Here at NootropicsExpert.com, we explore the universe of nootropics. You’ll find all the information you need to get the results you want.
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. Verification
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.
Hi David,
Could you please recommend any safe and natural supplements for anhedonia (feeling of extreme boredom/apathy)? I have tried L-Tyrosine but it doesn’t help. For me, tyrosine seems to give a caffeine-like effect (makes me feel more awake), but nothing more than that. Choline doesn’t have any effect on me at all.
These are some of the supplements I’ve tried for my anhedonia:
Multi-vitamin, multi-mineral, vitamin D (high dose), fish oil (high EPA, high DHA, salmon oil, krill oil, cod liver oil, etc.), flaxseed oil, biotin, B-complex, probiotic, vitamin C, phenylalanine, SAMe, PS/CDP/GPC choline, methyl B12, methyl folate, DMG, DMAE, rhodiola, methionine, lion’s mane (oriveda, ND, host defence), NAC, milk thistle, vitamin E (broad spectrum), uridine (TAU, UMP, happy stack), St. John’s Wort, tryptophan, protein powders, melatonin, PSerine, DLPA, 5-HTP, L-Tyrosine, astaxanthin, lithium orotate, kelp, ALCAR, magnesium (citrate, oxide, glycinate), microzinc, vitamin K (MK-7), polygala tenuifolia.
As you can imagine, I’ve spent quite a lot of money on supplements, but surprisingly/unfortunately still nothing seems to help 🙁
I do know from rare experiences, that sometimes when I eat fish the previous day, I wake up the next day feeling pretty amazing. This has happened multiple times. I thought it might be omega 3, but I’ve tested lots of omega 3 supplements without any luck. I don’t go out in the sun very much, and almost never exercise, and do tend to be stressed out a lot, so I wonder if that might give you any clues as to what might be happening inside my brain?
I appreciate your help,
Alex.
Oh, and I forgot to also mention, along with the anhedonia (most of the time) I also have very severe fatigue (physical and mental). Sometimes the anhedonia and fatigue is so bad that even breathing feels like a chore. If I have orgasms (especially multiple in one day), that almost always makes the anhedonia and fatigue much much worse, and lasts maybe a week. But either way, I always seem to feel pretty crap. As you can imagine, my motivation is pretty much zero. I feel like I have to force myself to do any work, which ends up feeling like torture, where every 5 minutes feels like 30 minutes.
Alex, see my previous response. You don’t say your age. And don’t mention your testosterone levels. Which you likely don’t want to share here. But your symptoms could be a neurotransmitter imbalance (i.e. low dopamine), low hormones, nutrient deficiencies, mitochondrial dysfunction, or a leaky gut barrier.
Those are options and most are covered on Nootropics Expert. Only other option I can suggest is a consultation with me: https://nootropicsexpert.com/personal-consultations/
Alex, are you on my newsletter email list? Because I did a bit on anhedonia this year on July 07 I think it was. The only thing that’s been proven to help anhedonia is Ketamine. Which is a NMDA receptor antagonist.
If you do a search of Nootropics Expert for “NMDA receptor antagonist” you’ll get L-Theanine, Huperzine-A, Lithium Orotate, and Cat’s Claw as verified NMDA receptor antagonists. Will they work as well as Ketamine? It’s unlikely but it’s a more affordable option.
What dose of Vitamin D are you using? Because excess Vitamin D can have very negative consequences. A safe dose is 4000 IU per day. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests optimal Vitamin D status is achieved with a serum (blood) 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration >75 nmol/L. So I suggest getting your levels checked.
A clue is how you feel when you eat fish. And yet you’ve tried various Omega-3 supplement with little success. Please see my “Available Forms” section of https://nootropicsexpert.com/dha/ for good “Omega-3” options. I’ve only found 3 that are worth using.
David
My moms blood calcium level has raised to high. Im really worried. Shes now at 10.3. I had her on vitamin d3 supplementation 10,000 iu daily. But i stopped giveing her that because it enhances calcium absorbtion.
Im also thinking about putting her on magnesium to keep that excess calcium out her arteries. I also already have her on vitamin k2 mk7. Do you know of any nootropics or natural herbs that lower calcium in the blood. Or anything over the counter?
Cy, have you checked for a parathyroid tumor? These tumors are benign but almost always cause hypercalcemia. This page is a good source for an explanation of what it is and how to easily get it checked: https://www.parathyroid.com/high-calcium.htm
I havent checked yet for that but im positive she dont have that. Im pretty sure its from the vitamin D. Is there anything you know of that lowers calcium in the blood?
Cy, that was the predominant thing that came up in my research. There was nothing else other than someone supplementing with too much calcium.
I do have a question what supplements would you recommend for someone with adhd, severe anxiety, and memory problems? The problems I’m having is I’m a 2e student, but my disorder makes it extremely hard to show in a school setting because either I get to anxious and forget everything I learned, or I can’t pay attention, so most of my teachers can tell I’m very intelligent in person, but not on standardized tests which I usually have brain fog at the end, and which usually puts me at 10 points from being considered being above grade level. I take focalin, and prozac, but it doesn’t actually lower my symptoms enough to allow me to prove I’m gifted or to take standardized tests. I also take alpha gpc, citicoline, b complex, vitamin d, l-lysine, l-theanine, cherry extract, garlic, fish oil, but nothing seems to improve my memory, and anxiety enough. Is there any other things you would recommend to add that could really help with memory, stress, and adhd? It’s really hard to be gifted, but not being able to really prove it in school, it’s like people think your very intelligent, but I can’t really prove it in the forms of standardized tests and state tests because of my high anxiety, and which takes a hit on my memory. It also doesn’t help that I have adhd which makes everything even worse.
Matt, my protocol for ADD and ADHD which I’ve used for the last 12 years. And is now used by thousands around the world should help you. You’ll find that regimen here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/
BTW, Prozac is likely doing you more harm than good. I suggest you do some research on its side effects and compare those to the symptoms you are experiencing.
David,
What do you know about Oxaloacetate? I took it several years ago and it seemed to have a slight impact but not not enough justify continuing it, at that time.
Darcy, Oxaloacetate is a four carbon molecule that receives an acetyl group from acetyl CoA to form citrate, which enters the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle) which I explain here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/nootropics-glossary/#krebs-cycle
Hi David. Your work help me change my life and many others. God bless you.
Can you please study about Glycine. It’s something that I love but you don’t have any thing about it.
Renos, it’s on my list “to do”. But thanks for the reminder. 🙂
Hi, David, I like your channel. It is exciting. Please could you tell me why you don’t use ashwagandha in your supplements? Is Rhodiola Rosea better than ashwagandha?
Thank you.
Francesca, I don’t use Ashwagandha because my body doesn’t like it. But I’m OK with Rhodiola Rosea.
One is not “better” than the other. These are two very different nootropic supplements that work differently in your body and brain. And provide different benefits. Only you can figure out which one works best for you. And that’s by trying one and then the other. And see how you feel after each one.
Don’t forget that these adaptogens can take weeks of daily dosing to get their full benefit. The purpose of trying them one at a time first is to see if you have a negative reaction. Or not.
David, I’m not doing too good this last 7 days or so. I had to take 2 naps yesterday and am trying not to take one right now. I can’t drink anymore caffeine today, it’s 2:20 pm, it would mess up my sleep cycle. As such, is there any supplements that you think would be worth taking more than your usually prescribed amount, that might pull me out of this? Over the next few days?
Here’s my current list (probably missing a few and too lazy to get dose amounts)
NADH subligual
Performance Lab (PL) Energy
PL multi
NAC
NALT
Aniracetam
Sulbutiamine
Pregnenolone
Pterostlbene
L-Carnosine
B complex
D with K2
Lugol’s idodine
Ascorbyl palmitate
potassium
magnesium (at night)
the extras like
rodeola
ginseng
moringa
matcha
mucua
niacin 500 – 1000 mgs (at night)
beef liver
gotu kola and more, don’t seem to affect me
I’m hoping I can mega dose something(s) just for 3 days, to get out of
this extra fatigue phase. I know you constantly remind us that more is not often better, but I hate being the walking dead my whole life.
BTW PL Stim doesn’t do anything for me, and I’m out of it.
Darcy, if this is what you’re using and you’re still dealing with chronic fatigue there’s something else going on. I cannot provide any more guidance here without knowing more. And this comment thread is not the place to do it. Both for privacy sake and a disproportionate amount of my time while ignoring the rest of the community.
I suggest you set up a time on my calendar if you’d like to work together and get to the bottom of this. It looks like it’s going to take some digging to find the cause. But it’s the only way I know of to get you back into the land of the living.:-)
Hi David. Just thought I’d mention for Darcy to consider sam-e if not already tried. I also suffer from fatigue and found that 1000mg once or twice a day really gave me a lift.
Im making a new Stack and I was wondering how I would Optimize it. I would appreciate it if someone would want to tell me which ones I could pair together and when to take them and maybe what situation to take them in.
New Stack ( permanent additions, most likely) Iodine, Zinc, Vitamin D, Omega 3, Magnesium, Multivitamin, B Complex, ALCAR, Uridine, Lion’s Mane, Bacopa Monnieri, Citicoline, Aniracetam, Noopept, Lithium Orotate, CoQ10, and Ubiquinol Black Seed Oil
Things that seem good that I want to put in (would appreciate recommendations which ones to use or new ones I haven’t found)
Huperzine-A, SAM-e, PQQ, PS, PC, PEA, Pine Bark Extract, Rhodiola Rosea, Maca, Gotu Kola, CoQ10 and Ubiquinol Resveratrol Pterostilbene
I’m also using the mind diet 🙂 and may have ADHD (speculative going to check it out), if that contributes to anything.
Bernardo, each of the individual reviews for the nootropics you mention include dosage recommendations as well as the mechanism of action for each. You need to do the research and read through each of those reviews listed here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/nootropics-list/
You can avoid any two or more nootropics that have a similar mechanism of action in your brain.
If you require more help I suggest scheduling a consultation with me and I’ll help you sort it out: https://nootropicsexpert.com/personal-consultations/. But I still highly recommend doing the reading so you understand exactly what you are taking and why.
Hi David,
I have been learning about lithium orolate , interesting !
Iam wondering what exactly is orolate ? Or oratic acid ?
Are they the same or …..
And what is lithium orolate vs
Elemental lithium ?
Al, the “orotate” is oracti acid and the rest is 5 mg elemental lithium.
Hi David,
I want to know, whether there are any nootropics which help to make antidepressant medication work better (SSRI in particular). I know about Inositol from your Videos, but are there any other nootropics?
Best regards,
Abdullah
Abdullah, Inositol is good choice to safely use with antidepressants. Keep in mind that since antidepressants usually affect serotonin, and sometimes dopamine and/or norepinephrine. Logic says they’ll work best if you have enough of those neurotransmitters available.
Since you can’t directly boost serotonin using something like L-Tryptophan, or boost dopamine using something like L-Tyrosine (depending if it’s a SSRI or SNRI). You can still support their synthesis by using cofactors. And those include the B-Vitamins and some of the minerals. SAM-e, while not usually in a high quality multi, is also involved in neurotransmitter synthesis.
I suggest getting a good Multi like the Performance Lab NutriGenesis Multi for men because it’ll help antidepressants work better: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-multivitamin-for-men-to-buy-in-2020/
You can also support their use by making sure your brain cells are in good shape. And that means using DHA (https://nootropicsexpert.com/dha/) and maybe Phosphatidylserine (PS) (https://nootropicsexpert.com/phosphatidylserine-ps/).
Thanks a lot for the advice David
Best regards,
Abdullah
Hi David. I first heard of you on the Rebel Health Podcast and it was very informative. I am always searching for that “cure” or at least something to make quality of life as best possible. I have Myasthenia Gravis and although I’m told that it’s an uncurable disease I march on. Guess you could say ive been trying various combos of supplements since I was first diagnosed in 2013. My Doc’s pretty much have a no-comment when I bring up things I try. However they have never told me NO…. I guess cause they have no idea either. Ive been on all the various drugs and now im left with prednisone( (only 10mg/day) and occasionally mestinon when needed.
Have you ever heard of a stack for this condition? I currently use Hup-A 400mg every other day, ALC, ALA, samE, N-acetyl L-Tyrosine, lithium orotate, all the “B’s”, alpha gpc, benfotiamine, L-methylfolate….etc…etc all the major vitamines and minerals. I have to get my magnesium from very low dose chelated supps or food or topical chloride. For some reason my body does not like mag and that has put me in hospital a few times.
With that said my problem is supplement exhaustion…so many. What helps, what combo does what!?! I gets confusing and expensive. Do you or anyone reading this Know of a good stack for MG? …or am I the only one?… It gets lonely out here.
Thanks Sir.
Ron, from the research I’ve done into MG, it appears that acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are the most used and effective option (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25310725/).
Huperzine-A is one acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. But there are other options available. Although maybe not as effective as Hup-A. They include Black Seed Oil, Berberine, Holy Basil, Saffron, Lemon Balk and Ashwagandha extract.
Each of these other nootropics are worth looking into because of the other benefits they offer. But if you’re already having success with Huperzine-A I’d be careful about adding more AChE inhibitors to your stack.
Of course, there’s more to a healthy life than taking care of Myasthenia Gravis symptoms. And it’s why most experienced biohackers have several nootropic supplements in their stack.
Ron, please change your mind about “supplement exhaustion”. There is no such thing as a “one pill” solution as we’ve been conditioned to believe by mainstream medicine. You use what it takes to feel good. It’s no different than having a variety of food on your plate for a well-rounded and healthy meal.
Thanks David. One more question and I’m not sure it’s related. I have had tinnitus for some time and lately it ha became worse. Any supplements that you know of that would cause this or perhaps help the condition?
Ron, my covered tinnitus in my July 2019 email newsletter which you’ll find archived here: https://mailchi.mp/38c358b3560e/try-these-nootropics-for-tinnitus
Dude! I had a consultation on Dec 6th ’19. I have lifelong debilitating fatigue. I was already taking a lot of the supplements you suggested but about half and so you suggested additional ones. I didn’t follow all of your suggestions due to being housebound and also cost (couldn’t get tests taken). However, I did increase supplements based on your consultation and I am also taking a few other things not mentioned. Three days ago I had my first noticeably productive day. I hate journaling and gave up on that last month, but what I do remember is; I cooked, washed some dishes and took a shower. I still needed to nap but I’m trying not to focus on that. Yesterday I stayed focused (I have ADHD as well) enough to do a lot of computer work that I normally can’t do. Today, I feel less of my malaise, and I washed dishes, twice(!), and make compound garlic butter and garlic cream cheese, and it’s not even Noon yet. I know this is unimpressive to those who don’t understand, but I’d wash some dishes about twice a month. I’d cook, maybe, three to five times a month and I wouldn’t be able do to extra stuff, like compound butter. I’d just dump some ground beef or whatever in a slow cooker or skillet, add salt and cook until done because doing any more was too much.
Also, somehow you boosted my hope that kept me going, kept me trying. I’ve been fighting this all my life, and I’m old, and I was just trying to slow my decent. I took nearly six months, keeping in mind I didn’t follow your protocol to a T, and there were really bad days where I couldn’t even manage to take supplements at all.
Whatever is wrong with me, the current medical culture could care less. I’m sure there are test that exist that would help with information but no one would refer me to a specialist because they couldn’t see anything wrong… which is why I needed a specialist.
I know enough to not expect every day to be good but now I have hope and energy to keep at this. Rambling sorry. I’m just trying to say you helped me, and thank you so much.
Darcy, thank you for reporting in. And your comments are the reason why I offer consultations. Nootropics helped save my life several years ago. But stories like yours will hopefully encourage someone else reading this to not give up hope. And give nootropics a try.
Hi David,
Thank you for sharing all of this amazing information. I just bought your book, and will be printing it out and binding for reference and note taking. I initially was seeking help with anxiety, and I have been experimenting with a few supplements, AND recently got my neotransmitter levels tested which was very interesting.
But now I am wondering, for fun, if nootropics can be used as appetite suppressant. Is there a link to any nootropics to aid in weight loss?
~ Natalie
Natalie, so a search of Nootropics Expert for the keyword “weight loss” and see what turns up. I just tried and got two pages of results.
David thank you so much for all of your work and as support i just ordered your book, cant wait to arrive.
i came across PEA and i am really interested in trying it but i have a question:
i fell in love with empathogens like mdma and 2cb and i know that they can have a bad effect if used frequently so i am looking for an alternative, would PEA do it for me?
any advice is appreciated
thank you
Zack, the book you are referring to is “Secrets of the Optimized Brain” and it will arrive in your email inbox as a digital download.
But you may need to go looking for your download link. Because all Microsoft-owned email services including msn.com have this bad habit of sending Nootropics Expert emails and newsletters to folders other than your inbox. So if it did’t land in your regular inbox when you subscribed May 21 please check your other folders including Spam.
Some neurohackers love PEA for its stimulant and mood enhancing qualities. The PEA class of compounds include amphetamines, empathogens, stimulants, psychedelics, appetite suppressants, bronchodilators, nasal decongestants, and antidepressants. And one of the most famous of course is MDMA.
But you will not experience the same effect as you do with MDMA. Please read the entire review carefully from top to bottom including how to use it for best results. https://nootropicsexpert.com/phenylethylamine/
Hi David, I came across your site today and it seems to be a treasure trove of info. I’m studying for my year 12 exams and am looking for something to help with concentration, focus, and memory. Any suggestions?
Elijah, check out this post https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics/ and look at the table in the first section. There is a section called, “Learning & Memory”. Make a stack out of those nootropics and it should help. But follow dosage recommendations for each supplement.
On the L-Theanine page, section “Available Forms”, you write “A great side benefit for neurohackers is green tea also contains caffeine. A cup of good quality green tea has less caffeine than a cup of coffee. About 10 mg less.”.
This is the first time I’ve seen such a high number for caffeine content in green tea. And unsourced, I find it highly doubtful.
And the few long-term studies on caffeine are not positive. Performance enhancing only when forcing the participants to stop caffeine, or to start from nothing. It’s cheap as hell, and does help in the short term, and probably much better with theanine, but I’d not be recommending stimulants with only short-term studies behind them.
Just some problems — otherwise this site is excellent and well-sourced!
John, thanks for your input but I absolutely disagree with you on a couple of points. Caffeine content in green tea can vary considerably. I have one type in my kitchen that is 70 mg caffeine per cup. But most of course can be lower. Some more than others. And how you steep your tea can affect it as well.
I also disagree with you on caffeine. We have plenty of studies showing its effectiveness and safety including used long-term. IF you know how to use it. We also have several thousand of years proving its effectiveness. Have you read my review on caffeine here? https://nootropicsexpert.com/caffeine/
Hi David! the information on your site is great and complete! I have been struggling with low blood pressure for a long time which destroys all my attempts with nootropics, I would appreciate your recommendation for my problem. Low blood pressure is inherited by genes. thank you in advance..
Bob, many nootropics tend to lower blood pressure. So it’s always good to read the “side effects” section of each of my nootropic reviews. Those you likely want to avoid until you get your blood pressure to normal. Here’s a list of all the nootropics I’ve reviewed so far: https://nootropicsexpert.com/nootropics-list/
Increases in dopamine and norepinephrine can raise blood pressure. And you raise those with L-Tyrosine. Holy Basil also increases the release of dopamine and acts as an MAOI. So it may help. And last one to check out is DHEA which is a steroid hormone produced by your adrenals. And can be taken as a supplement.
David,
In your video on Phenibut, you cautioned against using it with diazepam and related drugs.
Would it be safe to take a small dose diazepam 24 hrs. after taking a small dose of Phenibut?
Thanks,
John
John, highly doubtful because it takes Phenibut so long to kick in. I’d be real careful about trying this.
Hi David,
Thanks for all your content, what do you think of the current stack i am taking once a day.
300mg Alpha GPC
1g lions mane
150mg Ginkgo Biloba
100mg caffeine
200mg L-theanine
1g creatine monohydrate
This stack focuses on stimulation from caffeine, increasing acetylcholine, increasing ATP for brain energy, improving blood flow and increasing NGF BDNF. I was thinking about swapping ginkgo biloba for pine seed or grape seed extract.
I get good focus, attention and concentration from this stack which lasts for about 5 hours, however, it’s not as intense comparing to 50mg of modafinil.
Can you identify any obvious weak points or opportunities for improvement? Your critique and thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks David
Kevin, you need to add a high quality B-Complex to this stack to ensure that nootropics like Alpha GPC can actually make acetylcholine. And replenish the B-Vitamins lost by using caffeine.
I think Pine Bark Extract or Vinpocetine is a better way to increase blood flow than Ginkgo. And add 500 mg L-Tyrosine.
But use this stack twice during the day for lasting benefit. Once in the morning and next at noon.
If all you’re looking for is an energy boost however, I suggest trying Performance Lab Stim. It provides a nice, clean energy boost for about 3 hours. https://nootropicsexpert.com/performance-lab-stim-review/
I love your YouTube channel. The video about picamilon convinced me that would be helpful for me, but I couldn’t find it for sale. Is it true that the FDA has prohibited this potentially helpful substance? Thank you.
Irene, the FDA went are several companies selling Picamilon after one of the US Senators complained (and who is supported by Big Pharma). https://www.fda.gov/food/dietary-supplement-products-ingredients/picamilon-dietary-supplements
It’s now nearly impossible to buy it from a reputable US vendor. But you can import it from Russia for personal use as far as I know.
David, there does seem to be a reliable US vendor for picamilon. It is a place I’ve ordered from in the past on a monthly subscription basis. I had canceled the subscription as my supply began to pile up and there wasn’t a way to just pause it. Anytime that was done, you had to create a new subscription instead of being able to just restart the old one, which by the way, still remained in the “history” of the account. When searching for pic on the site, the results are : “There are no products or content pages that match your search criteria.” However, when clicking on the canceled subscription, an option to “place order now” is available. I have successfully received an order 8 times since last July. For obvious reasons, I don’t think it’s a good idea to mention the site publicly, but perhaps by email if you are curious. Thanks again for the time you devote to keep us informed.
Larry, please send me the name of that vendor. You can use contact form here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/contact
Hi David,
I just bought your book online, and look forward to reading it.
I was using Valium (for anxiety-associated insomnia)occasionally for about a month — sometimes with several days off between, but a couple of weeks ago began every other day. It stopped working, so I stopped taking it, and was off it completely (for a week, with no apparaent withdrawal symptoms), until two days ago, I tried it again because of a severe insomnia episode. I used it two days in a row (last time, early this morning).
My question: I just received Aniracetam in the mail today, and was thinking of beginning. Would it be a bad idea to begin with the Valium still in my system from about (6-7 hours ago)? My goal is to get off the Valium, and I’m hoping the Aniracetam with help with my effort.
Thank you kindly in advance for your reply.
Best Wishes,
John
John, I don’t believe there is any contraindication. But if you do decide to try Aniracetam please see dosage recommendations because you need to take a choline supplement with it. And keep your dosage on the low end of recommended doses until you see how it affects you.
Thanks, David; I’ll give it a try today with the choline.
Hi David,
I just wanted to ask whether it is okay or not to take Ashwagandha or Rhodiola Rosea together with the antidepressant/ sleep aid Remeron. I take the lowest dose of Remeron that is possible. I asked my Psychiatrist already but she said that she does not know anything about Adaptogens. Thanks!
David, my apologies for the late reply. See my earlier response to your question.
Hi David, first I wanna thank you for the amount of work you put in this website and for the great information input you provide. I have a question about combining Adaptogens like Ashwaghanda and Rhodiola Rosea with the antidepressant/ sleep medication Remeron. I take the lowest dose possible. My psychiatrist didnt know these adaptogens, so he could not help me with that. Best regards
David, the only way to know is learn the mechanism of action or “pharmacology” of Remeron. Wikipedia is a good source for this information.
And learn the mechanism of action for each adaptogen or nootropic you are considering which is included in the review for each on Nootropics Expert. You need to avoid using any nootropic that has the same action on a neurotransmitter as does Remeron or any other drug you’re using.
For example, if both affect serotonin then you must avoid them. Because Serotonin Syndrome can be deadly. Same thing with both acting as an MAOI. Which raises dopamine and norepinephrine and if too high can cause heart problems.
Thank you for your answer David,
as far as I know, Remeron does not affect Seretonin Reuptake at all. Also Noradrenaline and Dopamine Reuptake is very mild. Thats also said by Wikipedia. I dont understand the exact processes though. My go-to Nootropic has been Rhodiola Rosea, I just wonder if I can take it together with the Remeron. I already did this with no side effects, but only short term.
David, I think you answered your own question. As long as you are aware of how each of these work. The bottom line is how you ‘feel’, isn’t it?
Hey do you know if you can mix mind lab pro, or any nootropic, with abilify?
Robert, first it’s best to understand the mechanism of action or “Pharmacology” of abilify: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aripiprazole#Pharmacology.
Any nootropic or stack to increases dopamine including Mind Lab Pro which contains NALT may mask the negative symptoms of the drug in the short term. But over time the nootropic may worsen an underlying chemical imbalance. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2898838/). And this can have serious consequences including heart problems and worst case a heart attack.
Hi David,
I had a question about taking Nootropics with Strattera for ADHD. I am just starting Strattera and been doing a lot of research on your site but don’t really see a mention of it. Would the stack you take be advisable? Or just curious what your opinion on this would be?
BTW. I’m a 41 year old man that was just diagnosed with ADHD. Def had my whole life and didn’t know – And it has gotten worse with age. Currently going through a separation with my wife and I def attribute some of the problems unfortunately to this. Moving forward in life, whatever happens, I would like to really come at this ADHD thing head on with the most informed and proactive plan I can.
Thank you so much for your help!
Todd
Todd, this is the protocol I recommend for anyone using prescription stimulants (including Strattera): https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/.
Thousands are successfully using that stack including myself. But you need to follow the dosage recommendations including timing during the day to make it work.
Thank you so much! One question.. Is it NALT and ALCAR in addition to the Performance Lab Energy? Or either or? Because you talk about how those are contained in it. How much does that all run monthly? Around $500? Thank you so much!
Todd, ALCAR 750 mg is in each dose of Performance Lab Energy. N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine (NALT) is needed to make dopamine. So it would be the cost of PL Energy + the cost a month’s supply of NALT. You could substitute L-Tyrosine instead which is usually less expensive.
Thank you! I’m just slightly confused by the wording. If I take the Performance Lab Pro do I need to add the additional NALT and ALCAR or is it either or? Have everything ready to be bought just unclear about that. Very excited to see what this does for me!
Oh and disregard the $500 comment. Didn’t think that went through haha… I know it’s much less than that 🙂
Todd, read the ingredients list for Performance Lab Energy which includes exactly what’s in it including amounts of each ingredient. The ingredients in PL Energy are designed to supply mitochondria with what they need to produce ATP for energy.
NALT is a precursor to the synthesis of dopamine. I suggest you read my review of NALT to see exactly how it works including dosage recommendations: https://nootropicsexpert.com/n-acetyl-l-tyrosine/
Hey David, I was wondering if you knew if kratom is an MAOI?
I recently purchased NeuroPeak and it says to not take with any MAO inhibitors. I wanted to know if kratom would be considered an MAOI, thanks
Zac, MAO inhibitors boost levels of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. Kratom affects serotonin and norepinephrine pathways in your brain. And affects dopamine D1 receptors as well. When you combine an MAOI with Kratom you can put yourself in danger of heart attacks and possibly Serotonin Syndrome.
Thanks David. The product I want to take says to not take with MAO inhibitors so I was trying to find out if kratom itself is considered a MAO inhibitor.
Zac, Kratom (https://nootropicsexpert.com/kratom/) does not act as an MAOI.
Hi,
I am a nurse practitioner that has tried to avoid prescription medications including SSRIs for my anxiety and mood swings. I take Phenibut (I know the dangers) without any issues of habit forming every other day and I notice a boost in my mood but like all good things it goes away after a few days and I refuse to increase my dose to avoid habit forming issues and side effects. I noticed after reading your blog that I may have cyclothymic disorder since I’ve had the same mood swings in a blink of an eye since I was about 10. I chalked it up to anxiety but I may also have this. I read about Lithium Orotate and was wondering at what dose to try? 10mg daily? And where to purchase from valid source. I love Lift Mode but they do not sell this. I’ve tried 5-htp and it does nothing. I’ve tried hydroxyzine and nothing. Phenibut is the only nootropic that helps my mood but short lived.
Melissa, Lithium Orotate is certainly worth trying. It only comes in 5 mg doses even though the capsule or tablet says it’s 120 mg. The rest is filler and orotic acid. I recommend and use the one by Advanced Research here: https://amzn.to/35mZgMB
Hi David,
Is it true that most nootropics don’t work for people taking anti-psychotic meds due to those medications blocking serotonin and dopamine receptors? I read aniracetam didn’t work for someone on olanzapine… and he tried several other racetams to no effect.
Do you know of any nootropics that still work (calming + cognitive enhancing) for people on olanzapine?
Thanks!
Matt, the problem is Olanzapine like many of these types of meds affect dopamine and serotonin receptors. And may also affect acetylcholine receptors. It’s an antagonist which means that it boosts all three of these major neurotransmitters.
When you start mixing drugs like this with natural nootropics that also increase these neurotransmitters you have trouble. And put yourself in danger of Serotonin Syndrome, heart attacks and other nasty outcomes.
I do not recommend trying any nootropic supplement when on these types of meds because of the very real and life threatening dangers involved.
Hi David,
I emailed my psychiatrist around the same time I put my original question on here to you. My psychiatrist (who also teaches at Harvard) said I could try Aniracetam and thought the only downside is that it might not work.
I’ve been using ALCAR for over a week and it has had good effect. Also, marijuana with CBD has been very calm/mood enhancing for me and has been shown safe for people who take antipsychotics.
Best,
Matt
Hi David,
I’m very glad that you’re Ok and thank God it wasn’t COVID that got you to the hospital.
Thanks to you and to your site I’m not using benzodiazepines for my anxiety for a couple of years now. Doing God’s work with you humble recommendations you’ve helped so many people over the years. Me, my girlfriend and my family wish you all the best.
Good on you David!
Thank you Mick.
Do you know anything about SmartyPants Vitamins? Seems like an interesting new company, but would love your perspective on them vs. your preferred multivitamin stack.
Brent, without going into a full review of their ingredient list my take is dosages are too low of many of the vitamins and minerals, several are missing and several are synthetic, and the extra ingredients are useless. For example, I noticed something like 50 mg of choline bitartrate in one of the Men’s multis which is useless.
You mentioned in your talk on Iodine that the form, Losol, was not recommended. Can you supply me with a study or studies that come to the same conclusion?
David, I’m not aware of a form of Iodine called “Lusol”. You may be referring to various forms of nascent iodine which comes to doses that are too low to be effective based on the opinion of several respected naturopathic medicine docs. This is based on opinion and practical experience rather clinical studies.
Where does this book get saved on my computer? I can’t find it & I’m not able to get another one.
K. Nystrom
K. not sure about Apple. But on Windows the default is your “Downloads” folder. Check that folder and see if it’s there. Next option is unsubscribe to the list and re-subscribe with a different email address if you have one to re-download it.
After lots of research I am certain that ,your website, your story, and your approach to health and wellness in general is the future of psychiatry as well as psychology.
I would like to consult with you regarding my non-profit coaching business that will change the way the world solves health issues that are more than just plumbing problems.
Please send me an email.
Solomon, please use my contact form and send me an email. You’l find a link to it at the very bottom in the footer of this page.
Dear David,
Thank you for your reaction.
I have read your “aging brain” extensively, and very impressed by your extensive research and available knowledge today.
Because there is such a great variety, making a choice is difficult, consuming too much dangerous and financially too costly.
So I will buy one or more bottles of Mind Lab Pro, starting with it and observing what will happen. Gotu Kola will also be on my buying list.
Perhaps it is a good idea to start with other Multi supplements like Mind Lab pro, for different needs and categories, like Anxiety, social Phobia, Creativity, Stress Reduction, etc., making choices simpler and more effective.
Hopefully it will be used more widely by doctors avoiding the Pharmaceuticals which have very often a lot (bad) side effects
Again thank you very much,
Regards,
Maurice van Mourik
Dear David,
When I read your first chapter in your book “Head First”, about experiences with your own brain, not functioning optimally, , I had a strong recognition about my own situation and very happy, you write so clearly about it. I am very thankful about your openess in your private situation, because you are a experienced expert not only theoritically, but also physically .
I am also happy, to know there is a way out with a messy brain, not functioning optimally, like having brain fog, less focus, forgetfulness,et . and hoping to change this for the better at an age of 72.
I believe that all my difficulties and handicaps have its origin in my amalgam fillings, loading my body with a lot of heavy metals and other toxins. This caused a lot of brain fog, less focus and motivation and being able to atract a woman for marriage. For me it is o.k. for now, because a divorce could be a devasting life experience.
Another problem is also the industialized farming in the Netherlands, with vegetables in the grocery store lacking minerals and vitamins.
The Amalgam fillings have been removed for more than 40 years ago, but the question is, if there are still some mecury deposits or other toxins left in my brain or damaged parts of it and the rest of my body ?
I believe, starting with Nooptropics I should first and foremost detoxify as much as possible, before building up. Otherwise the therapy could be less succesful
In the past I did already a detoxification therapy wiht Ala, Alfa Lipon Acid, but I do not know if it was enough. Also breating exercises like Kundalini Yoga were very helpful and contributed much to the detoxification of my body, which were in some occasions very hefty.
My questions are :
– Which supplements should you recommend for detoxiying my brain optimally, cleansing out the last deposits ?
– What is your opinion about minerals, because I have the idea, that the lack of minerals is also a fundamental issue, “thanks” to your industrialised farming practices.
– Can you show me which steps to take in the right order for an effective detoxifaction and building up my body and mind and suitable for an elder person ? (72 years of age)
I will be very grateful, if you would advise me with some guidelines which I can use as a roadmap for a better, healthier and fulfilling life.
Hoping to receive your reaction very soon,
Regards,
Maurice van Mourik
(the Netherlands)
–
Maurice, it is true that heavy metals can cause real problems in your body and brain. And a few nootropics have been found to either chelate heavy metals, or protect your brain from them. An example of a heavy metal chelator is Iodine. An example of something that protects your brain from heavy metal toxicity is Gotu Kola. Please use the search function of this website and type in “heavy metals” and see what turns up.
But at 72 you’ve got other issues that need to be dealt with that are a consequence of aging. And here’s an article that will help walk you through it and what to do about it: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-the-aging-brain/
David,
I am a 37yr old man with over 16 yrs in the military as an Army Officer.
As a medical administrator, I have access to the best nutritional resources our military has to offer but have never found a more scientific, comprehensive and user-friendly database. I share your site with all my health-focused colleagues and want to thank you for your service to our well-being.
After studying your database, I’ve begun experimenting with different combinations of nootropics and have had some positive and some not so positive experiences (mostly due to trial and error experimenting).
I’ve learned the hypoglycemic, sugar regulating properties of certain adaptogens ( Holy Basil, Ginseng) can have significant negative effects on my emotional well-being by dropping sugar levels too drastically.
Conversely, I’ve built a nootropic stack that has allowed me, with medical supervision, to transition off of prescription Anti-depressants, mood stabilizers, and sleeping medications while enhancing my quality of life!
If you don’t mind, please take a look at the regimen I have built and give your opinion on whether it’s overkill (wasteful), too much specificity in a specific area or recommendations for usage schedule.
DAILY INTAKE
*Garden of life Multi Vit. food based
*CBD (15.6mg; CBG .8mg) .50ml
*Virgin MCT Oil 1.5ml (in a 000 capsule)
*Omega 3 (fish oil 2,000mg; epa 800mg; dha 600mg)
*ALCAR 600mg
*PQQ 20mg
*Choline (alpha 150mg; citi 125mg; DMAE l bit 125mg)
*D3 5,000 IU
*Phosphatidyl (serine 100,000mg; choline 25,000mg; ethanolamine 2,250mg; inositol 1,150mg)
MY PERSONAL DAILY BLEND 3X’s a day
*Ashwaghanda (15:1 10% withanolides)0.13mg; Total =0.4mg
*Holy Basil(.4%/2.5% Urs 2 mg; 1.5 mg Olea acid)0.10mg; Total =0.3mg
*Bacopa (28:1 50% Bacosides)0.10mg; Total =0.3mg
*Rhodiola (3% sali; 5% ros std)0.03mg;Total =0.1mg
*Lions Mane (>25% beta-d-glucans; <5% starch)0.13mg;Total =0.4mg
*Tumeric ( 95% cum; 75mg ginger; 5mg piperine)0.17 mg;Total =0.5mg
ADDERAL BLEND (As needed, usually 1-2X's daily)
*Adderal XR (long acting)0.11mg
*Tumeric ( 95% cum; 75mg ginger; 5mg piperine)0.5mg
*NALT0.4mg
*Ginseng (60% ginoside extract)0.05mg
*Oat Straw (20:1)0.02mg
SLEEP BLEND
*5-HTP (50mg)
*Magnesium (glycinate 600mg; L-threonate 1000mg; taurate 600mg)
* Adding Tart Cherry this week
Again, thank you for your work and I will continue to share your site with any who seek more natural health supplementation. Your research has made a positive impact on my personal life.
Allen, am I reading this right? Some of your doses are .5 mg, .02 mg, etc. Are you talking about 1/2 mg of turmeric for example? I cannot comment until I’m sure I’m getting this right.
Ah, my mistake, I have created a formulated spreadsheet that I use to measure weights to figure the MG percent of the substance used. Unfortunately, I copied the actual weights per serving versus the MG per serving! Below are the actual MG per serving.
MY PERSONAL DAILY BLEND 3X’s a day
*Ashwaghanda (15:1 10% withanolides)200mg Total=600mg
*Holy Basil (.4%/2.5% Urs 2 mg; 1.5 mg Olea acid) 154mg Total=463mg
*Bacopa (28:1 50% Bacosides)115mgTotal=346mg
*Rhodiola (3% sali; 5% ros std)50mgTotal=150mg
*Lions Mane (>25% beta-d-glucans; <5% starch)200mg Total=600mg
*Tumeric ( 95% cum; 75mg ginger; 5mg piperine) 335mgTotal=1004mg
ADDERAL BLEND
*Adderal XR (long acting)10mg
*Tumeric (95% cum; 75mg ginger; 5mg piperine) 670mg
*NALT 400mg
*Ginseng (60% ginoside extract)50mg
*Oat Straw (20:1)20mg
Thank you for the follow-up.
Allen, thanks for the clarification. You may want to consider directly supporting dopamine and acetylcholine more than you do. Either Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline for ACh. And if you find you’re losing steam later in the afternoon consider another dose of NALT and whichever choline supplement you use.
Also, your brain requires 1,000 mg DHA per day and a high quality B-Complex to support a ton of stuff going on up there: https://nootropicsexpert.com/13-vitamins-essential-for-the-optimized-brain/
Hello, First let me say thank you for all the informative videos.
One quick question for you:
I take Men’s gummie MultiVites and wanted to know if it’s safe to keep taking them when taking nootropics? Thanks much.
James, a multivitamin used with nootropics should only support what you are trying to do with your stack. But is the multivitamin you are using safe and pure and the best you can get?
I’m NOT challenging you but asking you to do some research and find out exactly what’s in that gummie. This post may help answer that: https://nootropicsexpert.com/how-to-select-the-best-multivitamin-for-brain-function/
Hi Everyone, As a adult in my earlier 50 old, I’m all the time in contact with young people, mostly at work. What I have always noticed with the young generation, is they forget a lot, lack of focus and motivation, much more than my generation in the 80’s and 90’s. Even the most recent study showed that some parts of our brain still not fully developed until the age of 30. For my experience I thnk the main reason of all those changes of memory, focus … have much to do with foods and new technology devices (cellphones, computers, video games…) and social media (facebook…)
I grew up and still with Mediterranean diet and I added some habits from east and west culture like eating a lot exotic spices, seed, grains, herbs, teas…that are not in Mediterranean diet. As take away advice, from this website I send a message to mostly parents and anybody else, to learn and teach ourselves and children to eat healthy and clean. Vary your foods intake and experience other culinary culture by adding healthy spices, organic teas, seed and grains… To stay away from high saturated fats, deep frying, ultra proceed foods, packaging foods, junk foods, sugar, sodas, alcohol… and finally use technology with moderation and to spend the time active and moving.
Michel, I believe you are correct on how human brain development has been hijacked. But good luck on convincing parents on getting kids to change their eating and technology habits.
Hi sir,
Is it recommended to use nootropics like mind lab pro for people under 25? I read that the brain is stil developping and that this would effect the brain chemistry.
Thank you
Armando, my research shows that the human brain is fully developed by around age 21 for most people. So I’m confident Mind Lab Pro will be safe for ‘most’ at 21 years and up.
Anyone under the age of 21 needs to reduce the dose to 1 or 1/2 of a capsule. But only on the advice or OK of their doctor.
Mind Lab Pro does support ongoing neuron repair and growth. But nothing potent enough to disrupt the natural progress of human brain development.
I always caution people to read the label and become familiar with the mechanism of action of each ingredient in this supplement stack. And understand the potential side effects and drug contraindications for each ingredient.
Thank you very much!
Hi David
I have bought a lot of nootropics and did some research but only on the effects and what they help for cause i did not think nootropics uses neurotransmitters or increase them so now i have a problem.
I take 50mg sertraline(serotonin) in the morning and 50mg Dosulepin(norepinephrine) at night before i go to sleep. To me these are low doses.
I am a little worried and hope you could help me.
Could you tell me what of these nootropics i could use as i already bought and opened them. Don’t want to waist all my money. I know you are not a doctor but which of these could i try and which are very dangerous in your opinion.
Bacopa Monnieri
Aniracetam
Cat’s Claw
CBD Oil
Coluracetam
Gotu Kola
Kratom
Lion’s Mane
Mucuna Pruriens
Lemon Balm
L-Theanine
Melatonin
Noopept
Oxiracetam
Phenibut
Phenylpiracetam
Picamilon
Rhodiola Rosea
Phosphatidylserine (PS)
Sulbutiamine
Taurine
Valerian
Uridine Monophosphate
Tyrosine
Vinpocetine
Sorry for the long post
Thanks in advance for your time
Anthony, what you need to avoid is boosting serotonin or norepinephrine to much. Because if you do you’ve got problems. The ones that I’d put a warning flag beside are Mucuna Pruriens (norepinephrine), Phenibut (serotonin), and Picamilon (serotonin).
There are others in your list the affect both neurotransmitters but have a lesser effect or it’s not as direct. I highly recommend that you learn the “mechanism of action” or “how it works in your brain” for every single nootropic on your list.
My attitude is I want to know exactly what I’m putting in my body and why. Unfortunately, many thing that because you can easily buy these supplements without a prescription that it’s like candy or something. And this is a very dangerous place to be when trying any nootropic.
Thanks David.
I have respect for nootropics and i am trying everything to see what helps for my debilitating anxiety and social phobia and am willing to try anything in line of reason of course. Did not buy the all at ones.
One last question is Phenylpiracetam safe?
Thank you
Anthony
Anthony, Phenylpiracetam (https://nootropicsexpert.com/phenylpiracetam/) is non-toxic. So is considered well-tolerated and safe. Just make sure you follow dosage instructions including using it with a choline supplement. And tolerance can be a problem so you’ll likely want to cycle it.
Thank you David.
I really appreciate your info 🙂
Hi David,
You said on the Berberine video that it should be consumed with organic unrefined coconut oil for better absorption but the thing is i have high cholestrol and coconut oil doesn’t suit me. My question is: do you know of any other substances that i can take to improve berberine absorption without raising my blood cholesterol levels.
Thanks a lot.
Mahmoud, Berberine is fat-soluble. So for it to be effective and able to cross cell walls it must be consumed with fat. So any healthy oil will work. Including the fat contained in a meal. If you do not take Berberine with fat it will not provide any benefit.
But I suggest double checking your research because I do not believe that a tablespoon of coconut oil or MCT Oil will influence your cholesterol levels.
David
I have been dealing with anxiety and started taking Gaia Herbs Ashwaganda extract 1x per day the last 20 of 30 days. I only take 1/4 of the capsule. at first it seemed to relax me and really work, but over time it seems to have stimulated me. I am short of breath, like I cant take a deep breath, occasional tingling in arms, anxious and stimulated, my sleep has gotten worse, as these symptoms are all day long. I have stopped today. If the ash did stimulate my nervous system or even ramp up thyriod hormone,( I almost feel like a hypothyriod state) will my body regulate back to normal and of so how long do you think?
I am 5 months off of klonopin after 5 years so I feel my nervous system is a bit fragile right now
I hope to be feeling better soon
Paul
Paul, Ashwagandha is a powerful herbal nootropic. But not everyone can use it. If you’ve stopped using it your system should get back to normal fairly quickly.
Hi Paul, try to practice a favorite sport, It helps a lot. Meanwhile try to take mild herbs like Tulsi, lemon balm, passion flower, chamomile as tea, sometimes you can find them combined together as tea. Try Tryptophan or Valerian root to help you sleep. But I would say intensive sport will help a lot, it make me tired and I find sleep and is very good for the brain.
David,
I would like some help with my 21 year old son and his various concentration, memory, planning/organisational skills, sudden low mood. He has no motivation and is dyslexic, possibly with ADHD too.
He is at university in Edinburgh studying engineering. He is very logical, finds maths and physics easy, but his writing skills are poor. Yet he is very good at say analysing your golf swing and explaining clearly what you are doing wrong and how to correct it. He could not write that same explanation down.
Most of the time he is the life and soul of a party in company with friends. He’s outgoing, loves talking to everyone about anything. He’s a good runner, hockey, tennis and golf player. He’s very fit and into boxing and fitness at the moment. His downfall is not getting up in the morning to go to lectures (although he does catch up on video recordings). He cannot focus on a goal in life and drifts through a day ignoring his main purpose at university. Reading that back to myself, it doesn’t sound as if he has a problem, but he does.
Can you email me an address to get him to contact you for an appointment?
Sam, best to schedule a time using the link on this page: https://nootropicsexpert.com/personal-consultations/
would you know of anything that could help fight off the coronavirus, if anyone would know I know you would know thank you so much sue
Sue, timely question. Let’s see if anyone has any ideas.
Google Iodine the forgotten weapon against influenza viruses. The answer is IODINE IOIDE. I found this out searching for other help. Low and behold its potassium iodide.
Just google that and many will have a pdf file to download
Taking in Vitamin C helps fight the Coronavirus !!
Either drink a lot of Orange Juice or take the vitamin C supplement..
Zinc is an important mineral in fighting infection with the corona virus. And zinc, particularly as a throat lozenge is absorbed by the same ACE2 cell receptors that the virus uses to invade, usually in the throat. Also the zinc as a defense not only by occupying those receptors but also by supposedly blocking the virus’ interaction with DNA in those cells.
Most infection occurs in the throat so a lozenge is a worthy way to block that type of invasion. I take a lozenge shortly before I enter a store for example.
Dave, good morning, just a quick question – I’m preparing to purchase from nootropics (dot) com, are they offering qualify products? Thanks, Patrick
Patrick, I don’t know anything about them and don’t know anyone who is a fan of theirs. I question the quality of their product because he claims that he gets his product tested by Ceretropic. Problem is they closed their doors July 2018.
What exactly is it you are looking to purchase? I may be able to point you in the direction of a more reliable and trustworthy vendor.
Hi David, and thanks for the information offered, to answer my question (if) nootropics (dot) com was a good place to buy from. Since July 2019, I’ve been following everything from your “Secrets of the Optimized Brain,” checking what is suggested in the bottles at the store, first, then – if you have explained it, I would buy and add to my stack.
I’m planning to order the following from Hard Rhino: Alpha GPC 600mg (TPD) taking per day 2; Noopept 10mg (TPD) 1; Phenylpiracetam 100 mg (TPD) 1; Lion’s Mane 500mg (TPD) 4.
My current stack morning time consists of Mind Lab Pro 2 capsules; Vitamin B3 750mg; Ginkgo 240mg Lecithin 1200mg’ Lion’s Mane 1100mg; Choline 950mg Turmeric 900mg; Methylene Blue 80 drops Weekend; (India – modafinilxl)-Modafinil 200mg Weekdays.
Current stack evening bedtime consists of: CoQ-10 1500mg; Melatonin 5mg; Magnesium 1500mg.
For what it’s worth, since starting this lifestyle change last July, I can only share the following, I’ve stopped drinking alcohol after just a couple of weeks. My workflow at university has increased tremendously, as a senior lecturer teaching MBA and PhD students, this is delightful. My mental energy levels throughout the day are high, I’ve even lost several lbs in weight. I now get a great nights sleep and wake up very early starting my day around 4am, working until 8pm before dinner, then bed for about 9.30pm.
In all sense of purpose, a changed man, thanks to you, David, for your help and guidance throughout.
Patrick, I think you’ll be amazed with how good Noopept works. I never had much luck with Phenylpiracetam. Try it and if it doesn’t work for you then try Aniracetam.
David, as always – your speed in replying is excellent, thanks for the advice my order is placed with hrsupplements dot com – but, they don’t ship to Myanmar although their dropdown address suggests they do. I’ve sent them an email to please use DHL – as FedEx and UPS don’t deliver to Myanmar since you recommended them as a place to purchase from – could you please send them a quick message to ship my order using DHL, please. It’s a big ask and I am grateful for your help, regards Patrick
Patrick, I’ll try but I’ve been dealing with a different department than who you’re trying to talk to. Keep on trying to get their customer service to respond. I’ll try but can’t promise any joy.
I believe there are services available who will forward things to you. Don’t know any names of companies but I think this is their specialty. Try searching for “freight forwarders” and see if you can find some other way to get this done. If HR Supplements don’t want to take the time to do it. They’ve been in business for over 25 years so you’re not dealing with a newbie vendor.
Hi David
Im a 45yr old healthy male, I have been suffering with panic and fear for 2.5 years, things have gotten a bit better, I am 5 mo free of taking .25 klonopin for 5 yrs, I think I am still in withdrawal, I have been struggling
2 days ago I tried 5mg of rascoracitam, I felt a bit strange that night I could not sleep, very activated racy mind could not close my eyes, I usually have no problem sleeping, the next day racy thoughts all over the place, I took a .25 xanax rescue dose and it helped a bit and slept, the next day horrible racy thoughts and BP and pulse is slightly elevated from normal, I have horrible anxiety and feel on edge, spaced out and even had a panic attack at 3am which I never have
I dont know what to do, could this compound induce this? Will this go away? I am scared and cannot work or really function, can you share your thoughts with me? I am on the edge
Thank you
Paul
Paul, I’ll try to help. But first you’ll need explain what rascoracitam is because I’m not familiar with it.
Im sorry
fasoracetam is what I meant
I think my anxiety was getting the best of me
Paul
Paul, Fasoracetam was developed by a Japanese company as a drug who took it through to Phase 3 clinical trials. And then abandoned the drug due to “lack of efficacy”.
According to Springer, it’s mechanism of action: Cholinergic receptor agonists; GABA B receptor antagonists; Metabotropic glutamate receptor modulators
This is the type of thing that I’d not likely ever write a review for because 1. don’t know anyone who uses it 2. lack of research 3. can’t figure out any reason why someone would want to include it in their stack.
Not sure why it would cause the symptoms you described because there’s not enough information available on how it works. But it is messing with three different systems in your brain. So there are any number of things that could go wrong while using it.
Can safely combine Piracetam, noopept, lions mane stack at noon with nootropics depot sleep support stack at night?
Brandon, yes you can but please make sure to follow recommended dosages for the first 3 in your list. Including a choline supplement with Piracetam and Noopept. Each of my reviews on these nootropics tells you how if you’re not already doing it.
Good evening,
Thank you for your very interesting site. I looked but I couldn’t find answers to my questions. If you could answer that, I’d be delighted.
I take to sleep: tryptophan, a bit of St John’s wort, theanine and melatonin.
I’m very anxious, a little depressed (I’m tired of a solar plexus ball).
I wanted to know if I could add: Selank, et noopept in addition to the nootropics I already take ?
Thank you very much for your answer.
Marie, I’m not familiar with Selank because it’s a drug developed in Russia. And there’s hardly any research available for it. Not sure why it would help you sleep however. Because it is non-sedating. Neither is Noopept sedating.
For sleep, I suggest you re-visit the dosages of each of the nootropics you are using. And replace melatonin with Tart Cherry Juice because it’s a natural source of melatonin. Just this change may improve your mood.
Try:
L-Tryptophan 500 mg
L-Theanine 200 mg
Magnesium (chelate) 400 mg
Tart Cherry Juice concentrate 6 ounces
All taken about 60 minutes before bed.
THANK YOU very much for taking the time to answer me. In fact it was more for the anguish the selank and the noopept.
I also take GABA for my anxieties, but that’s not enough.
Thanks again for your advice, you are super and indispensable for us who are a little lost by all these nootropics, especially since I am French and do not understand English well.
An excellent day to you.
Marie
Would be available, for hire, to research specific nutrients, or conditions, that do not fall in nootropic area?
Darcy, I do some consulting for dietary supplement manufacturers as time permits. But I’m booked solid for the next few months at least.
Hey David, I used to take a lot of opioids for a neck injury, for about 2 years. After quitting them in June of 2019. Now 8 months later I still feel a lack of energy and motivation. I also feel like I’m never getting that good euphoric feeling anymore for just things that used to excite me. I worried that I messed up my dopamine levels and processing. Most of the time everything seems bland. Don’t get me wrong I’m not depressed I just cant seem to feel the genuine excitement over certain events or experiences like I use to. When I drink an energy drink I feel just a jittery alertness but not a clean motivation. I also this past month have been eating 100% vegan diet and also working out; resulting in a 22 lbs weight loss which has been great. I’m just looking to see if you can suggest a few supplements that may help me with motivation and just feeling happier when I’m experiencing events that I should feel happy with. I watched your YouTube video titled “Hacking motivation with nootropics” which you list a lot of supplements. Is there any nootropics that have most of those supplements in one pill? Thanks again for taking the time to respond and read my questions. I now follow and subscribed to your YouTube channel…
Zac, this is the transcript for that video you mentioned: https://nootropicsexpert.com/hacking-motivation-with-nootropics/.
I suggest going back through the transcript that show you how supporting AMPA receptors activates the dopamine/motivation pathway. Just taking precursors to boost dopamine by itself misses the whole point. And will not work.
Go through the list of nootropics suggested later in that post and select one racetam to try. And as many of the ‘natural’ nootropics in the rest of that list as you can afford.
If one racetam doesn’t help you try the next one. And go through the list until you find something that works. Aniracetam which I’ve included at the top of the list is one my favorite nootropics and I use every day. Hopefully, it’ll work for you too.
Final note: do not look for a nootropic to mimic or take the place of the opiates you were using. Opiates work on opioid receptors. Which are completely different than every other receptor in your system. And will only respond to opiates. The only thing that comes close but will NOT provide the euphoric feeling is Kratom.
Thank you David for the response. I’m definitely not trying to mimic the same effects as opiates as I know only opiates can provide the constant euphoric feeling; along with a bunch of other terrible side effects. Kratom is actually what allowed me to finally stop using the opiates, which was a life saver. Just like I was saying I just don’t seem to ever get a feeling of joy even when I do things that I know I should enjoy. I’m very glad to have stopped taking opiates and kratom works for me now as a as-needed basis for pain as I have two herniated disks that will give me pain from time to time. I ran into problems with the opiates when my doctor prescribed me an extended release opiate…..
I really appreciate the advise. I will try the different racetams one at a time as you suggest. As you mentioned the others I will try taking aside from the racetam will be:
1…Lions mane
2…5-htp
3…Magnesium
4…dopa mucuna
5… Vitamin d3
Do these 5 seem like a good start in addition to a single racetam? I don’t want to take too many supplements I’d really like to keep to a minimum. If there are maybe one or two that you could suggest over the large list of natural nootropics that I can try with the different racetams that would be great. Thanks again David for the suggestions and time you’ve taken in responding. I really value your time and opinion.
Zac, first as I know you are familiar with Kratom that must know there are different strains. Have you tried any other strains that work more on mood than on pain?
For the racetams I suggest trying Aniracetam first with a good choline supplement and a healthy fat like unrefined coconut oil or MCT Oil. Because you need the fat to get some of these nootropics past cell walls. Some people call it “absorption”. You may also want to add Sulbutiamine to this and see if that helps. The combo of these two nootropics is the best antidepressant I’ve ever tried and still use today.
I recommend trying L-Tyrosine or NALT before Mucuna to raise dopamine because it’s safer and it works when recommended dosages are used. You can always add Mucuna on top of that if you need to.
Get yourself a good multi and B-Complex to go with your D3 and magnesium because there’s a near perfect chance that you are deficient in at lest some of these nutrients.
And we may have talked about this already. But please be careful with 5-HTP. Because L-Tryptophan is a safer way to boost serotonin.
Hey David, Thanks again for all the info. To answer your question; I have tried all types of different strains of kratom 30+ and found that the variants of a green strain works the best for me when it comes to pain. I have tried red which is more for sleep and white more like coffee. I have found great pain relief with kratom and it was a life saver when trying to get out of the strangle of opiates. Its terrible too because doctors will prescribe them to you then when your ready to come off, the tapers they give are extremely hard on your body and mind. I even had my doctor suggest to me to go to a rehab to help with a taper and it was an ongoing circle that he kept prescribing me. I got fed up with my quality of life and began a holistic taper with kratom which again was a lifesaver. I’ve never had any bad side effects with kratom. I 100% recommend it to anyone with pain that doesn’t want to take pharmaceuticals. Please don’t hesitate to contact me through email if you would like any testimonials on my personal experiences with Kratom and I’d be glad to tell you. I would imagine you get quite a few questions about it as you have a lot of YouTube videos pertaining to restoring dopamine.
I will x the 5-htp.
For now I will be moving forward with a stack of
Aniracetam
Choline
MCT Oil
Sulbutiamine
L-tyrosine
D3
Magnesium
Multi-vitamin
B Complex
THANKS AGAIN David! You have provided a very valuable resource and your YouTube videos are the most informative videos I have found on all of YouTube regarding nootropics.
Hello, my Grandad has been diagnosed with Parkinsonism, I read that Lions Mane might be beneficial but I’m not sure which brand/type I should go for (I’m looking for capsules not powder). Could you please advise me?
Thanks in advance.
Best wishes,
Lisa
Lisa, the purest Lion’s Mane that I’m aware of other than what is in Mind Lab Pro is used by Akua Life in California in their Neuro-Stack supplement. Their dose is much much higher than Mind Lab Pro. So if that’s what you are looking for then go here: https://akualife.com/?aff=15
Hi!
I went to doctor a few weeks ago and the doctor said I have a lack of serotonin and a compulsive obsessive disorder. in fact I feel anxiety and a bit depressed.
I tried st John worth and l-theanine but I didn’t work so I was wondering what could I try next. I tried also Rhodiola Rosea but is not for me.
i have good experiences with kratom for social anxiety and general fears and I really liked it but It gives me too much nausea and I can’t take it anymore.
how can I level up the serotonin in my brain naturally?
Gabriele, the easiest and safest way to boost serotonin is with its precursor L-Tryptophan.
Kratom affects both serotonin and norepinephrine. So look for nootropics that boost serotonin and norepinephrine (which is made from dopamine). Also, use the search function top right for “SNRI” and see what turns up. SNRI = serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.
Also, use the search function for “OCD” and see what else turns up.
I am currently taking SLO-Niacin 1,000 mg per day, the pink tablet. I take it twice daily in 500mg doses.
Wondering based on a video you did if this is the type of niacin that can cause liver issues. Thanks for your help and good work.
SLO-Niacin is simply nicotinic acid in some type of gel to slow down delivery to prevent flushing. Doses of this version of niacin above 1500 mg per day can be toxic to your liver. So you are OK at 1,000 mg per day.
Thanks. So that means I can assume that the brand of Niacin I am using is just as effective as immediately release Niacin. Right?
yes, it should be
Hi David im seriously thinking of starting phenibut for my generalised anxiety which has got much worse over past 5 years due to personal issue. I currently am prescribed venlafaxine 225mg daily lamictal 200mg daily (I am not epileptic it is being used more as a mood stabilizer) witg little effect I must say. I also take zopiclone 7.5mg at night but it is no Longer effective. My morning anxiety is worst and i feel so afraid of getting out of bed . When I don’t have to get up for something I stay in bed where I feel safer then I kick myself at the end of the day for having given into my anxiety and not having achieved any. Anyway my main question David is it safe to take phenibut with these medications. I want to stop the zopiclone anyway
Eileen, I’m not familiar with the drugs you are using. But be aware that you must NOT use Phenibut if you are using any type of benzodiazepine or drug that acts like a benzo. Combining this nootropic with the wrong drug will likely put you in a coma that you will not wake from.
Hello David
My daughter has severe depression, and is 20+ weeks pregnant. Her doctors are suggesting she have ECT, but she and we are most reluctant. You mention on YouTube not to use lithium orotate during pregnancy, but is this more a blanket safety statement? She gets suicidal and immobilised, and so I wonder if lithium orotate’s potential benefits outweigh its risks in her circumstances?
Allan, I would think most anything would be safer than electroconvulsive therapy. But I’m not a doctor so please keep that in mind while you’re reading my reply.
Everything that I consulted when researching Lithium Orotate suggested that pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use Lithium Orotate. But this is something you need to talk to a doctor about. Preferably a naturopath who understands this stuff.
A regular doctor has no idea what Lithium Orotate is and will likely associate it with high-dose lithium carbonate that is prescribed for mania. Not the same thing.
David, I appreciate your speedy response to my question. We will look into other possibilities, and if she still has depression issues after breastfeeding is finished, we may revisit the lithium orotate option.
CBD oil may be an alternative, although a bit costly.
I have been surprised by the amazing benefits of Nicotinamide Riboside on anxiety and depression. I use Thorne’s products for this. It used to be Niacel 250 but the formulation has changed as is called Resveracel. Take two capsules on waking and then again 12 hours later for a week and then half the dose and continue for at least a month. Change should be noticeable well before this time. Let me know if it works for you. Check on safety in pregnancy with your doctor. It is a natural co-enzyme that is easily depleted by the ageing process (even by mid-20’S), alcohol and stress.
Hi David.
I would like to learn how to make my own capsules. I’ve never done it before, so I don’t know much about it. Can you please recommend a site or some other place where I can learn all about it.
Thank you.
Mick, I’ve been meaning to do a video on this very subject. But until then, I recommend getting a 100 capsule machine like this one that I use: https://amzn.to/37YHsaE.
And get separated Empty ’00’ capsules like this one that I use: https://amzn.to/387dAct
But make sure you get the “separated” capsules or you’ll extend the time necessary to make 100 capsules from 15 minutes to 45 – 60 mins. Because if they are not separated, you need to separate them one by one by hand before dumping them into the machine.
Then search YouTube for a video on how to use one of these capsule machines until I get around to producing one. And good luck. It’s easy once you learn how, you get pure supplements with no additives and it’s cheaper.
Thank you David for your advice, I really appreciate it.
David, in conection with my last comment, I must say that in the last 2 months i been also use tianeptine (4, 3, or 2 times a week), but not anymore, maybe ocasionally will be ok (It has been said wonders about a combination of tianeptine with fasoracetam or aniracetam); is not my plan tu put tianeptine in the basic list, becouse it doesnt help with the production of serotonine, and it has the strong problem of tolerance and adiction, becouse i need more dosage to feel the same good effect, …also im not sure about the libido, i dont know, maybe afects that. By the way, i want to enhance my libido or sexual potency, and now without sertraline i feel so early ejaculation. When i was on sertraline i felt delayed ejaculation. What can be good to add (please David see my list of supplements in the past comment); what about Maca? Or Ginkgo Biloba? No bad interaction with my actual supplement list? Thanks a lot for your opinión and help David.
Francisco, I’m not sure where the list is you are referring to. Here’s what you do …
Each nootropic reviewed on Nootropics Expert has a section called “Side Effects” which often includes warnings about interactions with other drugs and/or supplements. So I suggest you check at least that section for every nootropic you are using.
I’m sure there is something on Nootropics Expert that helps with delayed ejaculation. But I don’t know what they are because my focus here is on brain health and optimization. And not sexual health unless it is directly influenced by or related to what is going on in your brain.
If you require further help I suggest scheduling a consultation with me here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/personal-consultations/
thanks a lot Mr. Tomen
Hi,
New to nootropics and have a question.
I have the following nootropics, St John’s Wort, L-Theanine, SAM-e, Bacopa Monnieri, Ashwagandha and Co-Q10.
Are there any contraindications with these? I haven’t received most yet so haven’t started tracking them (except St. John’s wort). I suffer from depression stress, fatigue and low cognitive function.
Many thanks
Peter
Peter, check the “Side Effects” section of each review for each nootropic. Use the Nootropics List in the top menu to find them easily. Contraindications if applicable are usually listed in the Side Effects section.
If you had to choose between pine bark extract or berberine for alzheimers and dementia treatment which one would you choose between the two? As first choice? Why?
Cy, if I was dealing with Alzheimer’s and/or dementia I’d be using both of them. Because there is nothing scarier than getting either of those two diseases.
I would love to begin using NAC can you say what makes the supplement
https://nootropicsexpert.com/n-acetyl-l-cysteine/
you have not addressed taking Lion’s Mane if on Blood Pressure Meds
Ernest, I’m not aware of any contraindication with blood pressure meds. Which is the reason why I didn’t address it. Lion’s Mane is considered non-toxic even at doses up 5 grms.
Hello there, thank you so much for your website. It has helped me a massive amount with informing myself on what I need to do to supplement my way off of some medications. I’m down one, and one more to go. And feeling so much better. Your website is so informative it’s the first place I go now before I look anything up on google.
I was just curious if you know anything about the Vitex agnus-castus (Chasteberry). I’ve very intrigued about it mostly as progesterone booster and I am a bit confused on whether it is a nootropic or not because I have read both ways.
I have previously been on progesterone and found it helped massively all round for me and I was just curious about Vitex and what you may know.
Thanks so much
Denise, I’ve not reviewed Chasteberry because I believed it to be only for sex hormones. Turns out that it may be potent dopamine booster as well. But then again, the sex hormones are active in the human brain. I just haven’t gotten around to researching and writing that blog post yet.
No worries, I’ll keep my eye out. Thanks for the fast reply
Hello Mr. Tomen,
Thanks for the great content!
What do you think for the following stack?
Do you think there is a risk of desynthesizing dopamine receptors, would you add/remove anything and what dosages would you recommend.
L tyrosine(I cant find NALT in my country), L theanine, Coffeine
Regards
Martin, this stack also requires the B-Vitamins as they will get depleted by using caffeine. And are required for the synthesis of dopamine. This stack should not desensitize dopamine receptors if you use recommended dosages. In fact, this is the same formulation created by Opti Nutra for their new Performance Lab Stim: https://nootropicsexpert.com/performance-lab-stim-review/
Hello David,
Can you specify your top 3 Nootropics for Peripheral Neuropathy ?(not diabetic neuropathy). Trying to help someone who has just started getting those symptoms.
Thanks and regards,
John
John, it entirely depends on the cause of this disease. And according to the Mayo Clinic it can be any number of things: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20352061. The B-Vitamins are critical for nerve health. And anything else to assist myelin synthesis. Do a search of Nootropics Expert for “myelin” and see what else turns up.
David,
Thanks for the feedback. Will do as suggested.
Happy Holidays! and Best Wishes for the New Year !!
Hi David
On L-theanine…everybody recommends 200mg 2-3 times a day…You recommend 600mg 2´3 times a day…for anxiety…..not too much?
I trust you…but will that make more calm or could you get too anxious possibly ?
Regards
Michael
Michael, I’ve found over the years that “everybody” is one person puts a dosage on their blog and a dozen other sites copy it.
Recommended dosage of L-Theanine is 200 – 400 mg once or twice per day. With a maximum of 1,200 mg per day according to the Cleveland Clinic (which is no longer available on their website).
Those dosages are based on user experience and clinical studies.
Hi David,
question, do you take all these daily? I saw these in your video on “best nootropics 2019”
Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR)
Aniracetam
Bacopa Monnieri
CDP-Choline
DHA
Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Lithium Orotate
N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine (NALT)
Noopept
Phosphatidylserine (PS)
Pine Bark Extract
Rhodiola Rosea
Sulbutiamine
L-Theanine
Vinpocetine
Vitamin B Complex
also, I have been taking
L theanine
sulbutamine
uridine
bacoba extract
alpha GPC
lions mane
cordyceps sinesis
reishi
and occasionally like 3 days a week i will take adrafinil and maybe once a week phenylpiracetam. what do you think of my stack?
Brian, yes I use everything on that list daily with the exception of Noopept. When I have it I use it.
The way your stack is now it’ll boost BDNF, acetylcholine and some brain waves. It would be more balanced if you addressed some of the other things going on in your brain including the other major neurotransmitters.
I suggest taking a look at this post for other ideas: https://nootropicsexpert.com/how-to-create-the-best-nootropic-stack/
Hello David!
I am wondering what you know about vitamin A as a nootropic!
I have been taking around 10mg pure retinyl acetate daily for the last 2 weeks and have noticed an incredible boost to attention and memory.
Can you tell me more about this powerful vitamin?
Thank you!
John, see the Vitamin A section of “13 Vitamins Essential for the Optimized Brain” here > https://nootropicsexpert.com/13-vitamins-essential-for-the-optimized-brain/#vitamin-a
Hello David,
I wanted to hear what’s your thought on Pregnenolone.
Studies show that it’s a powerful neurosteroid for brain so it can function at its best. I notice that many places don’t include it as a nootropics regime.
I know just like Dhea it should be cycle on and off.
Jim, haven’t done the research on Pregnenolone yet. And a full post on how ‘sex’ hormones affect the brain is at the top of my “to-do” list for Nootropics Expert.
I know that each of them are involved in brain function but don’t know the details yet. So please standby and watch your email!
David, can training to become ambidextrous improve brain function? I didn’t find a conclusive answer.
Jean, likely because there is no clear way to answer your question.
The type of training you reference would need to “rewire” sections of the brain for it to be effective. Which includes neurogenesis, strengthening of synaptic connections, and increasing long-term potentiation for encoding the type of memory needed to recall the moves.
So is that considered improving brain function? I suppose it would be considered that by those interested in becoming ambidextrous.
I am taking 10 mg of cipralex daily and on the occasion a .5 mg of clonazepam, and would like to start taking a nootropic (namely mind lab or something similar). Will this have any negative effects for mixing the two? I know to stay clear of 5-htp. Any advice would be great! Thanks
Josh, cipralex works by increasing serotonin levels in your brain. And clonazepam works by increasing GABA. So you want to avoid any nootropic that increases either serotonin or GABA.
Mind Lab Pro contains L-Theanine which increases both serotonin and GABA. So not a good idea to use MLP when using either of those drugs.
I suggest you learn the mechanism of action of both drugs (Wikipedia is a good source). Then read and compare the ingredients of every nootropic you are considering. To see if there could be a problem.
hello, i have a question. I am taking an antidepressant (citalopram 40mg) and i am also taking bupropion 300 mg xl. Plus i am taking levothyroxine for my thyroid, and lisiniprol for my blood pressure. Now i want to wean myself off of the anti”s, i know i need to speak to my doctor, and i have, and she just keeps pushing for me to stay on them. So i am taking my health and doing what i want to do and what i feel is best, and that is to get off of these antidepressants. In your opinion, what nootropics would you recommend to do this? i am not asking for medical information, just an opinion. thank you.
Angela, this is a loaded question but here’s how I’d start if I were in your shoes.
If the antidepressants you are using are beneficial then find out how they work in your brain. Wikipedia or medscape are good sources for this. Locate the drug, then look for the section called “Pharmacology” (i.e. https://reference.medscape.com/drug/celexa-citalopram-342958#10). For this drug it looks like it increases serotonin in your brain (i.e. Inhibits the reuptake of serotonin in presynaptic neurons).
So if this drug works for you then raising serotonin is your goal when searching for a nootropic. The easiest way to increase serotonin is with its precursor L-Tryptophan.
But you must be very careful about mixing nootropics with things like antidepressants. Because in this case increasing serotonin too much can easily cause Serotonin Syndrome. Which can be lethal. And I’m deadly serious about this. Don’t mess with this unless you are 100% confident in what you are doing. Please.
That said, it’s possible to wean yourself off of certain meds and replace them with natural nootropic supplements. But it takes time, patience, and a lot of research and reading. And trial and error.
Saint David you should be called, all the information on your website has gave me the tools to really optimize not just my brain, but my life. I work in the food and drink industry,so as you can imagine dealing with people all the time , one has to put on a happy face. this stack listed below really keeps me in the game.
My current stack is:
Lemon balm (5% rosmarinic acid)
Rhodiola rosea (1% rosavins 3% salidroside
Gaba 100mg
l theanie 100mg
b complex (bulk powders brand)
tryptophan 100mg
What ye reckon David? safe and effective or somethings needs to be cut.
Lar, the stack you are using looks safe. And if it’s working for you then it’s effective. Keep on doing what you’re doing if it’s working.
Cheers David, keep up the great work, I also have your book on my xmas list. I look forward to reading it, all the best 🙂
I got my mother on several supplement powders. If i mix all these together does it take away from the benefit or digestion of each other? Versus if i gave her each one individually? Does it limit each ones effectiveness when mixed together?
CY, you need to be more specific about which “supplement powders” you are referring to. We ‘stack’ supplements all the time and when done correctly the synergy often helps some ingredients work better than on their own. And sometimes smaller doses of each supplement.
Hi David, I read that the brain develops until you are 20 years old. I’m 16 years old. I would like to know some nootropics that can help me develop my brain long term and bring lasting benefits.
Jean, probably at least 75% of the nootropics reviewed on Nootropics Expert would help the young brain with lasting benefits.
But the thing is for lasting benefit, once you find what works for you you’ll need to use them daily for years. Because many of these supplements are naturally used by your brain every single day.
The only caution is for the young, developing brain, stay away from powerful nootropics that can alter the natural development of your brain. Don’t unnaturally throw neurotransmitters out of balance. And don’t mess with pushing nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) too much.
Balance is key and doing the most basic things will provide the most benefit. Like this: https://nootropicsexpert.com/13-vitamins-essential-for-the-optimized-brain/.
And this: https://nootropicsexpert.com/13-minerals-essential-for-the-optimized-brain/
Thank you!
David, my son has behavioral issues (overly competitive, perfectionism) related to high histamine. SAM-e helps some and recently we’ve added Iodine and Boron and seen some improvement. Are you familiar with other supplements that may help breakdown his histamine? We’ve tried the mainstream supplements (B2, C, etc.)
Secondly, when he doesn’t meet his standards of perfection, he can have bouts of anxiety. His norepi seems to be at higher levels. Other than SAM-e, Magnesium, and Zinc are there supplements that may work?
Thanks for insights and expertise.
Dave, Vitamins B1, B6, B12, folate, copper, magnesium, maganese, zinc, and calcium all have some effect on diamine oxidase (DAO). You can find full reviews of each either here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/nootropics-list/ or here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/13-minerals-essential-for-the-optimized-brain/
You can also try N-Acetyl L-Cysteine: https://nootropicsexpert.com/n-acetyl-l-cysteine/ (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7519083) and Saffron: https://nootropicsexpert.com/saffron/ (look under “Saffron to the rescue”.
Ginseng is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor: https://nootropicsexpert.com/ginseng
And for other options for anxiety and a better understanding of the underlying cause: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-social-anxiety/
Hi David,
Thoughts on or review of Adrafinil? I believe it’s the non-prescription version of Modafinil.
Thank you.
Monte
Monte, I consider Adrafinil and Modafinil to be “smart drugs” and not natural nootropics which is what I’m committed to researching and writing about. So it is unlikely that I’ll be reviewing Adrafinil.
Hi David, Have you had a chance to do a deep dive into peptides? Obviously as these are defined as chains of amino acids this would include proteins, but I am interested in those that enhance sleep and during the day augment alertness and retention of new knowledge.
Walter, highly unlikely I’d do extensive research into something as general as ‘peptides’. It would be like trying to write something about ‘proteins’ and tailor it to optimizing cognition.
I do review individual nootropics that are peptides. For example, L-Carnosine (https://nootropicsexpert.com/l-carnosine/) is a dipeptide of the amino acids beta-alanine and histidine. And Noopept (https://nootropicsexpert.com/noopept/) is a peptide analogue of the original nootropic Piracetam.
I suggest an easier approach for you is some research into nootropic supplements for sleep and nootropic supplements for memory. That way you’d get options to use for both issues. Which would include absolutely necessary for sleep and memory but don’t fall under the ‘peptide’ category.
These will get you started:
https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-sleep/
https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-learning-and-memory/
Do you have an opinion on MitoForte?
I’m too tired to schedule, or rather trust, that I can be awake and functioning, for an appointment. What might be helpful for others like me, is a questionnaire. Send a way to pay for the appointment, for the hour and once paid, send the questionnaire and then spend the hour creating a email or pdf response to the questionnaire answers.
Darcy, MitoForte is an unknown brand of a preformulated nootropic stack whom I know nothing about. They use a “proprietary formula” which I despise because you don’t know how much of each ingredient you’re getting. And it contains Huperzine-A (unknown dosage) which cannot be used daily. See my Huperzine-A review for more: https://nootropicsexpert.com/huperzine-a
You can book a personal consultation with me which can be done by email instead of on the phone or Skype. I did one with a client in Greece last weekend by email. And she was very happy with my report and suggestions.
Thank you for the information on that supplement stack, for responding, for doing all that you do.
FYI, We do not get email notifications for responses to our comments.
Darcy, I didn’t realize you did not get email notifications for responses. I’ll ask my developer about that. And see if it can be changed because I think it’s important to our community.
Hi, David,
RE: Electronic Mental Health Device
I have a question which is off-subject —since it refers to an electronic DEVICE –however, it is supposed to alleviate “depression, anxiety & insomnia.”
Do you know anything about this machine? I put a lot of stock on Dr. Joseph Mercola’s opinion, but he has not covered this device at all.
I am sleeping OK now, but, in the past 20 years, new supplements work for a while, then, stop working. I am trying to hedge my chances for continued “OK” sleep.
It it wasn’t so pricey, I would get it without recommendation, since I also know about “Grounding” [also called “earthing”]—and I do it for 30-60 minutes at least, everyday. The Grounding helps me to sleep. (related to electricity)
Do you have any info on this device? Any comment would be appreciated.
Fisher Wallace Stimulator
Galyaa, I’ve never used a device like this but apparently it boosts Alpha brain waves which in turn is supposed to increase your brain’s ability to produce serotonin.
And serotonin is the precursor to the production of melatonin.
The problem I think is they’re assuming that your brain has all of the enzymes, amino acids and cofactors in place to produce serotonin. If any of those are lacking then you can stimulate your brain all night long and still not produce serotonin.
It seems to me that you could use L-Theanine to boost Alpha brain waves, 500 mg L-Tryptophan, 400 mg magnesium and 50 mg Vitamin B6 (P-5-P) to produce serotonin. And maybe give it a little boost by adding 6 oz. of Tart Cherry Juice which is a natural source of melatonin. For less than $25 you can do the same thing as a $200 brain wave machine.
Thank you for your input, David.
I appreciate it.
Hello Mr Tomen. If there is a possibility i would love to hear your opinion. I recently read an aniracetam guide and learned some useful information. I have some questions about the use of nootropics.
First of all some info about me
I am 48 years old and perimenopause (rage, tears, no energy, brain fog, anxiety, no happiness) and (go) vegan. I work as a grief counselor. I describe my self as an introvert but I need to be with people as part of my work. (e.g workshops).
I often feel without energy, with memory issues and i experience brain fog. I have tried numerous supplements like T3 AND T4 for Hashimoto GABA + 5http + B1, B6, B1, iron, natural progesterone + inositol + lemon balm + st. johns, agnus castus, etc
I also found Ciltep that works for me (Better concentration, stamina, energy) BUT I found some info about aniracetam and I need to know if I can combine these two supplements and how to do that.
If you have any other ideas for me it would be great. If you feel that we need some personal contact please let me know.
Thank you very much for your time, Really looking forward to your feedback. I not only suffer from symptoms of perimenopause and hashimoto but my husband and my son as well and i feel extremely guity
Nancy, it’s all part of life and no need to feel guilty. But I know exactly what you mean.
Aniracetam is worth trying but needs to dosed correctly including using Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline to provide the acetylcholine this racetam affects. And it is fat-soluble so must be taken with a meal containing healthy fats or something like a tablespoon of unrefined coconut oil.
I’ve personally helped quite a few women who were dealing with issues similar to yours. A personal consultation would likely be best but I’ll leave that up to you. More on that here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/personal-consultations/
Thank you very much Mr Tomen!
Hello David,
i would like to try Lithium Orotate in order to reduce several anxiety issues. For some years i take Beta Blockers (Bisoprolol 2.5 mg at lunchtime) to lower heart rate.
Is it safe to take the Lithium Orotate with this medication?
Thanks
Dennis
Dennis the combination of Lithium with Bisoprolol may result in blood pressure lower than it’s supposed to be. Side effects potentially could include headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, and/or changes in pulse or heart rate.
But this is for high dose Lithium and generally not the case for Lithium Orotate which only has 5 mg elemental lithium. As long as you don’t take any more than 1 – 2 tablets per day you should be OK. Just keep an eye on your blood pressure to be sure.
Hello David,
Thank you so much for your helpful informative videos.
I am 72 years old and I have noticed a decline in short term memory. I began taking Piracetam, Coluracetam and Phenylpiracetam after watching some videos on your site. I cycle them in order to avoid tolerance. I just finished watching your video on Lithium Orotate, and it sounds like something that might help with my bouts of depression. But I am not sure how it might interact with the Racetams. Is it advisable to take both at the same time, or should I stop the racetams before trying the Lithium Orotate?
Harold, first, are you following dosage recommendations for the racetams? Including a healthy fat like olive or coconut oil for the last two racetams on your list. As well as a choline supplement?
Lithium Orotate is not contraindicated with anything including the racetams. But may not be all you need to take care of depression. I suggest you check out this post for other ideas on dealing with depression: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-depression/
And more on memory here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/how-to-improve-memory-and-concentration/
I purchased your new book, however, the page numbers do not match up with your advertisement page numbers. I am trying to find the specific recommendations in your advertisement but cant seem to figure out why the pages are different?
Scott, I know and I don’t know how to fix it. Because I used the page numbers from one format of Head First when I wrote that sales letter. And those page numbers change depending on the format of book you are viewing. So I can redo them for one format but it wouldn’t be accurate for a different format or different size viewing screen.
I can get this question once every 3 or 4 months. So I can going to re-visit this issue and see if there’s a way that I can make everyone happy. If I do I’ll send a email to all Head First owners and let you know.
Ok. Thank you.
Hi David,
I have a couple of questions:
1. Is it safe to use 250mg of phenibut once a week for long term (a year or more) without building up a tolerance and experiencing withdrawal?
2. I am considering using Kratom for insomnia, but I would like to approach with caution as I know this is a powerful nootropic. Would I build up a tolerance if I take kratom (enough for sleep. Maybe 5-8 grams) twice a week for long term?
3. I know you don’t recommend 5htp alone, but do you think a combo with l-tyrosine at a 1:10 ratio would be safe for long term?
Just to give you some background info: I am 34, 5′ 5″, 145 pounds with a tendency for situational anxiety and mild depression. The biggest factor in my mental health though is insomnia. I am assuming my body type might play a role in kratom and phenibut use.
Thank you,
Joe
Joe, let’s do this in order:
1. All I can do is caution you strongly about the dangers of Phenibut especially if there is even a hint of addiction tendencies. I cannot honestly tell you if you’ll build a tolerance to once weekly Phenibut dosage. I suppose the only thing you can to is try. But if you find that 250 mg once per week no longer works for you, what will you do? If your answer is to increase the dosage then I’d drop it like hot iron. It’s not worth the risk.
2. The right strain of Kratom works well for insomnia. But tolerance is an issue. It’s longer to build a tolerance to Kratom than something like Phenibut. But at least it’s not dangerous as long as you are using pure Kratom. And it has not been tampered with.
3. I’d forget about ‘ratios’ if I were you. And instead of using 5-HTP to create melatonin in your brain use something like Tart Cherry Juice. It’s a natural source of low dose melatonin. You won’t build a tolerance. And it works.
For sleep I’d suggest; 6 – 8 oz. tart cherry juice from concentrate (no mixed juices!), 500 mg L-Tyrosine, 750 mg GABA, and 500 mg magnesium chelate.
It would be nice if you could make a list of “natural” and/or safe alternatives to NSAIDs which are known to cause heart attacks. Pain management is a sort of NOOTROPIC in my opinion cause it positively influences the mood and the brain.
Dave, pain is managed in the brain and I think this is a great idea. I’ll put it my list of things to write this year.
Hi Dave…sorry for taking your time, and thanks for the great job and information provided on your website!!
I built my own nootropic stack, and would be so thankful to see your comments about it, if I’m messing up with something, etc, because here in Brazil we don’t have experts on this field yet
My stack is as follows:
– Escitalopram 5mg
– Piracetam 1600mg/day: 800mg morning/ 400mg at lunch/ 400mg at 18pm
-180mg EPA/ 120mg DHA
– Multivitamin
– Rhodiola Rosea: 200mg
– Bacopa Monnieri:200mg
– Gingko Biloba: 120mg
– Coenzyme Q10: 100mg
– 5HTP: 50mg
– L Tyrosine: 300mg
– Choline Bitartrate: 300mg
– Huperzine A: 100mcg
– Phosphatidylserine: 100mg
-Melatonin 1mg at night
Plus coffee and natural tobacco smoking during the day
I do all this religiously everyday without cycling…do you think I’m on the safe side doing this?
I recent switched from modafinil to piracetam, because modafinil was a little overwhelming my brain and I think its just overhyped, with consistent usage actually impairs memory…so far great results with piracetam, a lot better and safer than modafinil…
Any adjusts should be made on the stack above or its nice?
Best wishes; thank you very much for your attention
Marcus, your stack is OK. But I suggest checking each individual nootropic for dosage recommendations. You can scroll through and click each link here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/nootropics-list/.
You’ll find suggestions like increasing your choline dosage while using Piracetam. And I suggest using a better choline supplement like Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline. And you’ll also notice that Huperzine-A has a 24 hour half-life. So should only be used every 2nd or 3rd day. And your brain needs 1,000 mg DHA per day.
Thank you very much for your reply and advice Dave…unfortunately I’m still a student and Alpha GPC or CDP Choline are way too expensive yet in my country and I dont have enough budget to afford it…gonna add some boiled eggs to my diet to cover a little more choline…but until now piracetam didnt caused any side effects to me indicating choline deficiency like headache, etc..is it normal? By the way I take Nootropil from UCB Pharma..Thanks again
If you’re getting all the benefit from Piracetam and using it as you are then keep on doing it. One less expensive choline supplement option is using choline bitartrate or choline citrate. You just need to use a lot more of it.
Dave, combined with my stack described above piracetam is giving me great mental clarity, mood, energy and motivation boost, facilitates learning and memory (kind of photographic memory)..after 15 days of continuous dosing i have noticed long lost memories like 10 years back ago flushing again so vivid in my head…but at night i’m getting terrible insomnia like my brain just doesnt shut off and i dont merge into a profound sleep… should I take it twice a day like 800mg morning and 800mg afternoon instead of dosing it at 800mg 7 am, 400mg 12am, and 400mg 18pm?
Marcus, if it’s interrupting your sleep I’d not do anything past 4 PM. If that still doesn’t help then nothing past noon.
Thank you very much for your altruism and sharing your knowledge about this beautiful world of nootropics Dave…please if you don’t mind, one last question: is there a need to cycle the nootropic stacks described above? I pretend to take it consistently everyday until the last day in my life…do you too? Haha love you man, sorry again for too much questions…God bless you!! And keep this awesome informative job going..thanks!!
Marcus, the the majority of nootropics on my entire list of nootropics do not need to be “cycled” if you are using them at recommended dosages. And especially within those parameters, the dosages that are right for you.
Hello David,
I hope you are doing fine. Since last two months, I’m following you on YouTube and learnt a lot from your experiences. I do have a query on an issue. Last year, after working for long hours continuously for weeks in office, I don’t have any energy left in me (mental task, everything on computer). I don’t have then motivation left to do the job (mind saturated) because I don’t have mental energy and when I think about work to be done at office then comes too much work-stress due to it’s difficult to fall asleep.
Therefore, last year I started just with Krill oil which helps me, and I have energy and mind doesn’t get saturated like before and I was efficient. Since, taking krill oil endanger these species, I tried to shift on Algae oil for omega 3. After learning much from you, I started with Cdp choline with omega 3 and b12. First days, I notice the effects of cdp-choline (250mg). I can enjoy it, I was productive. But after 10 days, I develop tolerance to it, and I don’t feel any effect. Then, I bought uridine monophosphate (150mg) and B-complex to enlarge my stack but still the same, I can’t feel anything. Then, I bought ALCAR (500mg), it was too good, I can feel such energy. My brain was like floating but after 2-3 times of use, I don’t feel anything. I was taking all these supplements with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, every morning empty stomach. Then, I thought to buy Ubiquinol(100mg) + PQQ (10mg) + Shilajit (100mg) but I don’t notice anything. Only when I bought MCT oil, I can feel again the mental energy and I found it is potent for me.
I wanted to ask, why I am building so fast tolerance even I take gap of 1 week but now I don’t notice anything except MCT oil.
What do you recommend me?
Shivansh, it just sounds like your body is depleted of what it requires to work. With this type of reaction, or lack of benefit you have a lot of work and repair to do. A good place to start is with this but doing it every day for a few months and see how you feel. And not expect to turn things around overnight. Or even in a couple of days.
If you have read my story you know that about 6 years ago I felt like dying I felt so bad. It took me 2 1/2 years of dedicated, consistent work before I felt good again.
Go to this Menu link and scroll through the posts. https://nootropicsexpert.com/category/guides/ Find something that resonates with you and start doing it. Every single day until it works.
Thank you so much for fantastic replying and understanding the issue. I was thinking to stop using it as they are not helping me. I thought, if acetylcholine level in my brain is high then cdp-choline will not help me and I should concentrate myself to optimize my dopamine level.
(Yes, I know cdp-choline also helps dopamine too, maybe NALT will be better choice for Dopamine, anyways it is just an example)
You changed my thinking on that.
Alright, I will go one by one through all your posts and try to find what suits me.
I think you might also have some suggestion, which nootropics should i use based on your several years of experience, can you suggest me one or two for now.
Yes, I have never been through your life story. I just know about it, little from your videos in which you dicussed it shortly. I will read about it.
Thanks again, David
Shivansh, I cannot honestly suggest one or two nootropics without knowing much, much more. And why I suggested you do some research by reading through some of my posts.
what nootropic substance would you recommend for rehabilitation from
methamphetamines?
Mel, it depends on what kind of damage was caused by methamphetamines. if it’s damage to dopamine or serotonin neurons do a search of Nootropics Expert top right for “neurogenesis” and see what turns up.
If it’s a problem with damaged blood vessels, do a search to right for “cerebral blood flow” or “cerebral circulation” and see what turns up.
in the past our patient received L-Dopa and SSRIs and had no positive effects, instead the side effects made us to stop this treatment.
Next our patient received aniracetam and GABA and we noticed an improvement.
What other substance could we try?
Mel, The main metabolite of Aniracetam (70-80%) is N-anisoyl-GABA. Check the mechanism of action here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/aniracetam/
And GABA is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter. Check out its mechanism of action here and note that it also boosts Human Growth Hormone: https://nootropicsexpert.com/gaba/.
If L-DOPA and SSRIs don’t help it seems to me you can eliminate dopamine and serotonin for now. And start exploring anything that boosts GABA, keeps glutamate in check, and increases Human Growth Hormone.
Dr. Tomen, thanks for your reply,
is it a good idea to add a little L-Glutamine too?
and
to replace Aniracetam with Piracetam because I read this in the links you provided above:
“Aniracetam works faster in the brain after taking it than Piracetam because of its superior bioavailability to the brain. But its effects don’t last as long as Piracetam.
The potency of Aniracetam seems almost counter-intuitive. Because most of an Aniracetam dose is lost in the liver during digestion. Only 0.2% or the original dose is available to the brain.[vi] Piracetam is nearly 100% bioavailable.[vii]”
thank you.
Mel, L-Glutamine may be a good idea because it increases GABA levels in the brain. But the choice between Aniracetam and Piracetam really depends on the individual. I find Aniracetam works better for me. But it could be different for you. Only way to find out is to try.
Hi David.
I’m always insecure if I should take my nootropics with food or sober.Cause i know that it makes a difference in absorption depending on their solubility in water or fat.Would I be on the right side if I just take them with “Bulletprooff-Coffee” .I am intermittet fasting and at the moment I take them all in the morning what means about 7 hours before next meal.It would be a great help to have a list of your nootropics that shows how they should be taken for highest absorption. .
Esthy, the fat in Bullet Proof coffee will help the absorption of fat-soluble nootropics. Water soluble nootropics will be delivered by the water in the coffee.
Hello David, I think I have something unique and problem is in the last year I have been having vivid dreams every night without fail which is cause to have palpitations and unconsciously holding my breath waking me up 2, 3 times in the night. Is there anyway I can stop dreaming? I it putting a lot of stress on my heart and can not recover from my excise having poor sleep? Do I need a brain scan or hypnosis? It’s going to kill me if don’t do something about it. Thanks Jude UK
Jude, there our biohackers among us who would envy your vivid dreams. First thing to ask yourself is do you remember anything changing a year ago? Something in your diet? Or something in your environment? Anything radically change the last time you did blood tests?
Stress or a sudden traumatic event can cause vivid dreams. A bad breakup, death of someone close to you, whack on the head, change of sleep schedule, sex abuse, moving to a new place, etc.
If it’s an underlying mental or physical issue we could tackle it with nootropics or even some pharmaceuticals. But first we need to get to the root cause.
Thanks David, well 2 years ago I got drugged on an night out which I believe wipe out some of my good bacteria which left me with gut and brain issues leave me with mental and physical problems leading me thinking about taking my own life. With the help of research and probiotics I manage to over come that and now 2 years down the line I am not out of the woods yet
Jude, if you’re still thinking about suicide please seek out some pro help. There’s a LOT of good folk trained to help you deal with some of the issues you are dealing with. Nootropics can certainly help but only in support of getting the professional help you need.
Hi David,
I am having racing angry thoughts in my mind from time to time, several times a day. Sometimes I react to them, unknowingly. Specially when driving, and I unknowingly speedup the vehicle in a fit of anger, but soon I realize that and cool down. The thoughts immediately disappear when I am aware of them. They can come only unknowingly. They come for a very short time 2-3 minutes max. Will go off as soon as I am aware of them.
Entire situations is internal, except when I myself show a reaction. Externally, I am a very cool person. Working perfectly as a software engineer, and having a nice family.
After a lot of treatment like SSRIs and anti-psychotics, with no help. I resorted to therapy and some nootropics: L-theanine (100+100mg) and Glutamine (3+3+3 gms). Feeling much better, say 50%.
Can you please give me your expert advice, what else can I take for this scenario.
Satya, I think you’re onto something here without even knowing it. Sounds like a temporary spike in certain brain waves that L-Theanine and Glutamine has helped calm. If this is true, then these may help as well:
https://nootropicsexpert.com/phosphatidylserine-ps/
https://nootropicsexpert.com/gaba/
https://nootropicsexpert.com/noopept/
Thanks David,
I tried GABA before (Now Foods), did not help much. I will try the other two.
What do you think about L-Glycine? Will this go along with these?
My condition was diagnosed as “episodic anger”, a few months of treatment with SSRIs and anti-psychotics did not work much, and I had to come off because of side effects. This is two years back. Supplements are helping me much.
Satya, L-Gycine is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. But if things like SSRIs didn’t help it doesn’t sound like a neurotransmitter problem. It sounds more like a brain wave issue.
Hi David,
I’ve been hearing a lot about inositol being an effective treatment for a few disorders. I suffer from anxiety, OCD, and most recently severe and frequent panic attacks. I tried ashwaghanda with a LITTLE success. b6 has been one of the vitamins that has truly helped with my energy and mood. I know inositol is a sugar basically, but can you take too much? also, is it kind of like an adaptogen because it’s explained that it will help elevate seratonin production but also help with TOO much seratonin. I have anxiety, so basically I’m afraid of trying anything new. LOL. I’m afraid I’ll mess with my brain chemistry or something.
Alexis, this should help you understand inositol: https://nootropicsexpert.com/vitamin-b8-inositol/. Look under “Overview” for a bullet list of what it’s used for.
Dear David,
I suffer from cyclothymia and go through mild depression and mild mania. During my depressive episodes I find it difficult to look up words in my mind and my speech is impaired, I get brain fog, my concentration is poor especially in the morning, my sexual drive is poor, I experience self doubt etc. During my manic episode I experience the complete opposite. Both states I can live with in terms of keeping my job and somehow functioning (better or worse), however, I’d like to function normally (especially eliminate self doubt, improve my memory/concentration and get rid of the brain fog). For lack of energy I found out B-complex vitamin is the cure. For lack of focus, difficulty in understanding what I read and brain fog I found nothing yet. I want to try nootropics. Should I go with nootropics or get my gut tested or do something else? I doubt I am genetically programmed to have cyclothymia. I had no such thing before I was 20 years old although I was a quite heavy introvert. Tips much appreciated!
Michael, try Lithium Orotate and report back please: https://nootropicsexpert.com/lithium-orotate/
Many thanks for your quick reply! I tried lithium orotate approx. half a year ago (Swanson’s product) for approx. 1 month and I experienced absolutely no aid to my condition whatsoever. Only thing that works great is the B-complex for energy levels and vitamin D during winter – makes me feel more positive but at the end of winter I wear out anyhow and feel depleted. Any other tips, Sir?
Michael, it’s difficult to suggest ways to help you without knowing the root cause of your issues. For example, see this post on “brain fog” and its causes: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-supplements-for-brain-fog/
It could be any number of causes and will take trial and error with different nootropics until you find what works. Chances are that it will be several nootropics used together to take care of whatever the problem is.
You’ve already experienced some success by finding out the you were low in certain Vitamins. Now you need to figure out if it’s a problem with neurotransmitters, inflammation, hormone imbalance, growth factors, etc. And the only way to narrow this down is trying different nootropics.
Start with that brain fog post for some ideas. Then scroll through more posts to see what resonates here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/category/guides/
Dear David
I suffered from extreme anxiety after an accumulation of stressful events. I stopped sleeping and effectively shut down. I had Electro Convulsive Therapy and am taking Sertraline and Olanzapine (not so easy to discontinue due to withdrawal effects). My aim is to take some nootropics to help repair my brain (memory/cognitive ability, noticeably affected) and also to reduce anxiety and insomnia while I taper off my meds.
I have dabbled (on and off) with Taurine (500mg -1000mg, 1-2 times a day) over a period of 2 weeks. I got cold feet, wondering if I would become dependant on it and thinking that perhaps my body would lose its ability to synthesise it if I took it long term. Would Taurine be of benefit and are my concerns unfounded? Can taking Taurine on and off throw my system out of sync? I also took one tablet of Bacopa (Synapsa) (320 mg, 55% Bacosides) and didn’t sleep well at all that night, so have not continued. Perhaps there is an interaction between Bacopa and one of the meds? Are there other nootropics you would recommend given my medication? Would it be safer to take vitamins/minerals/amino acids as opposed to herbals? If I slept better and my anxiety is under control, I could slowly taper off my meds.
I would really appreciate your views given your knowledge and experience.
Thanks
Jakes
Jakes, start with this post: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-sleep/. But make sure that you pay close attention to the “side effects” section of each review that is linked in that post. If in doubt, use the drug interaction checker here: https://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html
For amino acids like Taurine you don’t need to worry about dependency. I can count the number of nootropics on one had that could be a candidate for “physical dependency”.
Every review on Nootropics Expert provides clear side effects and other concerns, if any. It will take some reading and research but all the information you are seeking is on this site.
Thanks David
I see Taurine isn’t included in the best nootropics for sleep, also not in the best nootropics list and you don’t personally seem to take it. Is there any reason for this as it does seem to have a number of benefits?
Regards
Jakes
Jakes, Taurine is included in my Nootropics List and here’s my review: https://nootropicsexpert.com/taurine/.
It likely should be in my stack. But I use so many supplements already that … And it could be in my sleep stack because it is also an alternative to prescription sleep meds.
No particular reason why it’s not in my “Best” list except if I kept adding the my Best list it wouldn’t be a Best list anymore. It would just be a long list of nootropics.
Hello David
I asked you about some nootropics I tried not working 2 weeks ago.
The recommendation that you provided which was to take B vitamins with the nootropics didn’t work.
I tried taking all the nootropics that I said with B-Vitamins on several occasion. I changed the dose of the B Complex and Nootropic source on each attempt, and still felt no effect.
I did feel effect from the B-Vitamin complex. I tried taking the B-Vitamins in the same dose on 2 occasions. On One occasion with CDP-Choline and one occasion without CDP-Choline. I recieved basically equal benefit on both occasions. CDP-Choline provided no additional cognitive benefit still.
I still believe the cause of the nootropics not working is elevated enzyme levels, either in the liver or elsewhere.
Please provide me with the names of any supplements or methods or lowering liver enzymes or that lower more specifically the enzymes that metabolise the nootropics if you know of any
The nootropics I took that didn’t work were:
-CDP-Choline (Highest dosage taken is 1500mg)
-Alpha-GPC (Highest dosage take is 600mg
-L-Tyrosine (Highest dosage taken in 500mg)
and since my previous comment
-300mg Uridine Monophosphate
Thank you
Harvey
Harvey, Piperine inhibits the drug transporter P-glycoprotein, and the major drug-metabolizing enzyme CYP3A4 active primarily in your liver. You could try Piperine or the patented version called BioPerine and see if that helps any. https://nootropicsexpert.com/piperine/
Hi David
I wanted to ask you about Microdosing Mushrroms or other Psychedelics.
A lot of people say that it is helpful in many aspects for the brain.
It would be great if you could write about it,cause I do trust your opinion very much.And your videos and writings have helped me a lot in the last years.Thank You for that.
Sorry for the bad english its not my native language
Esthy, researching and writing a post on micro-dosing would be a major project. I’ll put it on my list but likely won’t get to it for awhile. Thanks for the suggestion!
Dear David Tomen,
I started giving my girlfriend alpha GPC for her cfs like u proposed to me. A miracle happened. She had so much energy after the second day she was very happy and thankful she felt herself cured only after 3 days it stopped working. Right now she is very sad i feel bad for her . Maybe u know why it stopped working?
Kind regards,
Haider
Haider, Alpha GPC increases acetylcholine AND boosts dopamine. So it could be that she’s low in dopamine as well. You could try L-Tyrosine which is a precursor to the synthesis of dopamine.
But the thing is that the only way to find out the cause of what is contributing to her issues is trying different nootropics until you find something that works.
Please read this post so you have a clearer understanding of what needs to be done: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-depression/
Hi David,
1. What can I stack with MLP to kill anxiety and social problems?
2. Is cycling for MLP needed or can I take it every day for very long period?
Yazan, I use Mind Lab Pro daily without any problem. Some prefer to cycle two days off per week.
For social anxiety, you can try some of the supplements suggested in this post: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-social-anxiety/
Hi David,
I’ve been on an antipsychotic, paliperidone, for around 2 years, currently on the lowest dose, am hoping to get off it soon, but am wondering what I can take now that might help the brain recover from it, or to counteract it (one feels zombification, and there’s mention of cognitive impairment, metabolic issues, and even brain shrinkage).
The obvious thing was to reach for a product like Qualia Mind, but it seemed it could be a brain stimulant and I came across a study online (“The Dopamine Dilemma, Using Stimulants and Antipsychotics Concurrently” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2898838/) that said that there were concerns about the combination of stimulant (dopamine agonist) and antipsychotic (dopamine antagonist). It would seem an issue one might want to be careful about while still on the antipsychotic. The product you recommend “Mind Lab Pro” would seem to be less stimulant oriented, which may then be a better alternative to Qualia. In response to another who previously took paliperidone, you suggested Aniracetam and BDNF.
At this point, I’m considering Mind Lab Pro and a Curcumin supplement. Would that be reasonable to take in your opinion, while still on the paliperidone? Or do you think it would be better to wait until the drug is stopped. Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks
Joshua
Josh, you could run into problems because paliperidone is a dopamine and serotonin antagonist. And the L-Tyrosine in Mind Lab Pro and Qualia Mind as I recall is a dopamine agonist. You could end up with too much dopamine if taken together. Which can cause problems like irritability and if it affects your heart, then death.
Aniracetam does not directly boost dopamine but does affect dopamine receptors. Which too could cause problems. It’s hard to tell because we don’t have any clinical studies to verify this.
That’s the problem with combining very potent pharmaceuticals with nootropics. It is potentially dangerous and worst case deadly. If I were you I would wait for a couple of weeks at least after your last dose of paliperidone.
Hi David,
I have been taking aniracetam for the past two days and it has just made me sleepy. On top of that, I take SNRI, Anticonvulsant, magnesium, turmeric, fish oil, B12. What racetam and supplements do you recommend I have OCD and ADHD.
David, this is the stack I recommend for ADHD: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/.
The only reason I can think of that Aniracetam would make you sleepy is you are not using a choline supplement with it. You need Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline with it because it is forcing the use of more acetylcholine in your brain.
David, pl review for tianeptine.
Ayush, I will not be doing a review of tianeptine because I classify this as a “smart drug” and not a natural nootropic. Tianeptine is a controlled substance in many countries and at least on state here in the USA. And there is some concern that it can be abused as well. Not something to be messing with unless it’s prescribed by your doctor for a specific ailment.
I suffered a brain stem stroke back in January of this year, I have diabetes, I have heart problems, I Suffer from MDD(Major Depressive Disorder) what can you recommend for me, if anything besides a bullet to the brain.
Mike, is the MDD as result of the brain stem stroke? Or were you dealing with depression before? What you are dealing with is far more complex than my area of expertise. Best I can offer you for now is read this post for the causes of depression. And natural ways to deal with depression. https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-depression/
Is it safe to mix Resveratrol, NMN and either Aniracetam or Noopept?
i am after optimizing genetic repair, mood, focus, flow and creativity.
Nader, it’s safe to stack all of those nootropics as long as you used recommended dosages including using the latter two nootropics with a choline supplement. I highly recommend reading dosage instructions for each of these in the relevant review here on Nootropics Expert.
For flow read this: https://nootropicsexpert.com/how-to-hack-your-flow-state-with-nootropics/
For repair read this: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-traumatic-brain-injury/
For mood read this: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-depression/
Do you plan to give out translations of your book(German)? Is it available in Switzerland?
Could you please make a review about Kratom.That would be great.
Esthy, Kratom is on my list of nootropics to review before the end of the year. I’ve had several requests so I think I’ll need to move it up my list. And it’s up to my publisher if they want to put Head First out in other languages. Not sure about that one because it’s not my decision.
Great I am looking foreward to it.I love your reviews they are always packet full of all the information needed and anyway very easy to understand(Even for me whos native language is not english)Thank you so much for all the time and work you put in:
Love Esthy
Ps: About your Berberin review:You have been right. Berberine alleviates ischemic arrhythmias via recovering depressed I(to) and I(Ca) currents in diabetic rats.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22188769
Hi David,
When was ‘Head First’ book published? Has it gone through any new updates as of 2019?
Thank you
Arj, Head First was published early in 2018. I’m working on a 2nd edition but it’ll take another few months before it’s ready. No major changes except more nootropic reviews.
Hello, how are you?
forgive my english
I suffer from chronic fatigue and hypersomnia since 2015. I am 19 years old, and it has conditioned my life. I suffer from memory problems, I find it hard to learn, and I always feel a mental fog, as if my mind were at rest and I did not wake up
I have gone to the doctor, without effect. I have read from your blogs, and I wanted to start with the nootropics. I do not know where to start, to treat my problem. Take modafinil, but it gives me anxiety and even then I feel weak. Citalopram is the only medicine that has helped me, which, however, has not done it at all. I thought to take a stack of Aniracetam 750 mg in the morning, 300 mg of alpha gpc, 500mg of lion’s mane and a good vitamin.
Do you think it will help?
I have other symptoms, like I have trouble getting out of bed, muscle weakness and I always feel confused.
I admire your work, and I’ve always been aware of thanks!
Samuel, start here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/beginners-guide-to-nootropic-stacks/
My son is 30 years old and a recovering alcoholic, He suffers from PTSD, mild depression, social anxiety and some energy and sleep issues. He functions and works. I want to start him off with a basic stack. I’m thinking a quality multivitamin, Rhodiola, Bacopa Monnieri, Ashwagandha and Ginseng. I won’t get him to take over five items. Thoughts on this? Thanks so much for your work!
Paul, you’ll get some ideas here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/beginners-guide-to-nootropic-stacks/. Spend some time on the rest of this site because you’ll find hundreds of pages of suggestions the deeper you get into this. But that page will get you started.
Hi David, first I would like to apreciate you for your great job and information provided by this website!
Sorry for taking your time, but if you don’t mind losing 1 minute in helping me, its gonna be a great help for my brain because here in Brazil we don’t have any medical experts on nootropics.
Short story, I’m a 25 old student, with crazy Tourette tics and some degree of Bipolar Disorder comorbid with Anxiety and ADHD.. actually in a straight 12hour-a-day studying session aiming to pass into a Medical School entrance exam
I have really messed up with my neurochemistry during teenage years, with heavy duty LSD and MDMA usage every weekends for 10 years, plus hashish and marijuana consistent daily usage…before that I had always great school notes
Now that I’m totally free from illicit drug abuse (thank’s god), I’m trying to fix my poor fucked up brain with nootropics… my religious daily stack (no cycling) consists of:
– Modafinil 100mg
– Desvenlafaxine 50mg
– EPA/DHA 300mg
– Tadalafil 5mg ( to increase cAMP) and improve overall blood flow
– FDC ALL 26 Geriatric Multivitamin and Multiminerals
———-NOOTROPIC STACK————–
– Bacopa Monnieri 150mg
– Rhodiola Rosea 150mg
– Ashwagandha 200mg
– L Theanine 150mg
– Gingko Biloba 60mg
– 5HTP 100mg
– L Tyrosine 200mg
– Choline Bitartrate 300mg
– Huperzine A 50mcg
– Melatonin 1mg at night to induce a peaceful sleep
This natural nootropic stack is divided into 3 capsules a dose, and I take 1 capsule at morning with the pharmaceutical meds, another capsule after lunch, and the other capsule around 18pm
Do you think this stack is properly balanced or I’m messing with something?
Is there anything I should adjust like the 5htp and Tyrosine doses?
Please leave your comment, sorry for the relatively long text and thank you! Best wishes…
Mattheus, I’d increase L-Tyrosine dosage according to dosage recommendations in the review here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/tyrosine/.
Check other dosages by scrolling through the list here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/nootropics-list/
And Huperzine-A should only be used every 2nd or 3rd day because of a long half-life.
Thank you very much for replying Dave…yeah, gonna make some adjusts into my self-made stack…I’ll change L Theanine for CoQ10 100mg, increase Tyrosine to 300mg, HupA to 100mcg and reduce 5HTP to 50mg…Theanine is great for calmness and relaxation but I’m feeling kinda spacey and zoned out with it (maybe some kind of interaction with the adaptogens or the pharma meds)…ashwa, bacopa and rhodiola already does the trick for anxiety ;P…
Do you think I should take the entire dose (3caps) at morning or spreading them on 1 at morning/ 1 at lunch/ 1 at evenning is ok?
Mattheus, I’ve found it best to split dosages when possible and taken 2 or 3 times during the day. Just make sure you are not using something Tyrosine too late in the day or you’ll interfere with sleep.
Can i take piperine with:
-Symbiotics
-Omega 3
-Vit E
-Phosphatidylserine
-All B vitamins
-PQQ
-CoQ10
-Lion’s mane
-Green tea extract
-NAC
-Alcar
-Vit D
-Lithium orotate
-Gotu Kola
-GABA
-Magnesium
Yes
Thanks a lot. I’m asking because i’ve heard that it can block some enzymes and i was worried that some of supplements that i’ve chose won’t work.
Just keep this in mind. Ask yourself how each supplement will interact with another. If they’re amino acids will the compete for amino acid transporters? Including amino acids as supplements as well as amino acids in food.
i m big fan of your website certainly best nootropic info site on whole internet.could you please please send me few nootropics names other then piracetam and vinpocetine that have anticonvulant properties. i shall be very thankful to you for this act of kindness…
Gohar, that depends on what the cause is of what you are describing. I have seen reports that some CBD Oil is great for preventing seizures. Is that what you are talking about?
My mom has severe dementia. This current routine im experimenting on her right now seems to be working at the moment. She is starting to come around alittle bit better.. More responsive, less screaming. Memory alittle improved.
Morning
1. Oxyspark = one scoop mixed with one to 3 scoops of microingredients brand organic beetroot powder. Also 300+ mg of pine bark extract from bulk supplements.. 500 mg of vitamin c from bulk supplements. All mixed in together
2. Charles schwabb tebonin/ginko bioboa special extract egb 761= 120 mg
3. Dr Steve Blakes brain and body food.= 3 pills
4. Astaxathin by biotin = 20 mg
5. Solgar natural d alpha tocopherol vitamin E = 800 iu
6. All solar manufacturing ultimate gamma E = 500 mg
7. Memnivia/ sage stemcells = 600 mg
8. Iron= 65mg
9. Huperzine A by double wood= 400 mcg
10. Mushroom wisdom amyloban = 900 mg
11. Berberine advanced nutrition = 500 mg
Mid afternoon
12. Pqq = 20 mg
13. Berberdine = 500 mg
14. Pine bark extract = 300 mg
Evening
15. Tebonin = 120 mg
16. Oxyspark mixed with beetroot and pine bark extract
17. Brain and body food = 3 pills
18. 98% curcumin 1000 mg
19. Berberine = 500 mg
20.pine bark extract 300 mg
21. Huperzine A = 40p mcg
22. Vitmain E 400 to 800 iu d alpha tocopherol
23. Panax notoginseng = 400 mg by healthsmart
24. Mct oil ketones one teaspoon
25. Blue green algae= 500 mg
26. Amyloban= 900 mg
Hi David
Have you delve into herbs like Kratom? What do you think of it?
John, I use Kratom for pain and have for years. It’s on my list of supplements to review this year.
David
Thanks for your response. I’m a recovering from a long addiction from Kratom. Its somewhat messed up my body and my mood. Do you use it all the time? What are your thoughts on this?
John, I do use Kratom sometimes daily. And do not experience any side effects or strong withdrawal symptoms when I stop using it. But a few others claim otherwise. I’m nor sure why that is except that there seems to be a lot of adulterated Kratom on the market. Are you absolutely confident the Kratom you’ve been using is pure Kratom and not mixed with anything else?
Hi David
I’ve been getting my Kratom from the same online supplier for 3-4 years, so its really hard to know. I’m pretty sure kratom suppliers are sometimes not sure what they are getting, sometimes. It also really depends on how much and long you’ve been doing it. I originally used it to get off pain killers, because it binds to the same receptors. Because it does that, you’d expect some WD with longterm use. I’m on a quittingkratom subreddit, and i hear all the withdrawal stories, some worse than painkiller WD. Some folks are taking 1-3oz daily. I took a (~17 grams per day) tablespoon 3x daily for 3-4 years, and was able to feel significant WD. I’ve recently encountered some neuropathy from longterm usage, which i see that folks have reported very similar symptoms on the boards. That had prompted me to quit. Just wandering what your experience on it was.
John, hasn’t been my experience. Of course the most I ever use for pain is about 8 grams. But I know the vendor I use has their own 3rd party testing lab that verifies each batch they sell. They ended up doing that because of a problem with potential contamination.
I have this, not quite a phobia, about phone calls and skype. Is it possible to do a consultation via email? Possibly send me the questions you need answered and I send you the information I think is relevant. Once you spend 1/2 hour reading and typing, then the consultation would be over as that’s the time I paid for. I know it’s weird, but I’m really weird and I’m really bad off right now and have gotten to the point that I’m here, typing this. I’ve already deleted it once before posting. If there’s a place for a private text chat, that would work too, I guess.
Darcy, schedule a regular consultation with me and put in the notes section that you’d like me to correspond by email rather than Skype or phone. You’ll need to schedule a specific time but as long as you put this in your notes I’ll recognize that it’s you and respond accordingly.
David
Would a supplement that produces millions of stems cells from youre own bone marrow help with cell death in alzheimers? Make a patient recover from loss of brain cells?
No idea. Let me know what you find out.
Ok. I will. Its also called stem cell factor or SCF. It goes hand in hand with NGF. By the way Moms already talking alittle better with the berberdine you use and pine bark extract. Thank you David
What do you think would work better for cerebral blood flow in alzheimers panax notoginseng or tebonin egb 761?
For blood flow I suggest Pine Bark Extract or Vinpocetine.
David have you ever heard of dragons blood or sangre de grado? Its supposedly the most powerful antioxidant on earth with the highest orac score value! Its slightly ahead of astaxathin. Im just wondering because i didnt see any articles on youre website?
Never heard of them.
Hello David,
first of all, congratulations for your blog.
I have just started my nootropics journey. I have soaked up information all over Internet but it’s still not clear to me HOW SHOULD I CYCLE concrete stacks like this one. My daily stack consists of:
MORNING
– 650mg Lion’s Mane
– 1000mg fish oil
– 100mg Pine bark extract
– 500mg Bacopa Monnieri (20% bacosides)
– 200 mg Rhodiola Rosea 3% Rosavine 1% Salidroside
MID-AFTERNOON
– 650mg Lion’s Mane
– 100mg Pine Bark extract
AFTERNOON (OPTIONAL)
– 100mg Pine Bark extract
My dosage is based on the dosage recommendations found on your blog.
So, how should I cycle this? It seems that I could be taking Lion’s Mane uninterruptedly untill the day I die because its effects are cumulative but what about the others?
Would it be just enough with 3 months dosage/ 1 off? 1 month/2 weeks? Week/weekend?
I don’t have any problems like depression, brain damage or drug abuse and I just want to take nootropics as cognitive enhancers mostly because I have to deal with a lot of information each day. I’m just gonna stick to the natural ones.
I would appreciate your input. I trust you way more than any random guy on any internet forum.
Greetings from Paris.
Pablo, there is no need to cycle with the stack you have designed with your dosages and timing. You should find it will work better as time goes on and within 3 – 4 weeks you’ll be getting the full benefit of your stack.
But expect to progress to a “new normal”. In other words it may not ‘feel’ like anything. But your brain will be working better. And the only way you’ll know differently is if you stopped taking this stack abruptly. Then you’ll likely regress to your “old normal”.
Hello David,
Please add my name to your many appreciative readers. I have come to rely on your accumulated knowledge and wisdom concerning Nootropics.
After retirement as a medical instrument developer, I volunteered as a part-time caregiver for patients with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. The obvious lack of any meaningful pharmaceuticals for neurological disorders has caused me to actively seek out natural treatments. Most of what is available, natural or chemical, seem to address memory-related symptoms rather than root causes.
I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts and suggestions for treating the causes of dementia. Thanks again for your sharing.
Hugh Busey
Hugh, do a search of this site for the keyword “dementia” and then for “Alzheimer’s”. You’ll get some fall-positives but I recall several nootropics have studies that showed they were effective in preventing dementia. See this post as well: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-the-aging-brain/
David whats the best nootropic or vitamin or supplement at protecting brain cells from free radicals and oxidative stress? I know theres alot. Vitamin E, Astaxathin, vitamin C ect.
David
Is pqq a good treatment for alzheimers?
Cy, check my PQQ review to see if it helps Alzheimer’s. And do a search of Nootropics Expert to find others that treat this disease.
Pine Bark Extract
Do they both inhibit and reduce tau?
yes they do
David
To youre knowledge what is the best nootropic at reduceing tau tangles ? And also To youre knowledge what is the best nootropic at inhibiting tau buildup in alzheimers?
Berberine and Methylene Blue.
Hello David
I experience no cognitive change or improvement at all when I supplement with either:
≤900mg of CDP Choline
300mg Alpha gpc
300mg cdp choline and 300mg Alpha GPC
500mg l tyrosine
500mg l tyrosine and 200mg green tea extract
This seems to be an unusual occurance. I don’t know anyone who has had a similar experience.
I tried to figure out why I didn’t respond to any of these combinations and realised that either
the substances in the nootropics are either being prevented from entering my brain somehow
Or
I am deficient in some of the enzymes that convert the nootropics into either ACH or Dopamine
Or
The nootropics are being metabolized into other substances elsewhere in the body before the can be metabolized into the intended neurotransmitters
Incase it turns out that the nootropics are being metabolized into unwanted substances Please provide me with as much as you can of the list below
1) The names of the enzymes that are probably metabolizing the nootropics
2) The names of any supplement or drug that inhibits or decreases these enzymes
If you aren’t aware of any of those the also:
3) A source where I can find that information
I would also appreciate any of information you think may be useful to me
Thank You
Harvey
Harvey, they’re likely not working for you because they need cofactors to produce acetylcholine and dopamine and all the other major neurotransmitters. Especially the B-Vitamins. But you also need a couple minerals to do the job as well.
Please see these posts on critical nutrients:
https://nootropicsexpert.com/13-vitamins-essential-for-the-optimized-brain/
https://nootropicsexpert.com/13-minerals-essential-for-the-optimized-brain/
Also, click through to each of the vitamins and minerals that have separate reviews to find out ideal dosage.
Hi! I have a 6 year old son. He has a complete lack of impulse controll. He takes what he wants and does what he wants, hit other kids, without thinking about consequenses. He has problems relating to more than one kid at a time. It’s like he always acts before he thinks. If he wants something, he just takes it or steals it.
He is often in a very good mood. But at the same time often gets very angry for minor things, having frequent “meltdowns” (then after a little while everything as fine again, as if nothing happened). He is absolutely not able to speak about his feelings, not to anyone. Total silence! He has no problems with sleep. He is extremely strong and fit for his age (much stronger than kids at his age), has a huge appetite and a huge amount of energy. And very good fine and gross motor skills. He is “extreme” in many ways.
At the same time, he is able to concentrate. I don’t think he has ADHD. I’ve suspected aspergers, but I’m not sure. He has humor, understands ironi, has good eye contact (expect when he is mad!) and is very strong and physical (not usual traits for those with aspergers!).
Anyway, I suspect he has problems with the balance between glutamate and GABA. And maybe low levels of serotonin. The more I learn about glutamate and GABA the more sure I am that he must have some serious imbalance here. I also suspect he has “too much” testosterone, and therefore maybe a testosterone/estrogen imbalance. His ringfinger is much longer than his forefinger, a clear indication of high prenatal testosterone exposure. This may also explain his impulsive, aggressive behavior and superior physics.
A month ago, I started giving him rather high doses of vitamin D (5000-10000 IU a day). Among others to improve serotonin levels. But no visible effect so far. I’m now considering giving him a stack of taurine, zink, vitamin B6 and maybe NAC, to improve the imbalance I think he has with glutamate/GABA.
What do you think! I appreciate any thoughts from you.
Eivind, the easiest way to safely raise serotonin (in adults) is L-Tryptophan.
I’m not a doctor and not professionally trained in the neuroscience of children. But must caution you about dosages of any supplement for children. The human brain is developing until the early 20’s and anything you do to disrupt this natural growth can easily cause problems.
I highly suggest you find a good naturopathic or integrative medical doctor who works with kids. This does sound like ADHD or Asperger’s but you really need to find a professional who understands how to safely deal with this.
Hello. I’m sure you may have already covered it, but with my attention span (haha) I just scrolled on down to ask you directly. I have been told and consider myself to be rather intelligent (maybe not genius, but above average), but I ALWAYS find myself lacking motivation and/or the patience to see almost anything through, whether it’s my own idea or that of someone else I intend to help. I find myself looking for things I want to learn, but always put it aside and procrastinate, both with educating myself and with actually getting anything done in real life, such as unpacking when I move, or developing a website for my mother or for a friend who owns a business. It’s not that helping my mother isn’t enough of a motivation, because, after her 30 years of disability, I would love nothing more than to help her to finally become self sufficient. I just, can’t seem to push myself to achieve what I KNOW I’m quite capable of doing. I find myself wanting to take a nap whenever possible (I DO work 6 days a week, sometimes 10.5 hours a day), and that leaves so many important things put aside that I truly should just GET IT DONE and be as progressive and productive as possible. Do you have any recommendations for me? When I was a young child I was diagnosed with ADHD, but as a young teen, I was told that I did NOT have ADHD, and therefore didn’t need my medication (i progressed from Ritalin to Adderal over the course of perhaps 8-10 years). Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Having said that, what I did manage to force myself to slow down and read was quite informative, which is what led me to reach out to you for (perhaps) some one on one advice. Thank you in advance.
Matthew, if you’re really working 6-days a week and 10 1/2 hours per day it sounds like you’re being too hard on yourself. But if you really want help with motivation then this info may help: https://nootropicsexpert.com/hacking-motivation-with-nootropics/
Hello,
Thank you for your YouTube presentations. I am just learning about nootropics and appreciate your teachings. I tried to obtain your free book
Secrets of the Optimized Brain by typing in my email, but never received it.
Perhaps it went to my junk mail by mistake and I may have deleted it. At any rate, is there a way I can obtain this book? Thank you, Pat
Pat, I’ll email you a copy today.
Hello,
I’m 61 and have gone most of my life with ADD. My doc put me on Adderall and my blood pressure went through the roof but for the first time ever I felt I could concentrate. I’ve read a bit about nootropics but I’ve got burned the past 2 times. I read an article on Brain Pill. Now my question is that a brand you would recommend or not? I really thought it might be good because it has Ginkgo Biloba, and my buddy ordered it from you after reading https://nootropicsexpert.com/nootropics-list/#ginkgo-biloba. Also, how do you know if a brand is reliable?
John, you know something is reliable by reading legit reviews on that nootropic supplement. And then read the user reviews.
If you are using Adderall and found that it helped then follow the protocol in this post to support its use: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/
I am not an expert on blood pressure. But if you do your research and find natural alternatives and try them. But then don’t seem to help bring it down then talk to your doctor about a safe blood pressure med.
Hello, love your videos on YouTube, was wondering if you could please open up your YouTube comments for discussion, would be great thank you.
Sebastian, I’ve chosen not to enable YouTube comments because I haven’t the time or resources to monitor that and everything else I am doing. This is a ‘one man band’ and I’m covering everything by myself.
That is why I encourage viewers at the end of each video to use the relevant comments section on Nootropics Expert.
Hi Dave,
Thanks to your review on Mind Lab Pro, Whole-Food Multi Men,Vision and Energy you made me a believer. And I made my first purchase back in January 2019 and I’m very happy with the product you recommended. I’m a 82-year-old senior that has to watch my pennies. You provided me with a 10% discount code NE10 which was huge for me back in January. I need a refill and wondering if you may have any more discount codes in the near future.
Thanks for your knowledge, book and help.
Roger
Roger, thanks for the report. I wish I did have a discount code for you but Opti Nutra has not offered me one since that promo.
Hi sir.
i hope i wont waste your precious time. i have a very long story to tell but long story short, i get injected a antipsychotic called paliperidone. it blocks 4 main receptors. dopamine, serotonine, histamine and cholinerjic. i cant not believe that its a cure. i went other doctors have prof titles and turns out i m not psychotic but its too late for me. that was my worst mistake to accept that injection. it was pure hell. i didnt almost feel anything first months. just lay down and pray. after 3-5 months, my feeling came back slowly. passed 8.5 months and its getting better but very slowly. there are so many people suffering from this drug not just me but companies producing 3 months dose level injection. it has very long half time period. maybe its too detail but my hypothesis is this matter can stick body fat. how can it separate body fat and brain fat? when i do workout hard (esspacially more burn fat work) after 3 days, i feel the damn matter effects and lasts 10 15 days. im sorry i write too much maybe. do you give me advice about this situation? i mean what kind of supplements can fix my dopamine and serotonine receptors? i watched almost all of your videos. i took some notes but if you give your personal advices, i would be happy. sorry for my grammar.
thank you for your time, god bless and have a nice day.
Kadir, Aniracetam helps activate Dopamine D2 & D3 receptors: https://nootropicsexpert.com/aniracetam/.
And brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) help with neurogenesis and repair of receptors and synapses. Please see this post for boosting BDNF: https://nootropicsexpert.com/13-nootropics-to-boost-bdnf/
I do offer personal consultations as well. You’ll find the link to my calendar for scheduling on this page: https://nootropicsexpert.com/personal-consultations/
thank you so much for your response. i wish i had enough budget for this but i m from Turkey and 1 dollar=5.5 turkish lira and also i m a student. i hope we will meet in future. thanks again.
Hi David!
I am 50, and I’ve Sjogren’s Syndrome for 3 years. My biggest problems – extreme fatigue and brain fog – are almost solved with the help of nootropics. My stack includes the following: Modafinil 100mg, Piracetam 1600 mg, Coenzym CoQ 10 (Ubiquinol) 200mg, Rhodiola Rosea 500mg, Acetyl L Carnitine 500mg; vitamins D 5000 IJ and B5 5000mg, Magnesium 250mg, Lecithin 1200mg (as a source of choline). I tried to add Bacopa, so after taking for several times, I was feeling very bad. But, current state is not my best fit. I have attacks of fatigue and brain fog after a busy day or when the weather changes. Now, I am employed and try to finish my PhD at the same time. I need more energy, and stable/optimal mental condition – focus, concentration, motivation, organizing ideas … Do you have any suggestions for optimizing my brain? Thank you in advance.
Marina, If you are using Modafinil I highly recommend following the protocol I designed for ADD/ADHD here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/.
If you are using Piracetam, you should be stacking it with an acetylcholine precursor like Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline. Piracetam boosts the use of acetylcholine in your brain. And if you don’t supply it with enough to work with you will experience brain fog, headaches, etc.
I think you’ll feel a huge difference following just those two suggestions.
Any ideas on the best labs to buy pharmaceutical grade Methylene Blue?
Patricia, Sigma Aldrich in the US still manufactures pharmaceutical-grade MB as far as I know.
Hi David love your work. I was hoping you could help answer a perplexing email I got from a certain well known nootropics company. I recently got into nootropics because my aunt was diagnosed with early onset dementia , her doctors of course told her that there was nothing she could do. She was given antidepressants and a acetolocholine inhibtor drug , both “treatmenst” where admitted would only help symptoms but do nothing to fight the disease. I am a second year neuroscience major and don’t claim to know much but , I certainty know upon looking at the research there is alot more you can do. NGF and BDNF have been extensively researched for not only being neuroprotective but perhaps even being implicated in stimulating neurogenisus. Long story short , I went and bought Lions mane and Noopet since both appear to be the safest and most effective NGF and BDNF boosters. The nootropics company I was going to buy from said that stacking Noopept with anything was bad , because quote “ Noopept is a stimulant drug that will potentially turn you into a vegatble in the long run” I replied to them that I have read as far as I am aware , all the research on Noopet and if anything it will help stave off becoming a vegetable because it like Lions mane stimulates NGF and BDNF. They did not respond lol. Where are they getting this information from I am confused hahah.
Sam, it’s amazing how much false information is out there and how uninformed many people are. Even those you’d think should know what they are talking about.
And is the reason I started Nootropics Expert. To make unbiased, researched information available and easily understandable on what can help the human brain.
I haven’t seen anything yet on Noopept turning you into a vegetable. Let me know if you do find something along those lines.
Hello,
I have chronic insomnia. Trying to find the right combination of sleep supplements. Doctors told me to play with dossge of theanine and lithium orotate at bedtime for sleep. I tried them together before bed and did not sleep at all. Felt like I was half awake half sleep all night. I like ashwagandha but I do take 5mcg of liothyronine. My nurse said her daughter sleeps well with 60 mg of li orotate. I cannot imagine taking that much. Should I take lithium orotate at bedtime? The 5mg with NAC by Pure during the day works well for me. I am concerned that seroyonin and dopamine are low.
Thank you…Nadine
Nadine, the best nootropic supplements I’ve found for sleep are Tart Cherry Juice, magnesium and L-Tryptophan. I explain why it works in this post: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-sleep/
David,
Thank you so much for all the content you put out there.
I recently watched your video on ADHD. Is there is a preformulated stack you would recommend instead of buying all of the nootropics separately?
Thank you.
Patrick, I use Mind Lab Pro as my ‘base’ and build from there. I’ve found that my brain is starved of dopamine and acetylcholine. That’s why ‘staples’ in my stack include more NALT or L-Tyrosine, ALCAR and lately I’ve added Alpha GPC. But for ADHD I’d say the minimum is Mind Lab Pro, ALCAR and NALT. Dosage of the last two depends on your unique issues.
Hi David,
I have a son at university in Edinburgh studying engineering, who is struggling with focus, concentration, motivation and organizing ideas in to any sense of priority. He is easily distracted into doing things of little importance to avoid worrying about these problems. I think he is exactly as I have been all my 64 years. I have moments when things are clear, but just like a zoom lens loosing focus this organization of ideas and thoughts can suddenly melt away. Passion helps us to form goals in life and overcome the obstacles in the way. I think we both lack that emotional drive. Are these elements inherited? We are both dyslexic – I had myself tested after he was diagnosed at school. With the support he had at school he gained very good A level grades in Maths and physics, but not so well in his third choice, economics, which requires more organized written ideas.
He is a good runner, hockey and tennis player and loves the gym. He is also very sociable and well liked and is generous to others. He has an addictive trait and we have had issues with on line gambling, sugar and alcohol. The last two are highly disruptive to his intestinal barrier, which exacerbates his mental abilities. I am considering both of us having a session of IV NAD+. What do you think about this?
I am a UK crop farmer who has had a lot of contact with glyphosate and in recent years, I also trained as an advanced nutritional therapist to help myself and family. I have had problems in organizing myself to make this latter thing into a business. I focus on mitochondrial health, function and communications.
What would you suggest for my son and myself as helpful neutropics or other interventions? Thanks,
Sam
May I just add that I do not sleep well, waking around 3am each night for maybe an hour, and when trying to read long and complex documents during the day, I simply find my mental energy fades and my eyes close. I jolt back to concentration and continue or start again.
I do use DigiPill’s 15 min power nap app to give me a quick re-charge in the afternoons.
Sam, the symptoms sound very much like a dopamine issue for both of you. I suggest you look up the symptoms of ADD and ADHD. And also see if any thing in this post resonates with you: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/.
This is NOT a “one pill” solution contrary to how mainstream medicine has us conditioned to think. For example, motivation is not solely a dopamine issue as many thought until recently. It also involved AMPA receptors. I realize this sounds like Greek to you but read through the following post and you’ll see what I mean: https://nootropicsexpert.com/hacking-motivation-with-nootropics/. This also applies to your question about fading while reading complex documents.
For sleep, please study this: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-sleep/
Hi David, I’ve tried to use L-Theanine about fifteen times;two-three times it gave me a very good effect of relaxation and mental clarity,but the other times it didn’t work or even gave me a quite strong anxiety effect. Why is this happening? And can i fix the problem with any kind of integration or with another nootropic in stack?
Thanks
Enrico
Enrico, what dosage were you using and how often per day? Are you on any other medication?
Hi there. Amazing site! Have you any info on or considered Schisandra?
Marc, had not considered Schisandra but it looks promising as a nootropic. I’ll add it to my list to write about this year. Thanks!
Hi David,
I’m taking Luvox at bedtime and Vyvanse in the morning. A couple months ago, I added 500 mg of L-Tyrosine in the morning and another dosage in the afternoon. This is all working great, although I’m noticing the boost from the Tyrosine isn’t as great as it first was. (I’m still researching all the different Nootropics for motivation/fatigue).
Recently, after a thyroid test, my doctor suggested I take an Iodine supplement.
After a bit of research, I chose Thyroid Support by LES Labs. I take it in the afternoon instead of the second dose of Tyrosine.
Since I’m just starting it and it has less Tyrosine, I switch between the Thyroid Support and L-Tyrosine for my afternoon Nootropic.
I am noticing the next day after I take the Thyroid Support, I wake up feeling extremely groggy for several hours where my Vyvanse and/or Tyrosine (and even caffeine to some extent) doesn’t help me feel awake and alert.
Any ideas on what could be causing the grogginess? Could I try taking the Thyroid Support at a different time or stacked with something else?
My Nootropics journey is a work in progress and I really appreciate all the videos you’ve done and the information you share!! Thank you in advance for any suggestions!
Stormy
Stormy, a couple of things … if you need iodine I suggest using a quality iodine supplement and selenium: https://nootropicsexpert.com/iodine/
The LES supplement you mention contains Ashwagandha which doesn’t work for everyone.
And your L-Tyrosine dosage is likely too low for using with Vyvanse. Please see the ADHD protocol I detail on this page: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/
Thank you. I will take a look!!
Hi David,
I wanted to know if it will be a good idea to mix my supplements and nootropics in a smoothie and drink it all at once?
Also, is it good to take multiple tablets of nootropics, e.g lions man, l-tyronsine, l-theanine, etc, at once when taking them normally or should they be taken separately on their own?
Also I wanted to know if it will be a good idea to get all the supplements/nootropics and just blend them together using the capdsules themseves with water only?
Bobby, you can mix the powder in a smoothie. Or create your own mix and make capsules. Whatever is easier for you.
Dosages of each including if they are fat-soluble or water-soluble is found in each nootropic review found here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/nootropics-list/. You’ll also find possible interactions in those reviews. Typically in the Side Effects section if relevant.
All the nootropics you mentioned above can be taken together. And in fact, are included in each capsule of Mind Lab Pro: https://nootropicsexpert.com/mind-lab-pro-review/
Thanks for the reply and info David. Much appreciated.
mitoquinol mesylate
Can you do a video on this please
Rob, mitoquinol mesylate is just a patented form of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) made by a New Zealand company called MitoQ. The company claims their form of CoQ10 has better bioavailability into mitochondria than regular CoQ10.
BioActives® LLC also has their own MicroActive® Q10 that they claim is better.
But basically CoQ10 comes in two forms naturally in our body explained in my review here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/coenzyme-q10/
hello,
i just wanted to say thank you for sharing your knowledge and research.
your reviews and videos are very informative and educational.
i really appreciate your efforts
Thank you Patrick.
Hello David,
I came across your name on the internet and saw several youtube movies witch made me very interested in nootropics/neutricients. It seems that I haven’t got a very common issue witch makes me wonder if nootropics/neutricients are a solution for me as 2 psychiatrists weren’t able to help me with my problem.
I was 30 (1,92mtres long, 72kg) when I was diagnosed with ADD and prescribed Concerta witch worked perfect for me for 3,5 years, starting with 27mg and slowly increased to 72mg. After 3,5 years it sort of backfired, it seems to work a little (not perfect like it did before) in the morning but it slowly turns against me in the afternoon until it works really counterproductive. It makes me very nauseous, hungry, apathic, dizzy, I actually can focus better without. I am currently on a dosage of 18mg and still I struggeling to endure and it gives me a hangover feeling.
I have read that stimulants can lose there effectiveness but in my case it is much worse. My psychiatrists are baffled and can’t explain nor have a solution for it. I have tried almost every available alternative medicine (LTO3, CBD, Dexamfetamine, Wellbutrin, Strattera, Medikinet, Modafinil) but nothing works long-term as it works a little just the first couple of weeks and not even on the level what I was used to, eventually they al backfire. Even if I stop the meds for a month and then restart, I still have the same issues.
On average I eat healthy foods, I exercise 3 times a week (soccer and running) and I do not drink a lot of alcohol (4 to 5 glasses per week). I used to drink a bit more (10 to 15 glasses per week) but after Concerta stopped working I also have much havier hangovers.
Recently (2 weeks ago) I found out that when I drink 3 glasses of water with bicarbonate during the day, it makes a difference but still not a solid solution. But it makes wonder if the problem originates from my stomach, metabolism, adrenal or thyroid.
I have read a lot about ADD but still can’t figure out what the problem is. I am currently 35 years and after 1,5 years of struggling I really hope you can give me some advice.
If you have any questions to give you more insights in the problem, please ask. If you want to charge a cunsultingfee, let me know.
Thanks!
Greetings,
Martin
Your Dutch friend from the Netherlands
Martin, you mentioned that Concerta worked well for you for 3 1/2 years. And then it didn’t. That happened with me and Methylphenidate after 2 years. I didn’t have a negative of a reaction as you. But it led me to start researching nootropics.
This post and the protocol in it was designed specifically for ADD or ADHD and for use with or without stimulants: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/. Please read through that post carefully so you have a clear understanding on how and why it works. I encourage you to try it.
If you still want a personal consulting session, please send me an email and we’ll set something up.
Hi David,
I’m a huge fan of your videos for all of my supplement research. You’ve already been a big help.
I’m attempting to help treat a 23 yr old vegan friend who has Lebers Heretic Optic Neuropathy. It’s a genetic mutation of mitochondria DNA. So far he’s taking Astaxanthin, Coq10, NAC, and B12 Methylcobalamin.
He’s quit smoking as well, and has shown a slight improvement so far.
I’m thinking that adding PQQ should help as well, given its synergistic affect with Coq10.
Just wondering if you have any stack suggestions for optic neuropathy. His Doctors and specialists have offered no solutions.
Thank you so much.
Glenn
*Lebers Hereditary Optic Neuropathy. Not Heretic. Thanks.
Glenn, looks like you’ve done your research and are certainly on the right track. PQQ is a great idea. If it was me, I’d also try something like this: https://nootropicsexpert.com/performance-lab-vision-review/
My son sent me your video-interesting and a little overwhelming b/c I do take a lot of supplements and I don’t know if I want to change what I am taking or maybe I should. I don’t know many in the medical field know about supplements so I pretty much do my own inquires. I started taking supplements years ago when I went on a low carb diet. I lost weight quickly and I pretty much continue to limit how many carbs I eat, but in doing so there are a lot of foods and possible nutrients I do not eat. For example, I don’t drink OJ or eat most other fruits/veg. with Vit. C. I take maybe 14 or so supplements in the AM and again 14 or more in the PM. I got my list of supplements based on what patients posted they take on Multiple Sclerosis boards and from my knowledge from nsg school about nutrition; I do have MS. I spend a quite a bit on all these supplements which I order mostly online from I think a reputable place and I do order pretty much by cost. I don’t know if they are the best, but and I don’t know if they work or not. My MS over almost 13 years ( I am almost 72 now) has not progressed and there could be a lot of reasons for that. Maybe supplements help and maybe they don’t..Maybe being on HRT may also help. I just don’t know and reviews and general reading. I will send you a list of what I take if you are interested. I don’t know if I have ADHD but I suspect I might. I would be interested in your take on DMAE. My son recommended it but then saw an article that it good for cognition but not particular good for MS patients-but that seems rather controversial. I took it for several weeks, and maybe had some better word recall but stopped when I read the article. Since I have read other articles saying it is worth taking a couple times a week, but the MS component is heard of but not researched much it seems.
Ellen, I suggest you get a copy of my book Head First which will help alleviate some of your confusion about supplements. You can read more about it here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/head-first/
Spend some time here on Nootropics Expert. You’ll find hundreds of pages on supplements that help your brain. And the rest of our body.
I do offer personal consulting as time permits where I can review your current supplement stack, and discuss health issues that concern you. Send me an email if you are interested and I’ll tell you may rates and consult my calendar for the next available time.
Hi I’m taking 100 mg 5htp with b complex mag,calc,Valerian,running
After I took cbd and it made my anxiety that I already had extremely horrible. I was on Sam-e 800 mg but I stopped taking it because I thought it might make me anxious during the cbd fear state. Can I take 5htp and Sam-e together? Thank you any recommendations would be great thank you.
Tim, SAM-e is needed in the synthesis of serotonin, and 5-HTP is the immediate precursor needed to make serotonin. But CBD is also an agonist of the 5-HT1a serotonin receptor.
You can use SAM-e and 5-HTP together but given your stack you may want to decrease your dosage of 5-HTP.
I was thinking lower the Sam-e ?because the 5htp is doing pretty good .
In your 5htp video it seemed like you thought it was a temporary solution ? Or should I lower 5htp and start where I left off a month ago with the Sam-e ? Thanks again.
Tim, carefully read this review and you’ll see why I think 5-HTP is a temporary solution > https://nootropicsexpert.com/5-htp/
Ok yea after 4 weeks seems ilike it’s not working as well
But it is helping . How would you recommend lowering it ? I did lower it a few days ago and I got anxious again . .should I take both at 100 mg 5htp and Sam-e 400 mg then in a few weeks lower the 5htp ? Thanks again for the help .
Tim, if 100 mg of 5-HTP is working for you then keep using it. The problem is it suppressed dopamine in your brain. You can raise dopamine using Tyrosine, NALT or Mucuna Pruriens to help bring serotonin and dopamine back into balance.
looking into L-tyrosine the only thing im worried about is triggering anxiety ect with with it ? It seems like it has that possibility ?
Tim, L-Tyrosine > L-DOPA > dopamine > norepinephrine. It’s when it gets to the end of the pathway that could cause anxiety and irritability. But it depends on your brain on how your unique pathway works. Start with a low dose and work from there. Once you start feeling anxiety you’ll know to cut back.
Hi
Ashwagandha, Acetyl L-Carnitine, R-Lipoic Acid, Berberine, Taurine, N-Acetyl L-Cysteine, Vitamin B complex and Vitamin C and Milk Thistle.
I Keep watching your videos, and keep buying more and more supplements, great video’s by the way. I am a diabetic trying to cure myself, I have been on a Ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting for over a year now and I have lost 24kg and I have a HBA1C of 52,
My question is, I have a five hour window for eating, when do you recommend I take my supplements?
Kind Regards
Chris
Chris, take the R-Lipoic Acid about an hour before eating. The others can be taken around meal-time.
Hello David. Your site has helped me in ways that you Can possible know. Can you please make a review about msm and it’s benefits. Glutathione needs sulphur, detoxing needs sulphur and the list goes on and on.
Renos, I’ll put MSM on my list of nootropic supplements to review this year. Thanks for the suggestion.
Hello
David whats the best nootropics at makeing glucose in the brain? Especially if you got alzheimers?
And is it safe for blood to be in ketosis from coconut oil and still boost brain glucose at the same time?
CY, you are getting glucose from the food you eat. Unless you are diabetic or have issues with hypoglycemia I would be more concerned with cerebral blood flow than worrying about increasing glucose. The University of Texas explains how it works in this article very well: https://nba.uth.tmc.edu/neuroscience/m/s4/chapter11.html
You brain will get its fuel supply from whichever is available; glucose or ketones. If you’re in ketosis it’ll be ketones and if not, then it’ll be glucose. It’s one or the other but not both as far as I know.
Which supplements help with cerebral blood flow?
Separately, did first comment not survive the moderation? (posted around 2.7.19)
Do we get emails if you respond to our comment?
Darcy, the best nootropics for cerebral blood flow and circulation are Pine Bark Extract and Vinpocetine. And I honestly don’t know if you get email notification for comments.
David , I have a challenging question for you… When I wake up I have this hissing sound in one ear which lasts all day. But the next day it may totally be quiet all day , and the next day..and then it comes back another day… If it is so called ‘inflammation ‘ in the brain..or subcouncious stress which
I have , which Nootropics would you suggest might help with that if any?
I do take l-Theanine 100mg and B-complex 200 mg with no effect..
Thanks you in advance
Michael, sound like a symptom of tinnitus. I suggest doing a search of Nootropics Expert using the search function top right for “tinnitus” and see what turns up.
Supposedly tebonin helps treat tinnitus. I read positive reviews on amazon as far as the treatment with tebonin for tinnitus goes. Tebonin is ginko bilboa extract
Dear David,
I love your website, Youtube channel and book. Big fan here. I would love your advice on my nootropic stack for (social) anxiety, moderate depression and brain fog.
In the past I tried many nootropics in many different stacks/dosages (from Racetams, Sulbutiame, Noopept, Vinpocitine, Ashwagandha, 5-htp, Tryptofan, DLPA, NALT, ALCAR, ALA, Ginseng, Curcumin, Mind Lab Pro, Performance Lab Energy, Uridine MP, L-theanine, Taurine, Good Multivitamine with extra B-vitamine, Magnesium, DHA, Alpha GPC, DMAE, L-carnosine, Icariin (Horny goat weed), Gotu Kola, Theacrine etc, maybe i’m forgetting a few) but nothing seems to really work and my symptons of brain foq, anxiety and depression are worsening.
Now I would like to start with St John’s Worth (Perika) because I never tried SJW and in the past SSRI’s (8 years on SSRI’s, now around 8 months off) worked for me but with big side effects. I want to combine SJW (starting with 3x 300mg) with the following Nootropics:
Theacrine 2x 100mg, Noopept 3x 10mg, SAMe 400mg (or NAC 1.000mg), L-theanine 3x 125mg, Mind Lab Pro 2x 2 capsules, Alpha GPC 99% 1x 150mg, DHA 1.000mg, Good Multivitamine with B complex, Creatine 3x 1.000mg and Icariin (Horny goat weed) 1x 750 3% Icariin. And maybe later combine it with Curcumin, Ginseng, ALCAR, Taurine.
Love your view on this stack for suggestions/ideas or possible interactions.
You have been a big help and inspiration.
Many thanks.
Nick
Nick, the stack you’re suggesting sounds like it may help you. But don’t take it all at once. Split your stack into 2 or 3 doses during the day.
Double check and make sure the multi and B-Complex you are using are all ‘nature-identical’ because your body may be having problems with methylation and converting certain forms to what our body can use.
I suggest checking the “Side Effects” section for each nootropic review. This way you’ll know what to look for if you experience something bad. And double check the “Dosage Recommendations” for each to make sure your are using each nootropic correctly. Especially for things like SAM-e.
Dear David,
Many thanks for your thoughts. The ‘nature-identical’ multi and B-complex is a good one, i will give that a try.
I researched the Side Effects of the nootropics and may have some concerns about the impact on my liver. Do you think the nootropics or the stack can impact my liver negatively?
Many thanks.
Nick
Nick, it depends on a couple of things. How healthy is your liver? And are you staying within dosage ranges and not exceeding them?
Dear David
I’m not 100% sure but i think my liver is in good condition (no bad signs or so). I will make an appointment with my doctor to check. And i stay within the recommended dosage ranges.
Many thanks.
Nick
Hi David,
Can u please make a video for people with epilepsy what would be a supportive herb for this illness and which herbs are better to prevent?
Thank u so much
Al, I’m reluctant to make videos or write posts on specific issues like epilepsy because I’m not a doctor. And legally must be careful that I don’t come across as “prescribing” something for a specific disease.
For epilepsy I suggest using the search function top right and search for “epilepsy” and see what turns up.
I have been diagnosed with Obsessive compulsive disorder . Have been on SSRI and improved over years with medications and healthy lifestyle . My current medications are Escitalopram 5 mg every alternate day . I am also taking Brahmi tablet twice daily . But I can say that I am controlled but not completely relieved of anxiety symptoms . I want to feel more calm and stable . Please suggest
Aditya, it depends on what is causing your anxiety. Please see this post to understand what I mean and for ideas on what you can try: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-social-anxiety/
But please make sure that you do not use nootropics that act as MAOI or boost serotonin while using Lexapro because you could cause Serotonin Syndrome. Which can be deadly.
Thank you for your information . I shall definitely follow that . I want to know can I take citicoline and piracetam with Brahmi tablet .
Yes, you can stack Brahmi, Piracetam and Citicoline. Please follow the dosage recommendations included in each review. Just scroll down this list to find the nootropic here > https://nootropicsexpert.com/nootropics-list/
I usually take Brahmi tablets twice daily . When I tried piracetam and citicoline yesterday for the first time I could feel the heightened response but there was mental fatigue and had spent the whole day feeling fatigued and had depressed mood and panic sort of feeling why did it happen I should have felt much better but I experience the opposite .
Aditya, this is taken from my Piracetam review, “Your brain needs some time to adjust to the new change in acetylcholine (ACh) levels and how it uses it. Increased cerebral blood flow takes a while to bring up levels of oxygen and nutrients. And for your neuronal cells to respond. Your mileage may vary depending on your own neuro-chemical makeup.”
It will take awhile for your brain to adjust so you’ll need to be patient. But that’s only if you are willing and able to give this combination a chance. If not then maybe Piracetam and Citicoline are not for you.
David,
I take an array of meds/supplements for anxiety, ADD, depression, etc. It’s not really ADD but major executive function problems. I believe I’m Gluten sensitive as used to have stomach issues and brain fog pretty regularly. I should mention that I don’t feel the combination of meds/supplements I’m taking is working.
One supplement the doctor highly recommended was NAC. I’ve been taking it for a while, 3 twice a day, but don’t feel that it’s doing much. I also take GNC’s DHA. I’ve just discovered you through Dr. Parker’s Core Brain Journal podcast, which I thought was great, and have been looking around your site. I haven’t noticed you mention NAC at all. What are your thoughts on this?
Scott, you’ll find the review for NAC here > https://nootropicsexpert.com/n-acetyl-l-cysteine/
Issues with executive function typically have to do with dopamine and brain cell signaling. I suggest using the search function top right for “executive function” and see what turns up. You’ll need to scroll through a number of posts to get some idea on not only what you are dealing with. But also some ideas on what may help.
One word of caution … please always check the “Side Effects” for drug interactions as well as recommended dosage recommendations which are often different than what is on the manufacturer’s supplement label.
Love your information! I am big on supplementation and herbs. I have a couple questions on the cocktail of supplements and medication I take. For starters i suffer from depression and anxiety. I take effexor and lamictal which works well for me for the most part. The below are the supplements i take before I go to sleep:
-Cordyceps Extract
-Vitamin D3 with fish oil
-Solaray – Sharpmind – includes – ginkgo, l-dopa, huperzine A, and more for healthy brain
In the morning i take:
-Gabatrol which includes – Phenyl-GABA, L-Theanine, Taurine, Glycine and L-Tyrosine
– Creatine, amino acids, glutamine
I have order the following for the first time:
– Bacopa M
– S-Acetyl L-Glutathione
– CoQ10
– PQQ
What are your thoughts? Am I safe taking all of these? I’ve had good results but I want to add more nootropics because I have very bad short term memory loss, concentration problems etc. My main goal is cognitive thinking and ability to retain information since I work a 9-5 job that demands attention in Finance.
Hopefully I’m no inundating you with all of this!
Thank you:)
Matt
Matt, you’re definitely on the right track and it’s good that you are concerned about prescription drug contraindications. I suggest you check the “Side Effects” section of each nootropic reviewed here on Nootropics Expert just to make sure you are safe. You’ll find all of the nootropics you mentioned by scrolling through the Nootropics List tab in the menu up top.
Be careful with the Solaray supplement you are taking because it contains Huperzine-A. While this is a good nootropic for boosting acetylcholine, it should not be used every day because it’s half-life is 24 hours. You would be much better off and a much safer choice with using something like Mind Lab Pro in the morning.
And please read through this post I did wrote on memory for ideas on how to boost it > https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-learning-and-memory/
I’m glad that i found this website and you tube channel. I thought you might include DMSO to your stroke recovery segment. It is used right after a stroke and many people have recovered. I’m assuming that it would help with traumatic brain injury also. It’s amazing for tissue repair!!
Bobbie, I would consider Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in the pharmaceutical category of compounds and not a nootropic supplement. It’s use in alternative medicine is controversial. Not the type of thing I would encourage anyone to try without the help of a very qualified integrative medical professional.
David,
Thank you for introducing me to Nootropics via your You tube videos.
I am trying to research information on how to mix supplements/Nootropics without over supplementing.
I have a few Nootropics I really like but not sue if I should or could use them together.
Mucuna pruriens – 300 mg
Bacopa- 300mg
L-Tyrosine – 500 mg
Taurine – 500 mg
PEA 600 mg
Hordenine – 30 mg
Sulbtiamine – New haven’t tried yet
Phosphatidylserine – New haven’t tried yet
Vitamin B12 – Haven’t decided on which brand to get – looking for a good methylcobalamin brand
I am trying to boost cognition, focus and memory and if the mix can help with appetite suppression that’s a plus.
For example, can I mix my first 4 listed, can I mix Hordenine with Sulbtiamine? should these be cycled? I don’t take them all everyday, I kind of mix it up, but not sure what will really work well together. I only buy my Nootropics/Supplements in powder form and make my own pills…. I hate fillers.
Also it is hard to find a vendor that sells Noopept, any recommendation?
Again, Thank you for all the information you supply, it means so much to the people that read your post and watch your videos.
Vinetta, you should be able to use all of the nootropics in your list as long as you are following dosage instructions for each. Dosage is found in each of the individual reviews found here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/nootropics-list/. Or in my book Head First found here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/store/
I haven’t done a Hordenine review but it’s a MAO-B inhibitor as I recall. Which means it will boost dopamine and/or norepinephrine. You should be more concerned of its effect on Mucuna and L-Tyrosine than with Sulbutiamine.
I suggest adding a good choline supplement to this stack – Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline. And a high-quality, nature-identical B-Complex supplement because many of the B-Vitamins are required for the synthesis of neurotransmitters in your brain.
Is it safe to combine 100g of Picamillon with 1 mg of Klonopin?
Ethan, I would NOT risk it because both affect GABA in your brain. And there’s a good chance of extremely low blood pressure or coma.
hi David! first of all: MERRY CHRISTMAS 🙂
thanks for providing so much information about nootropics. I am a personal trainer and German teacher, my day is quite tough and I am looking for something, which gives me energy, focus, enhancing my brain functions (for being more creative) but also good sleep. I am not sure if Phenibut is the right one for me. Acetyl L-Carnithin might be better with some L-Theanine. Not really sure as I have no experiences with those substances.
Would really appreciate your help. Thanks
Karim
Karim, Phenibut is definitely NOT the way to start with nootropics.
For energy, focus and enhancing brain function, try this stack to start, or the ingredients in this stack separately: https://nootropicsexpert.com/performance-lab-energy-review/
My mom has been on ativan 1 mg for a week now and this stuff is super potent. I give her one pill and within 30 minutes shes already calming down and getting relaxed and sleepy and within an hour shes out cold and she sleeps all day. And when she wakes up her eyes are dreamy and she still looks tired and is very weak. Ativan is a very strong sedative. Do you know of any supplements or noo tropics that sound identical to ativan in performance? If there is any?
CY, do a search of Nootropics Expert top right for the keyword “benzodiazepines” and you’ll find several nootropic alternatives for benzos. St. John’s wort and Kava Kava come to mind. But you’ll find others.
It’ll take some trial and error to see what works best. But one BIG word of caution. DO NOT combine any of these nootropics with Ativan.
Hello David
I described my condition in my previously comment.
I was wondering about adaptogens such as lemon balm, Gotu kola , passion flower, Rhodiola rosea, holy basil, Schisandra, for anxiety disorder. All in powder form.
How do I take them, meaning should I take them all at the same time or few at one time?
How do I cycle them so there?
Is there any risk for tolerance with these Adaptogens or any addiction?
My aim is to increase my Gaba, decrease cortisol, increase my serotonin and dopamine levels.
Your work is very appreciated.
Regards Eric
Eric, adaptogens are considered very safe and non-toxic. Most people can use them at recommended doses with no problems or side effects.
And because of their very nature and why they are called “adaptogens”, tolerance is not an issue. Nor is addiction.
You can take them all at once in a stack. But if you are just starting out I suggest the lowest recommended dosage for each. Not need to cycle because you’ll find with some of them that it takes awhile to experience the full benefit of the nootropic.
But to substantially boost serotonin and dopamine you may need to take a more direct approach. For example, L-Tryptophan for serotonin and L-Tyrosine or Mucuna Pruriens for dopamine.
Thank you for your response
I was recently told that adaptogens should be used and will only work short term. Is there any truth in that? Becasue I am planning to use it longterm.
And currently I am student and I was wondering regarding Uridine, phenylpiracetam, maybe caffeine and noopept for speed, focus and motivation. Which combinations would you recomend?
Eric, it depends on how you’re looking at this. Adaptogens help bring things into balance in your brain and body. But once everything is stable it makes sense to continue using adaptogens so you don’t revert to your lower baseline.
The other nootropics you mentioned will all help with speed, focus and motivation as long as you follow the dosage recommendations discussed in each review here on Nootropics Expert. Dosages are often different than what you’ll see on bottle or package labels.
Take a look at the suggested nootropics on this page for more ideas: https://nootropicsexpert.com/how-to-create-the-best-nootropic-stack/
I think…. references to Guto Kola as promoting tumor growth is a case of the internet copying the internet. If you look at research in Pub Med the opposite is found in several studies: Crude extracts and fractured extracts Centella asiatica inhibit a variety of cellular misbehavior.
This is just one of many: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24667059
Hello Nootropic expert, what nootropics you recommend that have permanent affects?
i also have terrible social skills what nootropic that will help me with improving social skills?
Use the search function top right of Nootropics Expert and you’ll find that these nootropics have been shown in clinical studies to improve sociability; Aniracetam, creatine, L-Carnosine, Kava Kava, Nefiracetam, Oxiracetam, Noopept, Phenylethylamine, SAM-e, Sulbutiamine, Vitamin B9 (folate) and meditation.
Use the Nootropics List tab in the top menu to scroll through for links to a review of each nootropic.
The only nootropics that will have ‘permanent effects’ are supplements that you use daily and the correct dosage.
Thank you David, that’s great!
I’ve been shopping about and discovered a Rhodiola Rosea brand called Time. The product description intrigued me, as it stated this –
Latest research shows the two main active ingredients of this wonderful herb that work in synergy together are Salidrosides and Tyrosol and not Rosavins which are in fact inactive.
Knowing this Time Health have sourced what we believe is the best most active Rhodiola rosea on the market today providing 5% Salidrosides and 4% Tyrosol.
Beware of Rhodiola products measured in extract strengths e.g. 5:1, Rhodiola is not measured in extract strengths. If it does not have these active main ingredients listed it is generally of poor quality and you’re not getting the full potential of this amazing product. Ours is the highest strength of active ingredients available on the market today.
What do you make of this information David? I’m rather clueless I’m afraid. Thank you – Andrew.
Andrew, Rhodiola Rosea contains 140 compounds in the roots and rhizome. The critical components include rosavin, rosarian, and rosin, collectively known as rosavins. To say that “Rosavins are in fact inactive” is a huge red flag with this manufacturer. I’d stay clear and find someone who knows what they’re talking about.
It’s either that or these guys are trying to sell something other than genuine Rhodiola Rosea. Please see my notes in this section of my Rhodiola review: https://nootropicsexpert.com/rhodiola-rosea/#available-forms
Hi David! Thank you for the great advice you gave regarding L-Tyrosine and 5HTP. I have yet another question though I’m afraid. You have recommended finding a B complex that contains B6 in the form of P-5-P. Would it be detrimental to buy a brand that uses Pyridoxine Hydrochloride? I’m mainly looking at it from a budgeting point of view. Thank you David – Andrew.
Andrew, pyridoxine hydrochloride is the hydrochloride salt of pyridoxine. As long as your body can efficiently convert it into P-5-P it shouldn’t be a problem.
Hello David!
Thank you for such comprehensive reviews on all these nootropics, it certainly helps those of us like me who are newer to this field and are on the search for information.
I have a question about mind lab pro, which I’ve started taking a week ago. I’ve read on a few mind lab pro reviews that it is recommended to cycle off to avoid building any tolerance. I believe the example was 5 days on, two days off. What are your thoughts on this?
Sean, I’ve never thought that cycling something like Mind Lab Pro made logical sense. Some of the ingredients in Mind Lab Pro are used by your body every day. And others are used by your body and brain to do things like synthesize neurotransmitters which you need constantly.
I have a feeling some like to cycle because it feels good when they start using the supplement again. I happen to enjoy feeling good all the time. I not only do not cycle Mind Lab Pro but also use double the recommended dose every day of the week.
Thank you, I appreciate the response!
I have one other question for you.
I am at an impass of deciding between two nootropic stacks . I have tried them both separately and enjoy them both. The first of course is mind lab pro, and the second is optimind. I was considering using both stack, but I’m worried It might be mixing too many ingredients and be harmful or counter productive. Any suggestions?
(If you are not familiar with optimind I can provide a list of the ingredients)
Sean, you could use both but I would be cautious about using Optimind because it should not be taken every day. It contains Huperzine-A which has a half-life of up to 24 hours. Which means that is you take it every day, unhealthy levels of Hup-A could build up in your body.
Huperzine-A is a very potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Dosing it every day will result in excess acetylcholine levels in your system which is not good.
I suggest using Mind Lab Pro as your daily base nootropic stack. And use Optimind no more than 2 or 3-times per week.
Hi
My condition is anxiety disorder/ generel anxiety disorder/ anxiety attacks and I have some symptoms of depression and have had this condition for the past 15 years. My anxiety started to become worst when i went through bullying in school and when my father and mother used to fight alot ( dometic violence) and then when my father passed away 7 years ago. Now a days I feel the pressure and anxiety from studying, I am on my last year of studying in the university.
I am a male, age 26. weight 67 kg, height 165 cm.
I need some advice regarding some supplment for my anxiety disorder. Curently I feel anxiety, fatigue, low mood and low energy, bad memory, little or no motivation and really bad sleep.
Therefore I am planning to use Rhodiola rosea and L theanine. I tried ashwagandha for a day but i felt severe headaches, so i stopped taking it. I am currently taking remeron ( mirtazapine 30 mg but planning to tappering it soon. I am wondering if its ok to combine these 3 together?
I am also wanted to know if I could use lions man mushroom. Because i have read that it repair dammage nervcells. I personally think that during the 15 years of anxiety sometime severe anxiety, might have dammage atleast some nervcells.
What would you recommend using to balance my serotonine, dopamine, gaba levels?
I should mention that this will be my first time using nootropics. I have tried different ssri medications, snris and benzos but I have not seen any longterm improvments and of course there is always the side effects. I have also been to therapist to use cbt and also selfhelp. I have tried it but it doesnt really help becasue I have noticed that I definitely have chemical imbalance but I dont want to take prescribed medicines any more.
I have tried cipralex, celexa, flouxitine, Remeron, venlafaxine, duloxetine, Propiomazine, Ambien, zopiklone, Hydroxizin, Oxazepam and some others
I should also mention that I workout regularly and try to eat well.
I would really appreciate a response from you.
Best regards!!
Eric, please see my posts on dealing with anxiety:
https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-social-anxiety/
https://nootropicsexpert.com/top-7-nootropic-adaptogens-to-conquer-anxiety-and-stress/
Also, learn exactly how mirtazapine works in your brain. Get very familiar with its mechanism of action or pharmacology, and interactions with other drugs and supplements. You can use Wikipedia to research mirtazapine.
The first post on “social anxiety” investigates each of the neurotransmitters you mentioned in your question. This will likely take more than 2 or 3 nootropics to get the kind of relief you are looking for. And it’s great that you are willing to experiment. Both of those posts will provide some ideas on what you can try next.
Hi David,
I started taking Lugol iodine for detox. I started taking 6 drops in half glass of water.
However, about an hour after taking it, I feel heavy pain behind behind my ear lopes and cough out a lot of phlegm as well as having a running nose.
Is this normal. Please advise
Mark, those are classic symptoms of detox and should go away after a few days. But it can get ugly until then. If you find the symptoms too uncomfortable, cut back your daily iodine dosage until your body cleans itself out.
Hi David,
Thanks for your response and encouraging remarks.
Who can find a B-complex 100 with Folate (b9) instead of Folic Acid..
Trying to dump my regular B complex which has folic acid ..Don’t seen to find any with folate…
thanks
Michael, B-Complex supplement using something better than folic acid are difficult to find. This is the one I use everyday from Life Extension > https://amzn.to/2r46ge5
Ahhh…I think I had a moment back there and got confused Taurine is a precursor to gaba isn’t it? Silly me. Ok, so NALT and L Tyrosine when used intelligently can be used instead of, or in conjunction with L- Phenylalanine?
Correct. See this section of my review on Tyrosine for how it works > https://nootropicsexpert.com/tyrosine/#l-tyrosine-vs-n-acetyl-l-tyrosine-nalt-whats-the-difference
Hi David 🙂 Andrew here (I corresponded with you November 1st). Thanks for the great advice – much appreciated. I have taken your advice and ordered Vinpocetine (not yet received). You asked if I live in the USA – no, I live in England so I think it needs to be prescribed here. I ordered it from eBay (Source Naturals brand) to get around that. Do you know if that brand is reputable? I also ordered Lithium Orotate and Ashwagandha.
Also, do you know if any nootropics need to be cycled or if any shouldn’t be taken long-term? There’s so much conflicting information online…for example – I read that Ginkgo can cause cancer? And lastly, with regards to Tyrosine and NALT – in some videos you advise to not indiscriminately raise neurotransmitter levels (i.e use l Tryptophan as opposed to 5htp) – in which case why not use Taurine instead? Thank you very much for your help David.
Andrew, Source Naturals has proven to be a reliable and trustworthy supplement manufacturer and I’ve had only good results with their products.
Non of the nootropics you mention in your comment require cycling.
And one of the primary reasons Nootropics Expert has become the authority site on this subject is we strip away all the confusion and conflicting information. Every review on this site and in my books are backed by peer-reviewed studies and personal experience including dosages, how to use the supplement, drug interactions and recommended forms to buy.
Taurine is its own neurotransmitter and neuromodulator. But is NOT a precursor to dopamine like L-Tyrosine and NALT are. It is also true that raising neurotransmitters can be helpful. But dopamine and serotonin must be balanced. Otherwise, too much dopamine suppresses serotonin in your brain. And the reverse is true as well.
Because I’m Adult ADD, I supplement with L-DOPA and L-Tyrosine. But I also take very small doses of sublingual 5-HTP when needed. And when it feels like dopamine and norepinephrine have taken over to the detriment of serotonin. It’s easy to get into this kind of trouble and not know why you feel so amped and irritable.
Hi:I am 70 and i feel that my memory is failing slightly.
I will be growing lion`s mane soon.
I would like to know how to process lion`s mane fruit into
a capsule or other form.
I understand that the cell walls must be broken down
before the medicinal properties can be absorbed.
David, your digestive system is designed to break down and extract raw material for use in your body and brain. Your body’s built-in delivery system is rather remarkable.
Please see my review of Lion’s Mane here > https://nootropicsexpert.com/lions-mane/. And you’ll come across a Japanese study of menopausal women who experienced less anxiety and better mood after eating Lion’s Mane-laced cookies.
We’re biohackers and not gardeners here so I suggest asking someone over on the North American Mycological Association (www.namyco.org).
Thanks…very interesting group.
Hi Dave, I used the searched bar for Anhedonia and nothing is coming up. I am looking for something that may help me. I am struggling living like this daily. I feel flat. No emotions at all. I don’t laugh anymore, nor cry.. I just don’t feel no joy out of life at all. I am not depressed though, at least I don’t so, as I do not feel sadness, nor hopelessness. I do however feel I have inner body tension, as my muscles are always tense and I feel as though I am overstimulated and on stimulants… but I’m not. I cannot understand why I have energy, but just don’t have the motivation. I feel like I have too much glutamate or adrenaline. I’m looking for something that may help my anhedonia without making me more stimulated? Any ideas? Thank you so much for your time..
Oh.. I forgot to mention.. Would using something to raise dopamine, also raise norepinephrine and just make me more stimulated? I have been researching neurotransmitters for weeks now and it’s just so confusing to me. I was also wondering if too much serotonin may be causing my symptoms? I’m just not sure which direction to go…
Melissa, this subject “Anhedonia” has come up now and again over the last couple of years here. And is something I’ll need to research more before I can offer any recommendations.
It does seem to be related to a problem with dopamine and the “reward system” in the brain which includes brain signaling. You many want to try supplementing with L-Tyrosine and a choline supplement like CDP-Choline at lower recommended doses and see how you react. Dopamine is needed for the synthesis of norepinephrine which you need. But lower doses shouldn’t be a problem.
Thank you for your reply.. I’ll try them at low doses and hopefully it will help.
Is gotu kola similar to pine bark extract?
And is pine bark extract better than tebonin egb 761 to treat alzheimers? Maybe ill switch. Im. Afraid to put mom on too many nitric oxide boosters
Cy, I encourage you to read each of the individual reviews for the nootropics you mentioned. Click the “List of Nootropics” at the top of this page. Scroll down to locate each review. Clearly understand the mechanism of action for each and see the “Research” section if there is anything associate with Alzheimer’s.
Does Gotu Kola reverse brain shrinkage? I read by increasing neuron growth it helps reverse brain shrinkage?
And do you know any seller that sells standardised gotu kola?
Standardised gotu kola should have 40% asiaticoside, 29 to 30% asiatic asid, 29 to 30% madecassicacid and 1 to 2 % madecassoside. Perhaps better with an 30% alcholol tincture.
David
Of those seven nootropics you suggested to me to combat alzheimers and dementia which brand names would you go with? Id like to know youre suggested ones for pine bark extract, berberdine, curcumin, resveratrol , huperzine a, piracetam and b complex?
And i currently have my mom on tebonin egb 761. Is it bad to mix this with the 7 you mentioned?
CY, I’m about to publish a post on how to determine dietary supplement manufacturer reputation. But you can get started with this post on choosing the best here > https://nootropicsexpert.com/7-tips-for-choosing-the-highest-quality-nootropic-supplements/.
And EGB 761 is a Ginkgo Biloba extract so should not have any problems with this stack.
For Piracetam, Nootropics Depot as a pretty good reputation these days for quality product.
If you could choose five to fight and combat alzheimers and dementia which five would you personally choose?
CY, that is such a great question. I’ve been asked to come up with suggested nootropic stacks for all kinds of ailments. Which is being worked on now.
For dementia and Alzheimer’s I suggest reading the review for each of the following and using ALL of the nootropics on this list including the recommended dosages and correct types:
Pine Bark Extract
Berberine
Huperzine-A
Resveratrol
Piracetam
Curcumin
B-Complex supplement
You can easily locate each review by scrolling through the list here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/nootropics-list/
What herbs or nootropics or vitamins reverse brain shrinkage in alzheimers/dementia? And if there is one, which one is most effective?
CY, you have several options available to you to help prevent and possibly reverse brain shrinkage.
Please see my post on nootropics for the aging brain including dementia here > https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-the-aging-brain/
David,
Thank you so very much for sharing your information on Nootropics, this is the type of straight forward information I need. I am looking to stack PEA, Hordenine and L-Tyrosine as a substitute for the weight loss aid Phentermine (Adipex, Fastin). Phentermine is a prescription drug with a lot of side effects and I wanted to try to find a good Nootropic stack that will have similar effect…. minus the major side effects. I will watch the dosage and keep track of my heart rate (500 mg PEA, 50 mg Hordenine, 250mg L-Tyrosine)–at the most twice a day—starting with once a day. I already wear a Heart Rate monitor as part of my work outs. Do you think this will be a successful stack or if you have any recommendations for a stack that would mimic Phentermine. Also Adding Mucna and/or Bacopa and/or 5-HTP is an option.
Thank you for your time. Your You tube videos are great.
Ms V
Vinetta, PEA activates TAAR1 and TAAR2 receptors similar to Phentermine. Try the stack you’ve already suggested and see how it works for you. And your plan is sensible as well. Let us know how it works for you.
You’ll find the review for PEA here > https://nootropicsexpert.com/phenylethylamine/
Sorry David…I forgot to include L Tryptophan to the list in my last post. Is it okay to take with all those nootropics? In particular…is it safe to use it with Rhodiola Rosea? Thank you – Andrew.
Andrew, yes that is a safe stack you’ve put together. Well done. As you long you follow dosage recommendations and don’t try to mix anything with SSRI’s you should be fine. For cerebral blood flow you can try Vinpocetine or Pine Bark Extract. If you are in the USA I’d try Vinpocetine first.
I recently discovered your brilliant YouTube videos. The fantastic information you provide inspired me to quit SSRIs. I was convinced that the non-pharmaceutical route was the way forward. Two weeks after finishing my last dose, I started on Rhodiola Rosea, Ginkgo Biloba and Ginseng, B complex, D3, magnesium and zinc. I feel great. I was wondering if this stack is safe?…and also if I can add any or all of the following – lemon balm, l theanine, l phenylalanine, acetyl I carnitine and taurine. Also, I noticed a remarkable effect from the Ginkgo and Ginseng – ten minutes after taking it I feel an awakening in my brain, which I assume is blood flow? Can you recommend anything else that promotes blood flow please? I would very much appreciate your advice. Thank you – Andrew.
Hello David,
I have a hard time finding information about nootropic use for someone my age (19). I have recently started a bachelors degree so i’m curious about which nootropics could help me with memory, cognitive performance and overall brainhealth. I just can’t seem to get information about the effect of nootropics on the developing brain. Which ones are OK for me to take? Thanks for all the free information.
Mart
Mart, such a great question because as you know, the human brain continues its basic development into your early 20’s. That means it is still ‘filling out’ certain segments of your brain.
The safest way to approach nootropics for someone still in the development stage is try to start with the fundamentals. And stay away from the ‘experimental’ stuff like the racetams for now.
The suggested stack at the top of this post would be a good place to start > https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-learning-and-memory/
The most ‘exotic’ thing in that stack is Pine Bark Extract which would be safe for you because it primarily helps improve blood flow in your brain. Your brain needs at a minimum vitamins, minerals, healthy fats including DHA, and a good choline source. If you decided to experiment with anything else right now I’d stick with the adaptogens.
Dear Doctor,
My patient has MS. Many years 30 years plus. Using THC tinctures. I would like to know where to find CBD oil other than growing or the dispensaries.
One its expensive and I would like it in a quality form. She has terrible MS tri-geminal neuralgia. Needless to say its tough to treat.
David, first I’m NOT a doctor. I’m an ordinary guy who figured out how nootropics work while fixing my own issues.
I do not have a specific CBD Oil vendor to recommend. I suggest you do a thorough search online for CBD Oil vendors and once you find a promising company, do some research on that company and find out who they are. The final piece of the puzzle is to read user reviews and see what others are saying about that product and that company.
Firstly;I have just recently become aware of NOOTROPICS-thankfully..I was fortunate enough to see Mr. To men on UTUBE. He is without a doubt THE BEST SPOKESMAN for NOOTROPICS to date!
Please do a video on l-arginine
Rob, I’ll add it to my list of nootropics to review. But so far, there is very little evidence that L-Arginine could help the brain directly as a nootropic. I’ll look deeper into it.
Hi David
I love your easy understandable and clear to the point teachings.You really put the essence of information in your videos.Thank you!!
Now here’s my question.Could you make one of your videos about Mitragyna speciosa (Kratom).I use it for my backpain and it really helps great.But I noticed that it also has an influence on my mood and I am wondering in what direction it is influencing my brain.
Thank you so much
Have a beautiful day
Esthy
Esthy, I love Kratom and use it daily for pain. And it’s on my list of reviews to do. So stay tuned …
Dear David. With very much interested I read your article about your current stack (and the rest of your website) and was wondering if you cycle your stack? I’m also diagnosed with adult ADD and had a big depression 8 years ago (i’m currently 31) and i’m looking to have a consistent improvement of my brain. I bought Mind Lab Pro and use this together with a B-complex, DHA, L-theanine, L-tyrosine, ALCAR but i’m sure whether to cycle this stack to prevent tolerance. I’m curious on your thoughts about this. Thank you very much. Nick (reader from the Netherlands)
Nick, I do not cycle my nootropic stack. The only thing I’d ever consider cycling is when I’m using something like Huperzine-A which has a longer than usual half-life.
I think some like to cycle because their looking for more of a profound or noticeable feeling when using a particular nootropic. That has never been my goal. Mine is consistent, daily and long-term brain health.
This attitude is reflected in my dosage recommendations as well. If something needs to be cycled because of that nootropic’s mechanism of action in the brain and body, it’ll be specifically mentioned in the dosage notes.
Hi David,
I have been following your teachings and comments with great interest.
My question is …. What are your thoughts on supplementing with C-60
and what are likely side effects when supplementing with nootropics?
I currently take vinpocete, rhodiola,mind lab product and lithium orotate, a maintenance dose of Lugols iodine and other vitamins
Kevin, this is the first I’ve heard of C-60 (Buckeyballs). The research into fullerenes is still young and I don’t believe there are any comprehensive human studies. It looks promising. From the little I know I don’t see any contraindications with other nootropic supplements. Or how they would occur given their mechanism of action in cells.
Dear Mr. Tomen, if you have any suggestions for treating schizophrenia and bipolar disorder as one myself have been diagnosed with, it would be taken in earnest. Thank you.
Steven, the best I can offer if to suggest you do a search of Nootropics Expert using the search field top right of this website. And search for the keywords “schizophrenia” and “bipolar” in two separate searches. See what comes up.
It’ll take some extra reading because you’ll get some ‘false returns’ where those conditions are only mentioned as possible things the can “go wrong” when missing certain nutrients, etc. But you will get some solid returns that include clinical trials for each of those issues.
Hello, my name is Ricky Kelly. I am interested in Oatstraw. I watched your youtube video, it was very thorough and informative. I wanted to know if this herb is ok to take relative to candida. The reason why I ask is that I have issues with my superior sagittal sinus draining sometimes, and I feel this herb will help.
Rick, I didn’t come across any research on Oat Straw and candida. I was personally able to kill off candida within two months using oregano oil daily.
Thank you so much for replying. If you don’t mind can you please tell us what organization your part of so we can quote you in our project and use you as our professional advisor.
Anthony, simply say, “David Tomen – author of Nootropics Expert”.
Hi, I think that what I have seen with your expertise I think that my 5th grade group could use your help with a project
We will be sending lions mane into space
So if you will help us we will be very happy
From Anthony
Anthony, your 5th grade class is more than welcome to use the references for Lion’s Mane found at the bottom of this page: https://nootropicsexpert.com/lions-mane/
But I can’t imagine why anyone would want to send Lion’s Mane into space. Although astronauts would likely find supplementing with Lion’s Mane very helpful.
Because Lion’s Mane helps boost Nerve Growth Factor, mood and mental energy, and helps alleviate anxiety. Which I imagine could be a problem when you’re stuck in a little place like the International Space Station for months on end.
Hi
Im a school bus driver and i have alot of nervousness and anxiety. Do you know of any nootropics i can take that are real effective that can help with this? And in what best form? Tincture or pill or powder form?
CY, there can be many causes at the root of the anxiety you are experiencing. Please see this post for a better understanding on what you are dealing with, and ideas that may help you: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-social-anxiety/
Hello thanks for all the great info.
I have read somewhere doing some research that Lithium orotate migth not be enough to help for rapid cycling bipolar disorder and that sodium valporate is necessary together with Lithium orotate or just Sodium valporate ? Could you give me your opinion and advise ?
I am taking 2 to 3 x 5mg Lithium orotate daily since a few years and have had amazing results but still suffer from depresion episode especialy because of my relationships with woman…..I guess Lithium orotate is not enough sometines !
Thanks for your help
Christian, I’m not a doctor and don’t even pretend to play one on TV. So your comment about Sodium Valproate could be spot on.
One of the things we’ve learned about neurohacking is there is no “one-pill” solution for just about anything. And I’ve also learned to not completely discount mainstream medicine because these guys have come up with some life-saving solutions over the last century.
So sometimes combining the right nootropic supplements with the right prescription medication may be the best solution.
For depression, please see this post here > https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-depression/
Thanks for your answer. Does Sodium Valporate is considered a nootropics or it is a drug ? Is it safe what do you think ?
Valproate is considered a prescription drug in most countries around the world. And it is included in the WHO List of Essential Medicines. Like any drug it has side effects. But I’m not pharmacist and know very little about this medication. I’ve found a good place to do general research for most drugs is Wikipedia. Here’s the listing for Valproate: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valproate
Hi Dave,
I have ADD but it doesn’t work anymore built up resistantance to it and I have lost motivation, energy and for sure mental craziness of course. I’m kinda use to that though but I have been using alpha gpc, noopet, addrinafinal and sulbutiamine but wondered bc though it gives me a little of what I had but I have no energy of motivation and I really miss that. I’m very depressed about it. Any suggestions? Haven’t worked out since got off of adderall feel like a zombie and I eat very healthy have always but since I have been off its much harder I’m always hungry but zero zero energy. Just want to be able mentally to have the motivation to work out and also would love to boost my brain. Trying to Learn new course online and as per even with Adderall lose the info so quick I have had short and long term memory loss for a long time and so sick of feeling stupid and now no energy no motivation what’s left? I do not like doctors been to too many who don’t listen and just want money I’m in a very sad state!! Any suggestions
Bev, I’m not sure what your “built up resistance to” but assuming it’s Adderall … I did a whole year using the stack described in this post with full-blown Adult ADD and no stimulant meds: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/
Hello David,
Over the past two years I’ve been taking excessive amounts of amphetamines. Two months ago I came across the PEA selegiline combo. In contrast to what you said, however, I did build a tolerance. My starting dose was 1 gram and I already needed to take more the following day to achieve the same effect. And the comedown became worse and worse. After about 2 weeks I was taking over 3 grams every 1-2 hours, so I decided to stop.
But now after watching your video, I asked myself, did I actually have real PEA or was it not correctly synthesized?! The fact that it is a naturally accuring chemical in our body and that we shouldn’t build a tolerance to it definitely makes sense.
My tolerance is down now but I’m still heavily depressed. If it’s true what you said, I could cure my depression just with real PEA. Can you tell me a source that sells real PEA? I’d be more thankful to you than to anybody else. Thanks in advance.
Best regards,
Tom
Tom, 2 vendors I’m aware of the sell PEA are Bulk Supplements and Liftmode. Both claim to test their product before sale. You could ask for a Certificate of Analysis for the batch you intend to buy. Next best thing is read through the reviews and see what others are saying.
The thing about using such large amounts of any nootropic and tolerance is you damage receptors and synapses. I suggest you look for ways to do some neuron repair. Lion’s Mane comes to mind right now. And take a look for other ideas in this post on traumatic brain injury because the ideas apply: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-traumatic-brain-injury/
Hello David,
First of all I want to thank you for making this tremendous resource of information available. I have a combination of 4 types of ADD (according to the online survey at the Amen Clinic). Temporal Lobe, Ring of Fire, Inattentive and Anxious ADD. I am on day two of taking Luminol and have Mind Lab Pro on its way to me in the mail.
The initial results from Luminol are quite impressive. I have noticed my impulsivity is gone and my focus and sense of purpose is greatly sharpened.
My main question for you is I am wishing to know if there is a danger to take the Mind Lab Pro along with the Luminol, due to the combination of different stacks. Is there a safe way to do this, or would it be best to either only take one or the other. From what I have seen so far, it appears that Mind Lab Pro does not have an Ampakine ingredient. Being very new to Nootropics, I may naively think this makes it “safer”. I was planning IF I take both, to space it out, so a few hours pas between taking one and then the other. I would greatly value your advice. Thank you.
David, I need more information about Luminol before I can comment. What is it and what it its mechanism of action in the brain?
Luminol has Noopept as the chief ingredient. It is a stack with Noopept, Phosphatidylserine, Acetyl L-Carnetine, L-Tyrosine, Panaz Ginseng, Hardening, Guarana, Gingko Biloba and Alpha GPC.
It is meant to increase mental energy & focus, vasodilate to increase blood flow to the brain, improve motivation though clarity and reduce anxiety.
David, without knowing the dosage of each ingredient in Luminol, I’m guessing that it’s safe to use it with Mind Lab Pro. Best thing to do is look up each individual supplement here on Nootropics Expert and check dosages for each. Then look at the dosages for each pre-formulated stack and make sure they are within the safety range.
Just checking back in – Two months later and the combination of Luminol and Mind Lab Pro has been working fantastically. Whatever is not present in Luminol, is provided by Mind Lab Pro. They both have sources of choline, but for me, it only helps. Perhaps my brain needs a lot of choline to fuel ACH production. Anyway, just to say that this combination works well and I again am so grateful for your advice when I was asking the question initially. I have experimented with some other racetams and do find I feel great with taking this product called “Ultra Racetam”, along with the Mind Lab Pro. This one has a higher dose of Noopept (30mg, as opposed to the 15mg in Luminol). It also has 800mg of Piracetam, 600mg of Oxiracetam and 750mg of Aniracetam. I first thought of trying this, if I wanted a “rocket to the moon” on occasion, due to all the multiple racetams. The lesson from this experimentation, is that I tend to do well on a bit higher amount of Noopept than the 15mg in the pre made stack that Luminol offers (per two capsules).
David, thanks for reporting your experience. It helps a lot for others just getting started with nootropics.
You’ll likely find that when using the racetam supplements you’ll need more acetylcholine as well. So add another CDP-Choline or Alpha GPC supplement to your stack if you need to when using the extra racetams.
I have a small benign tumor on my right side of the brain the lobule that is near de ear; can you comment about nootropics for it. Thank you for the attention you can give to this message and your generosity on sharing.
Nilsa, Curcumin is one of the most potent natural anti-tumor remedies available: https://nootropicsexpert.com/turmeric/. Just make sure you choose the right supplement that includes BioPerine to improve bioavailability and you dose it high enough.
David, I have a serious question. My boyfriend is 24, and he has a very strange kind of panic attack. It’s not really like any panic attack I’ve seen, it gets triggered by stress or too high emotion, and his body almost goes into seizure, he twitches all over and sort of ‘locks’ into a state where his mind just goes black. But there isn’t panic. His muscles lock until they’re incredibly painful. They’re ruining his life. He smokes a lot of weed to deal with it but can’t during work. It breaks my heart to see him like this. He had a very traumatic childhood, as well.
Anti anxiety/mood stabiliser meds DO NOT WORK. I’ve exhaustively researched anxiety, bipolar and depression on every topic except for fast acting nootropics. Which would you recommend to calm him, maybe raise pain relieving endorphins? Anything, from ones that can act very fast in the moment to calm him and relax his muscles or ones that work on a longer basis.
Money is incredibly tight right now and I need something fast. Which do you think would be most likely to work?
Your site is amazing. Absolutely amazing. It goes beyond nootropics and is a wider study of how the brain works on a neurotransmitter level, and I’m reading as much of it as I can, but this is an emergency so just wanted to ask what you would do if you were him!
Thank you so much.
Mari, try Lithium Orotate: https://nootropicsexpert.com/lithium-orotate/. You may need to use 2 tablets at a time. It works fast.
Hello David (Congratulations and thanks; this is a very informative web site that you have). Im a 46 male from Sonora México (near to Arizona), a very hot desert place (“weather its like hell literally”). My situation: 20 years (two decades) of 50 mg sertraline (SSRIs) constant use, and also alprazolam tablets (very low dosis) from time to time to help my sleep; very adictive substances as you should know, and with bad consequences in my brain health i think, afther two decades. I dont feel any benefit from this treatment-adiction régimen, just: brain fog, zombie, numb, letargy, lack of mental and physical energy, lack of motivation, lack of inteligence and social abilities, lack of adaptation to the world and lack of happiness, just adicction to something that doesnt do good job in my brain; just constant disthimia. Afther all these years i thing it seems evidently that there is a deterioration in my brain capacities, in my synaptic conections, neurons, or neurotransmiters (and of course becouse of that: mood, memory, motivation, pleasure in life, clear make of desitions, etc.). I want something that help with this brain condition and i need NOT to take any more this SSRI (Sertraline), but how to do it without have a bad time with the withdrawl effects in my brain?, becouse i need to function properly from day to day in my work, or activities. What are my options? I been reading that 5htp triptofan or St. Johns Worth are two of the most popular natural remedies for SSRI substitution, or eficcient alternatives for the withdrawl situation. Do i have precisely to take one of those? Or maybe better some nootropic stuff (aminoacid, herbs, adaptogens, syntetic nootropics, vitamins or minerals, etc.) will do the job? For example David, im planing to use the following suplements like posible tools (and im not saying that i will take it all those regularly or a the same time in a stack, but some of theme maybe yes).
Omegas fish Oils (DHA-DEPA)
B Complex
Choline (with inositol)
Lecitine
Magnesium Citrate
multimineral
L-theanine
l-tironsine
L-carnitine
Caffeine
Hierba mate (ocasionally)
curcumine
Lions Mane
Aniracetam, noopept, piracetam, phenibut (ocasionally or regularly?, i dont know, phenibut not regularly for sure),
Acetyl cisteine
Teacrine
Ginkgo biloba
Melatonin (ocasionally sleep aid)
Pasiflora (ocasionally sleep aid )
Can you tell me David, Wich of these ones do you believe i need to put out of the list? What else i will need preferently that im not consider here?, What other important advice you have for me and my case-situation? In advance thanks for your answer David. God bless you.
Francisco, it’s a good start but I’d skip the lecithin. But to make this work you need to follow dosage recommendations for each. You’ll find those dosages in each of the reviews here on Nootropics Expert.
I am not a doctor and do not even play one on TV! So work with your doctor and very, very slowly wean yourself off of SSRI’s if that’ what you want to do. You MUST NOT combine anything that directly boosts serotonin with a SSRI. Including 5-HTP and St. John’s wort. If you do you’ll cause Serotonin Syndrome and it could kill you.
And you need to start repairing the brain damage caused by SSRI’s. I suggest studying the posts I’ve written on nootropics for traumatic brain injury, treating PTSD and boosting BDNF. You’ll find those posts here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/blog/. And you’ll notice many of these same nootropics across these posts because certain supplements are excellent for boosting nerve growth factor, BDNF, neurons, axons, dendrites and synapses.
Very good. Thanks a lot for your recomendation and help David.
Hi David,
My husband has Parkinson’s with dementia and I recently had to put him in an assisted living facility since I’m no longer able to take care of him and work a full time job. He’s on carbidopa-levodopa and mucuna puriens and Exelon. Just today they put him on Seroquel-50mg during the day and 150 mg at night for anxiety. I’m opposed to so much medicine and these days they prescribe everything like its candy. I’ve been reading that many of the diseases have a root cause of too little glutathione. I’ve been giving him a spray glutathione and it seems to help. Then he gets anxious and they’ve been giving him Ativan, a cream on his wrist or now Seroquel. I’ve read on this site that there are several natural remedies for anxiety. Do you think the MindLab nootropic would work for him or would there be something else he would benefit from? When he starts to get anxious his face gets red and sometimes it turns into a rash like hives. The meds he’s on seem at times to make him very lethargic and other days he can talk in sentences. I would prefer getting him off all the meds; using only natural remedies but I don’t know if that’s possible. Thank you in advance for your help. It seems we’ve had so many advancements in many areas but we’re having difficulty finding cures for hundreds of diseases. It’s become such a big business to prescribe meds…I wonder if they want the cures??
Betti, some clinical studies have shown that Mucuna Pruriens to be a safer option than levadopa. Please see my review of Mucuna here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/l-dopa/
And you can use N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC) to support glutathione: https://nootropicsexpert.com/n-acetyl-l-cysteine/
Mind Lab Pro may be able to help some but when dealing with disease that is so advanced the only way to tell is to try it.
Several nootropic supplements have been shown to work for taming anxiety. But a strong word of caution here …
Do your research before trying anything that may be contraindicated with the meds your husband is using. Some are downright dangerous and could be life threatening.
A good site to check for drug interactions is here: https://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html. For example, Seroquel affects nearly ALL the major neurotransmitters in your brain. So if it boosts serotonin and you use something like St. John’s wort you could cause Serotonin Syndrome. Which can be deadly.
So be very, very careful about what you try and do your research first.
Hi! I’m 37 years old and have recently been diagnosed with ADD after meeting with my counselor for what I originally thought was anxiety andocd. My doctor didn’t believe I had ADD still and prescribed Sertraline which made me depressed and numb, and then later tried me on Venlaflaxine which also made me very depressed and more anxious. Knowing my symptoms discussed with my counselor line up as classic ADD, I decided to try the more natural approach and treat the ADD which seems to be causing the anxiety.
I use a combination of essential oils which does wonders (Vetiver, peppermint and cedarwood) and eating healthy (vegetarian diet) and exercise are very helpful.
In looking at supplements/ vitamins/ amino acids , I am a bit overwhelmed with which to try. I don’t want to just take anything and everything but am lost with which ones I can and should take together ? Or are ther any essential ones that I’m missing? Here’s what I have on my list that I’ve researched and have questions on :
* L- phenylalanine or DL phenylalanine? If so, one is best for ADD? What dosage?
* Tyrosine- heard it works with phenylalanine ? Should I take one or the other? Or both? If so, what dosage of this?
* I read L-Theanine is good to take for focus but also for sleep. That seems like an opposite effect. For L-theanine , is the supplement best to take or just have it in green tea or matcha? How much should I drink a day? Again with the sleep vs focus, doesn’t green tea have caffeine? I feel that would counter act the calming aspect for good sleep?
* 5-HPT was recommended too- does this go with any or all of the above?
*Lastly I read other important vitamins to take are D,B, magnesium and zinc. If so, how much is recommended for each ? And which Bs ? I have B 12 but someone said other Bs are important to go with that.
Lastly Fish oil – someone recommended Krill? Is that the best or does it matter which fish oil? Assuming this is good for ADD?
–
Again, I’m not sure if I should pick one of these supplements from this list or combine them all as one big cocktail lol. It seems like a lot to add together, But I want the combination that’s best for my ADD/OCD brain. I have suffered from anxiety and some minor depression too that is less about something specific and really just that feeling like my brain won’t kick start and gets sluggish and unfocused.
Would you be able to help sort this out with me or recommend how I can find these answers. Feeling so lost.
Thanks so much!
Jenna, the best protocol for treating ADD with nootropic supplements is here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/.
The post has links through to each nootropic supplement which includes dosage recommendations.
Hi David, thank you for all the helpful information you provide. Im currently on Lexapro for depression, but I also suffer from anxiety, especially social anxiety. Im going to a sales job and was wondering what might be a decent nootropic stack for me. Im already taking aniracetam, Sulbutiamine, and Mind Lab Pro. So two questions, should I change or add to these? Also, should any of them be cycled and how often? Thank you in advance.
Tom, I use Aniracetam, Sulbutiamine and Mind Lab Pro twice per day, 7-days a week and do not cycle. Some say you should cycle the first two but that has not been my experience.
Please see this post: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-social-anxiety/. I would add DHA and magnesium to your stack to start with, along with a high quality, high-potency B-Complex supplement. Then choose a couple of nootropics from the second list on that page to try. But be very careful about NOT choosing something that will directly boost serotonin while you’re on Lexapro.
HI David how are you? Can lithium carbonate benefits the brain like lithium orotate? Thanks
Difficult question to answer because they are both lithium and provide lithium’s benefits. The big difference is Lithium Orotate is dosed 5 mg while Lithium Carbonate is dosed 800 – 1,000 mg. And comes with side effects.
Hi David,
I am fairly new to the world of nootropica but I got pushed into it by a friend, after he heard that I take a lot of anti depressants to cure my anxiety attacks.
I have inhalated a lot of your articles and wanted to thank you, for your work!
Trough my readings I have stumbled across L-Theanin as a substitute for my anti depressants, because it causes alpha waves in the brain, what is associated with stressrelief (if I got that right).
Do you think that it is worth a try to fully substitute my medicine with something like that? Do you maybe have a nootropica stack ready that could deal with my problems?
Stevie, L-Theanine may help with your anxiety issues. And several other nootropics may help as well. Please see this post I wrote on social anxiety which applies to any type of anxiety issues: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-social-anxiety/
To find the right nootropics for you, first determine what is likely causing the problem. A good place to start is the medications you use that you find helpful. Then find out exactly how they work in your brain. A good place for research on prescription drugs is Wikipedia. Find the drug and scroll down to “pharmacology”.
The next step is finding out what nootropics work in a similar manner. But a BIG note of caution here … Some of these nootropic supplements are extremely powerful. And cannot be used with antianxiety drugs like SSRIs, MAOIs, or beta blockers. Because you could cause Serotonin Syndrome or a hypertensive crisis depending on the neurotransmitters involved.
I am really impressed on how much time you take to answer every question. So first of all: Thank you David!
I am going to read your suggestion and try to find what I need to substitute. If I need help, I hope that I can ask you again.
Right now I take Fluoxetin, which is a SSRI, if I read that correctly. I will take all the steps you mentioned and I hope I can find a way to substitute that.
Thanks to you and the massive effort you take I have hope again.
Hi David, I have strange feeling, it feels like, everything is normal with, but I get bored with doing things too fast, I enjoy them for the first time, but than every time I get so bored, I lose all of the interest. The thing is that, in my childhood and even two years ago, I was totally opposite, I enjoyed things too much and for a very long time. I have watched one movie for about fifty times and every time I enjoyed it so much, I was listening to one song for months and it was awesome, but now, when I listen to it for several times, it does not feel good, also I bought a new car, but after a week I got bored with it and sold, than I did the same with the motorcycle and the worst thing is that, with the girls it’s the same, I fall in love easily, but after a month, I fall out of love and all of this makes me think, that soon there will not be things that I enjoy and will loose motivation and love for life, so I want to do something with it, I think it must be some problem with my dopamine, or maybe down regulation of dopamine receptors. I am against of medication, so maybe you could give me some advice and I want to try some supplements, that might help? I will be very thankful.
Nick, I think you may be onto something here but I’ve also learned that motivation is more than just “dopamine”.
Please read this post I wrote on the dopamine and especially the part about “glutamate AMPA-receptors…”. https://nootropicsexpert.com/hacking-motivation-with-nootropics/
Put together a stack from the nootropics listed further down in that post. But include only one of the racetams at a time until you find one that works for you.
And place close attention to the dosage instructions for each of these nootropics. Detailed dosage instructions are included in each individual review.
I have read your many posts and I am thinking about this stack: Aniracetam, Sulbitiamine, Rhodiala Rosea,
Nalt, or L-dopa, L-theanine, omega 3 (with high EPA and DHA), CDP-choline, ALCAR and B-complex vitamins, what do you think about this stack, for my situation?
Nick, this sounds like a good start. In your case you may want to use both NALT and L-DOPA but keep doses on the lower end with each.
Find an Omega-3 supplement that provides at least 1,000 mg of DHA. The only one I know of that is reasonably priced is made by Nature’s Way and is called “Mega-DHA” (https://amzn.to/2Kbws2n).
Make sure your B-Complex is all nature-identical. A good choice is Life Extension’s BioActive Complete B-Complex (https://amzn.to/2ItREuW). The doses are much higher than RDA.
Last bit of advice is follow dosage recommendations from each review here on Nootropics Expert. Including for NALT and Mucuna Pruriens. Try this for 2 or 3 weeks and report back please.
I saw, that you wrote about Nalt, 800mg 3 times per day, it means 800mg per serve, in total 2400 mg, or 800mg diveded 3 times? Also how much L-dopa do you recommend each day, I am little bit worried, that L-dopa may cause hair loss? And final question about serotonin. Boosting to much dopamine, may cause serotonin depletion, so maybe it would be better, to add some thing for serotonin as well, maybe St John’s worth, or which one do you recommend, previously I have tried 5htp and it depleted my dopamine too much in one week?
Nick, the amount of NALT and Mucuna I use would be far too much for most people. One thing I have learned is to listen to my body and try to give it what it wants and needs. I personally balance my serotonin with 25 mg of 5-HTP sublingually when I feel I need it. Depending on the day, it’s from 25 – 100 mg of 5-HTP total.
I’ve never equated too much dopamine with hair loss but imagine it could be a problem. Start at the low end of dosing and work from there. You’ll soon get to know what works and what doesn’t.
Hi David how are you, its Felipe again
Can fluvoxamine and olanzapine benefits my brain?
For motivation, wich nootropic you recomend?
Thanks David
Felipe, it depends on who you ask about fluvoxamine and olanzapine about benefits to the brain and overall health. The manufacturers would argue that they do. But for olazapine, the maker was ordered to settle literally billions in law suits.
Anyone using a prescription drug should research exactly how the drug works. Including side effects associated with that drug. Then make up there own mind if there’s enough evidence to show the drug does what the maker says it does. And whether it’s worth the risk of using it.
Motivation is related to dopamine and and how it is used in your brain. Including activation of AMPA receptors. Please study my post here on motivation: https://nootropicsexpert.com/hacking-motivation-with-nootropics/. Then put together a stack of 4 – 5 nootropics from that list and see if they help your motivation levels.
Hi how are you?
Im taking lithium carbonate, fluvoxamine and olanzapine
I wold like ond nootroopic guide for students.
Nootropic like better cognition, short memory and motivation
Thanks
Felipe, choose one nootropic from each category on this post on Learning and Memory here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-learning-and-memory/
But before you try each nootropic, check to see if there are any contraindications with any of the prescription drugs you are using.
I am wondering what supplements might be beneficial for the body to repair injury or damage to peripheral nerves? Might vitamin b-12, benfotiamine, lions mane mushroom, magnesium, lecithin, acetyl-l-carnitine, or vitamin-d help? How about PQQ or, CoQ10 or ubiquinol?
Oh my. There is just so many. Where to begin. It seems so many nootropics I read about only help brain neurons and issues, but I don’t know if they help repair of nerves outside of the brain and in the peripheral nerves. Any guidance would be appreciated. Thanks
Gregory, yes and all of the above. Ubiquinol instead of regular CoQ10 if you’re over 40. Skip the lecithin and use Alpha GPC, Phosphatidylcholine (PC) and Phosphatidylserine (PS).
But I’d put Lion’s Mane at the very top of the list. Check out the “Research” section of Lion’s Mane here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/lions-mane/#the-research.
Also, add a high quality multivitamin to this stack. Like the one I just reviewed here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/performance-lab-whole-food-multi-review/. That’s really the base of everything else you do because nothing else will work if your body doesn’t have the basics to build with.
And anything that helps repair or synthesize “myelin”. Do a search for that keyword here on Nootropics Expert and see what turns up.
Thanks very much David. I am 37 so does that mean I should be skipping the ubiquinol in favour of CoQ10? Also might Forskolin be helpful? Thanks again.
See the difference between Ubiquinol vs Ubiquinone in this review: https://nootropicsexpert.com/coenzyme-q10/. Some claim one works better than the other but the only real way to find out is try each one to see which is most effective for you.
You could try Forskolin but Pine Bark Extract may be a better choice for you: https://nootropicsexpert.com/pine-bark-extract-pycnogenol/
Thanks David. I was looking on your youtube channel (I’m a subscriber) and on your website for info on potassium and healing nerve trauma. Do you have info anywhere? I can’t seem to find much?
Thanks
Gregory, the only information I have on potassium has to do primarily with brain health: https://nootropicsexpert.com/13-minerals-essential-for-the-optimized-brain/#potassium
Lion’s Mane has bee shown to repair nerve trauma: https://nootropicsexpert.com/lions-mane/
Hello David, I want to ask a little bit off topic, which supplements are good to raise dopamine and serotonin levels fast and only at that moment of taking them, to feel euphoric and get music enhancement little bit close to Mdma, Lsd, or cannabis? I have read, that one guy took 500mg of 5htp and aslo B6 vitamins and felt very euphoric and without any comedown or hangover, so I think about something like that.
Also if you can give some advice which supplements are good to prevent Mdma Neurotoxicity and good after comedown starts, to restore depleted serotonin?
Jonah, apparently ALCAR taken before MDMA helps reduce MDMA toxicity of mitochondria. But it’s only been tested in rats: https://nootropicsexpert.com/acetyl-l-carnitine/. And to relieve post MDMA depression, 100 mg of 5-HTP on Day 3-7 after MDMA use: https://nootropicsexpert.com/5-htp/.
Only other thing I can think of possibly providing some state of euphoria is snorting cocao: https://nootropicsexpert.com/cacao/
Hi. David.
I wrote about my pressure before. it was mostly about learning.
but I just thought that I also want to change of my lifestyle too.
such as relationship, mood swing, and my bad habit.
as you said before, I think was too harsh on me. I think I shouldn’t rest because I am not good enough. but at the same time, I thought that I gonna die because of stress. I don’t have my own way of controlling stress, and mood.
the only thing I want to do is taking care of my body and soul.
I want to make fit and strong body through work out.
daily work out takes about 2 – 3 hours. but I just thought that I don’t have time to do that because I am not smart so I should put more effort and time into studying. but it was not productive. I knew that but I cant help it. I think I have an obsession with time management and self control. This makes me so depressed.
I want to change myself in many way. I tried a lot. but I always worried too much.
and I think I do care about what other people think of me and say of me too much. I want to have a nice reputation. so I think others mood too much. this holds me back sometimes.
and sometimes I am awkward when I go to public places like fitness center. this make me not to do what I really want to.
I think everybody change themselves in better version.
I think I am fragile person when situation is really bad.
but i found hope, nootropic makes me a better person I always imagine. I know that it could not make a dramatic change but I will do my best. I visit your blog everyday and read again and again hoping that I will find any possibility making me a better me.
thanks for sharing information. thanks.
Hello David
Could you give me advice, which supplement to take for decision making, I have big problems with it, all the time I have to take some decision, I start thinking all the possible ways and could not decide, which one do I want, all the time, I am not sure what I want, but all the time I have the feeling that I want something but can’t decide. Sometimes I think to wait some time, to live in peace, without any important actions, but I am getting bored, I want changes in my life, but that I can’t decide what to choose and at the moment of choosing I get huge anxiety, so it’s like a vicious circle. I don’t know what’s wrong with me, but I think, my brain needs some help, so maybe you could recommend me some supplements, for such case?
George, ‘decision-making’ is directly related to ‘executive function’. And is one of the major issues related to ADD and ADHD. A good place to start is this post I did on “Best Nootropics for ADHD” here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/.
Then scroll through the posts listed on this page: https://nootropicsexpert.com/blog/. And read the posts on ‘vitamins’, ‘minerals’, “How to Hack Your Mitochondria”, and “Hacking Motivation…” for more ideas. Start with the basics like vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and build from there.
You will likely end up with a nootropic stack containing at least 6 supplements to get you where you want to be. And it will evolve and change as you gain more experience.
I also think that I have ADHD, I have many symptoms, trouble with focus, when I am watching movie, I can’t stay focused on it and start thinking about many other things, also I like making people feel guilty about themselves, when they are not and making conflict situations, out of nothing. Also I am Impatient and can’t wait for things, to happen. All the time I am like looking for little dopamine boosts, something to change or happen, or I’m getting very bored. On the other hand, all my life, I was very good at studying and very successful, now sometimes I can focus at work, very well, so I don’t know, if I have ADHD, or not. I also had depression more than a year ago, but only depression, without anxiety, than I started smoking cannabis and took mdma for about 5 times and it added huge anxiety to my depression and I had suicidal thoughts, depersonalization and something like hppd, but than I started healthy lifestyle and it saved my life, depression has gone and other symptoms as well, only little anxiety is still left and some symptoms of ADHD, that I mentioned above, so I don’t know, if I have ADHD, or it post depression symptoms
Also I want to ask about ADHD, is it chronic or it can be cured? If I start taking rytalin, I should take all of my life?
George, I’d try the ADHD stack first before you see a doctor about using Ritalin. I did fine with the stack for an entire year without Ritalin. The ADHD stack is designed to boost dopamine to consistent levels, increase acetylcholine for brain signaling, all while repairing brain cells and keeping depression down. Use it consistently for 3 – 4 weeks and then decide how you feel. It may take awhile to repair your brain enough for it to work. After 3 – 4 weeks, and if you still have symptoms of ADD or ADHD then it’s time to see a doc.
Please remember that I’m not a doctor and don’t even play one on TV. I’m just a guy with Adult ADD who figured out how get my brain working again. So this isn’t medical advice by any stretch. Hopefully, what you find here on Nootropics Expert will give you and your family some relief.
Thanks David, I have been researching neuroscience from the period I started feeling symptoms of the depression and it helped me a lot. I try to stay away from medications and find other way, with healthy lifestyle and supplements, so I find your posts and videos very helpful.
Hello David,
I’m looking forward to studying the wealth of your site, if only I could get the light turned back on in my brain! I have multiple health issues: CFS, IBS, arthritis, chronic EBV, Hashimotos, West Nile encephalitis, several concussions in childhood. I’m currently taking approximately 20-30 different supplements every day. I’ve been researching and studying health issues for the last 4 years or so. I have low levels of Dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine, possibly due to upregulations of the COMT enzyme. Last week, I tried 300mg Sulbutiamine for the first time. It was amazing! My fatigue, depression, brain fog, and low libido vanished! These results lasted only 2 days, however, and the last several days I have felt worse than ever. I’m guessing I am dosing incorrectly, or need companion nutrients. Can you help?
Karen, some people report tolerance when using Sulbutiamine. But not after two days. You could try using it ever 2nd day and see if that works for you. And remember that Sulbutiamine is fat-soluble so you need to take it with a healthy fat like unrefined coconut oil for it to get into your cells.
Sulbutiamine primarily helps produce ATP for your mitochondria and boosting GABA. So look for other ways to boost ATP and mitochondria and possibly GABA too. You might be on to something here.
Hello, I have problem with focus, motivation, experiencing pleasure and mood, also some anxiety, as I think, I have low levels of dopamine, but the doctor prescribed me SSRI, as they always do, when they see symptoms of depression, without analyzing them. I refused to take SSRI, as I think I don’t have low levels of serotonin and I don’t want to take medications, because of their side effects, I prefer to take supplements. I bought some stack, that contains L-dopa, L-tyrosine, Acetyle-L-Carnitine and alpha-GPC, I want to add Rhodiola rosea and CDP-choline to this stack, would it be a good choice or all of these together can cause any problems and side effects?
George, sounds like you are on the right track if you think you have a dopamine issue. Not sure why someone would include L-DOPA and L-Tyrosine in the same stack. Unless the intention was to boost dopamine as much as you can.
You can add Rhodiola to this stack but I would avoid adding CDP-Choline because you already have Alpha GPC. See how this stack works for you for a few days first.
Also, see my post on depression here for more ideas: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-depression/
Thanks David. I thought as the dopamine levels will raise, it may cause dopamine receptors down regulation and I have heard, that CDP-choline increases dopamine receptors count, so to achieve maximum result, I want to add it to the stack, but also I thought that CDP-choline together with Alpha-GPC and acetyl-L-carnitine, could be too much.
Also I want to know, how long can I take such kind of nootropics, several weeks, months, or there is no limitation for them? And the last thing I want to know, about St john’s wort, I also bought this supplement, but haven’t taken it yet, should I stick to nootropics that I mentioned above, or St john’s wort can be added to that stack without problems?
George, you can use Alpha GPC, CDP-Choline and ALCAR together if you decrease the dose of each until you learn how your body responds. I would be less concerned at this stage in down-regulating dopamine receptors and more concerned about depressing serotonin. You need to keep dopamine and serotonin in balance or you’ll have problems. Because both are involved in anxiety and mood.
Be very careful with St. John’s wort. Please read this review several times until you know exactly what to expect and watch out for: