Here at NootropicsExpert.com, we explore the universe of nootropics. You’ll find all the information you need to get the results you want.
If you’re overwhelmed by the fragmented information for nootropics spread across several websites, you can end your search.
How does one nootropic interact with another? Which one is safe? And which nootropics have side effects? We cover all that here.
Use my Nootropics Guide to get more familiar with the different types of cognitive enhancers and what they do. And you’ll be able to safely build your own stack.
Here you’ll find a comprehensive list of the latest nootropic compounds. You’ll quickly learn what each does along with their side effects. And the ‘mechanism of action‘ or how each supplement works in your brain and body.
You’ll get nootropic dosing recommendations, and interactions with other nootropics and medications. Including what to avoid!
You’ll even learn the history of a nootropic compound. How and why it came into being. And how it’s used by the nootropic and medical community.
Some of the nootropics you’ll find on NootropicsExpert.com are prescription drugs in some parts of the world. These same nootropics are sold as OTC supplements in countries like the United States.
I”m happy you’re here. Because you should be able to find everything you need to know about nootropics on this site. 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. Verification
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,
Your website and youtube videos are great, thankyou. Quick question I have been taking cymbalta 60 mg for the past 8 years due to Chronic Pain which has now subsided.
I have tried weaning off Cymbalta unsuccessfully from 30 mg and was recently diagnosed with GAD (Anxiety) and OCD like symptoms. You mentioned putting up a post on OCD nootropics which would be great to see.
I’ve tried which seems to help
– B complex
– Fish oil
– Probiotic
– NAC
– L-theanine
– Gabba
– Zinc, C, D
– Tyrosine in the mornings
– Magnesium/melationin at night
Anything else you would recommend for OCD/Anxiety related symptoms
James, you need to use L-Tyrosine twice per day to get a full days benefit of increased dopamine and norepinephrine. And replace your fish oil with a good DHA supplement 1,000 mg per day (https://bit.ly/3q98chL) or (https://geni.us/vAkK).
And stay tuned for an article on dealing with OCD.
If someone takes Naltrexone to moderate their drinking will the nootropics still work….
Joe, I’ve reviewed 105 individual nootropic supplements so far. Which “nootropics” are you referring to?
How bad is stearic acid and silicon dioxin really? I mean it latterly almost I’m possible to avoid at least one of those in products everything else I manage to avoid
its especially bad when buying Magnesium the vast majority of my stuff is free from most the crap but stearic acid and silicon dioxin is the most I have issue not be able to avoid do you still have some of this is your stuck with what you take?
also is carrageenan is this stuff bad, I noticed it with my astaxanthin in Doctor best
Andrew, it’s bad. And if you are using multiple supplements containing these ingredients there is no getting away for the toxic effects. For example, here are a couple of studies you should know about: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1384169/ and https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24824983
Same with carrageenan: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29469913/ and https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29469913/
It is possible to buy supplements not containing these ingredients. Mind Lab Pro and all Performance Lab supplements are a perfect example of that. I’ve been ranting about this stuff for over 6 years and it seems the rest of the industry is starting to pay attention. Because if you look hard enough you will find the supplement you want which is pure.
My B-Complex is fine, my Vitamin D is fine, my Astaxanthin is fine and my DHA is fine mostly NOW products
just magnesium from Doctor best and my melatonin and taurine, and mainly steric acid
that have that toxic stuff
Andrew, I can help you with a couple of those. Magnesium (https://geni.us/57cGGq) and Taurine (https://geni.us/dyXzC) (both on Amazon).
Some thoughts from online research:
1) forskolin,berberine, jiaogolan are in the same organic chemical chain.
2) milk thistle and berberine are synergistic, both are protective and beneficial to the liver.
3) some research of forskolin demonstrates possible increase in fatty liver, other research indicates berberine counters that process, milk thistle has shown possible protection in that area as well.
4) artichoke extract aids forskolin, it is also liver friendly.
5) jiaogolan is in some ways complimentary to berberine, and brings additional benefits.
Need I say more? I bow to your greater expertise to carry this line of speculation further.
Hi David,
I’ve purchased 3 bottles of Performance Lab Sleep recently and very quickly found out that it actually has a counter-effect on me. It keeps me awake for long time and when I eventually do fall asleep, I stay all night in a sort of shallow sleep, strangely ‘present’ in my head. Should I take smaller dosage or give up completely?
My second questions is about the importance of taking certain supplements on an empty stomach (as it’s often stated on packaging) in order to facilitate absorption, particularly the following:
NAC
Phosphatidylserine
ALCAR
Choline Bitartrate
Glycine
L-Taurine
I wonder what is your view on this subject.
I have been trying to take them half an hour before meals but it’s not always possible.
Can I take them all at the same time?
Many thanks,
Sinisa
Sinisa, try using only one capsule and see if that works for you. The problem with pre-made supplements is it is difficult to isolate which ingredient you are having problems with.
And I would not worry about the “empty stomach” thing. It is recommended by manufacturers because some of these supplements theoretically compete for the same transporters as the amino acids you get from food. But it has been my experience that the dosage in the amounts were are using for nootropic benefit, and with consistent daily use, your body and brain will get enough of each for nootropic benefits.
For the fat-soluble supplements where they say “take it with food” – too complicated. I take water and fat-soluble supplements at the same time with a tablespoon of unrefined coconut oil. That ensures the fat-soluble ingredients get digested and absorbed. And the water soluble supplements take care of themselves.
I’ve actually come accross this problem myself regarding the Lab Performance Sleep. My conclusion was that it is the glycine in the magnesium activating the NMDA receptors because I have the same effect when I take glycine close to bedtime, it keeps me from falling asleep. I can’t take glycine anywhere close to bed or it keeps me alert. I also have issues with glutamate to gaba conversion and my brain heavily favors glutamate over gaba. I think I lack the GAD enzyme because I take everything I need for that conversion. The take away for me is that the extra glycine does not help in this scenario especially when it comes to sleep.
Matt, thanks for sharing. Your explanation makes perfect sense. Much appreciated.
Yeah it stinks too Dave because I think it’s a great product. When I first started taking it it worked really well but as my condition worsened it started having the opposite effect which was odd to me at first. Threw me for a loop. I’ve had to take those 3 ingredients separate at the same dose and get my glycine through collagen in the morning. I’ve been using bulk supplements tart cherry which has been good so far, so if any one else is looking for a good tart cherry extract, I recommend it.
Hi David
What are the best nootropics to recude acetylcholine levels?
Coco, any of the racetams will do it.
Hello David, is there a ratio of ashwagandha, gotu kola, phenylpiracetam, aniracetam and citicoline that you think would be effective in treating depression and anxiety without increasing too much acetylcholine?
Buju, there is no standard ratio. Just follow the dosage recommendations for each. The only thing you are using to increase acetylcholine is citicoline. And both racetams are going to eat that up fast.
Hey hi. I really enjoy all of your videos. I make some liposomal nutrition and am wondering what your thoughts are regarding adding a little nadh to my mix. Right now my main ingredient list is ascorbate, colostrum, and glutathione.
Jerry, it depends on what you are trying to do with that combo. And if the dosage of NADH is high enough to matter.
Hi, is shipping to Poland possible? I would like to buy one of your books – “Head First”, yet I am not sure if overseas shippping services are available.
Regards,
Ewa, Head First is digital and formatted for Kindle, iPad or as a PDF. So you can download it anywhere in the world where you have an internet connection.
Seems book arrived later. Apologies.
Trying to get the book but it just signs me up as a subscription.
No download link.
Kelvin, if you mean the free download “Secrets of the Optimized Brain” if you successfully subscribed to my newsletter you’ll get a confirmation email within second with a download link. Check your inBox and if it’s not there check the other folders including Spam. You would think Google knows who I am by now but it sometimes ends up in Spam.
Hello.
I am really grateful that i found your website. I’m reading your book. For some time now I struggle with weight ( I don’t gain more but I don’t loose weight even though I eat less) My job requires odd early hours and my eating pattern isn’t that good. I struggle with muscle pain and moods.
Bob, my area of expertise is the human brain and supplements that will help. I haven’t researched anything to do with weight. But one thing that helped me lose 20 lbs. along with light exercise was this supplement: https://bit.ly/2RAkrYH
Hi David, I am looking at something to replicate Lamotrogine – looks like it inhibits the release of glutamate via calcium channels. Any nootropics you recommend?
Phil, the only natural sodium channel blocking supplement I know of is CBD Oil. And the only natural calcium channel blocking supplement I know of is magnesium. But I have no idea if using those together will mimic the action of Lamotrigine. I doubt it but you can try
Hi David,
I also have ADHD and have been keto-style eating habits for 1.5 years. I feel it helped me a bit. Apart from that, I take Alpha GPC (400 gr) a day and GABA, melatonin and magnesium glisinate (before going to sleep). These 3 supplements helped me sleep better, focus better and feeling calmer. My migraine and anxiety almost disappeared. By the way, I am 52 years old female. My father had a stroke and died because of that. I had also thrombosis 3 times in my life (2001-2006-2012). I was pregnant at first then I took some hormones to adjust my mensturation. Since then nothing has happened as I am aware of the hormones causing strokes.
Anyway, I also use vitamin D, zinc, selenium regularly for my Hasimato thyroid.
I seem to have lots of health problems but I am pretty happy and positive person in general.
I just want to ask whether Alpha Gpc, GABA, melatonin and magnesium glisinate are good for me? When you think about my ADHD and passed thrombosis story.
Thanks a lot,
Tugba
Tugba, there is nothing wrong with the supplements you are using. But if you are following a Keto diet I promise you that you are deficient in several other nutrients. I highly recommend you begin using a high quality bioactive multivitamin. Like this one: https://bit.ly/3nvQZhQ
Looked at your video on Sex Hormones
On my labs Estrogen in normal…Testosterone is in the upper range …but my free Testosterone is low, because my SHBG is very high…. Tried Boron….did nothing….even taking more testosterone ..SHBG also goes up…any ideas what to do
Michael, try magnesium chelate, stinging nettle root, Tongkat Ali, and Vitamin D.
Hi, I have daughter that shakes when excited tenses her body up. Now, that she is older she has othostatic hypertension which is form of Pots. Which I am told it is because her vegas nerve. She shakes her hands, only when sign she is happy or excited. The pots or hypertension also leaves her with GI problems, tiredness, and nausea and feeling like she wants to pass out at times. She can not take heat at all. Do you take appts viturally in not where are you located?
Joann, I do all of my consultations by phone or via Skype or Zoom – audio-only. But I may be the wrong person to consult in this case because my expertise and knowledge is in human brain health and cognition.
Look at MCAS – maybe try antihistamine or ferritin levels
Hi David. Greetings from Brazil. First I would like to thank you for your site, your content is very good.
I would like to know if there is any supplement that causes a similar effect to Ritalin? I saw that it acts directly on dopamine, so would “L-Dopa (Mucuna Pruriens)” be a good substitute for Ritalin?
Fabio, Ritalin is a dopamine reuptake inhibitor. It does not “make” dopamine but rather the way dopamine is used in specific regions of your brain.
The only supplement that works similar to Ritalin but is not a direct “substitute” is Saffron.
L-DOPA is a direct precursor to the synthesis of dopamine so it increases dopamine levels in your brain.
What is the best nootropic to repair a leaky brain and gut apart from dietary changes and what will help reduces candida over growth
https://nootropicsexpert.com/how-to-heal-a-leaky-blood-brain-barrier/
I know some things work differently for different people, etc. But in general, what do you think are the 3 best from your list, for long-term brain health, cognition, focus etc.? Not counting the basic vitamins (letters, zinc, mag) or the racetams.
Tyler, there isn’t a “best”. You have covered 3 distinct categories of brain health and cognition: long-term brain health, cognition and focus.
I suggest you do some searching through the articles here on Nootropics Expert. And you’ll find what you are looking for.
Hi David, thank you for your website, youtube videos and free advise to help people.
I have had dopamine deficiency all my life. I have taken more supplements and medicines than I can count.
Last suplement I took was DL Phenilalanine. Was taking 1500mg a day for two weeks and didn´t feel anything at all. Isn´t that high enough of a dose as to notice an effect?
My next supplement will be coming tomorrow 5g of Maca capsules. Hope it will do something.
Ray, what type of “feeling” are you looking for? And have you tried using L-Tyrosine to increase dopamine?
Hi David:
I´d like to feel motivated, to feel that activities I used to enjoy make sense again. At the moment most of my perceptions during the day feel either like a numbness or negativity (paired with anger sometimes) that won´t go away. Some people have define this as low dopaminergic tone or low endorphinic tone. I fixed the anger feelings with a very small dose of escitalopram (2.5mg) but the lack of motivation and sweet cravings still there.
Tried Tyrosine once (500mg) but didn´t feel it lifted my mood. Tramadol on the other hand (100mg) made me feel normal and positive first day, half of that second day and by the third day it look like lost the effectiveness on mood just the calm anti-anxiety effect remained. I don´t want to use synthetic opioids anyways so don´t take Tramadol anymore. (Too high risk of dependency, tolerance and side effects) Trying to find some nootropic healthier alternatives instead.
Thanks
Ray, this should give you some ideas to work with: https://nootropicsexpert.com/hacking-motivation-with-nootropics/. But read it carefully all the way through to understand how motivation works.