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 - 1,837 comments
Vinetta
January 5, 2019
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.
David Tomen
January 5, 2019
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.
Ethan
December 27, 2018
Is it safe to combine 100g of Picamillon with 1 mg of Klonopin?
David Tomen
December 27, 2018
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.
Karim
December 26, 2018
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
David Tomen
December 27, 2018
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/
CY
December 22, 2018
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?
David Tomen
December 22, 2018
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.
Eric
December 19, 2018
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
David Tomen
December 19, 2018
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.
Eric
December 22, 2018
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?
David Tomen
December 22, 2018
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/
Eelbrood
December 17, 2018
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
Bayonetta75
December 13, 2018
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?
David Tomen
December 13, 2018
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.
Andrew
December 12, 2018
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.
David Tomen
December 12, 2018
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