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,
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.
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.