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 - 1,827 comments
Rob
March 18, 2019
mitoquinol mesylate
Can you do a video on this please
David Tomen
March 19, 2019
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/
patrick
March 6, 2019
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
David Tomen
March 6, 2019
Thank you Patrick.
Martin
February 22, 2019
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
David Tomen
February 22, 2019
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.
Glenn
February 12, 2019
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
Glenn
February 12, 2019
*Lebers Hereditary Optic Neuropathy. Not Heretic. Thanks.
David Tomen
February 12, 2019
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/
Ellen
February 10, 2019
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.
David Tomen
February 11, 2019
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.
Tim
February 9, 2019
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.
David Tomen
February 9, 2019
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.
Tim
February 10, 2019
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.
David Tomen
February 10, 2019
Tim, carefully read this review and you’ll see why I think 5-HTP is a temporary solution > https://nootropicsexpert.com/5-htp/
Tim
February 10, 2019
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 .
David Tomen
February 11, 2019
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.
Tim
February 13, 2019
looking into L-tyrosine the only thing im worried about is triggering anxiety ect with with it ? It seems like it has that possibility ?
David Tomen
February 14, 2019
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.
Chris
February 8, 2019
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
David Tomen
February 9, 2019
Chris, take the R-Lipoic Acid about an hour before eating. The others can be taken around meal-time.
Renos
February 1, 2019
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.
David Tomen
February 1, 2019
Renos, I’ll put MSM on my list of nootropic supplements to review this year. Thanks for the suggestion.