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.
Hi David,
I have been reading and learning from your list for about 5 years now.
Thank you for all your research and help.
I am Dyslexic and struggled all my life until 5 years ago. I “stack ” my Nootropics and always looking or the Holly grail !
Thank you again
Thank you Beth!
Any suggestions for gallstones
Barbara, I deal the human brain here so do not have any suggestions for gallstones.
Hi David
What is best nootropics for pineal gland support?
Boron, Iodine, Turmeric, Cacao, Chaga Mushrooms and Oregano oil.
Hi David,
I’m suffering from multiple conditions such as chronic depression, anxiety, OCD, derealization, emotional numbness, and brain fog, and would appreciate it if you could offer me some guidance. I have taken multiple supplements such as:
Ashwagandha
Magnesium L-Threonate
Lion’s Mane
5-HTP (used only for 1 week)
L-Tyrosine (also used only for 1 week in combination with 5-HTP)
I’m now taking:
Multivitamin (Life Extension Two Per Day)
L-Theanine (100 – 200 mg, infrequently)
Vitamin C (1000 mg)
Vitamin D (4000 IU)
Omega 3 with Astaxanthin (700 EPA, 500 DHA, 2 mg Astaxanthin)
Curcumin (BCM-95, 800 mg)
Magnesium (500 mg)
Iodine (Lugol Solution 12.5 mg, every 7-10 days)
SAM-e (400 mg)
The supplements that I’ve taken before and am taking now have only minimally helped me or not at all with the exception of iodine. Iodine has a noticeable impact on my brain fog but doesn’t do anything for my other symptoms. I have only recently started taking SAM-e but have not noticed a difference in my symptoms despite having many of the symptoms of an under methylator. Is there anything else that I could be taking to support methylation? Additionally, I’d like to note that all of these symptoms started after consistently experiencing large amounts of stress for about 2 years, but I have since reduced the amount of stress I feel yet these problems still persist. Also, I’m young, exercise regularly, and eat clean.
Based on this information, what do you think I should try next? Is this probably a neurotransmitter issue? Any help would be appreciated.
Mike, the best I can offer you is follow the recommendations in this article on brain fog: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-supplements-for-brain-fog/. Because I have found that if you take care of brain fog everything else seems to correct itself.
But for a more detailed response it’s best if you booked a consultation with me because that way we can dig deeper into what is going on with you. And come up with a detailed plan of action. If you are interested here is a link to my calendar: https://calendly.com/davidtomen/60min
Do you know if Vyvanse would have any contraindications with Aniracetam or any Racetam ?
It is not contraindicated.
Hi David, out of interest – were you diagnosed ADD at an adolescent age or in adulthood? Trying to decipher recent strong feelings of inattentiveness in the last 12-18 months, that don’t feel like that when I was in a ‘good’ place before that. Basically the last 12-18 I’ve felt ADD but not sure I was before then. Question more for a doc and assessment but was interested. Thanks, Phil
Phil, I was diagnosed well into adulthood but struggled with focus all my adult life. And thought it was some kind of moral failing. I bought the books on how to focus and how to be a good executive. But it wasn’t until I met this rock star psychiatrist in Palm Beach that I found out what my problem was.
Thanks David for your openness. Was your lack of focus persistent, all the time and all areas of life? Like I said I don’t think I’ve always felt this way, just feels very now. It’s frustrating when trying to apply yourself to work or normal tasks.
I’ve tended to pin it on stress induced anxiety and depression.
Dear Mr. Tomen, where do you get your Quercetin? I can not find it. Thank you, Maryann Holley
Mary Ann, we use this one from Double Wood Supplements: https://amzn.to/3q12YIb
Dear Mr. Tomen, My name is Maryann Holley. I recently purchased your book titled “Head First”. which was down loaded to my lap top. I would have preferred a hard copy incase my laptop breaks down. I do not have a cloud and I am not very good with computers. I tried to move the down load to my USB drive so I could save it but it won’t let me move it to the USB drive. Is there anyway to get a hard copy of your book please? And thank you. P.s.s.s I think your site and videos are great. Thank you for your service to the Human Race. Your info on the brain has saved me and my children with their ADHD, sleep disorders, Depression and over all well Being. My email is [email protected]. I purchased your book today 11/1/21 just a few hours ago. Sincerily, Maryann Holley
Mary Ann, Head First is available in digital format for now. I’m working on the 2nd Edition which will be offered as a hard cover but that will not be available until sometime in early 2022.
You should be able to go back to the original confirmation email with the download links and download it again but this time to a USB drive. I just checked the links and they are still live and good for another 62 hours.
Hello
Will the second edition be on paper only?
If not, when will it be?
Does it make sense to buy the first edition now or wait until 2 appears?
Vadim, I would not wait for the 2nd Edition of Head First because the publishers where asking or it last March. And it still isn’t ready. It will be digital, hardcover and paperback when it is published.
Thank you!
DO YOU SELL THE PHYSICAL BOOK? I DON’T HAVE A PRINTER. I WOULD ALSO LIKE THE OTHER GUIDE. MY SON SUFFERS FROM BIPOLAR AND ANXIETY AND LYMES DISEASE.
YOUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL IS GREAT
Don, Head First in only available for iPad, Kindle or as a PDF.
That is my favorite website ! Really amazing ! I never read in this blog information about nootropics for develop creativity . Something that can develop the brain from the emotional and creativity side, (like LSD). There is so little information in internet about this topic.
Do you know if you can help in someway about this topic? Do you have some suggestions?
Nick, do you mean an article such as “Best Nootropics for Creativity“? Sounds like a good idea and I’ll add it to my “to-do” list. Thanks.
Tryptophan makes me sleep very well, but it gives me nightmares every night i take it on any dose, how can i avoid that?
Con, it’s not the L-Tryptophan that is causing nightmares but it’s facilitating them. The Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends cognitive behavioral therapy for treating the root cause of nightmares.
In the meantime, you can try Valerian, GABA, L-Theanine, magnesium and/or CBD Oil help you sleep and see if that helps. If the same thing happens then see suggestion #1.
Thank you so much for the information provided here. It has been very helpful. My daughter has a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder and she has not responded very well to anti-psychotics until we tried NAC. I have so many questions. What is a good way to reach you?
Best way is scheduling a consultation with me here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/personal-consultations/
Hello David,
I found you YouTube. Thanks for the great information you supply regarding Nootropic supplementation.
My son is 19yrs old and suffers with Autism. He’s not medicated anymore because of the zombie effect. What are the best Nootropics for Autism? Below is a list of supplements I’m ordering in regards to his condition based upon his mood swings, anger, low energy and sometimes depression. Thanks for all you do
Vitamin B12, B6 and D3, Ashwagandha KSM66, Pine Bark Extract and High concentrate Omega 3
George Hall
George, I’ve done several Personal Consultations with parents of autistic kids over the last couple of years. And have a list of supplements that are backed by science. But it takes some explaining so if you are interested in spending an hour with me, please use the link to my calendar on this page: https://nootropicsexpert.com/personal-consultations/
I have learned so much from you and really appreciate your incredible wealth of knowledge! I have been on Modafinal (providgal) for many years. Can you tell me what nutrients I should be supplementing with it because the effects are becoming less and less. Thank you so very much!
Sincerely Karlee
Karlee, the supplements listed in the yellow box in this article should support Modafinil: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/
Have you identified a stack that alleviates the symptoms of long covid (brain fog, decreased memory/recall, decreased ability to focus/concentrate, depression, anxiety)? As someone who is in the midst of these things it’s proving very difficult (okay, overwhelming) to determine what I need to take. Thank you so much for your help! 🙂
Deborah, I’ve been working on a nootropic stack that may help relieve the symptoms of Long-COVID with some of the best minds in this space. It’s not yet ready for publishing but should have something soon. So stay tuned.
Until then, my article on nootropics for brain fog will help you get started because many of the principles are similar. Pay particular attention to the first two categories and the last one here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-supplements-for-brain-fog/
Hi David. How can I book the consultation with you? The link that was given on the YouTube Channel wasn’t working. Thanks.
May, there must have been a typo in the YouTube link. Here is a link to my calendar: https://calendly.com/davidtomen/60min
David, thanks so much for all the useful info on your site.
I hope you can give me some advice: my son is 8 years old, and has ADHD. His focus and memory were poor. The nootropics he tried so far have not given considerable improvement in focus. He has tried:
– L-Tyrosine, taken for 4 days, 500 mg daily (no improvement so discontinued)
– Ginkgo Biloba, taken for the last 3 months, about 60mg daily in 1 dose
– Panax Ginseng, taken for 60 days, about 400mg daily, (was causing stomach ache, so discontinued)
– Rhodiola rosea, taken for 11 days, about 100mg daily (was causing dizziness so discontinued)
– DMAE, taken for the last 1 month, about 125mg daily in 1 dose
– Choline Bitartrate, taken for the last 3 days, about 125mg daily in 1 dose, with DMAE
– Pycnogenol, taken for the last 14 days, about 25mg daily in 1 dose
Would you have suggestions as to what we should maybe try to improve his focus and/or how to modify existing regimen of nootropics?
Many thanks!
Anna, this is the protocol for ADHD with or without stimulant medication: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/. The critical supplements are the first 5 on the list in the yellow box plus the Omega-3 and the multivitamin.
Dosage for each supplement is generally 1/3 – 1/2 of an adult dose. And notice that some like L-Tyrosine is used 2 or 3-times per day. Because the L-Tyrosine taken at 8 AM is gone by noon and will no longer make dopamine.
The only dosage for kids compared to adults that’s different is the Omega-3 which is closer to the adult dose. But notice that the important compound in Omega-3s for brain health is DHA and not EPA.
This regimen works in synergy and should begin producing results the first day. But used long-term is best because it takes awhile for the human brain to repair and rewire itself.
I suggest starting with Mind Lab Pro for a few days then building from there. If this does not work then there is something else causing his focus and memory problems. So, let me know after you try this in 2 – 3 weeks if you achieved any success.
Hi, I’m curious why you don’t include l-methylfolate in your big list of nootropics? It has done wonders for my depression when many of the nootropics on the list didn’t. Thanks.
https://nootropicsexpert.com/vitamin-b9-folate/
David, could you make a review about brain peptide bioregulators, these are peptide extracts from pigs brain. See for more info: https://cerluten.com/
Dave, if I can find enough clinical studies in humans and you can buy them at the local vitamin shop or health food store I will indeed write about it. This comes up 2 – 3 times per year so we’ll seed where it goes. Thanks for the tip!
Hi
Please what is the best stack of supplements for alzheimer’s patient?
John, see this section of my aging brain article: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-the-aging-brain/#alzheimers-dementia-and-brain-aging
Hello David,
Is it safe to take MB if you are taking Lorazepam for sleep?
Thanks in advance
ab
Adele, I am not aware of any contraindications.