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
Cy
December 25, 2019
If you had to choose between pine bark extract or berberine for alzheimers and dementia treatment which one would you choose between the two? As first choice? Why?
David Tomen
December 26, 2019
Cy, if I was dealing with Alzheimer’s and/or dementia I’d be using both of them. Because there is nothing scarier than getting either of those two diseases.
Tricia Vickers
April 18, 2020
I would love to begin using NAC can you say what makes the supplement
David Tomen
April 20, 2020
https://nootropicsexpert.com/n-acetyl-l-cysteine/
Ernest Morton
February 11, 2020
you have not addressed taking Lion’s Mane if on Blood Pressure Meds
David Tomen
February 14, 2020
Ernest, I’m not aware of any contraindication with blood pressure meds. Which is the reason why I didn’t address it. Lion’s Mane is considered non-toxic even at doses up 5 grms.
Denise D
December 14, 2019
Hello there, thank you so much for your website. It has helped me a massive amount with informing myself on what I need to do to supplement my way off of some medications. I’m down one, and one more to go. And feeling so much better. Your website is so informative it’s the first place I go now before I look anything up on google.
I was just curious if you know anything about the Vitex agnus-castus (Chasteberry). I’ve very intrigued about it mostly as progesterone booster and I am a bit confused on whether it is a nootropic or not because I have read both ways.
I have previously been on progesterone and found it helped massively all round for me and I was just curious about Vitex and what you may know.
Thanks so much
David Tomen
December 15, 2019
Denise, I’ve not reviewed Chasteberry because I believed it to be only for sex hormones. Turns out that it may be potent dopamine booster as well. But then again, the sex hormones are active in the human brain. I just haven’t gotten around to researching and writing that blog post yet.
Denise
December 15, 2019
No worries, I’ll keep my eye out. Thanks for the fast reply
Jacob Simmons
December 7, 2020
May i ask where is a good online vendor to buy good quality nootropics??. I feel the racetams dont really work for me ive tried piracetam but it only worked after a good jog or sometimes a walk and I am not sure if it is lack of blood flow to my brain.
David Tomen
December 7, 2020
Jacob, I’ve reviewed somewhere around 95 supplements that are considered nootropics because they influence your brain. It depends on which nootropic supplement you are referring to.
Please see this article for how to choose the highest quality supplements: https://nootropicsexpert.com/7-tips-for-choosing-the-highest-quality-nootropic-supplements/
Martin
December 10, 2019
Hello Mr. Tomen,
Thanks for the great content!
What do you think for the following stack?
Do you think there is a risk of desynthesizing dopamine receptors, would you add/remove anything and what dosages would you recommend.
L tyrosine(I cant find NALT in my country), L theanine, Coffeine
Regards
David Tomen
December 11, 2019
Martin, this stack also requires the B-Vitamins as they will get depleted by using caffeine. And are required for the synthesis of dopamine. This stack should not desensitize dopamine receptors if you use recommended dosages. In fact, this is the same formulation created by Opti Nutra for their new Performance Lab Stim: https://nootropicsexpert.com/performance-lab-stim-review/
John Morris
December 19, 2019
Hello David,
Can you specify your top 3 Nootropics for Peripheral Neuropathy ?(not diabetic neuropathy). Trying to help someone who has just started getting those symptoms.
Thanks and regards,
John
David Tomen
December 19, 2019
John, it entirely depends on the cause of this disease. And according to the Mayo Clinic it can be any number of things: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20352061. The B-Vitamins are critical for nerve health. And anything else to assist myelin synthesis. Do a search of Nootropics Expert for “myelin” and see what else turns up.
John
December 21, 2019
David,
Thanks for the feedback. Will do as suggested.
Happy Holidays! and Best Wishes for the New Year !!
Michael
December 6, 2019
Hi David
On L-theanine…everybody recommends 200mg 2-3 times a day…You recommend 600mg 2´3 times a day…for anxiety…..not too much?
I trust you…but will that make more calm or could you get too anxious possibly ?
Regards
Michael
David Tomen
December 6, 2019
Michael, I’ve found over the years that “everybody” is one person puts a dosage on their blog and a dozen other sites copy it.
Recommended dosage of L-Theanine is 200 – 400 mg once or twice per day. With a maximum of 1,200 mg per day according to the Cleveland Clinic (which is no longer available on their website).
Those dosages are based on user experience and clinical studies.
Brian barr
December 2, 2019
Hi David,
question, do you take all these daily? I saw these in your video on “best nootropics 2019”
Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR)
Aniracetam
Bacopa Monnieri
CDP-Choline
DHA
Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Lithium Orotate
N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine (NALT)
Noopept
Phosphatidylserine (PS)
Pine Bark Extract
Rhodiola Rosea
Sulbutiamine
L-Theanine
Vinpocetine
Vitamin B Complex
also, I have been taking
L theanine
sulbutamine
uridine
bacoba extract
alpha GPC
lions mane
cordyceps sinesis
reishi
and occasionally like 3 days a week i will take adrafinil and maybe once a week phenylpiracetam. what do you think of my stack?
David Tomen
December 2, 2019
Brian, yes I use everything on that list daily with the exception of Noopept. When I have it I use it.
The way your stack is now it’ll boost BDNF, acetylcholine and some brain waves. It would be more balanced if you addressed some of the other things going on in your brain including the other major neurotransmitters.
I suggest taking a look at this post for other ideas: https://nootropicsexpert.com/how-to-create-the-best-nootropic-stack/
John
November 16, 2019
Hello David!
I am wondering what you know about vitamin A as a nootropic!
I have been taking around 10mg pure retinyl acetate daily for the last 2 weeks and have noticed an incredible boost to attention and memory.
Can you tell me more about this powerful vitamin?
Thank you!
David Tomen
November 17, 2019
John, see the Vitamin A section of “13 Vitamins Essential for the Optimized Brain” here > https://nootropicsexpert.com/13-vitamins-essential-for-the-optimized-brain/#vitamin-a
Jim
November 18, 2019
Hello David,
I wanted to hear what’s your thought on Pregnenolone.
Studies show that it’s a powerful neurosteroid for brain so it can function at its best. I notice that many places don’t include it as a nootropics regime.
I know just like Dhea it should be cycle on and off.
David Tomen
November 20, 2019
Jim, haven’t done the research on Pregnenolone yet. And a full post on how ‘sex’ hormones affect the brain is at the top of my “to-do” list for Nootropics Expert.
I know that each of them are involved in brain function but don’t know the details yet. So please standby and watch your email!
Jean
November 16, 2019
David, can training to become ambidextrous improve brain function? I didn’t find a conclusive answer.
David Tomen
November 17, 2019
Jean, likely because there is no clear way to answer your question.
The type of training you reference would need to “rewire” sections of the brain for it to be effective. Which includes neurogenesis, strengthening of synaptic connections, and increasing long-term potentiation for encoding the type of memory needed to recall the moves.
So is that considered improving brain function? I suppose it would be considered that by those interested in becoming ambidextrous.
Josh
November 6, 2019
I am taking 10 mg of cipralex daily and on the occasion a .5 mg of clonazepam, and would like to start taking a nootropic (namely mind lab or something similar). Will this have any negative effects for mixing the two? I know to stay clear of 5-htp. Any advice would be great! Thanks
David Tomen
November 7, 2019
Josh, cipralex works by increasing serotonin levels in your brain. And clonazepam works by increasing GABA. So you want to avoid any nootropic that increases either serotonin or GABA.
Mind Lab Pro contains L-Theanine which increases both serotonin and GABA. So not a good idea to use MLP when using either of those drugs.
I suggest you learn the mechanism of action of both drugs (Wikipedia is a good source). Then read and compare the ingredients of every nootropic you are considering. To see if there could be a problem.
Angela Rodriguez
November 11, 2019
hello, i have a question. I am taking an antidepressant (citalopram 40mg) and i am also taking bupropion 300 mg xl. Plus i am taking levothyroxine for my thyroid, and lisiniprol for my blood pressure. Now i want to wean myself off of the anti”s, i know i need to speak to my doctor, and i have, and she just keeps pushing for me to stay on them. So i am taking my health and doing what i want to do and what i feel is best, and that is to get off of these antidepressants. In your opinion, what nootropics would you recommend to do this? i am not asking for medical information, just an opinion. thank you.
David Tomen
November 12, 2019
Angela, this is a loaded question but here’s how I’d start if I were in your shoes.
If the antidepressants you are using are beneficial then find out how they work in your brain. Wikipedia or medscape are good sources for this. Locate the drug, then look for the section called “Pharmacology” (i.e. https://reference.medscape.com/drug/celexa-citalopram-342958#10). For this drug it looks like it increases serotonin in your brain (i.e. Inhibits the reuptake of serotonin in presynaptic neurons).
So if this drug works for you then raising serotonin is your goal when searching for a nootropic. The easiest way to increase serotonin is with its precursor L-Tryptophan.
But you must be very careful about mixing nootropics with things like antidepressants. Because in this case increasing serotonin too much can easily cause Serotonin Syndrome. Which can be lethal. And I’m deadly serious about this. Don’t mess with this unless you are 100% confident in what you are doing. Please.
That said, it’s possible to wean yourself off of certain meds and replace them with natural nootropic supplements. But it takes time, patience, and a lot of research and reading. And trial and error.