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 - 1,847 comments
solomon
March 26, 2020
After lots of research I am certain that ,your website, your story, and your approach to health and wellness in general is the future of psychiatry as well as psychology.
I would like to consult with you regarding my non-profit coaching business that will change the way the world solves health issues that are more than just plumbing problems.
Please send me an email.
David Tomen
March 26, 2020
Solomon, please use my contact form and send me an email. You’l find a link to it at the very bottom in the footer of this page.
maurice van mourik
March 25, 2020
Dear David,
Thank you for your reaction.
I have read your “aging brain” extensively, and very impressed by your extensive research and available knowledge today.
Because there is such a great variety, making a choice is difficult, consuming too much dangerous and financially too costly.
So I will buy one or more bottles of Mind Lab Pro, starting with it and observing what will happen. Gotu Kola will also be on my buying list.
Perhaps it is a good idea to start with other Multi supplements like Mind Lab pro, for different needs and categories, like Anxiety, social Phobia, Creativity, Stress Reduction, etc., making choices simpler and more effective.
Hopefully it will be used more widely by doctors avoiding the Pharmaceuticals which have very often a lot (bad) side effects
Again thank you very much,
Regards,
Maurice van Mourik
Maurice van Mourik
March 21, 2020
Dear David,
When I read your first chapter in your book “Head First”, about experiences with your own brain, not functioning optimally, , I had a strong recognition about my own situation and very happy, you write so clearly about it. I am very thankful about your openess in your private situation, because you are a experienced expert not only theoritically, but also physically .
I am also happy, to know there is a way out with a messy brain, not functioning optimally, like having brain fog, less focus, forgetfulness,et . and hoping to change this for the better at an age of 72.
I believe that all my difficulties and handicaps have its origin in my amalgam fillings, loading my body with a lot of heavy metals and other toxins. This caused a lot of brain fog, less focus and motivation and being able to atract a woman for marriage. For me it is o.k. for now, because a divorce could be a devasting life experience.
Another problem is also the industialized farming in the Netherlands, with vegetables in the grocery store lacking minerals and vitamins.
The Amalgam fillings have been removed for more than 40 years ago, but the question is, if there are still some mecury deposits or other toxins left in my brain or damaged parts of it and the rest of my body ?
I believe, starting with Nooptropics I should first and foremost detoxify as much as possible, before building up. Otherwise the therapy could be less succesful
In the past I did already a detoxification therapy wiht Ala, Alfa Lipon Acid, but I do not know if it was enough. Also breating exercises like Kundalini Yoga were very helpful and contributed much to the detoxification of my body, which were in some occasions very hefty.
My questions are :
– Which supplements should you recommend for detoxiying my brain optimally, cleansing out the last deposits ?
– What is your opinion about minerals, because I have the idea, that the lack of minerals is also a fundamental issue, “thanks” to your industrialised farming practices.
– Can you show me which steps to take in the right order for an effective detoxifaction and building up my body and mind and suitable for an elder person ? (72 years of age)
I will be very grateful, if you would advise me with some guidelines which I can use as a roadmap for a better, healthier and fulfilling life.
Hoping to receive your reaction very soon,
Regards,
Maurice van Mourik
(the Netherlands)
–
David Tomen
March 21, 2020
Maurice, it is true that heavy metals can cause real problems in your body and brain. And a few nootropics have been found to either chelate heavy metals, or protect your brain from them. An example of a heavy metal chelator is Iodine. An example of something that protects your brain from heavy metal toxicity is Gotu Kola. Please use the search function of this website and type in “heavy metals” and see what turns up.
But at 72 you’ve got other issues that need to be dealt with that are a consequence of aging. And here’s an article that will help walk you through it and what to do about it: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-the-aging-brain/
Allen Wallace
March 18, 2020
David,
I am a 37yr old man with over 16 yrs in the military as an Army Officer.
As a medical administrator, I have access to the best nutritional resources our military has to offer but have never found a more scientific, comprehensive and user-friendly database. I share your site with all my health-focused colleagues and want to thank you for your service to our well-being.
After studying your database, I’ve begun experimenting with different combinations of nootropics and have had some positive and some not so positive experiences (mostly due to trial and error experimenting).
I’ve learned the hypoglycemic, sugar regulating properties of certain adaptogens ( Holy Basil, Ginseng) can have significant negative effects on my emotional well-being by dropping sugar levels too drastically.
Conversely, I’ve built a nootropic stack that has allowed me, with medical supervision, to transition off of prescription Anti-depressants, mood stabilizers, and sleeping medications while enhancing my quality of life!
If you don’t mind, please take a look at the regimen I have built and give your opinion on whether it’s overkill (wasteful), too much specificity in a specific area or recommendations for usage schedule.
DAILY INTAKE
*Garden of life Multi Vit. food based
*CBD (15.6mg; CBG .8mg) .50ml
*Virgin MCT Oil 1.5ml (in a 000 capsule)
*Omega 3 (fish oil 2,000mg; epa 800mg; dha 600mg)
*ALCAR 600mg
*PQQ 20mg
*Choline (alpha 150mg; citi 125mg; DMAE l bit 125mg)
*D3 5,000 IU
*Phosphatidyl (serine 100,000mg; choline 25,000mg; ethanolamine 2,250mg; inositol 1,150mg)
MY PERSONAL DAILY BLEND 3X’s a day
*Ashwaghanda (15:1 10% withanolides)0.13mg; Total =0.4mg
*Holy Basil(.4%/2.5% Urs 2 mg; 1.5 mg Olea acid)0.10mg; Total =0.3mg
*Bacopa (28:1 50% Bacosides)0.10mg; Total =0.3mg
*Rhodiola (3% sali; 5% ros std)0.03mg;Total =0.1mg
*Lions Mane (>25% beta-d-glucans; <5% starch)0.13mg;Total =0.4mg
*Tumeric ( 95% cum; 75mg ginger; 5mg piperine)0.17 mg;Total =0.5mg
ADDERAL BLEND (As needed, usually 1-2X's daily)
*Adderal XR (long acting)0.11mg
*Tumeric ( 95% cum; 75mg ginger; 5mg piperine)0.5mg
*NALT0.4mg
*Ginseng (60% ginoside extract)0.05mg
*Oat Straw (20:1)0.02mg
SLEEP BLEND
*5-HTP (50mg)
*Magnesium (glycinate 600mg; L-threonate 1000mg; taurate 600mg)
* Adding Tart Cherry this week
Again, thank you for your work and I will continue to share your site with any who seek more natural health supplementation. Your research has made a positive impact on my personal life.
David Tomen
March 18, 2020
Allen, am I reading this right? Some of your doses are .5 mg, .02 mg, etc. Are you talking about 1/2 mg of turmeric for example? I cannot comment until I’m sure I’m getting this right.
Allen Wallace
March 18, 2020
Ah, my mistake, I have created a formulated spreadsheet that I use to measure weights to figure the MG percent of the substance used. Unfortunately, I copied the actual weights per serving versus the MG per serving! Below are the actual MG per serving.
MY PERSONAL DAILY BLEND 3X’s a day
*Ashwaghanda (15:1 10% withanolides)200mg Total=600mg
*Holy Basil (.4%/2.5% Urs 2 mg; 1.5 mg Olea acid) 154mg Total=463mg
*Bacopa (28:1 50% Bacosides)115mgTotal=346mg
*Rhodiola (3% sali; 5% ros std)50mgTotal=150mg
*Lions Mane (>25% beta-d-glucans; <5% starch)200mg Total=600mg
*Tumeric ( 95% cum; 75mg ginger; 5mg piperine) 335mgTotal=1004mg
ADDERAL BLEND
*Adderal XR (long acting)10mg
*Tumeric (95% cum; 75mg ginger; 5mg piperine) 670mg
*NALT 400mg
*Ginseng (60% ginoside extract)50mg
*Oat Straw (20:1)20mg
Thank you for the follow-up.
David Tomen
March 19, 2020
Allen, thanks for the clarification. You may want to consider directly supporting dopamine and acetylcholine more than you do. Either Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline for ACh. And if you find you’re losing steam later in the afternoon consider another dose of NALT and whichever choline supplement you use.
Also, your brain requires 1,000 mg DHA per day and a high quality B-Complex to support a ton of stuff going on up there: https://nootropicsexpert.com/13-vitamins-essential-for-the-optimized-brain/
James Esposito
March 9, 2020
Hello, First let me say thank you for all the informative videos.
One quick question for you:
I take Men’s gummie MultiVites and wanted to know if it’s safe to keep taking them when taking nootropics? Thanks much.
David Tomen
March 9, 2020
James, a multivitamin used with nootropics should only support what you are trying to do with your stack. But is the multivitamin you are using safe and pure and the best you can get?
I’m NOT challenging you but asking you to do some research and find out exactly what’s in that gummie. This post may help answer that: https://nootropicsexpert.com/how-to-select-the-best-multivitamin-for-brain-function/
MIchel
March 5, 2020
Hi Everyone, As a adult in my earlier 50 old, I’m all the time in contact with young people, mostly at work. What I have always noticed with the young generation, is they forget a lot, lack of focus and motivation, much more than my generation in the 80’s and 90’s. Even the most recent study showed that some parts of our brain still not fully developed until the age of 30. For my experience I thnk the main reason of all those changes of memory, focus … have much to do with foods and new technology devices (cellphones, computers, video games…) and social media (facebook…)
I grew up and still with Mediterranean diet and I added some habits from east and west culture like eating a lot exotic spices, seed, grains, herbs, teas…that are not in Mediterranean diet. As take away advice, from this website I send a message to mostly parents and anybody else, to learn and teach ourselves and children to eat healthy and clean. Vary your foods intake and experience other culinary culture by adding healthy spices, organic teas, seed and grains… To stay away from high saturated fats, deep frying, ultra proceed foods, packaging foods, junk foods, sugar, sodas, alcohol… and finally use technology with moderation and to spend the time active and moving.
David Tomen
March 6, 2020
Michel, I believe you are correct on how human brain development has been hijacked. But good luck on convincing parents on getting kids to change their eating and technology habits.
Armando
March 3, 2020
Hi sir,
Is it recommended to use nootropics like mind lab pro for people under 25? I read that the brain is stil developping and that this would effect the brain chemistry.
Thank you
David Tomen
March 4, 2020
Armando, my research shows that the human brain is fully developed by around age 21 for most people. So I’m confident Mind Lab Pro will be safe for ‘most’ at 21 years and up.
Anyone under the age of 21 needs to reduce the dose to 1 or 1/2 of a capsule. But only on the advice or OK of their doctor.
Mind Lab Pro does support ongoing neuron repair and growth. But nothing potent enough to disrupt the natural progress of human brain development.
I always caution people to read the label and become familiar with the mechanism of action of each ingredient in this supplement stack. And understand the potential side effects and drug contraindications for each ingredient.
Armando
March 4, 2020
Thank you very much!
anthony
March 3, 2020
Hi David
I have bought a lot of nootropics and did some research but only on the effects and what they help for cause i did not think nootropics uses neurotransmitters or increase them so now i have a problem.
I take 50mg sertraline(serotonin) in the morning and 50mg Dosulepin(norepinephrine) at night before i go to sleep. To me these are low doses.
I am a little worried and hope you could help me.
Could you tell me what of these nootropics i could use as i already bought and opened them. Don’t want to waist all my money. I know you are not a doctor but which of these could i try and which are very dangerous in your opinion.
Bacopa Monnieri
Aniracetam
Cat’s Claw
CBD Oil
Coluracetam
Gotu Kola
Kratom
Lion’s Mane
Mucuna Pruriens
Lemon Balm
L-Theanine
Melatonin
Noopept
Oxiracetam
Phenibut
Phenylpiracetam
Picamilon
Rhodiola Rosea
Phosphatidylserine (PS)
Sulbutiamine
Taurine
Valerian
Uridine Monophosphate
Tyrosine
Vinpocetine
Sorry for the long post
Thanks in advance for your time
David Tomen
March 3, 2020
Anthony, what you need to avoid is boosting serotonin or norepinephrine to much. Because if you do you’ve got problems. The ones that I’d put a warning flag beside are Mucuna Pruriens (norepinephrine), Phenibut (serotonin), and Picamilon (serotonin).
There are others in your list the affect both neurotransmitters but have a lesser effect or it’s not as direct. I highly recommend that you learn the “mechanism of action” or “how it works in your brain” for every single nootropic on your list.
My attitude is I want to know exactly what I’m putting in my body and why. Unfortunately, many thing that because you can easily buy these supplements without a prescription that it’s like candy or something. And this is a very dangerous place to be when trying any nootropic.
anthony
March 4, 2020
Thanks David.
I have respect for nootropics and i am trying everything to see what helps for my debilitating anxiety and social phobia and am willing to try anything in line of reason of course. Did not buy the all at ones.
One last question is Phenylpiracetam safe?
Thank you
Anthony
David Tomen
March 4, 2020
Anthony, Phenylpiracetam (https://nootropicsexpert.com/phenylpiracetam/) is non-toxic. So is considered well-tolerated and safe. Just make sure you follow dosage instructions including using it with a choline supplement. And tolerance can be a problem so you’ll likely want to cycle it.
anthony
March 4, 2020
Thank you David.
I really appreciate your info 🙂