Supplements That Support Neurotransmitters: For Low Energy, Anxiety, and Stress
Many patients we see in our NYC clinic come in feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or anxious — often without a clear reason. While these symptoms may look psychological on the surface, they’re frequently tied to neurotransmitter imbalances. These brain chemicals — like serotonin, dopamine, GABA, and norepinephrine — play a major role in regulating mood, energy, focus, and stress response.
Functional lab testing (such as the DUTCH Complete or organic acid panels) can help identify imbalances. But even before testing, there are some supportive nutrients that can gently nourish the nervous system and improve resilience.
Key Supplements That Support Neurotransmitter Balance
Here’s a list of commonly used supplements in our practice that support neurotransmitter function. These are best introduced one at a time, and ideally under practitioner guidance.
1. L-Tyrosine
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Supports: Dopamine, norepinephrine (focus, motivation, alertness)
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Best used: Morning or early afternoon, on an empty stomach
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Avoid if you’re already overstimulated or prone to racing thoughts
2. L-Theanine
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Supports: Calm, alpha brain wave activity; balances excess glutamate
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Best used: Anytime during the day or 30–60 minutes before bed
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Safe to combine with caffeine to smooth out its effects
3. GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)
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Supports: Relaxation, reduced overstimulation, stress resilience
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Best used: In the evening or before bed, especially for sleep issues or “wired but tired” states
4. 5-HTP or L-Tryptophan
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Supports: Serotonin production (mood, sleep, digestion, emotional balance)
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Best used: Late afternoon or evening
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Important: Avoid combining with antidepressants or SSRIs without guidance
5. Magnesium Glycinate or Threonate
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Supports: Nervous system relaxation, sleep quality, serotonin and GABA production
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Best used: Evening or before bed
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Magnesium is one of the most commonly depleted minerals in people with chronic stress or anxiety
6. Vitamin B6 (P5P)
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Supports: Cofactor in dopamine, serotonin, and GABA synthesis
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Best used: Morning or with meals
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Often used in combination with magnesium and amino acids for neurotransmitter support
Why Testing First Matters
Before starting a supplement plan, it's important to understand where your imbalances actually lie. Some patients may be low in dopamine, while others may have too much excitatory glutamate or not enough calming GABA. Functional labs such as the DUTCH Complete, organic acids, or even urinary neurotransmitter testing provide a helpful baseline.
In our NYC clinic, we regularly guide patients through personalized protocols based on:
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Hormone and adrenal health
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Neurotransmitter patterns
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Gut-brain connections
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Lifestyle and diet triggers
Supporting neurotransmitter health isn’t about chasing symptoms — it’s about restoring balance, starting with the right data and using targeted, time-tested tools.
