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
Lar
November 3, 2019
Saint David you should be called, all the information on your website has gave me the tools to really optimize not just my brain, but my life. I work in the food and drink industry,so as you can imagine dealing with people all the time , one has to put on a happy face. this stack listed below really keeps me in the game.
My current stack is:
Lemon balm (5% rosmarinic acid)
Rhodiola rosea (1% rosavins 3% salidroside
Gaba 100mg
l theanie 100mg
b complex (bulk powders brand)
tryptophan 100mg
What ye reckon David? safe and effective or somethings needs to be cut.
David Tomen
November 3, 2019
Lar, the stack you are using looks safe. And if it’s working for you then it’s effective. Keep on doing what you’re doing if it’s working.
Lar
November 4, 2019
Cheers David, keep up the great work, I also have your book on my xmas list. I look forward to reading it, all the best 🙂
CY
October 26, 2019
I got my mother on several supplement powders. If i mix all these together does it take away from the benefit or digestion of each other? Versus if i gave her each one individually? Does it limit each ones effectiveness when mixed together?
David Tomen
October 29, 2019
CY, you need to be more specific about which “supplement powders” you are referring to. We ‘stack’ supplements all the time and when done correctly the synergy often helps some ingredients work better than on their own. And sometimes smaller doses of each supplement.
Jean
October 26, 2019
Hi David, I read that the brain develops until you are 20 years old. I’m 16 years old. I would like to know some nootropics that can help me develop my brain long term and bring lasting benefits.
David Tomen
October 29, 2019
Jean, probably at least 75% of the nootropics reviewed on Nootropics Expert would help the young brain with lasting benefits.
But the thing is for lasting benefit, once you find what works for you you’ll need to use them daily for years. Because many of these supplements are naturally used by your brain every single day.
The only caution is for the young, developing brain, stay away from powerful nootropics that can alter the natural development of your brain. Don’t unnaturally throw neurotransmitters out of balance. And don’t mess with pushing nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) too much.
Balance is key and doing the most basic things will provide the most benefit. Like this: https://nootropicsexpert.com/13-vitamins-essential-for-the-optimized-brain/.
And this: https://nootropicsexpert.com/13-minerals-essential-for-the-optimized-brain/
Jean
November 16, 2019
Thank you!
Dave
October 25, 2019
David, my son has behavioral issues (overly competitive, perfectionism) related to high histamine. SAM-e helps some and recently we’ve added Iodine and Boron and seen some improvement. Are you familiar with other supplements that may help breakdown his histamine? We’ve tried the mainstream supplements (B2, C, etc.)
Secondly, when he doesn’t meet his standards of perfection, he can have bouts of anxiety. His norepi seems to be at higher levels. Other than SAM-e, Magnesium, and Zinc are there supplements that may work?
Thanks for insights and expertise.
David Tomen
October 26, 2019
Dave, Vitamins B1, B6, B12, folate, copper, magnesium, maganese, zinc, and calcium all have some effect on diamine oxidase (DAO). You can find full reviews of each either here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/nootropics-list/ or here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/13-minerals-essential-for-the-optimized-brain/
You can also try N-Acetyl L-Cysteine: https://nootropicsexpert.com/n-acetyl-l-cysteine/ (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7519083) and Saffron: https://nootropicsexpert.com/saffron/ (look under “Saffron to the rescue”.
Ginseng is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor: https://nootropicsexpert.com/ginseng
And for other options for anxiety and a better understanding of the underlying cause: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-social-anxiety/
Monte Steinbrecher
October 19, 2019
Hi David,
Thoughts on or review of Adrafinil? I believe it’s the non-prescription version of Modafinil.
Thank you.
Monte
David Tomen
October 21, 2019
Monte, I consider Adrafinil and Modafinil to be “smart drugs” and not natural nootropics which is what I’m committed to researching and writing about. So it is unlikely that I’ll be reviewing Adrafinil.
Walter
October 18, 2019
Hi David, Have you had a chance to do a deep dive into peptides? Obviously as these are defined as chains of amino acids this would include proteins, but I am interested in those that enhance sleep and during the day augment alertness and retention of new knowledge.
David Tomen
October 18, 2019
Walter, highly unlikely I’d do extensive research into something as general as ‘peptides’. It would be like trying to write something about ‘proteins’ and tailor it to optimizing cognition.
I do review individual nootropics that are peptides. For example, L-Carnosine (https://nootropicsexpert.com/l-carnosine/) is a dipeptide of the amino acids beta-alanine and histidine. And Noopept (https://nootropicsexpert.com/noopept/) is a peptide analogue of the original nootropic Piracetam.
I suggest an easier approach for you is some research into nootropic supplements for sleep and nootropic supplements for memory. That way you’d get options to use for both issues. Which would include absolutely necessary for sleep and memory but don’t fall under the ‘peptide’ category.
These will get you started:
https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-sleep/
https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-learning-and-memory/
Darcy
October 17, 2019
Do you have an opinion on MitoForte?
I’m too tired to schedule, or rather trust, that I can be awake and functioning, for an appointment. What might be helpful for others like me, is a questionnaire. Send a way to pay for the appointment, for the hour and once paid, send the questionnaire and then spend the hour creating a email or pdf response to the questionnaire answers.
David Tomen
October 18, 2019
Darcy, MitoForte is an unknown brand of a preformulated nootropic stack whom I know nothing about. They use a “proprietary formula” which I despise because you don’t know how much of each ingredient you’re getting. And it contains Huperzine-A (unknown dosage) which cannot be used daily. See my Huperzine-A review for more: https://nootropicsexpert.com/huperzine-a
You can book a personal consultation with me which can be done by email instead of on the phone or Skype. I did one with a client in Greece last weekend by email. And she was very happy with my report and suggestions.
Darcy
October 18, 2019
Thank you for the information on that supplement stack, for responding, for doing all that you do.
FYI, We do not get email notifications for responses to our comments.
David Tomen
October 21, 2019
Darcy, I didn’t realize you did not get email notifications for responses. I’ll ask my developer about that. And see if it can be changed because I think it’s important to our community.
Galyaa Campano
October 15, 2019
Hi, David,
RE: Electronic Mental Health Device
I have a question which is off-subject —since it refers to an electronic DEVICE –however, it is supposed to alleviate “depression, anxiety & insomnia.”
Do you know anything about this machine? I put a lot of stock on Dr. Joseph Mercola’s opinion, but he has not covered this device at all.
I am sleeping OK now, but, in the past 20 years, new supplements work for a while, then, stop working. I am trying to hedge my chances for continued “OK” sleep.
It it wasn’t so pricey, I would get it without recommendation, since I also know about “Grounding” [also called “earthing”]—and I do it for 30-60 minutes at least, everyday. The Grounding helps me to sleep. (related to electricity)
Do you have any info on this device? Any comment would be appreciated.
Fisher Wallace Stimulator
David Tomen
October 15, 2019
Galyaa, I’ve never used a device like this but apparently it boosts Alpha brain waves which in turn is supposed to increase your brain’s ability to produce serotonin.
And serotonin is the precursor to the production of melatonin.
The problem I think is they’re assuming that your brain has all of the enzymes, amino acids and cofactors in place to produce serotonin. If any of those are lacking then you can stimulate your brain all night long and still not produce serotonin.
It seems to me that you could use L-Theanine to boost Alpha brain waves, 500 mg L-Tryptophan, 400 mg magnesium and 50 mg Vitamin B6 (P-5-P) to produce serotonin. And maybe give it a little boost by adding 6 oz. of Tart Cherry Juice which is a natural source of melatonin. For less than $25 you can do the same thing as a $200 brain wave machine.
Galyaa Campano
October 16, 2019
Thank you for your input, David.
I appreciate it.