Phenibut dependence can be extremely unpleasant, and the withdrawals can be nightmarish, so please use very cautiously.

Especially considering that people who have PTSD are more likely to develop substance use disorders anyways.