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If you’re overwhelmed by the fragmented information for nootropics spread across several websites, you can end your search.
How does one nootropic interact with another? Which one is safe? And which nootropics have side effects? We cover all that here.
Use our Nootropics Guide to get more familiar with the different types of cognitive enhancers and what they do. And you’ll be able to safely build your own stack.
Here you’ll find a comprehensive list of the latest nootropic compounds. We’ll review what each does along with their side effects. And mechanisms of action in your brain and body.
You’ll get nootropic dosing recommendations, and interactions with other nootropics and medications.
You’ll even learn the history of a nootropic compound. How and why it came into being. And how it’s used by the nootropic and medical community.
Some of the nootropics you’ll find on NootropicsExpert.com are prescription drugs in some parts of the world. These same nootropics are sold as OTC supplements in countries like the United States.
You should be able to find everything you need to know about nootropics on this site. No need to go anywhere else. Armed with this knowledge you can choose the best nootropics for you, and what you’re working to achieve.
The Definitive Guide to Nootropics
A nootropic is a substance that enhances cognition and memory and facilitates learning.
Neuro-hacking and the research behind brain modulation, nootropics, and bio-hacking in general is a constantly evolving and improving science.
We cover all that in The Definitive Guide to Nootropics.
The Big List of Nootropics
Nootropics cover a broad category of compounds with cognitive boosting properties.
They have minimal side-effects and are appropriate for long-term use.
The Big List is a quick reference guide for nootropics. Learn what its for, how its used, side effects, interactions and dosing suggestions.
The Best Nootropics
Achieving brain optimization comes with a lot of trial and error. Experimenting to see what works best for you. But spend enough time in the nootropics community, and you begin to see patterns develop.
After you try the latest edition to the racetam-family of nootropics. Most biohackers settle into the nootropic that works best for each category of; cognition & focus, memory, energy & motivation, anxiety & depression, and brain repair & maintenance.
The “Best Nootropics” page is a distillation of what we’ve found to be the best nootropics for each category of brain optimization. You’ll find a list of the best nootropic compounds for each category. And links through to more detailed articles for each category.
Have you heard of sluggish cognitive tempo? My son started MindLab for his lack of focus and anxiety…he doesn’t fit a lot of ADHD symptoms but has lacked focus he said and has always been so quiet his whole life, but has done ok in college and graduated in May with a 2.8 gpa…he managed! He is not disorganized, just lacks talking and getting any feelings out and has had bad anxiety as well since high school-he used to get tics and bad acne…both subsiding at age 22 finally…any suggestions? he does drink and party..I think to self medicate…
Hi Maryanne, that’s a tough one because there seems to be no real agreement on the cause or treatment for “sluggish cognitive tempo”. It does sound a lot like inattentive ADD. But the more I research nootropics and cognitive health, the more I realize that every one of us is different.
MindLab Pro is a good choice, and the best pre-made nootropic stack on the market today in my opinion. I deal with inattentive Adult ADD and use MindLab Pro with good results. Of course, I also find I need methylphenidate (Ritalin) because my brain doesn’t produce enough dopamine. Nor does it use what it does produce efficiently it seems.
One thing that may help you is Rhodiola Rosea. There is some in MindLab Pro, but in this case it may not be enough to reduce the anxiety symptoms.
I also use a number of other nootropics as well. ALCAR to boost acetylcholine, Vinpocetine to increase cerebral blood flow, and N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine to boost dopamine so the Ritalin has something to work with. Add to that 3-4 cups of green tea during the day. And 2-3 tablespoons of MCT oil (from coconut oil).
I’m not a doctor and don’t even play one on TV. So take my reply for what it’s worth. It’s certainly NOT medical advice nor is intended as such. There a lot more information on this site about dealing with focus and anxiety/depression. Experimentation is the only way to find out what will work best.
David, in 2007 i was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Have you researched any of the nootropics for this unfortunate illness? If you have can you help me out?
I use L-Tyrosine (perhaps is not enough). I was going to add Kava, L-Theanine, Vinpocetine, Huperzine-A and beta-alanine. Let me know if this is a good balance.
Paul, please check out Picamilon and N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC) here on Nootropics Expert. And look at the research studies in particular regarding Parkinson’s.
The Cleveland Clinic says you can dose L-Theanine up to 1,200 mg per day. Huperzine-A may be a good choice but please carefully read the dosage notes about cycling this nootropic.
And while Vinpocetine is currently easier to get than Picamilon here in the USA (not sure about Canada), Picamilon may be a better option for your situation.
For L-Tyrosine, you can dose up to 2 grams per day. I’m not sure how Kava can help. And don’t know enough about Beta-Alanine to comment.
For each of these you’ll have to experiment and see what works best for you.
Can you please advise what I can add to my current ADHD meds to help with energy motivation? I’m off of ADD medicine for years I do not want to increase and and currently just taking a dexedrine 2 times a day regular release but it’s not cutting it especially in the morning I feel I’m dragging and when I do Focus it’s on things I don’t need to focus on
Terre Ann, review the post I did on ADHD first. Should give you some ideas on how I’ve dealt with this. https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/
The best nootropics I’ve found for energy & motivation are Acetyl-L-Carnitine, CDP-Choline, Rhodiola, Pterostilbene. First, take a look at this post about Best Nootropics 2017 and you’ll get a brief summary of each > https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics/. Then click through to the review on each nootropic on that page.
And let me know if you have any questions.
Hi David,
I am learning so much from your site. Thank you! Except I am still not sure what would be best to take for an interview. When I get nervous, I forget all the words in my vocabulary (LOL) and lose focus. I also have autoimmune and it cause lots of brain fog and fatigue, which gets worse during interviews.
I need something to relax me, but not make me sleepy! Something for verbal fluency and quick thinking, focus, and alertness would be awesome!
I have been trying Ashwagandha for a few days, but not sure if I feel right on it. I feel a bit fuzzy and restless but not sure if it’s from the herb, and doesn’t seem to help my sleep like it’s supposed to.
I just ordered Phenibut and LTheanine, but also drink lots of green trea.
Any thoughts?
Mirna, please review the post I did on social anxiety here > https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-social-anxiety/.
Take a close look at the side effects of Ashwagandha here > https://nootropicsexpert.com/ashwagandha/. Especially the part about its effect on the immune system and thyroid. This may not be the nootropic for you.
I think you’re on the right track with L-Theanine, but be careful with Phenibut and read the review I did on that nootropic. Particularly the side effects and dosage recommendations.
Other suggestions are Aniracetam, magnesium, Rhodiola Rosea, and a high quality B-Vitamin complex that includes folate (not folic acid) and B12 – methylcobalamin (not cobalamin).
Hi David,
Me again :). I noticed you have hypothyroid. I have autoimmune hashimotos, which results in hypothyroid. Curious what you take for that..notice any benefit from nootropics that benefit the thyroid?
Thanks!
Mirna, that’s a loaded question and not easy to answer. Also one of the reasons I started Nootropics Expert. Because being hypothyroid took my brain offline. Nootropics turned my life around 180 degrees.
I use NP Thyroid sublingually 3 1/2 grains per day. Dosed throughout the day. My doc put me on Alpha Lipoic Acid for insulin resistance a couple of months ago. And that messes with my thyroid meds. So some days I need to add another 1/2 grain when I feel I’m going hypo.
Also have an issue with adrenals so use adrenal cortex 4-times per day.
It took me about 3 months to find out that Synthroid was making me sicker. It took another 3 years to get my body back into good enough shape using natural desiccated thyroid to start thinking about fixing my brain.
Spend some time on this site just searching and reading for the keywords “immune”, “autoimmune”, and “thyroid”. You should get some great ideas as you get a clearer understanding on what’s wrong, and the natural alternatives available to help fix them.
Thank you for all the great info, David!
I just received my Phenibut and LTheanine. I plan on trying Phenibut tomorrow as a test without taking anything else. I don’t plan on using regularly…max 1-2 per week, if that. I also don’t have an addictive personality 🙂
I plan on using L-Theanine on a regular basis with my daily supplements. I forgot to mention I’ve been taking NAC since my autoimmune diagnoses and LOVE LOVE it !
I am going to have to give Magnesium and B vit w/folate more of a chance. I don’t think I felt a difference with them. When I take Mag before bed, I don’t feel it relaxing me.
I get it with the Thyroid question…it was more out of curiosity. I refused all Thyroid Meds from the Doc..he had me on the smallest dosage of NatureThroid for 6 months, but numbers were not changing and he was worried if he increased the dose I would go hyperthyroid because of my anxiety. My TSH is under 4, so trying to get it down between 1-2. I will keep trying different things till it happens!
Thyroid Probs are wicked!
Thanks again!
Hi David,
In searching the internet for information on Nootropics, your website really stands out. What great info! I’m trying to nail down a supplement or a stack for ADHD symptoms along with poor verbal recall and fluency. Do you know of one that will help with these problems? I have this problem along with my 10 year old Son. It’s horrible. Trying to have a conversation with someone and you can’t find the words, can’t remember names, get sort of tongue tied when talking… We are taking Phosphatylserine and found this does help somewhat with memory. We are also taking b vitamins, minerals… Acetyl-L-Carnitine, CoQ10, Gaba… Nothing really helps with the verbal fluency problem. Any ideas?
You’re on the right track with your nootropic stack so far. First thing I’d add is 1000 mg DHA > https://nootropicsexpert.com/dha/. Next I suggest taking a look at Piracetam although I’d be very cautious about having your 10-year old son use it. His brain will continue to develop until his early 20’s. Disrupting that natural development is a dangerous thing to do. So proceed with caution with any nootropics. More on Piracetam here > https://nootropicsexpert.com/piracetam/.
Please carefully read through this article on treating ADHD with nootropics for ideas > https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/. And finally, you may want to consider Mind Lab Pro. It’ll help with ADHD symptoms, verbal fluency and provide the neuroprotection both of you need. More on Mind Lab Pro here > https://nootropicsexpert.com/mind-lab-pro-review/
Do you know whether or not nootropics might be beneficial in mitigating/repairing the effects of RSD/CRPS (an autoimmune/inflammatory/neurological disease)? It attacks both the ANS & CNS along with certain areas of the brain. I watched a couple of your YouTube summaries on the different chemicals/herbs and their beneficial effects on nerves, repair, etc. and it made me curious!
Eileen, yes nootropics should be able to help provide relief from RSD/CRPS. I’m certainly not a doctor, and don’t even play one on TV. But it seems RSD/CRPS is primarily caused by inflammation and messes with nerve signaling. So please search NootropicsExpert.com for the keywords “inflammation” and “anti-inflammatory”. Top of the list is Turmeric which you’ll find here > https://nootropicsexpert.com/turmeric/. And for nerve signaling I’d look at Magnesium which you’ll find here > https://nootropicsexpert.com/magnesium/
Good luck with your research and welcome to the wonderful world of Nootropics!
Hi David,honestly this is extremely comprehensive website that i have seen.thank you so much.i always see your youtube channel .unfortunately i have a problem name Mind Racing.i struggle every time with racing thought.three years ago my doctor put me on medications known SSRI, sertraline.it didnt help.i tried benzodiazepines but made me so drowsy.i dont know what to do.i always think.about every thing,this put me on difficulty to concentrate.i cant focus when i am studying. my mind goes anywhere.Is there any supplement that can help?how about medications?thank you for your time.i am waiting for your answer.
Kaveh, racing thoughts could be caused by an imbalance of glutamine and glutamate in your brain. I just published a new video on L-Glutamine you’ll find here > https://youtu.be/Qv0tEVzYD54. Others have reported being able to tame racing thoughts with Lemon Balm, Cat’s Claw or Picamilon. So my first suggestion is to try supplementing with L-Glutamine to see if that helps. Please read the reviews on each of these here on Nootropics Expert. Or see the videos on YouTube I’ve done for Cat’s Claw and Lemon Balm. Picamilon will be up in the next couple of weeks. If it’s not glutamine and glutamate being out of balance, it could be low GABA. That’s where the other nootropics I mentioned could help.
Hi David
This is a great site, and filled with valuable information. Thanks for all the fantastic advice and in depth articles. As a nootropic newbie, looking to try to get more focus and motivation in life (generally I do not sleep well and my mind is all over the place, might even be ADHD) I was looking for a nootropic to assist. I am happy for something to focus with, motivate, resolve some mild depression/anxiety and give me more energy.
I contacted a local nootropic supplier (there aren’t many in SA) and he advised to start with FLModafinil and there stack called neuroactive day and neuroactive night (did not help with sleep). I started with this and did see some slight increase in focus, but my mind was still all over the place. The FLModafinil did cause some nausea but nothing unbearable. However, I did get an urge to sleep after a few hours and sometimes immediately after taking it especially if I was notworking or doing anything.
Having said this, what stack would you recommend me to start with to gain value from nootropics? I am just very confused with the vast amount of nootropics on the market. I am happy to start small.
Ash
Ash, great questions and I have a couple of suggestions. If you are truly ADHD, please take a look at this post > https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/. The stack I use for Adult ADD is near the top of that article and works very well for me.
Your reaction to FL Modafinil is interesting. One of the neurotransmitters it affects is histamine which you could have a problem with. But it would take much more research on your part to learn exactly how FL Modafinil works in your brain. And some trial and error to figure out why it’s affecting you the way it is.
According to the labels on Neuroactive Day and Neuroactive Night, the doses in some of the ingredients are much below therapeutic doses to provide much benefit. And why you get only some benefit from using them. The only reason the company could call the one product “Night” I think is because it contains a small amount of melatonin. More about melatonin here > https://nootropicsexpert.com/melatonin/
I suggest you take a close look at my favorite pre-made stack called Mind Lab Pro. I’ve tried a lot of different pre-made stacks and this one works the best for me. And thousands of other neurohackers as well. You can see my full review here > https://nootropicsexpert.com/mind-lab-pro-review/. And they do ship to South Africa.
Dear David,
Along with each 500 mg of berberine, how many mg.s
of milk thistle are required for absorption?
Sincerely, Phill
Phoenix, Arizona
Phill, one study found that 210 mg of Silymarin with 1,000 mg of Berberine was most effective. http://www.vellejaresearch.com/upload/documenti/193_20131124232610.pdf. Silymarin is one of the active compounds in Milk Thistle. High quality Milk Thistle supplements typically are standardized at 80% Silymarin. So depending on the supplement you choose and it’s total mg of Milk Thistle extract, you’d need to do a little math to figure it out.
Thanks so much for the in depth response. I am still in awe of how you personally respond to each message you receive. Again, thank you.
I am not certain I am ADD, maybe I should see a doc and confirm. For now mind lab pro is a little pricey for me. Having read a few of your articles, and others online I am considering moving to racetams. Currently in my cart from the same supplier in SA I have Lions Mane, Aniracetam, Theannine and Caffeine, Sulbutiamine, Alpha GPC and Noopept. I have heard good things about Noopept and Aniracetam. I think the Alpha GPC is to absorb the racetams?! Theanine and caffeine probably test it seperately and Lions Mane for the repair function.
I was basically reading articles on this website and others and adding what was available to my cart. No idea how much of each to take at 1st, or how to combine if I should. Can you maybe provide some of your advice on what will be good to start with and what not based on the above? Also, probably would prefer starting and testing individually before stacking.
Thanks again for the absolutely great website.
Ash
Ash, you can use everything you currently have on your list as long as you follow the dosage instructions closely. Dosage instructions are explained in detail on each review page here on Nootropics Expert. Always start with the lowest recommended dose and see how your body reacts.
Aniracetam and Noopept both affect acetylcholine use in your brain. So you must provide your brain with a precursor to make sufficient acetylcholine for these nootropics to work effectively. And prevent a “racetam-headache”. Both nootropic reviews here on Nootropics Expert explain dosing with either Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline.
Caffeine should be taken with L-Theanine to prevent the jitters that often come with caffeine use. Again, this is explained in detail in the L-Theanine review.
One more thing about dosing: all the dosage recommendations here on Nootropics Expert are based on therapeutic doses taken from clinical studies. And personal experience. These doses are often different than what you’ll see on supplement manufacturer labels. But always start with the lowest therapeutic dose to see how you react!
I appreciate your compliments on Nootropics Expert. It’s a labor of love and writing about what’s saved my life.
Dear David, great website and a wealth of good knowledge.
I was wondering I have just started taking mind lab pro; which I have read a great deal about along with great reviews. I take ciprilex antidepressents for many years. I still feel very flat sometimes.. I eat healthy and walk a lot. im 39 yrs old and really want to have back my tiger eyes back! you that feeling when you want jump out of bed in a morning! what could you recommend? mabe iodine?
looking forward to hear from you,
at your earliest convience
kind Regards Oliver
Oliver, depending on the person, it may take anywhere from 1 – 3 weeks to experience the full effects provided by Mind Lab Pro. As long as you’re dosing it everyday. You don’t mention how much Cipralex your using. But this SSRI very much complicates correcting the motivation issues you mention. Cipralex prevents the reuptake of serotonin in your brain. And has an effect on at least one of the serotonin transporters. Meaning you have more serotonin available.
Once you start messing with serotonin, there’s a real danger of throwing your catecholamines off balance. Because the synthesis of both serotonin and dopamine depend on the same enzyme. Please read and understand what’s going on in your brain by reading this > https://nootropicsexpert.com/5-htp/#more-involved-in-depression-and-stressthan-serotonin. I am NOT suggesting you start using 5-HTP. In fact, please do not as it would be very dangerous given that you’re on a SSRI.
I also recommend you review this article on depression > https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-depression/
Finally, please take a look at this article on motivation > https://nootropicsexpert.com/hacking-motivation-with-nootropics/. Take a close look at Rhodiola Rosea (there is some in Mind Lab Pro), Pramiracetam, and make sure you’re taking a high quality B-Complex Vitamin that uses folate (not folic acid) and methylcobalamin (not cyanocobalamin).
I think everyone should be supplementing with iodine and selenium to support thyroid health. Given your age and you are male, you may want to get a full testosterone panel done including estradiol. Also a full thyroid panel and learn how to read your own lab results. This book will help > http://amzn.to/2vPPwc0
Getting those ‘tiger eyes’ back is a journey. I know because it took me almost 5 years. But it was worth the journey. Nootropics saved my life and things are better now than ever for me. So please continue your research and do not be afraid to (cautiously) experiment.
I’m currently battling with a psychiatrist at my job. Can you give me some peer-reviewed medical journal websites that you use to get some of your information? Do you use pubmed?
I tend to recommend probiotics, DHA, L-tyrosine, L-theanine and GABA (for ADHD with anger) for ADHD kids; she thinks it will conflict with the meds she has them on.
Also, what are your thoughts about probiotic use?
Ben, I highly recommend probiotics and in fact, the very first blog post I wrote for Nootropics Expert is here > https://nootropicsexpert.com/psychobiotics-gut-brain-connection/.
For ADD and ADHD including for kids, please see this post > https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/.
Every article on Nootropics Expert has a “REFERENCES” pull-down menu below each article. There you’ll see live links to all the major peer-reviewed medical journals that I reference in the post or review. They include: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/, http://journals.plos.org/plosone/, http://www.sciencedirect.com/. And others.
Good luck with your psychiatrist. I’ve lost count the number of doctors I’ve ‘fired’ over the last ten years. Most doctors in the West and especially in the USA were trained in medical schools financed by Big Pharma. The pharmaceuticals dictate what is taught to young doctors. And of course are only exposed to pharmaceuticals to treat disease.
Most doctors are much too busy or simply do not have any interest in thinking outside the box. I’ve spoken to some doctors who refused to recommend any natural or alternative remedies for fear they would lose their medical license. Or worse. But I do not want to go down the political, moral or ethical road with Nootropics Expert. This will always be a place where people looking for answers can find alternatives they can’t find anywhere else.