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
mel
August 26, 2019
what nootropic substance would you recommend for rehabilitation from
methamphetamines?
David Tomen
August 26, 2019
Mel, it depends on what kind of damage was caused by methamphetamines. if it’s damage to dopamine or serotonin neurons do a search of Nootropics Expert top right for “neurogenesis” and see what turns up.
If it’s a problem with damaged blood vessels, do a search to right for “cerebral blood flow” or “cerebral circulation” and see what turns up.
mel
August 27, 2019
in the past our patient received L-Dopa and SSRIs and had no positive effects, instead the side effects made us to stop this treatment.
Next our patient received aniracetam and GABA and we noticed an improvement.
What other substance could we try?
David Tomen
August 27, 2019
Mel, The main metabolite of Aniracetam (70-80%) is N-anisoyl-GABA. Check the mechanism of action here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/aniracetam/
And GABA is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter. Check out its mechanism of action here and note that it also boosts Human Growth Hormone: https://nootropicsexpert.com/gaba/.
If L-DOPA and SSRIs don’t help it seems to me you can eliminate dopamine and serotonin for now. And start exploring anything that boosts GABA, keeps glutamate in check, and increases Human Growth Hormone.
mel
August 28, 2019
Dr. Tomen, thanks for your reply,
is it a good idea to add a little L-Glutamine too?
and
to replace Aniracetam with Piracetam because I read this in the links you provided above:
“Aniracetam works faster in the brain after taking it than Piracetam because of its superior bioavailability to the brain. But its effects don’t last as long as Piracetam.
The potency of Aniracetam seems almost counter-intuitive. Because most of an Aniracetam dose is lost in the liver during digestion. Only 0.2% or the original dose is available to the brain.[vi] Piracetam is nearly 100% bioavailable.[vii]”
thank you.
David Tomen
August 28, 2019
Mel, L-Glutamine may be a good idea because it increases GABA levels in the brain. But the choice between Aniracetam and Piracetam really depends on the individual. I find Aniracetam works better for me. But it could be different for you. Only way to find out is to try.
Esthy
August 20, 2019
Hi David.
I’m always insecure if I should take my nootropics with food or sober.Cause i know that it makes a difference in absorption depending on their solubility in water or fat.Would I be on the right side if I just take them with “Bulletprooff-Coffee” .I am intermittet fasting and at the moment I take them all in the morning what means about 7 hours before next meal.It would be a great help to have a list of your nootropics that shows how they should be taken for highest absorption. .
David Tomen
August 20, 2019
Esthy, the fat in Bullet Proof coffee will help the absorption of fat-soluble nootropics. Water soluble nootropics will be delivered by the water in the coffee.
Jude
August 27, 2019
Hello David, I think I have something unique and problem is in the last year I have been having vivid dreams every night without fail which is cause to have palpitations and unconsciously holding my breath waking me up 2, 3 times in the night. Is there anyway I can stop dreaming? I it putting a lot of stress on my heart and can not recover from my excise having poor sleep? Do I need a brain scan or hypnosis? It’s going to kill me if don’t do something about it. Thanks Jude UK
David Tomen
August 27, 2019
Jude, there our biohackers among us who would envy your vivid dreams. First thing to ask yourself is do you remember anything changing a year ago? Something in your diet? Or something in your environment? Anything radically change the last time you did blood tests?
Stress or a sudden traumatic event can cause vivid dreams. A bad breakup, death of someone close to you, whack on the head, change of sleep schedule, sex abuse, moving to a new place, etc.
If it’s an underlying mental or physical issue we could tackle it with nootropics or even some pharmaceuticals. But first we need to get to the root cause.
Jude
September 5, 2019
Thanks David, well 2 years ago I got drugged on an night out which I believe wipe out some of my good bacteria which left me with gut and brain issues leave me with mental and physical problems leading me thinking about taking my own life. With the help of research and probiotics I manage to over come that and now 2 years down the line I am not out of the woods yet
David Tomen
September 5, 2019
Jude, if you’re still thinking about suicide please seek out some pro help. There’s a LOT of good folk trained to help you deal with some of the issues you are dealing with. Nootropics can certainly help but only in support of getting the professional help you need.
Satya
August 18, 2019
Hi David,
I am having racing angry thoughts in my mind from time to time, several times a day. Sometimes I react to them, unknowingly. Specially when driving, and I unknowingly speedup the vehicle in a fit of anger, but soon I realize that and cool down. The thoughts immediately disappear when I am aware of them. They can come only unknowingly. They come for a very short time 2-3 minutes max. Will go off as soon as I am aware of them.
Entire situations is internal, except when I myself show a reaction. Externally, I am a very cool person. Working perfectly as a software engineer, and having a nice family.
After a lot of treatment like SSRIs and anti-psychotics, with no help. I resorted to therapy and some nootropics: L-theanine (100+100mg) and Glutamine (3+3+3 gms). Feeling much better, say 50%.
Can you please give me your expert advice, what else can I take for this scenario.
David Tomen
August 18, 2019
Satya, I think you’re onto something here without even knowing it. Sounds like a temporary spike in certain brain waves that L-Theanine and Glutamine has helped calm. If this is true, then these may help as well:
https://nootropicsexpert.com/phosphatidylserine-ps/
https://nootropicsexpert.com/gaba/
https://nootropicsexpert.com/noopept/
Satya
August 19, 2019
Thanks David,
I tried GABA before (Now Foods), did not help much. I will try the other two.
What do you think about L-Glycine? Will this go along with these?
My condition was diagnosed as “episodic anger”, a few months of treatment with SSRIs and anti-psychotics did not work much, and I had to come off because of side effects. This is two years back. Supplements are helping me much.
David Tomen
August 20, 2019
Satya, L-Gycine is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. But if things like SSRIs didn’t help it doesn’t sound like a neurotransmitter problem. It sounds more like a brain wave issue.
Alexis
August 14, 2019
Hi David,
I’ve been hearing a lot about inositol being an effective treatment for a few disorders. I suffer from anxiety, OCD, and most recently severe and frequent panic attacks. I tried ashwaghanda with a LITTLE success. b6 has been one of the vitamins that has truly helped with my energy and mood. I know inositol is a sugar basically, but can you take too much? also, is it kind of like an adaptogen because it’s explained that it will help elevate seratonin production but also help with TOO much seratonin. I have anxiety, so basically I’m afraid of trying anything new. LOL. I’m afraid I’ll mess with my brain chemistry or something.
David Tomen
August 15, 2019
Alexis, this should help you understand inositol: https://nootropicsexpert.com/vitamin-b8-inositol/. Look under “Overview” for a bullet list of what it’s used for.
Michael
August 12, 2019
Dear David,
I suffer from cyclothymia and go through mild depression and mild mania. During my depressive episodes I find it difficult to look up words in my mind and my speech is impaired, I get brain fog, my concentration is poor especially in the morning, my sexual drive is poor, I experience self doubt etc. During my manic episode I experience the complete opposite. Both states I can live with in terms of keeping my job and somehow functioning (better or worse), however, I’d like to function normally (especially eliminate self doubt, improve my memory/concentration and get rid of the brain fog). For lack of energy I found out B-complex vitamin is the cure. For lack of focus, difficulty in understanding what I read and brain fog I found nothing yet. I want to try nootropics. Should I go with nootropics or get my gut tested or do something else? I doubt I am genetically programmed to have cyclothymia. I had no such thing before I was 20 years old although I was a quite heavy introvert. Tips much appreciated!
David Tomen
August 12, 2019
Michael, try Lithium Orotate and report back please: https://nootropicsexpert.com/lithium-orotate/
Michael
August 13, 2019
Many thanks for your quick reply! I tried lithium orotate approx. half a year ago (Swanson’s product) for approx. 1 month and I experienced absolutely no aid to my condition whatsoever. Only thing that works great is the B-complex for energy levels and vitamin D during winter – makes me feel more positive but at the end of winter I wear out anyhow and feel depleted. Any other tips, Sir?
David Tomen
August 13, 2019
Michael, it’s difficult to suggest ways to help you without knowing the root cause of your issues. For example, see this post on “brain fog” and its causes: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-supplements-for-brain-fog/
It could be any number of causes and will take trial and error with different nootropics until you find what works. Chances are that it will be several nootropics used together to take care of whatever the problem is.
You’ve already experienced some success by finding out the you were low in certain Vitamins. Now you need to figure out if it’s a problem with neurotransmitters, inflammation, hormone imbalance, growth factors, etc. And the only way to narrow this down is trying different nootropics.
Start with that brain fog post for some ideas. Then scroll through more posts to see what resonates here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/category/guides/
Jakes
August 11, 2019
Dear David
I suffered from extreme anxiety after an accumulation of stressful events. I stopped sleeping and effectively shut down. I had Electro Convulsive Therapy and am taking Sertraline and Olanzapine (not so easy to discontinue due to withdrawal effects). My aim is to take some nootropics to help repair my brain (memory/cognitive ability, noticeably affected) and also to reduce anxiety and insomnia while I taper off my meds.
I have dabbled (on and off) with Taurine (500mg -1000mg, 1-2 times a day) over a period of 2 weeks. I got cold feet, wondering if I would become dependant on it and thinking that perhaps my body would lose its ability to synthesise it if I took it long term. Would Taurine be of benefit and are my concerns unfounded? Can taking Taurine on and off throw my system out of sync? I also took one tablet of Bacopa (Synapsa) (320 mg, 55% Bacosides) and didn’t sleep well at all that night, so have not continued. Perhaps there is an interaction between Bacopa and one of the meds? Are there other nootropics you would recommend given my medication? Would it be safer to take vitamins/minerals/amino acids as opposed to herbals? If I slept better and my anxiety is under control, I could slowly taper off my meds.
I would really appreciate your views given your knowledge and experience.
Thanks
Jakes
David Tomen
August 11, 2019
Jakes, start with this post: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-sleep/. But make sure that you pay close attention to the “side effects” section of each review that is linked in that post. If in doubt, use the drug interaction checker here: https://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html
For amino acids like Taurine you don’t need to worry about dependency. I can count the number of nootropics on one had that could be a candidate for “physical dependency”.
Every review on Nootropics Expert provides clear side effects and other concerns, if any. It will take some reading and research but all the information you are seeking is on this site.
Jakes
August 12, 2019
Thanks David
I see Taurine isn’t included in the best nootropics for sleep, also not in the best nootropics list and you don’t personally seem to take it. Is there any reason for this as it does seem to have a number of benefits?
Regards
Jakes
David Tomen
August 12, 2019
Jakes, Taurine is included in my Nootropics List and here’s my review: https://nootropicsexpert.com/taurine/.
It likely should be in my stack. But I use so many supplements already that … And it could be in my sleep stack because it is also an alternative to prescription sleep meds.
No particular reason why it’s not in my “Best” list except if I kept adding the my Best list it wouldn’t be a Best list anymore. It would just be a long list of nootropics.
Harvey
August 11, 2019
Hello David
I asked you about some nootropics I tried not working 2 weeks ago.
The recommendation that you provided which was to take B vitamins with the nootropics didn’t work.
I tried taking all the nootropics that I said with B-Vitamins on several occasion. I changed the dose of the B Complex and Nootropic source on each attempt, and still felt no effect.
I did feel effect from the B-Vitamin complex. I tried taking the B-Vitamins in the same dose on 2 occasions. On One occasion with CDP-Choline and one occasion without CDP-Choline. I recieved basically equal benefit on both occasions. CDP-Choline provided no additional cognitive benefit still.
I still believe the cause of the nootropics not working is elevated enzyme levels, either in the liver or elsewhere.
Please provide me with the names of any supplements or methods or lowering liver enzymes or that lower more specifically the enzymes that metabolise the nootropics if you know of any
The nootropics I took that didn’t work were:
-CDP-Choline (Highest dosage taken is 1500mg)
-Alpha-GPC (Highest dosage take is 600mg
-L-Tyrosine (Highest dosage taken in 500mg)
and since my previous comment
-300mg Uridine Monophosphate
Thank you
Harvey
David Tomen
August 11, 2019
Harvey, Piperine inhibits the drug transporter P-glycoprotein, and the major drug-metabolizing enzyme CYP3A4 active primarily in your liver. You could try Piperine or the patented version called BioPerine and see if that helps any. https://nootropicsexpert.com/piperine/
Esthy
August 11, 2019
Hi David
I wanted to ask you about Microdosing Mushrroms or other Psychedelics.
A lot of people say that it is helpful in many aspects for the brain.
It would be great if you could write about it,cause I do trust your opinion very much.And your videos and writings have helped me a lot in the last years.Thank You for that.
Sorry for the bad english its not my native language
David Tomen
August 11, 2019
Esthy, researching and writing a post on micro-dosing would be a major project. I’ll put it on my list but likely won’t get to it for awhile. Thanks for the suggestion!