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
Darcy
February 11, 2020
Would be available, for hire, to research specific nutrients, or conditions, that do not fall in nootropic area?
David Tomen
February 14, 2020
Darcy, I do some consulting for dietary supplement manufacturers as time permits. But I’m booked solid for the next few months at least.
Zac D
February 8, 2020
Hey David, I used to take a lot of opioids for a neck injury, for about 2 years. After quitting them in June of 2019. Now 8 months later I still feel a lack of energy and motivation. I also feel like I’m never getting that good euphoric feeling anymore for just things that used to excite me. I worried that I messed up my dopamine levels and processing. Most of the time everything seems bland. Don’t get me wrong I’m not depressed I just cant seem to feel the genuine excitement over certain events or experiences like I use to. When I drink an energy drink I feel just a jittery alertness but not a clean motivation. I also this past month have been eating 100% vegan diet and also working out; resulting in a 22 lbs weight loss which has been great. I’m just looking to see if you can suggest a few supplements that may help me with motivation and just feeling happier when I’m experiencing events that I should feel happy with. I watched your YouTube video titled “Hacking motivation with nootropics” which you list a lot of supplements. Is there any nootropics that have most of those supplements in one pill? Thanks again for taking the time to respond and read my questions. I now follow and subscribed to your YouTube channel…
David Tomen
February 8, 2020
Zac, this is the transcript for that video you mentioned: https://nootropicsexpert.com/hacking-motivation-with-nootropics/.
I suggest going back through the transcript that show you how supporting AMPA receptors activates the dopamine/motivation pathway. Just taking precursors to boost dopamine by itself misses the whole point. And will not work.
Go through the list of nootropics suggested later in that post and select one racetam to try. And as many of the ‘natural’ nootropics in the rest of that list as you can afford.
If one racetam doesn’t help you try the next one. And go through the list until you find something that works. Aniracetam which I’ve included at the top of the list is one my favorite nootropics and I use every day. Hopefully, it’ll work for you too.
Final note: do not look for a nootropic to mimic or take the place of the opiates you were using. Opiates work on opioid receptors. Which are completely different than every other receptor in your system. And will only respond to opiates. The only thing that comes close but will NOT provide the euphoric feeling is Kratom.
Zac D
February 10, 2020
Thank you David for the response. I’m definitely not trying to mimic the same effects as opiates as I know only opiates can provide the constant euphoric feeling; along with a bunch of other terrible side effects. Kratom is actually what allowed me to finally stop using the opiates, which was a life saver. Just like I was saying I just don’t seem to ever get a feeling of joy even when I do things that I know I should enjoy. I’m very glad to have stopped taking opiates and kratom works for me now as a as-needed basis for pain as I have two herniated disks that will give me pain from time to time. I ran into problems with the opiates when my doctor prescribed me an extended release opiate…..
I really appreciate the advise. I will try the different racetams one at a time as you suggest. As you mentioned the others I will try taking aside from the racetam will be:
1…Lions mane
2…5-htp
3…Magnesium
4…dopa mucuna
5… Vitamin d3
Do these 5 seem like a good start in addition to a single racetam? I don’t want to take too many supplements I’d really like to keep to a minimum. If there are maybe one or two that you could suggest over the large list of natural nootropics that I can try with the different racetams that would be great. Thanks again David for the suggestions and time you’ve taken in responding. I really value your time and opinion.
David Tomen
February 10, 2020
Zac, first as I know you are familiar with Kratom that must know there are different strains. Have you tried any other strains that work more on mood than on pain?
For the racetams I suggest trying Aniracetam first with a good choline supplement and a healthy fat like unrefined coconut oil or MCT Oil. Because you need the fat to get some of these nootropics past cell walls. Some people call it “absorption”. You may also want to add Sulbutiamine to this and see if that helps. The combo of these two nootropics is the best antidepressant I’ve ever tried and still use today.
I recommend trying L-Tyrosine or NALT before Mucuna to raise dopamine because it’s safer and it works when recommended dosages are used. You can always add Mucuna on top of that if you need to.
Get yourself a good multi and B-Complex to go with your D3 and magnesium because there’s a near perfect chance that you are deficient in at lest some of these nutrients.
And we may have talked about this already. But please be careful with 5-HTP. Because L-Tryptophan is a safer way to boost serotonin.
Zac D
February 11, 2020
Hey David, Thanks again for all the info. To answer your question; I have tried all types of different strains of kratom 30+ and found that the variants of a green strain works the best for me when it comes to pain. I have tried red which is more for sleep and white more like coffee. I have found great pain relief with kratom and it was a life saver when trying to get out of the strangle of opiates. Its terrible too because doctors will prescribe them to you then when your ready to come off, the tapers they give are extremely hard on your body and mind. I even had my doctor suggest to me to go to a rehab to help with a taper and it was an ongoing circle that he kept prescribing me. I got fed up with my quality of life and began a holistic taper with kratom which again was a lifesaver. I’ve never had any bad side effects with kratom. I 100% recommend it to anyone with pain that doesn’t want to take pharmaceuticals. Please don’t hesitate to contact me through email if you would like any testimonials on my personal experiences with Kratom and I’d be glad to tell you. I would imagine you get quite a few questions about it as you have a lot of YouTube videos pertaining to restoring dopamine.
I will x the 5-htp.
For now I will be moving forward with a stack of
Aniracetam
Choline
MCT Oil
Sulbutiamine
L-tyrosine
D3
Magnesium
Multi-vitamin
B Complex
THANKS AGAIN David! You have provided a very valuable resource and your YouTube videos are the most informative videos I have found on all of YouTube regarding nootropics.
Lisa
February 3, 2020
Hello, my Grandad has been diagnosed with Parkinsonism, I read that Lions Mane might be beneficial but I’m not sure which brand/type I should go for (I’m looking for capsules not powder). Could you please advise me?
Thanks in advance.
Best wishes,
Lisa
David Tomen
February 5, 2020
Lisa, the purest Lion’s Mane that I’m aware of other than what is in Mind Lab Pro is used by Akua Life in California in their Neuro-Stack supplement. Their dose is much much higher than Mind Lab Pro. So if that’s what you are looking for then go here: https://akualife.com/?aff=15
Gabriele
January 25, 2020
Hi!
I went to doctor a few weeks ago and the doctor said I have a lack of serotonin and a compulsive obsessive disorder. in fact I feel anxiety and a bit depressed.
I tried st John worth and l-theanine but I didn’t work so I was wondering what could I try next. I tried also Rhodiola Rosea but is not for me.
i have good experiences with kratom for social anxiety and general fears and I really liked it but It gives me too much nausea and I can’t take it anymore.
how can I level up the serotonin in my brain naturally?
David Tomen
January 26, 2020
Gabriele, the easiest and safest way to boost serotonin is with its precursor L-Tryptophan.
Kratom affects both serotonin and norepinephrine. So look for nootropics that boost serotonin and norepinephrine (which is made from dopamine). Also, use the search function top right for “SNRI” and see what turns up. SNRI = serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.
Also, use the search function for “OCD” and see what else turns up.
Paris Ball-Miller
February 8, 2020
I am currently taking SLO-Niacin 1,000 mg per day, the pink tablet. I take it twice daily in 500mg doses.
Wondering based on a video you did if this is the type of niacin that can cause liver issues. Thanks for your help and good work.
David Tomen
February 9, 2020
SLO-Niacin is simply nicotinic acid in some type of gel to slow down delivery to prevent flushing. Doses of this version of niacin above 1500 mg per day can be toxic to your liver. So you are OK at 1,000 mg per day.
Paris Ball-Miller
February 9, 2020
Thanks. So that means I can assume that the brand of Niacin I am using is just as effective as immediately release Niacin. Right?
David Tomen
February 10, 2020
yes, it should be
EILEEN BYRNE
January 22, 2020
Hi David im seriously thinking of starting phenibut for my generalised anxiety which has got much worse over past 5 years due to personal issue. I currently am prescribed venlafaxine 225mg daily lamictal 200mg daily (I am not epileptic it is being used more as a mood stabilizer) witg little effect I must say. I also take zopiclone 7.5mg at night but it is no Longer effective. My morning anxiety is worst and i feel so afraid of getting out of bed . When I don’t have to get up for something I stay in bed where I feel safer then I kick myself at the end of the day for having given into my anxiety and not having achieved any. Anyway my main question David is it safe to take phenibut with these medications. I want to stop the zopiclone anyway
David Tomen
January 23, 2020
Eileen, I’m not familiar with the drugs you are using. But be aware that you must NOT use Phenibut if you are using any type of benzodiazepine or drug that acts like a benzo. Combining this nootropic with the wrong drug will likely put you in a coma that you will not wake from.
Allan Lane
January 22, 2020
Hello David
My daughter has severe depression, and is 20+ weeks pregnant. Her doctors are suggesting she have ECT, but she and we are most reluctant. You mention on YouTube not to use lithium orotate during pregnancy, but is this more a blanket safety statement? She gets suicidal and immobilised, and so I wonder if lithium orotate’s potential benefits outweigh its risks in her circumstances?
David Tomen
January 23, 2020
Allan, I would think most anything would be safer than electroconvulsive therapy. But I’m not a doctor so please keep that in mind while you’re reading my reply.
Everything that I consulted when researching Lithium Orotate suggested that pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use Lithium Orotate. But this is something you need to talk to a doctor about. Preferably a naturopath who understands this stuff.
A regular doctor has no idea what Lithium Orotate is and will likely associate it with high-dose lithium carbonate that is prescribed for mania. Not the same thing.
Allan Lane
January 25, 2020
David, I appreciate your speedy response to my question. We will look into other possibilities, and if she still has depression issues after breastfeeding is finished, we may revisit the lithium orotate option.
CBD oil may be an alternative, although a bit costly.
Sam Metson
February 27, 2020
I have been surprised by the amazing benefits of Nicotinamide Riboside on anxiety and depression. I use Thorne’s products for this. It used to be Niacel 250 but the formulation has changed as is called Resveracel. Take two capsules on waking and then again 12 hours later for a week and then half the dose and continue for at least a month. Change should be noticeable well before this time. Let me know if it works for you. Check on safety in pregnancy with your doctor. It is a natural co-enzyme that is easily depleted by the ageing process (even by mid-20’S), alcohol and stress.
Mick
January 12, 2020
Hi David.
I would like to learn how to make my own capsules. I’ve never done it before, so I don’t know much about it. Can you please recommend a site or some other place where I can learn all about it.
Thank you.
David Tomen
January 13, 2020
Mick, I’ve been meaning to do a video on this very subject. But until then, I recommend getting a 100 capsule machine like this one that I use: https://amzn.to/37YHsaE.
And get separated Empty ’00’ capsules like this one that I use: https://amzn.to/387dAct
But make sure you get the “separated” capsules or you’ll extend the time necessary to make 100 capsules from 15 minutes to 45 – 60 mins. Because if they are not separated, you need to separate them one by one by hand before dumping them into the machine.
Then search YouTube for a video on how to use one of these capsule machines until I get around to producing one. And good luck. It’s easy once you learn how, you get pure supplements with no additives and it’s cheaper.
Mick
January 13, 2020
Thank you David for your advice, I really appreciate it.
Francisco Platt
December 30, 2019
David, in conection with my last comment, I must say that in the last 2 months i been also use tianeptine (4, 3, or 2 times a week), but not anymore, maybe ocasionally will be ok (It has been said wonders about a combination of tianeptine with fasoracetam or aniracetam); is not my plan tu put tianeptine in the basic list, becouse it doesnt help with the production of serotonine, and it has the strong problem of tolerance and adiction, becouse i need more dosage to feel the same good effect, …also im not sure about the libido, i dont know, maybe afects that. By the way, i want to enhance my libido or sexual potency, and now without sertraline i feel so early ejaculation. When i was on sertraline i felt delayed ejaculation. What can be good to add (please David see my list of supplements in the past comment); what about Maca? Or Ginkgo Biloba? No bad interaction with my actual supplement list? Thanks a lot for your opinión and help David.
David Tomen
January 3, 2020
Francisco, I’m not sure where the list is you are referring to. Here’s what you do …
Each nootropic reviewed on Nootropics Expert has a section called “Side Effects” which often includes warnings about interactions with other drugs and/or supplements. So I suggest you check at least that section for every nootropic you are using.
I’m sure there is something on Nootropics Expert that helps with delayed ejaculation. But I don’t know what they are because my focus here is on brain health and optimization. And not sexual health unless it is directly influenced by or related to what is going on in your brain.
If you require further help I suggest scheduling a consultation with me here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/personal-consultations/
Francisco Platt
January 3, 2020
thanks a lot Mr. Tomen
Peter Broomfield
January 6, 2020
Hi,
New to nootropics and have a question.
I have the following nootropics, St John’s Wort, L-Theanine, SAM-e, Bacopa Monnieri, Ashwagandha and Co-Q10.
Are there any contraindications with these? I haven’t received most yet so haven’t started tracking them (except St. John’s wort). I suffer from depression stress, fatigue and low cognitive function.
Many thanks
Peter
David Tomen
January 7, 2020
Peter, check the “Side Effects” section of each review for each nootropic. Use the Nootropics List in the top menu to find them easily. Contraindications if applicable are usually listed in the Side Effects section.