Welcome! My name is David Tomen, and I am the author of NootropicsExpert.com, my books Head First 2nd Edition – The Complete Guide to Healing & Optimizing Your Brain with Nootropic Supplements and (FREE!) Secrets of the Optimized Brain, and my Nootropics Expert YouTube channel.
I started Nootropics Expert® in January 2016. You can learn more about my story and why I started Nootropics Expert over on my About Page.
You can quickly see the nootropic supplements that I personally use every day on this page: What I Take
And if you’re in a hurry, go to this page to Buy Nootropics.
I also do Personal Consultations if you could use some help choosing the best nootropic supplements for you. You’ll find my calendar here: Nootropics Expert Consultations
How Nootropics Can Help You
You can end your search now. Because here on Nootropics Expert you’ll find the help you have been searching for. No matter the brain health problem that is making your life miserable.
Here you’ll find information on this List of Nootropics which has dozens and dozens of links to nootropic supplement reviews that I’ve written, and update as soon as new science becomes available. In a language that is easy to understand.
You’ll learn where each supplement comes from, how it works, the benefits you can expect, how much you should use and how often, possible side effects, and how to select from dozens of options – which one to buy.
NOTE: Every single word on Nootropics Expert is written by me. It’s not an AI or a contract copywriter.
You will also discover that everything I write about a supplement is supported by peer-reviewed clinical studies. You will not find links to other websites or blogs.
Instead, you will find dozens of clickable links in each supplement review and article to supporting and relevant clinical studies.
So you have the option of reading the same research I found and used to write my reviews and articles.
My hope is that if you’re overwhelmed by the fragmented information for nootropics spread across several websites, you can end your search on what has become the best nootropics website.
Quickly find out how one nootropic may interact with another. Which ones are safe. And which nootropic supplements have side effects. I will cover all that here.
Use my Nootropics Guide to get more familiar with the top nootropics and different types of cognitive enhancers and what they do. Soon you’ll be able to safely build your own nootropic stack.
I’m happy you’re here. Because you should be able to find everything you need to know about nootropics on Nootropics Expert. No need to go anywhere else.
Armed with this knowledge you can choose the best nootropics for you, and finally start experiencing the benefits you’re working to achieve.
Where to Buy Nootropics
Once you’ve decided which nootropic supplements you’d like to try, how do you know which is the best supplement to buy?
I’ve done the homework for you and put together a list of nootropic brands and supplements. Most of which I personally use and highly recommend.
You’ll find the highest quality, purest nootropic supplements on this page.
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 biohacking 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 it’s for, how it’s 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 I have 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.
Join The Discussion - 1,739 comments
Eileen
July 24, 2017
Do you know whether or not nootropics might be beneficial in mitigating/repairing the effects of RSD/CRPS (an autoimmune/inflammatory/neurological disease)? It attacks both the ANS & CNS along with certain areas of the brain. I watched a couple of your YouTube summaries on the different chemicals/herbs and their beneficial effects on nerves, repair, etc. and it made me curious!
David Tomen
July 25, 2017
Eileen, yes nootropics should be able to help provide relief from RSD/CRPS. I’m certainly not a doctor, and don’t even play one on TV. But it seems RSD/CRPS is primarily caused by inflammation and messes with nerve signaling. So please search NootropicsExpert.com for the keywords “inflammation” and “anti-inflammatory”. Top of the list is Turmeric which you’ll find here > https://nootropicsexpert.com/turmeric/. And for nerve signaling I’d look at Magnesium which you’ll find here > https://nootropicsexpert.com/magnesium/
Good luck with your research and welcome to the wonderful world of Nootropics!
Jessica
June 23, 2017
Hi David,
In searching the internet for information on Nootropics, your website really stands out. What great info! I’m trying to nail down a supplement or a stack for ADHD symptoms along with poor verbal recall and fluency. Do you know of one that will help with these problems? I have this problem along with my 10 year old Son. It’s horrible. Trying to have a conversation with someone and you can’t find the words, can’t remember names, get sort of tongue tied when talking… We are taking Phosphatylserine and found this does help somewhat with memory. We are also taking b vitamins, minerals… Acetyl-L-Carnitine, CoQ10, Gaba… Nothing really helps with the verbal fluency problem. Any ideas?
David Tomen
June 24, 2017
You’re on the right track with your nootropic stack so far. First thing I’d add is 1000 mg DHA > https://nootropicsexpert.com/dha/. Next I suggest taking a look at Piracetam although I’d be very cautious about having your 10-year old son use it. His brain will continue to develop until his early 20’s. Disrupting that natural development is a dangerous thing to do. So proceed with caution with any nootropics. More on Piracetam here > https://nootropicsexpert.com/piracetam/.
Please carefully read through this article on treating ADHD with nootropics for ideas > https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/. And finally, you may want to consider Mind Lab Pro. It’ll help with ADHD symptoms, verbal fluency and provide the neuroprotection both of you need. More on Mind Lab Pro here > https://nootropicsexpert.com/mind-lab-pro-review/
Mirna
May 15, 2017
Thank you for all the great info, David!
I just received my Phenibut and LTheanine. I plan on trying Phenibut tomorrow as a test without taking anything else. I don’t plan on using regularly…max 1-2 per week, if that. I also don’t have an addictive personality 🙂
I plan on using L-Theanine on a regular basis with my daily supplements. I forgot to mention I’ve been taking NAC since my autoimmune diagnoses and LOVE LOVE it !
I am going to have to give Magnesium and B vit w/folate more of a chance. I don’t think I felt a difference with them. When I take Mag before bed, I don’t feel it relaxing me.
I get it with the Thyroid question…it was more out of curiosity. I refused all Thyroid Meds from the Doc..he had me on the smallest dosage of NatureThroid for 6 months, but numbers were not changing and he was worried if he increased the dose I would go hyperthyroid because of my anxiety. My TSH is under 4, so trying to get it down between 1-2. I will keep trying different things till it happens!
Thyroid Probs are wicked!
Thanks again!
mary
September 15, 2018
Mirna
You can send your blood test results to life extension magazine ànd put on the envelope lab review and one of their specialists will go over your blood work with you. I got to talk with a naturopath Dr one to e for over an hour a e they love to help people.
Mirna
May 12, 2017
Hi David,
Me again :). I noticed you have hypothyroid. I have autoimmune hashimotos, which results in hypothyroid. Curious what you take for that..notice any benefit from nootropics that benefit the thyroid?
Thanks!
David Tomen
May 14, 2017
Mirna, that’s a loaded question and not easy to answer. Also one of the reasons I started Nootropics Expert. Because being hypothyroid took my brain offline. Nootropics turned my life around 180 degrees.
I use NP Thyroid sublingually 3 1/2 grains per day. Dosed throughout the day. My doc put me on Alpha Lipoic Acid for insulin resistance a couple of months ago. And that messes with my thyroid meds. So some days I need to add another 1/2 grain when I feel I’m going hypo.
Also have an issue with adrenals so use adrenal cortex 4-times per day.
It took me about 3 months to find out that Synthroid was making me sicker. It took another 3 years to get my body back into good enough shape using natural desiccated thyroid to start thinking about fixing my brain.
Spend some time on this site just searching and reading for the keywords “immune”, “autoimmune”, and “thyroid”. You should get some great ideas as you get a clearer understanding on what’s wrong, and the natural alternatives available to help fix them.
Mirna
May 12, 2017
Hi David,
I am learning so much from your site. Thank you! Except I am still not sure what would be best to take for an interview. When I get nervous, I forget all the words in my vocabulary (LOL) and lose focus. I also have autoimmune and it cause lots of brain fog and fatigue, which gets worse during interviews.
I need something to relax me, but not make me sleepy! Something for verbal fluency and quick thinking, focus, and alertness would be awesome!
I have been trying Ashwagandha for a few days, but not sure if I feel right on it. I feel a bit fuzzy and restless but not sure if it’s from the herb, and doesn’t seem to help my sleep like it’s supposed to.
I just ordered Phenibut and LTheanine, but also drink lots of green trea.
Any thoughts?
David Tomen
May 14, 2017
Mirna, please review the post I did on social anxiety here > https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-social-anxiety/.
Take a close look at the side effects of Ashwagandha here > https://nootropicsexpert.com/ashwagandha/. Especially the part about its effect on the immune system and thyroid. This may not be the nootropic for you.
I think you’re on the right track with L-Theanine, but be careful with Phenibut and read the review I did on that nootropic. Particularly the side effects and dosage recommendations.
Other suggestions are Aniracetam, magnesium, Rhodiola Rosea, and a high quality B-Vitamin complex that includes folate (not folic acid) and B12 – methylcobalamin (not cobalamin).
Terre Ann
May 3, 2017
Can you please advise what I can add to my current ADHD meds to help with energy motivation? I’m off of ADD medicine for years I do not want to increase and and currently just taking a dexedrine 2 times a day regular release but it’s not cutting it especially in the morning I feel I’m dragging and when I do Focus it’s on things I don’t need to focus on
David Tomen
May 4, 2017
Terre Ann, review the post I did on ADHD first. Should give you some ideas on how I’ve dealt with this. https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/
The best nootropics I’ve found for energy & motivation are Acetyl-L-Carnitine, CDP-Choline, Rhodiola, Pterostilbene. First, take a look at this post about Best Nootropics 2017 and you’ll get a brief summary of each > https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics/. Then click through to the review on each nootropic on that page.
And let me know if you have any questions.
Paul Ciaravella
February 7, 2017
David, in 2007 i was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Have you researched any of the nootropics for this unfortunate illness? If you have can you help me out?
I use L-Tyrosine (perhaps is not enough). I was going to add Kava, L-Theanine, Vinpocetine, Huperzine-A and beta-alanine. Let me know if this is a good balance.
David Tomen
February 7, 2017
Paul, please check out Picamilon and N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC) here on Nootropics Expert. And look at the research studies in particular regarding Parkinson’s.
The Cleveland Clinic says you can dose L-Theanine up to 1,200 mg per day. Huperzine-A may be a good choice but please carefully read the dosage notes about cycling this nootropic.
And while Vinpocetine is currently easier to get than Picamilon here in the USA (not sure about Canada), Picamilon may be a better option for your situation.
For L-Tyrosine, you can dose up to 2 grams per day. I’m not sure how Kava can help. And don’t know enough about Beta-Alanine to comment.
For each of these you’ll have to experiment and see what works best for you.
Scot Fearnside
March 18, 2019
Evaluate Centrophenoxine and see if you think it would be something that might be helpful.
David Tomen
March 19, 2019
Scott, my review for Centrophenoxine is here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/centrophenoxine/. Not a great nootropic in my opinion and we have much better alternatives for things like boosting acetylcholine.
Maryanne Schultz
June 9, 2016
Have you heard of sluggish cognitive tempo? My son started MindLab for his lack of focus and anxiety…he doesn’t fit a lot of ADHD symptoms but has lacked focus he said and has always been so quiet his whole life, but has done ok in college and graduated in May with a 2.8 gpa…he managed! He is not disorganized, just lacks talking and getting any feelings out and has had bad anxiety as well since high school-he used to get tics and bad acne…both subsiding at age 22 finally…any suggestions? he does drink and party..I think to self medicate…
David Tomen
June 9, 2016
Hi Maryanne, that’s a tough one because there seems to be no real agreement on the cause or treatment for “sluggish cognitive tempo”. It does sound a lot like inattentive ADD. But the more I research nootropics and cognitive health, the more I realize that every one of us is different.
MindLab Pro is a good choice, and the best pre-made nootropic stack on the market today in my opinion. I deal with inattentive Adult ADD and use MindLab Pro with good results. Of course, I also find I need methylphenidate (Ritalin) because my brain doesn’t produce enough dopamine. Nor does it use what it does produce efficiently it seems.
One thing that may help you is Rhodiola Rosea. There is some in MindLab Pro, but in this case it may not be enough to reduce the anxiety symptoms.
I also use a number of other nootropics as well. ALCAR to boost acetylcholine, Vinpocetine to increase cerebral blood flow, and N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine to boost dopamine so the Ritalin has something to work with. Add to that 3-4 cups of green tea during the day. And 2-3 tablespoons of MCT oil (from coconut oil).
I’m not a doctor and don’t even play one on TV. So take my reply for what it’s worth. It’s certainly NOT medical advice nor is intended as such. There a lot more information on this site about dealing with focus and anxiety/depression. Experimentation is the only way to find out what will work best.
Tim
May 6, 2019
David, Is there a neurotropic/stack effective for diminishing (hand) Essential Tremor?
David Tomen
May 7, 2019
Tim, I’m not aware of a nootropic stack for treating the symptoms of Essential Tumor. Drugs used to treat it include Beta Blockers, benzodiazepines, and anti-seizure meds like those that work on GABAa receptors.
Do a search of Nootropics Expert for the keywords “beta blockers” and “benzodiazepines” and see what turns up. You likely come across things like Vitamin D, St. John’s wort, Picamilon, etc. It’ll likely take some experimenting to find out what works for you.