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 my 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. You’ll quickly learn what each does along with their side effects. And the ‘mechanism of action‘ or how each supplement works in your brain and body.
You’ll get nootropic dosing recommendations, and interactions with other nootropics and medications. Including what to avoid!
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.
I”m happy you’re here. Because 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 finally start experiencing the benefits 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 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.
Came to your site trying to get the free download, went thru about five cycles of confirming my email and signing up for your newsletter, getting sent confirmation emails.
Never did make it to the download.
Why can’t people just do what they say they’re going to do?
Jeffrey, you subscribed to my newsletter May 17th at 4:31 AM Eastern. You should have received a confirmation email by 4:32 AM Eastern with a download link.
If you can’t find it I suggest looking in the folders you don’t normally check like Spam. I’m not familiar with yahoo email so don’t know what other folders they use.
And I do not know what type of machine you are using or operating system. You may need to right click and select download from the pulldown menu. Or left click and open it in a browser. Then select download.
I’m sorry you are having problems. I’ve not heard from anyone else from the 10’s of thousands of subscribers I have who have experienced this issue.
Hi Dave, been checking your site since over a year now, very good info!
Should I have a break from my supplements to give a rest to my liver?
This is my current stack for at least 10 months now that I take with fatty food after 18 hr fasting break:
– 2 Calamari Omega 3 (adds to 1000 DHA)
– 2 NutraFitz B-Complex capsules (i.e. V6 50 mg)
– Vit D3 5000iu
– Lion’s Mane 500 mg
– PQQ
– CoQ10
– Zinc Gluconate 50 mg
– Just started taking Tumeric sup one week ago
+ I also take 2 Magnesium Bisglycinate around 45 mins before bed (some times I add the Cherry tart and L-theanine)
I stop taking Alpha-GPC and Alcar because it worsen my sleeping condition.
My aim is to be more focus, have more energy, and long term brain health. My only condition is that I have Tinnitus and I wake up at night a couple of times but get back to sleep quickly.
Any feedback is much appreciated
Javier, try these for tinnitus: https://mailchi.mp/38c358b3560e/try-these-nootropics-for-tinnitus
Rather than guessing and taking a break for fear you are damaging your liver a better way is to get labs done. Ask your doctor for a liver function panel. Which include these:
Total Protein
Albumin
Bilirubin (total and direct)
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)
Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
I take many more supplements than you and my last labs came by normal.
These days you don’t even need to ask your doctor because companies like Quest Diagnostics and Any Lab Test Now will take you as a walk-in. Pricing is anywhere from $39 – $79.
BTW, any good “energy” stack will include ALCAR. Best to take it earlier in the day so it doesn’t interfere with sleep.
Thanks Dave, I really appreciate you answering me back. I’ll have a look at the tinnitus link and the suggested tests. Wishing you the best
Hello David, I started taking Lion’s Mane and I get a strong feeling of tiredness, heart palpitations & heavy brain fog after about 45 minutes in. I took 3 capsules (500 mg each) over 2 days and this happened the three times (morning, lunch time, morning).
The only other substitute I take is vitamin D and am healthy, not depressed nor tired.
I haven’t seen this type of reaction searching the internet so I’m reaching out to you, perhaps you’ve heard of similar reactions. Maybe allergic?
My interest was simply get more focus and a clearer mind, such as we read about Lion’s
mane.
The product I purchased is from Real Mushrooms – Lion’s Mane capsules but they answered they’ve never seen this type of reaction.
Adaptation period perhaps? Really not a cool feeling.
I read such good reviews about the product, i would like the benefits.
Thanking you & warmest regards.
Julie, that is NOT a usual side effect from using Lion’s Mane. But what that does tell me is it is the wrong supplement for you. You may never find out why but for now all you need to know is you can’t use Lion’s Mane.
See this article for other ideas on what you may want to try to improve focus (concentration): https://nootropicsexpert.com/how-to-improve-memory-and-concentration/
Hello David,
Just came across your site (very good) and note the following: “DMAE on its own does not easily cross the blood-brain barrier. Combining DMAE with pCPA seems to help this bioavailability issue.
pCPA is a synthetic version of auxins (plant growth hormones). Auxins act like natural growth factor in plants.”
I want to take DMAE for lipofuscin reduction as Centrophenoxineis is prescription only BUT where can I get hold of pCPA to take with it? Thanks for any advice.
Paul, it’s not necessary to use pCPA with DMAE if all you want do use it for is reduce lipofuscin. Enough will get into your brain for that but the rest of your body will benefit even more.
I’ve been dabbling in nootropics for the past half a year, but I still haven’t found a balance that I’m looking for from the things I’ve tried.
Around November, I decided to order the well-known alpha brain stack. It soon became apparent that jittery feelings were present so I stopped after a few days. Next, I tried several things, such as several multivitamins and then Mind Lab pro, all of which also gave me jitteriness.
So, more recently I’ve been trying to focus on individual supplements, as it seems obvious that too many ingredients in one stack are not suited to my body. Firstly I tried phosphatidylcholine which unfortunately presented me with jitteriness again (sweaty palms, faster heartbeat), so I stopped that. I am currently on alpha-GPC (its been 4 days). The effects have been ok- definitely feeling more focused. However, my heartbeat seems heavier (although a lot less jitteriness overall than PC) and I seem to get periods of tiredness throughout the day.
Considering the fact that all these experiences point to the fact I’m clearly sensitive to jittery side effects generally, are there any supplements that I should be looking at which have the greatest likelihood of the least amount of these side effects? My main goal is to increase my focus.
Pedro, focus and concentration is primarily the job of acetylcholine. You can increase acetylcholine synthesis by using Alpha GPC, CDP-Choline (Citicoline), and Phosphatidylcholine.
The feeling of jitteriness is often caused by excess norepinephrine which is a byproduct of dopamine. Try using something like L-Tyrosine which increase dopamine and see what happens.
I take Rosuvastatin 10mg daily is it safe to take No-Flush Niacin 500mg with this on a daily basis to lower LDL or can I discontinue the statin all together & just take the Niacin?
Also, is the Niacin toxic to the Liver because my Doc says that it doesn’t lower LDL & the side effects are concerning.
Kathy, read the dosage notes and types to buy for niacin which explains which forms of niacin at which dose are toxic to your liver here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/vitamin-b3-niacin/
I cannot recommend one way or the other about using statins because I am not a doctor. Only you can decide after using the right kind of niacin at the right dosage and your labs tell you LDL has dropped.
Sorry, but in this case your doctor is misinformed. I encourage you the read some of the user reviews on bestselling niacin supplements. And see what others say about how it affected their LDL levels.
Hi David,
What are your thoughts on the use of donepezil in cognitively normal and healthy adults?
Thanks,
Thomas, Donepezil is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor drug used to treat Alzheimer’s. Not sure why any healthy person would want to use it since we have several natural nootropics that act as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.
David – thank you for the informative videos. I hope you’re willing to give a detailed answer. I have ADHD and Aspergers/ASD, diagnosed in my 40’s. Caffeine (including high caffeine drinks) as well as low-to-mid dose stimulants cause tiredness. Medium-to-high doses of stimulants make me feel “calm” but no motivational benefit, nor extra focus, but cause side effects when it wears off that my heart rate is high preventing sleep, even though I am so sleepy, whereas when I’m not on meds I nowadays fall asleep fine and long (mostly on the couch before bedtime). I’m also often fatigued but off meds its less. I’ve also looked into gut health, and two different tests (both directly of my gut contents, and also from a blood test and a different company) show undetectable lactobacillus / bifido, but show a significantly high candida, which I’m not sure whether that might prevent my gut from making the correct neurotransmitters. I believe there is a “missing connection” in my body that is preventing all stimulants from working (and I mean, including Desoxyn, so we’ve tried a lot of meds to get to there). A: Is there a type of doctor that reliably looks into neurotransmitters, and if so, do you know what type as well as a recommendation? B: Do my symptoms sound familiar and if so, do you have direction for nootropics? C: Do you take patients to look at nootropics, and the like, as I’ve described? D: I will take any additional recommended advice you can think of. I appreciate it, so much!
CJ, I’m not a doctor. Don’t even play one on TV. But even I can see that “undetectable lactobacillus / bifido” is a HUGE problem. And until you get that fixed nothing will work right. No nootropic or drug has a chance when your microbiome is so out of whack.
The gut/brain connection is a real thing. Most serotonin and GABA is made in your gut. The various strains of lactobacillus and bifidobacterium are involved in everything from neurotransmitter synthesis to immune function and much, much more.
I highly recommend that you hunt until you find a doctor or naturopath who understands how the human gut works. Get rid of the candida or at the very least get it under control. And after you get the right stool samples analyzed find out which probiotics you should be using. Don’t just go picking something off the shelf and hoping for the best.
does cacao butter (100% fat) has nootropic properties?
Coco, cacao butter with 85% cocoa (https://nootropicsexpert.com/cacao/) or more has nootropic value. The darker the better.
My 2 friends & I have been watching your videos. We all have a history of Lyme Disease and are currently being treated for LD. However, I believe that as a result of LD, we have developed autoimmune issues, including thyroid disease. We met at a Lyme support group over 10 years ago and we are constantly brainstorming about our ailments. LOL! We would love to hear your thoughts and we would also be interested in a consult appt. Thx very much.
Diane, “my thoughts” are it sounds like you and your friends should be talking about something else. Instead of rehashing your ailments. 🙂
My area of expertise is the human brain so don’t know how much help I could be for something like Lyme Disease. I am hypothyroid and could certainly share my experience there and provide some guidance.
But I don’t do group consults. It’s complicated enough sorting out the issues of one person at a time. Happy to do a consultation with each of you when you are ready. Here’s the link to my calendar: https://calendly.com/davidtomen/60min
Hello,
I’m new to nootropics and was wondering if there are any that help with hearing loss as it’s progressively getting worse. I have a little tinnitus but it’s minor thus far! I did order some Mind Lab Pro but haven’t received it yet & don’t know if that will help with hearing problems? Hearing aids don’t help much & I have the following problems so I’m hoping to prevent going deaf too!
52 years ago I had corrective surgery for Arnold Chiari malformation & hydromyelia but over the years my hands have gotten much worse…clawing, atrophy, lack of feeling to touch, pain & temerature. These are old issues that I’d like to prevent from getting worse if possible. I’m also having brain fog & memory issues.
Thanks in advance for your advice!
Janice, there are a couple of ingredients in Mind Lab Pro that may help you. But as you get older and things seem to worsen you need to be more aggressive in the supplements you use. There is no “one-pill” solution in life. This will take a stack of supplement and consistent daily use before you start to feel any improvement.
These supplements have been proven in clinical studies for nerve repair: Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin) + Vitamin B9 (methyl-folate), Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALCAR), Alpha Lipoic Acid, CoQ10, Omega-3s, Curcumin, and magnesium.
Pay attention to the “form” of vitamins as I have indicated above. That is critical. Try this one: https://amzn.to/32Truye. You can get three on that list in just 2 capsules here: https://bit.ly/3ifR1XJ and use it twice a day. And the Omega-3 is important as well. Use this one: https://bit.ly/3q98chL. Use 3 gelcaps instead of 2.
The magnesium supplement needs to be a chelated form of this mineral like this one: https://amzn.to/3gFv5Ip. And the curcumin supplement must contain 95% curcuminoids like this one: https://amzn.to/3vohIjL with this for added absorption: https://amzn.to/3t0moe2 both taken 3-times per day (morning, noon, and late afternoon).
All the above should help with nerve repair and consistent use should help life some of the brain fog and improve memory. Definitely keep on using Mind Lab Pro as well.
David,
Thank you so much for your help & recommendations. I do have some questions about the B complex & curcumin.
The Life Extension B complex has the following legal disclaimer on it and I’m wondering if that’s a concern: “WARNING: Consuming this product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to [California proposition 65].”
I’ve been taking 1 serving per day of the following Curcumin. I still have some on hand and would like to know if this is a good formula and if it is, how many servings per day that I should take?
Smarter Nutrition Curcumin with black seed oil (serving size 2 softens)
Curcuma longa 400 mg (standardized to minimum
95% tetrahydrocucumanoids)
Black cumin seed oil 400 mg (Nigella sativa)
Ginger root extract 100 mg (Zingiber officinale) 5% gingerols)
AstraGin 50mg (extract of Panax notoginseng & Astragalus
membranaceus) (root)
Janice, not sure why Life Extension’s BioActive B-Complex has that warning on it. I see that warning turn up in the most unlikely places. It sure isn’t on the bottle I have here on my desk. And I’ve never seen it on their bottle. I think that may be a mistake on Amazon or part of a template they use when entering a new product.
I can’t offer you an opinion of the curcumin supplement you mention because I don’t know what it’s for. The Curcumin is under-dosed and should be 600 – 750 mg which needs to be used 3-times per day to be effective.
David, with your expertise a new new tropics is there a particular combination of supplements that can help with epilepsy?
Peter, there are too many to list here. Use the search function top right of the main menu. Search for “epilepsy” and see what turns up. You should get 3 pages to choose from .
Hi David,
I’m reading your article about the nootropics you use. I was wondering why you don’t use egcg or mention it anywhere. Is there a reason you are not a fan of it?
Thanks in advance for replying!
Suzanne, I haven’t gotten around to writing a review on EGCG. But do get mine by drinking a couple of cups of green tea during the day.
Hi David,
I read your article about DHEA and I like that you mentioned a lot about research. But I have a few questions. Last year I suffered from high calprotectin as the doctors said was due to “h-pylori” and I was taking the medicine Olanzapine/Zyprexa before that happened but I had to stop suddenly without tapering down due to that. Now I think that because I stopped with that so suddenly, my DHEA levels dropped as I was experiencing a lot of stress because I stopped it, my DHEA is currently at 5.2 which is lower than normal. I started taking olanzapine/zyprexa again in December last year but my DHEA levels didn’t return to normal. I’m 29 years old and I wonder if I take a DHEA supplement to get my levels back to normal, will taking the supplements suppress my body’s ability to produce it on its own and do I have to take it for the rest of my life? The only thing that I experience from low DHEA levels is low libido and a bit of brain fog. I really hope you can give me some advice thanks!
Patrick, the argument that using these supplements may suppress your body’s ability to produce them naturally on its own is bad advice in my opinion.
Because what if your body cannot make as much DHEA as you need? Do you need to suffer from DHEA deficiency for the rest of your life hoping that some day it’ll start working again?
That doesn’t work for me.
I’m hypothyroid and use large dosages of natural desiccated thyroid every single day. If I miss just one dose I go hypo and feel sick.
I’ve had endocrinologists look at what I’m taking and tell me it’s too much. That I’m not letting my own thyroid produce hormone naturally. I’ve fired at least 7 of those doctors so far. Because they have no idea what they are talking about.
Thanks for responding. I will contact you about consulting once I receive my blood test results on Tuesday. I have one more question though, do you think I can take DHEA supplement at the same time I take my Ritalin for ADHD? Because I read taking DHEA it increase your heart rate. Also have you ever heard about a case where someone in my age was deficient in DHEA and took it for one cycle, say a month to be back in normal levels again and then didn’t have to take it anymore because his levels remained balanced? I was hoping to not having to take it all my life because that one incident when I stopped Zyprexa caused my levels to drop.
Patrick, it depends on each of us and our system and how it responds to each of these supplements. I use DHEA at the same time as Ritalin with no problem. But you may react different than I.
I have come to realize over the last few years that younger and younger guys have issues with these hormones. I’ve talked to guys in their 20’s whose levels were what you would expect to see in someone in their 60’s.
Some supplement with DHEA for a month and then take a month “hormone holiday”. Others like me need to supplement every day. I don’t want to give you false hope Patrick on something that you may need to do deal with for life. I hope you don’t need to but would not be surprised if you did.
That’s the world we live in today. The dietary supplement industry is growing by billions of dollars each year. It barely existed 50 years ago. But that’s a whole other conversation I’ll not get into here.
Hi David. Really enjoy reading all the great research you provide. Can mucuna pruriens powder (15% L-dopa) from Sun Potion be taken with Mind Lab Pro? Or is Mind Lab Pro good enough to take by itself? Also, can either be taken long-term? Thanks!
Ken, Mind Lab Pro was designed to be taken on its own. And it should provide some benefit for you as it has for thousands of others.
But if you are low in dopamine then you may want to try Mucuna. Although it’s not the best way to boost dopamine. A better option is L-Tyrosine because it is easier to dose, works within 30 minutes, and is safe.
Hi David,
Do you have any nootropic recommendations for narcolepsy?
Seth, I have not come across any research specifically for treating narcolepsy with nootropic supplements. Nothing natural will provide the same stimulant effect as a drug like Modafinil.
Only thing I can suggest is supplements to boost your energy levels. Like this: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-energy-supplements-to-buy-in-2021/. Either stack described in that article may help. But instead of using select B-Vitamins in your case I suggest a bioactive B-Complex because chances are you are deficient in at least some of them.
One other thing is boosting dopamine. Try 500 mg L-Tyrosine 2 or 3-times per day.
Hi David! I am new to Nootropics and just beginning my research. I am so happy to have found your site and YouTube channel last week. They have been so incredibly helpful. Thank you!!!
I am researching for relief of my own issues as well as for my Mom who is beginning to suffer from memory loss. I placed an order a few days ago for a few different items that you suggested based on my needs but I would really love to schedule time to speak with you and get your advice and suggestions specific to my concerns. I clicked the link to your calendar on YouTube and it gave me an error message. Is there another way do this?
Christine, thanks for the heads-up on a bad link on my YouTube channel. If you can remember where you found that bad link please let me know and I’ll fix it.
Meanwhile, you’ll find links to my calendar here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/personal-consultations/. I highly recommend an hour rather than 30 minutes from past experience of dozens and dozens of other consultations.
Hi David I have made my own stack equivalent to Mind Lab Pro with the only exception being that I am using sublingual vitamin B complex in place of taking vitamin B complex in capsule form. I read that sublingual is better absorbed in some people. I am not feeling the same effect and curious if taking vitamin B complex in capsule form helps absorb other nootropics better than sublingual? The change in how I feel could be attributable to other causes so not sure if I should consider adding vitamin B complex to nootropic blend in non sublingual form? Any feedback on this is appreciated.
Natasha, a lot or these supplements work by going through our digestive system. And that would include most of the vitamins and minerals you need every day. d
Just because something gets into your bloodstream faster does not mean it will work better.
Also, keep in mind that Mind Lab Pro was designed with each ingredient working in synergy at exactly that dosage. And they use premium patented versions of many ingredients which would be expensive to try and recreate their formula.
I’ve gone through the calculations as have others and Mind Lab Pro keeps on coming up as the most cost effective way to do it. And it works.
Thank you for this explanation.
If I am adding a racetam in addition to Mind Lab Pro, do I need to take additional citicoline or is there enough in 2 capsules of Mind Lab Pro to assist racetam such as aniracetam?
Natasha, it is likely that there is not enough Citicoline in Mind Lab Pro to support Aniracetam use. But each of us is different and you may find that it is enough.
The only way to find out is to try it. If you do try it and find that Aniracetam provides zero benefit, or you get a headache, it means you need to add an extra choline supplement.
Hi david
Do you know which supplements help in low blood pressure? Does B9 Folate and B12 helps?
Wong, for optimal cardiovascular health and blood pressure you need the right daily dose of Vitamin, C, Vitamin E, the B-Vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium, copper, manganese, chromium, and vanadium. A deficiency in any of these can result in an increase in blood pressure.
As for the rest of the list I suggest using the search function at the top right and search for the keyword “pressure” and see what else turns up. You have plenty to choose from.
Hello David! I stumbled upon your youtube video about tryptophan while researching low serotonin levels. I would like you expertise please. I have suffered with MDD and anxiety disorder ever since elementary so I know that my serotonin is low. I recently quit taking Trintellex because I noticed that it was making me forgetful and I know long term use of anti depressants can affect cognitive ability. Now that Trintellex is fully out of my system I find myself getting back into a rut again. Do you think tryptophan could help me and does it affect cognitive ability after long term use? I would like to try the natural route if I can. Any and all information will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for all of your wonderful information you provide.
Misty, if Trintellix worked for you then supplements that increase serotonin may work for you. L-Tryptophan is certainly the safest way to increase serotonin. But you may need to use it before bed because it goes on the make melatonin as well. Which will make you sleepy.
Tryptophan does help with cognitive ability especially if you use it daily. But serotonin works in concert with dopamine and they must be in balance. So you may want to consider trying L-Tyrosine during the day to increase dopamine as well.