Best Nootropics For Depression, Mood, and Relaxation

Major depressive disorder can cause poor mood, low motivation, insufficient energy levels, and other symptoms.

Unfortunately, this state can negatively impact your well-being, productivity, and enjoyment of pleasurable activities.

While antidepressant medications can treat depression symptoms effectively, they are known for many associated side effects.

Because of that, many people turn to nootropics for depression, which can alleviate most of the symptoms, either on their own or when combined with prescription drugs.

Let’s look at the best nootropics and what they can do to support your mental health and depression.

Top 6 Nootropics For Depression On The Market

1. Mind Lab Pro —
2. Performance Lab Mind —
3. Genius Joy —
4. Onnit New Mood —
5. PureRawz Aniracetam —
6. PureRawz Noopept —

Best Nootropic For Depression Overall

The best nootropics for depression can target various aspects of brain function, directly and indirectly, to treat symptoms of depression. While several nootropic supplements can do this, we selected the best one.

Ingredients	5/5
Effectiveness	5/5
Safety	5/5
Price	4.5/5

Mind Lab Pro is a full-spectrum smart drug that utilizes complementary ingredients to achieve wide-ranging benefits.

For example, it prompts cognitive enhancement with components for brain health while regulating acetylcholine, which means better focus even when you are in a depressed mood.

Mind Lab Pro contains Bacopa monnieri and Rhodiola rosea, which can efficiently improve memory and cognition.

In addition, it acts on neurotransmitters like GABA, dopamine, and serotonin, with which major depressive disorder can cause an imbalance.

This gets to the underlying issues of the mental illness in a way most other nootropics can’t.

Combined with l-theanine, these ingredients also fight stress to help you recover from low energy levels and other issues associated with depression.

As a result, this blend offers possible protection from neurological disorders and cognitive impairments.

Pros

Contains 11 potent and synergistic nootropics that target various parts of brain performance Excellent for overall cognitive abilities like focus, memory, and flow of thoughts, as well as fighting stress and anxiety Works on multiple symptoms of depression, from poor energy levels to low mood and brain fog and brain fog Label transparency. Uses only plant-based, non-GMO, and research-based ingredients The reputable company offers a money-back guarantee for 60 days

Cons

The cost is higher compared to some other nootropic supplements

Best Nootropic For Depression And Motivation

Since depressive disorders can make us feel lazy, uninspired, and uninterested, having a nootropic that can revitalize our ambitious feelings can be critical. Our choice goes for the finest option that helps with motivation and improves positive mood at the same time.

Ingredients	4.5/5
Effectiveness	4.5/5
Safety	5/5
Price	4.5/5

Performance Lab Mind delivers surprising effectiveness with a simple formula with a shortlist of only 4 scientifically proven ingredients.

Primarily it uses l-tyrosine and phosphatidylserine to keep motivation high and eliminate mental and physical fatigue. As a result, you will be able to get up and get to your day faster without feeling like everything is a chore.

In addition, the combination with other ingredients, Citicoline and Maritime Pine Bark extract, can help your cognitive function keep up with your newfound motivation so that your processing information attributes are enhanced while also boosting focus and concentration.

Finally, the Performance Lab Mind also provides benefits for chronic stress. The supplement can clear the brain fog and tedious thinking while relaxing the body and improving resilience in stressful situations.

Pros	The exceptional energy and burst of motivation are offered without the use of any stimulants Results are experienced immediately enough to bring you out of a depressive state Potential benefits include reducing stress and anxiety without causing uncomfortable side effects like sleep disturbance or drowsiness
Cons	Some people feel that it has to be stacked with additional nootropics for depression Only available from the official company website

Best Nootropic To Improve Mood And Reduce Stress

Clinical depression often coincides with increased anxiety and stress, which means nootropics that ease those problems can indirectly treat mood symptoms. Ideally, they should also influence cognitive performance.

Ingredients	4/5
Effectiveness	4.5/5
Safety	4.5/5
Price	4/5

Genius Joy uses ingredients that are unique in their mechanisms to target several aspects of stress and anxiety.

It includes S-Adenosylmethionine Tosylate Disulfate (SAMe), which many believe is suitable for depression treatment. Therefore, when used with additional ingredients, it may be great for all kinds of mood disorders.

Genius Joy also contains Red Panax Ginseng and L-theanine, a fantastic combination to reduce anxiety, especially social anxiety. It offers a sense of well-being and subtle energy to correspond with the anti-anxiety properties.

Other nootropics found in Genius Joy, like Rhodiola rosea and N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine, also add to these effects. While reducing stress, the results support the brain’s capacity to focus and improve cognitive performance.

For example, NeuroFactor Coffee fruit extract also aids in managing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and B vitamins keep the brain chemicals healthy.

Pros	Encourages relaxation both mentally and physically Mood boost is significant but does not cause extreme highs, lows, or emotional instability and mood swings Some ingredients may directly treat depression Works on various brain regions to offer mood-boosting results
Cons	All-around cognitive improvements are subtle; therefore, it should be primarily used as a mood supplement A couple of ingredients need more research

Best For Depression And Relaxation

When you alleviate depression, you will become more motivated and productive, but relaxation is still necessary. Having a nootropic that can help you retain a balance between output and relaxing time can be handy for staying productive while reducing the risk of burnout.

Ingredients	4/5
Effectiveness	4.5/5
Safety	3.5/5
Price	4.5/5

Onnit New Mood supplement offers relaxing tranquility, but it can also be good for the overall state of mind.

It uses L-tryptophan and 5-HTP, building blocks for serotonin, an essential neurotransmitter targeted by many medications for depression. This can help you feel happiness in daily activities and pleasurable routines that you used to enjoy.

Onnit New Mood also promotes relaxation using a blend containing Valerian Root, Chamomile, Lemon Balm, and Jujube. These ingredients have sedative effects that calm the mind, reduce tension, and improve sleep quality.

In addition, this blend contains B vitamins and some other ingredients that are essential for healthy cognitive functioning.

For example, if you have a vitamin D deficiency that contributes to your depression symptoms, it can also be a potential treatment option for balancing vitamin D levels.

Pros	Great for daily supplementation to regulate different mood disorders, depression, and anxiety Can promote healthier sleep patterns using all-natural ingredients Delivers fast results without any significant side effects
Cons	Contains a proprietary blend that does not show the actual dosage of the core ingredients

Best Racetam For Depression

Nootropics from the racetam family act as stimulant smart drugs commonly used to enhance cognitive performance, but they can also positively influence mood disorders. However, all racetams are not equal, and it is essential to know which one is the most useful for depression.

Ingredients	3/5
Effectiveness	4.5/5
Safety	2.5/5
Price	5/5

Aniracetam is the best racetam to lower anxiety and depression substantially. This is because it has properties that affect serotonin and dopamine levels, which are often struck with an imbalance in people suffering from major depressive disorders.

Nootropics like this compound create harmony with neurotransmitters known for treating depression similarly to antidepressants.

Depressive symptoms often include low energy, apathy, and a rapid decline in overall brain function that the stimulant effects of aniracetam can help with.

Also, aniracetam is suitable for increasing productivity, which tends to suffer from severe depression. So if you need a boost to get you up, this solution may be an attractive choice.

Pros	Great for immediate results for healthy mood, energy, and cognitive symptoms of depression Can improve overall cognitive performance and productivity as well as executive functions Affordable compared to many other depression nootropics
Cons	Synthetics and can cause negative side effects like nervousness, insomnia, weight gain, and more Can deplete acetylcholine if you do not cycle racetam or take additional brain supplements containing a choline source

Best Synthetic Nootropic For Anxiety And Depression

While many natural antidepressants work as expected, synthetic smart drugs can also be pretty effective nootropic supplements for anxiety and depression. Often they have potent effects that may provide something unique, but you need to be aware of potential risks.

Ingredients	2.5/5
Effectiveness	4.5/5
Safety	2.5/5
Price	5/5

Noopept is used to eliminate cognitive symptoms of impairments as it acts on neurotransmitters, nerve growth factor (NGF), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).

This mechanism can be significant for treating memory impairment, helping with focus, and supporting information processing.

NGF boosts dopamine and serotonin levels, promoting mood and reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.

The substance can also relieve anxiety related to fatigue, limiting the feelings of apathy and irritability that are often associated with depressive symptoms.

Furthermore, noopept may help you recover from symptoms of depression by increasing energy levels, getting better sleep quality at night, and providing neuroprotective attributes that help you stay sharp.

Pros	Has a significant impact on cognition, learning, and memory ability Boosts BDNF, NGF, and other brain chemicals that alter the underlying cause of depression and anxiety Immediate effects of supplementing can be beneficial through sadness and alleviate depressed mood
Cons	As a synthetic nootropic, it can cause many side effects, inducing insomnia, headaches, nausea, restlessness, and dizziness Has to be cycled to avoid tolerance when taking it

The Most Effective Nootropics For Depression To Stack

While many effective nootropics for depression are found within stacks, many ingredients can be excellent choices for depressed people, even when used individually. They all have different benefits to offer that you should consider before deciding which option is best for you.

Citicoline

Citicoline, a form of CDP-Choline, is primarily used for memory and treating Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

However, it also offers features that make it a reasonable option for depression because it acts on neurotransmitters, including norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine.

Citicoline can ease the mental fatigue that comes with depressive symptoms, motivation, and the ability to find enjoyment in everyday activities.

Research shows that it is beneficial for treating depression when combined with a prescription drug (1). Since it has so many unique mechanisms, it is excellent for well-rounded brain health support.

L-Theanine

L-Theanine is an essential amino acid mainly used to improve focus while offering a calming effect, but an aspect of this makes it great for depressed people.

L-Theanine is found in green tea leaves, and it can improve mood by producing alpha brain waves that work for mental tranquility (2).

In addition to affecting alpha waves, L-theanine can also reduce symptoms of depression by increasing neurotransmitter activity, primarily with the main inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, but also with dopamine and serotonin.

Some effects may take a while before being experienced, but this amino acid can work wonders for poor mood disorders without making it harder to concentrate and perform well cognitively.

Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola Rosea is a natural nootropic that can increase resistance to stress and reduce the impact of stress hormones on the body.

In addition to that, it can increase stamina, endurance, and mental performance, especially during stressful events, including clinical depression.

Rhodiola Rosea can keep your mind active and working optimally even when your mood is not up to par.

There is a significant amount of evidence that Rhodiola Rosea can be beneficial for alleviating symptoms of depression (3).

While the reason for this is not fully understood yet, it appears to be an adaptogen that can affect serotonin and possibly dopamine.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom

Lion’s Mane has many benefits that may be useful for symptoms of depression.

For example, excessive inflammation is a crucial contributing factor to major depressive disorder and other mental illnesses, and the lion’s mane has anti-inflammatory properties that can solve it.

Furthermore, research shows that Lion’s Mane mushroom can regenerate brain cells and improve the functioning of the hippocampus, a portion of the brain that processes emotional responses (4).

Other studies show that it may help with tension and irritation that may impact depression.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba is a fantastic addition to nootropic supplements because of its features for cognitive impairments, like learning and short-term memory problems, poor cognitive performance, and mood issues.

Ginkgo biloba can protect your brain and normalize the body’s response to a stressful event by reducing cortisol levels (5). In turn, you may have lower blood pressure and better circulation.

In addition, research shows that it may have antidepressant qualities that can be beneficial for addressing depression by repairing low dopamine and regulating other neurotransmitters.

Ginkgo biloba is also one of the best supplements for memory and preventing cognitive decline.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is a natural antidepressant. However, the evidence for its benefits on depressive symptoms is still limited, but what is available is very promising.

For example, one study shows that daily use of Ashwagandha noticeably improved symptoms of depression compared to a placebo group, and some of the results were substantial (6).

Not only can Ashwagandha reduce symptoms of major depression, but it may also be great for cognitive decline.

It also contains certain anxiolytic features, which is the most common reason people are taking nootropics containing this herb.

5-HTP

One of the best nootropics for depression is 5-HTP. This compound is converted into higher serotonin levels in the brain, acting in the same way as antidepressants.

There is evidence that 5-HTP, unlike the amino acid it comes from, crosses the blood-brain barrier, making it a possible treatment for depression that does not involve prescription drugs (7).

There is also some research, albeit limited, that 5-HTP could fight anxiety symptoms. In addition, the benefit of reducing stress can lead to better cognition and lessened depression.

This is especially true if neurotransmitter balance is an underlying reason for depression, mental health issues, learning troubles, or inability to function correctly.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

Evidence shows that Coenzyme Q10 can affect how we experience depression, particularly in those who have insufficient amounts of the enzyme.

The supplementation of the Q10 enzyme may also produce energetic processing within the mind that can keep you productive despite depression (8).

Coenzyme Q10 is a powerful antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory qualities that may be beneficial for people who are severely depressed or those with higher-than-normal cortisol.

It may also boost the impact of depression nootropics for someone currently taking antidepressants, although more research is necessary.

Racetams

The first racetam was a synthetic derivative of GABA, and the others offer similar properties that can be great for promoting an energetic response in people suffering from depression.

Racetams, like aniracetam and nefiracetam, may regulate dopamine and are great for cognitive processes for learning, stress, and memory functions (9).

However, there is not much research yet that concluded on the positive influence on depression, and there is a significant risk of side effects compared with natural options.

Still, this can be a powerful choice for alternative therapy to stabilize mood.

Phenibut

Phenibut is one of the best nootropics for stress and anxiety because it mimics GABA.

There is ongoing speculation about how it may influence dopamine and help with short-term depression (10). Therefore, more studies need to be completed.

On the other hand, it is proven to lessen the severity of some of the most frustrating aspects of depression and support functions like better relaxation.

It may also give your mood a much-needed boost, temporarily getting you out of depression.

Also, it may be used as a way to improve meditation or as an occasional supplementing option to stack with other useful nootropics.

Why Should You Choose Natural Nootropics For Depression?

Both natural and synthetic nootropics can be great for eliminating depression and regaining a balance of dopamine, GABA, and other neurotransmitters.

However, we recommend trying natural nootropic supplements first because they are less likely to cause adverse reactions and will typically not act as a cover-up. Instead, they work on the underlying causes of the depression.

Many synthetic options can be solid nootropics, but you have to be very cautious because they are known to cause many adverse effects. Usually, they have more potent effects that may end up causing more harm than you would like from natural nootropics.

Many prescription medications, like SSRIs, can be highly effective but are unlikely to contribute to better cognition or impact dopamine, and can lead to drug abuse.

Depending on the severity of your condition, some of the natural nootropics may work better solution than prescription drugs.

However, it is still recommended to consult a professional doctor before trying a potential alternative medicine or treatment on your own.

What To Look For To Relieve Depression With Supplements?

Nootropics can work in diverse ways, and knowing what to look for in terms of efficacy can help identify the best choices for your unique circumstances.

Connection Between Stress, Anxiety, And Depression

Anxiety and depression are intricately intertwined, and high-stress situations can exacerbate both conditions.

Many nootropics work by reducing stress, which can consequently improve your mood.

If you find it hard to relax and are constantly worrying about everyday happenings, this could be the root cause.

Therefore, if that sounds like you, nootropics for depression that provide relaxing properties, like L-Theanine, Ginkgo biloba, and Ashwagandha, will be the most helpful.

Neurotransmitters Imbalance

When neurotransmitters are not rightly balanced, you may suffer from consequences that include depression.

Proper levels of neurotransmitter activity are necessary to find pleasure, feel appropriate emotions, and even regulate bodily processes.

When those systems are imbalanced, the body and mind will not work the way they should.

Nootropics like Citicoline, 5-HTP, and Rhodiola Rosea can be great if this is the underlying condition that contributes to the depressive disorder. However, when this is the case, it may be necessary a daily use until you feel significantly better.

Conclusion

Certain nootropics can fight symptoms associated with depression both directly and indirectly.

These options can boost mood, improve perspective, reduce stress, and eliminate fatigue without compromising your cognitive performance.

While numerous choices can be advantageous, we highly recommend Mind Lab Pro to obtain the best results.

This formula is proven to positively support mental and cognitive health, and it will lift your well-being out of depression. In addition, it provides all nootropics you need to be productive and enjoy your life again.