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.
Hi David, do you take the irreproducibility crisis, the fact that half of the science we build upon cannot be reproduced, into account when looking into studies?
Whether or not you do, how do you separate wheat from chaff when doing this research?
I only ask because your blog and book is very detailed, concise, and optimistic.
Thanks for all you do
Jorden, good question. I separate the wheat from the chaff by closely looking at clinical studies and see not only who conducted the study but also who paid for it. If it’s one of the big drug companies then I know it’s not trustworthy.
The other criteria is user reviews. What do people who use the supplement say about their experience? It more often than not supports what I found in the clinical studies.
Thanks for your reply. Very wise principles you have there.
Hi davide, are you considering including testosterone / testosterone boosters as a possible nootropic enhancer?Bob
Bob, testosterone is a nootropic enhancer like using vitamins, minerals, amino acids or other types of supplements we use to “supplement” what we can’t get from food. Or our body’s do not produce enough of to maintain optimal health.
I’ve been using testosterone cypionate injections for years and it makes a huge difference in my mood, brain performance and speed, as well as the other obvious benefits of having adequate amounts. If I miss a week I can certainly feel it and it does not feel good.
I’m editing an article right now on sex hormones and cognitive function. Hopefully, I’ll be able to publish it soon. So stay tuned …
Dear David, Best supplements for OCD to take together for 34 years old guy
Jane, these nootropic supplements have been shown to be helpful in reducing OCD symptoms but I do NOT suggest using all of them:
Saffron
Lemon Balm
Taurine
Valerian
Uridine Monophosphate
Inositol
Glycine
Vitamin B3 (niacin)
Vitamin B12
L-Glutamine
St. John’s wort
I will be writing an article about nootropics and OCD just haven’t gotten to it yet.
Thank you so much! Do you think Aswaganda is a good choice? If Yes what will be the dose. Solgar recently has combination of Safron 28 mg and Aswaganda 500
Jane, Ashwagandha has not been shown to help OCD as far as I know. So unless you think you would benefit by using Ashwagandha better to use a standalone Saffron supplement. Especially if you have thyroid problems. See my review on Ashwagandha (https://nootropicsexpert.com/ashwagandha/) and see if anything in that review resonates with you.
Dear David we have a Lemon Balm by Wild Harvest 1125 mg 3 times a day can my son 34 years old take for OCD Anxiety, can it be combine with B complex100 and Aswaganda 500 or 1000 not ksm 66 what else can be added may be Niacin Non flash 500?
Jane, you can combine them but I think you will experience sleepiness if you try to use that high of a dose of Lemon Balm during the day.
These are all the supplements that have been shown to be effective for OCD:
Saffron
Lemon Balm
Taurine
Valerian
Uridine Monophosphate
Inositol
Glycine
Vitamin B3 (niacin)
Vitamin B12
L-Glutamine
St. John’s wort
Dear, David. He will try following schedule: Lemon balm you recommended on Amazon 500 mg in AM and 500mg in PM plus B100 complex plus Valerian root 300-600mg by Solgar plus B12 not sure what will be the dose, May be Solgar 1000…..Aswaganda not making any difference……I also have a question regarding Magnolia Bark, I was reading it helps someone with intrusive thoughts which is his prroblem and anxiety. Thank you so much, David!!!
Jane, Magnolia Bark is worth trying but it is very powerful so be careful with it please. It is the kind of supplement that likes to be used by itself because it is so potent. And keep in mind that it is also fat-soluble so you get its full benefit it needs to be taken with a healthy fat. Like a tablespoon of unrefined coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil.
Vitamin B12 dosages depend on his existing B12 levels. This is NOT something you want to overdose. Once your B12 levels are optimal the daily maintenance dose is only 1 mg per day.
Hello, I have had a total hysterectomy and total thyroidectomy. I am currently taking Effexor and synthroid. I still suffer from lack of focus, lack of motivation, memory loss, etc.. I have all the symptoms of adhd and think I have always had it. I was wondering if this might help me?
Michelle, I’ve written an entire website to help you. So yes I think I can help. I have hundreds of thousands of other people around world with what I provide for free here.
But if you want more personal help I suggest you schedule a consultation with me. Here is a link to my calendar: https://calendly.com/davidtomen/60min
Hello, I love your blog, it is very complete. I would like to tell you about my specific case to see if you could recommend a nootropic and an order to start. I am 24 years old and I have always tended to be dispersed, however in my childhood and adolescence it was more due to my shyness and fear of socializing. However, it was always difficult for me to process information, understand texts, etc. I was doing well academically but I didn’t have such a good memory or understanding. In adolescence I began to see how I had many ideas, many things I wanted to learn, a lot of intellectual curiosity … however I have always been a perfectionist and obsessive person with learning everything by heart and not having the patience to learn things or discipline At 19 I was hospitalized in a mental health clinic for an episode of depression and anxiety, I spent 1 year with intermittent exits and was medicated with antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, etc … that left me like a zoombie until my body I got used to it more … but I had side effects such as a focal epileptic seizure, repetitive movements in the limbs, things fell out of my hands, my legs buckled when walking … etc. Today I take much less medication than before, only three: sertraline, levothyroxine and levomepromazine. But I must say that although I do not have so much anxiety, I feel slow of thought, I have no motivation, I no longer have so many interests, I am always lazy, it is difficult for me to concentrate, I get stressed easily when I study, the minimum mental effort causes me a headache, My memory is bad, I never remember what I ate the day before … I find it difficult to learn, understand texts and I don’t even have so much verbal fluency … after all that history, what do you think I should use as Nootropics to improve all that topic? Another thing is that I have been diagnosed with a borderline personality disorder with variations in mood, strong emotions, anger, etc … in addition to a tendency to isolation and a presumed attention deficit
Alejandra, you have a lot going on there and it’s not possible for me to make a targeting recommendation based on your history and symptoms.
If you want to get started with nootropics I suggest you start with something simple but highly effective for most people. It’s called Mind Lab Pro and you can check it out here: https://bit.ly/3uAGRbk
Muchas gracias David, no te preocupes entiendo
Voy a revisar Mind Lab Pro como sugieres.
de nada Alejandra
Thanks for sharing with us your great knowledge.
Last year I was on SSRI medication and after 3 month I got one arm tremor.I stopped taking SSRI , but tremor still persisted for over a year now.
I visited a neurologist who diagnostized beginning of Parkinson’s. He prescribed me dopamine agonist ropinirole.
I wonder if you can have any suggestion for more ‘natural alternatives’ for ropinirole.
Many Thanks,
Thomas, the only alternative that I know of is L-DOPA which is found in Mucuna Pruriens (https://nootropicsexpert.com/l-dopa/). But you need to find an extract of 95 – 99%. They do exist but are difficult to find.
HI David,
I’ve been taking Cymbalta (Duloxetine) off-script for fibromyalgia pain for about 10 years. I want to come off but nobody told me about the horrendous withdrawal effects (I’ve tried many times and the brain zaps and dark thoughts are intolerable). Are there any nootropics I could take while I titrate down that will minimise the withdrawal effects? TIA! 🙂
Jac, there is no proven method for using natural nootropic supplements for detoxing from Cymbalta. But some have had success with Magnesium, Taurine, Lithium Orotate, Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, L-Theanine, and Inositol. See the individual reviews I wrote for each of these for dosage recommendations and timing during the day.
I take dextroamphetamine for ADHD and 30mg Cymbalta for anxiety.
I also take B-Vitamins, Omega 3 (high DHA), Zinc Picolinate, Vit D 5000iu and Magnesium Glycinate.
I am tapering the Cymbalta in order to reduce the dose down possibly as low as zero in order to counter the sexual side effects. So far I am noticing improvement for sure.
As I go along the tapering journey I am quite sure my anxiety will return at some point. If and when it does which supplements would you recommend as an alternative?
L-Theanine? Ashwagandha? Lemon Balm?
Any others?
Trying to turn my life around.
Thanks in advance.
Andrew, if Cymbalta worked for you then let’s reverse engineer it and find a natural nootropic that works in a similar manner in the brain.
Cymbalta (Duloxetine) inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine which makes it an SSNRI. The only other nootropic I know of that does that is Ginseng (https://nootropicsexpert.com/ginseng/). Ginseng also affects GABA in your brain which may provide and additional anxiolytic effect for you.
David,
Thank you for the suggestion of ginseng. I have read your webpage about ginseng via the link you provided and I noticed that you mention that it is advisable to cycle ginseng by taking a week break once in a while.
Assuming the ginseng works for treating my anxiety post antidepressant, how will I cope with the anxiety when I cycle off it?
Because presumably the anxiety will resurface when the ginseng is out of my system?
Or maybe I should instead other nootropics/supplements for anxiety instead?
Thanks for your advice
Andrew, try it without cycling it. I personally do NOT cycle anything in my stack because I follow dosage recommendations. If Ginseng works for you then keep on using it.
Have yet to try it David. Do you recommend American or Asian ginseng in this instance?
Andrew, either one should work for you if Ginseng is the right supplement for you. Experienced users of this nootropic often prefer American Ginseng over Panax Ginseng because American Ginseng is cultivated under stricter conditions avoiding pesticides and herbicides. And the colder growing climate encourages higher concentrations of the active ingredients in ginseng.
When buying American ginseng, look for Panax quinquefolius. And when buying Asian ginseng, look for Korean, red or Panax ginseng.
Thanks. Would this Panax Ginseng be suitable do you think? Is the dose too high?
I suppose I could dump some of it out of the capsule to try first if you think its too high a dose. But in terms of the product itself do you think its suitable for what I’ve described?
Love Life Supplements – Panax Ginseng 300 mg (20% Ginsenosides)
I live in the UK so hence using Amazon UK but open to other places also.
Andrew, that looks like a good supplement and they don’t have any toxic “other ingredients” either. Go with the manufacturer’s dosage suggestion first and see how it works for you. If it’s too potent then empty half the capsule and see how that works.
Hi David- great to see you thorough reviews on nootropics on YouTube. Thanks for sharing your wisdom. Which nootropics would you suggest for Dystonia? Cervical Dystonia in particular? Many thanks
Naveen, not my area of expertise as I concentrate my research on the human brain. But do a quick search and you’ll see clinics recommending magnesium, lysine and iodine.
Hi, Dave! I’m wondering if you have ever heard of a substance called Shilajit. I just came across it, and am wondering if it would be good to take as a nootropic. It sounds like a miracle substance, however as always, take everything with a grain of salt. Hehe
Corey, Shilajit has been used for 100’s of years (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC3296184/) and it’s on my list of articles to write. Just haven’t gotten to it yet.
Oh awesome!! I can’t wait to read it! And I hope you make a YouTube video for it. Love your videos, and thanks for all you do Dave! 😀
Hi David,
I weaned off of a 10 year run on the SSRI medication Citalopram over a year ago. I’m still experiencing negative symptoms regarding mood, sexual functioning, the ability to feel pleasure and happiness, and sleep disturbances. I feel as if my brain chemicals have not rebounded. I’ve received little to no support form the medical community other than other prescription drug suggestions. I’m wondering if you have any experience or suggestions with post SSRI brain balancing and support. Thank you so much for your work.
Justin, most people do not realize that SSRIs affect more than just neurotransmitters. This long clinical review explains what happens: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2050052117300720?via%3Dihub
The only med that has had some success was Buspirone which is sold under the brand name Buspar and is mentioned in that article.
There is one other case report I’ve come across with a guy using a supplement containing L-Citrulline, combined with TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS, MACA, MUIRA PUAMA and DAMIANA. That case report is here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30640584/
Hi David
I was prescribed with valdoxan to my insomnia…
I have taken for 2.5 month…Now I can fall a sleep but sometimes the sleep quality is not good as sometimes i feel anxiety.
Can I shift to nootropics as i am afraid of its side effect in long term use.
Any suggestions for this?
Thanks
Amy, that drug is a melatonin receptor agonist which means it activates melatonin receptors.
There is no natural nootropic that acts like a melatonin receptor agonist. But you can certainly safely increase melatonin levels in your brain by using L-Tryptophan which helps make serotonin which goes on the make melatonin.
For a complete sleep stack see this article: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-sleep-supplements-to-buy/
Is it safe to combine valdoxane with l-triptophan?
As i read in ur article that we may not take anti depressant together with l-triptophane….
And valdoxane if i am not mistaken is also antidepressant…
Please give advice on this.
Thanks
You need to check with the manufacturer to see if L-Tryptophan is or is not contraindicated with Valdoxan. I do not have access to that information because it is not an approved drug in the USA.
DO NOT use L-Tryptophan if you are taking antidepressant medications including SSRI’s. Because these drugs delay normal degradation of serotonin in brain synapses leaving more serotonin circulating in your brain.
Too much Tryptophan in combination with these drugs can produce Serotonin Syndrome which can lead to delirium, involuntary muscle contractions, high fever, and coma. And worse case and a very real scenario is death.[xxii]
Hi David,
is it safe to combine valdoxan and L-Tryptophan?
as I read from your article in your website that :
DO NOT use L-Tryptophan if you are taking antidepressant medications including SSRI’s. Because these drugs delay normal degradation of serotonin in brain synapses leaving more serotonin circulating in your brain.
Too much Tryptophan in combination with these drugs can produce Serotonin Syndrome which can lead to delirium, involuntary muscle contractions, high fever, and coma. And worse case and a very real scenario is death.[xxii]
As I know that valdoxan is one of anti depressant.
Would you please advise on this?
thanks
Amy, it likely is NOT a good idea to combine valdoxan and L-Tryptophan. But I cannot find anything published verifying that statement. My drug interaction checker has nothing on valdoxan nor when I check its generic name Agomelatine. Because Serotonin Syndrome is nothing to be messed with it’s worth your time into researching this.
Thanks David. I’m familiar with that literature. Do you have any other specific nootropic suggestions? I was considering taurine as an overall support. And wondering if I may need to IMO to dopamine somehow? Open to any suggestions you may have.
Justin, Taurine may help but you may have more success by raising dopamine levels. Do that with 500 mg L-Tyrosine 2 or 3-times per day.
So, take Taurine AND Tyrosine at the same time with Centrophenoxine?
Yes, you can use Taurine and Tyrosine at the same time.
Hi David,
I’d love to see a video or hear your stack recommendations for those of us with the APOE4 (Alzheimer’s) gene.
Thanks,
Drew
Drew, I likely will not do a video specific to that gene. But I will consider doing one for Alzheimer’s.
I’ve done some for Alzheimer’s already in my aging article here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-the-aging-brain/. And I think I did the video version of this as well.
Dear David, please which nootropics would you recommend to help children with Autism? Thank you
Dedun, NAC, Lithium Orotate, Black Seed Oil, Huperzine-A, L-Carnosine, Artichoke Extract (Luteolin), Omega-3s, BCAAs, ALCAR, Zine, Vitamin B6, Vitamin D3, L-Tryptophan, and Taurine
Hi David
I have been taking Lithium orotate for depression. This has helped but I still have feelings of stress and tension and lack of motivation. I have recently bought some N-Acetyl L -Tyrosine.Can these be taken at the the same time.
Kind Regards, Steve.
Steve, they certainly can be taken together. And see this article for increasing motivation: https://nootropicsexpert.com/hacking-motivation-with-nootropics/
Hi David !
Great YouTube review on MindLabPro ! I believe I am really benefiting from this supplement after only a few days !
I am continuing to share your teachings with many people, including physicians and health researchers.
You are a great teacher ! Please keep up the great work !
Best regards,
Edward Joseph James
Deeply appreciated Edward. Thank you for spreading the word. Natural nootropic supplements are a great alternative to many manmade pharmaceuticals.
How can I get the box .you talked about .
Michael Gray
Michael, which box are you referring to?
I run a facebook nootripics group (“nootropics noobs”) and am very active in the social media nootropic community. I recomment your site daily. For the beginner this is an excellent source! I definitely respect and value the expertise and opinion of you and your site. Thank you! for sparking my interest and starting my journey down the rabbithole that is nootropics. ❤
Thank you for spreading the word Maria. You are helping countless people get better by what you do. Much appreciated.
Hi David,
What would you recommend taking for someone who has lupus? Never taken supplements nootropics etc before.
Thanks
Bianca
Bianca, the nootropic supplements recommended for lupus include Curcumin, Pine Bark Extract, Ginkgo Biloba, DHEA, Vitamin A, Vitamin D3, Vitamin E, and an Omega-3 like this one: https://bit.ly/3q98chL
You will find reviews for most of these supplements if you scroll down the list here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/nootropics-list
Hello,
My 29 years old daughter is diagnosed with bipolar. Her mom and I tried everything possible with many psychiatrists even underwent ECT. Nothing worked so we are trying supplements such as Gaba, 5htp, L-theanine. Do you think we can get help from your expertise with consultation sessions?
Muwaffaq, I’ve consulted with some people dealing with Bipolar Disorder. Be happy to help in any way I can with your daughter.
Heya David, quick question, do you have any recommendations for best supplements to improve skin and specifically hyperpigmentation skin problems.
So much wisdom in your website, I just had to ask as Ive been having some pigmentations over my face, and I cant help but to wonder if there are any nootropics that is good for our skin!.
Thank you!
Darren, I’m no skin expert but do know that DMAE helps get rid of lipofuscin which shows up as age spots. And is used in skin cosmetics.
Thank you for all of your teachings David, and also for sharing your personal testimony. You are an overcomer. Now you are helping many people overcome. Your information is critically important because it has not been taught or understood by most mainstream medicine physicians. I am grateful for all that you have taught me. I look forward to continuing to learn from you and also sharing your teachings with others. Today, I shared your YouTube teaching on Traumatic Brain Injury with many who Believe will benefit. I hope and pray that they take your advice.
Kind words Edward and thank you.