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.
Hi, David – I have tried a number one times to get the fee book Secrets of the Optimized Brain but can’t seem to download it – it always just clicks me to the sign up page … can you help me?
I’ve ordered Mytheline Blue and am using it every day – I don’t particularly feel different – should I be feeling something different? But I am using it and hoping it is having some effect on my very slight shake problems.
Ken, this is first I’ve heard of this problem downloaded Secrets. Are you clicking the link from the confirmation email that you received within seconds of signing up for my newsletter? Check your spam folder for that email.
If you are not receiving a benefit from Methylene Blue it could be your dosage is not right for you. Or it is the wrong supplement for you.
Yes, I’ve gotten the confirmation email at least two times and when I click on the book I go to another sign-up page .. not sure what I’m doing wrong – d’you have a better, direct link for it?
So for the Myetheline Blue – what should I be feeling if it’s working for me? Energy or mental sharpness?
ken
Ken, you are likely clicking on the wrong link But make sure that it is the confirmation email after you signed up because that email contains the link.
Read this section “How does Methylene Blue feel?”: https://nootropicsexpert.com/methylene-blue/#-how-does-methylene-blue-feel
Are there nootropics to restore serotonin receptors? or to increase their density / sensitivity?
Aniracetam ‘may’ promote the release of dopamine and serotonin from their relevant receptors. But I am not aware of a supplement that specifically increases the density and/or sensitivity of serotonin receptors. You can use the search function top right for “serotonin receptors” and see if anything else pops up.
Hi, I want to take these supplements for better focus, mood and calmness, 500mg mucuna extract with 20% L-Dopa, 100mg 5htp, 200mg cdp choline, 200mg L-Theanine. What are your thoughts about this stack?
Giorgi, I do not critique stacks. But you are missing one key element in that stack. Which is explained in this article: https://nootropicsexpert.com/hacking-motivation-with-nootropics/
will there be a review on fly agarics? they are now often beginning to be used as a nootropic, they are laws in the USA, in the CIS countries, and in several other countries.
I will not be reviewing Amanita muscaria because it cannot be grown commercially, you cannot buy it at your local vitamin shop, and there is very little science demonstrating its nootropic value.
Hey I have started taking Mefenamic Acid once a day at 250MG for my sound sensitivity and it worked like a charm now I’d would appreciate if you read this study here below and since i take other nootropic and if you think its safe to continue these while i take this, my doctor said long term use is fine at low dosage but what do you think
you may find the study I listed below short reads very fascinating
https://japi.org/article/files/Inflammasome__Inflammation__Infection_and_Mefenamic_Acid.pdf
https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4409/10/3/702
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35438288/#:~:text=Mefenamic%20acid%20which%20belongs%20to,for%20treating%20NLRP3%2D%20driven%20diseases
in my country its very cheap medicine
I take Daily
500MG-DHA (this dosages seem to be good for me personally)
8MG Astaxanthin
50MG C0Q10
B Vitimins
Vit D
Magnesium for Sleep
I just want to make sure I can take NSAID with my nootropics stack without any complication. I have been anyway but just double checking
Andrew, NSAID’s are not contraindicated with anything you are using in your nootropics stack.
You have a list on the site with strong calming nootropics for anxiety and tremors, I have tremors even when I’m calm, and when I’m anxious it gets worse.
(I know this is not a substitute for professional treatment.)
Grem, for essential tremor I have found these to be potentially helpful: ALCAR, Valerian, Creatine, Polygala Tenuifolia, Lion’s Mane Mushroom, and St. John’s wort.
Thank you so much
Worth a try, I don’t like the meds doctors prescribe, they can have a negative effect on the brain and I have a very mild tremor that gets worse when I’m anxious
What do you think about intermittent fasting and mediterranean/either keto diet or both, i want to cut sugar completely, according to the idea, the body should have enough glucose that is produced in the body, and replace everything else with ketones, but in any case, sometimes sucrose will get with food.
It would be interesting to see a post about this, in any case, the right diet with meditation is the most powerful nootropics not banned.
Dan, intermittent fasting is a great way to control weight. But I am not a fan of keto diets long-term because you will quickly become deficient in several nutrients. And out body and brain was not designed to work on ketones alone.
What do you think about long fasts from 2 weeks?
Dan, fasting for two weeks will almost guarantee a nutrient deficiency and in some cases severe deficiency. Mind you I am not a doctor nor have a played one on TV. But common sense tells me that long-term fasting is just starving your body for no benefit.
potassium. does this need to be supplemented or do we get enough from foods . says we should be getting 4000Mg daily there is no way I’m touching that amount! I also eat high salt foods which says it can lower potassium
Jake, many are deficient in potassium and do not realize it. You can easily get potassium tested then next time you get your labs done.
Hello Mr David,
I’m glad to find your website. So can you please recommend the supplements or stacks including dosages for adult male 60+ that help with OCD symptoms? I’d appreciate it. Thank you.
Sean, see my article on how to support the aging brain here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-the-aging-brain/
For OCD I suggest scheduling a consultation with me.
Hi Dave. I’m 54 years old and do not work at this moment, lost business due to COVID-19. Staying home helping my wife and kids. Worked previously almost 90 hours a week every day. I do not eat out, do not consume processed food, and sleep well. But lately (after covid) I seemed to have problems concentrating, memorizing, or even weakness in my body. Please suggest me a supplement or a combo (natural/nootropic) to improve my cognitive ability as a plan to take some online courses soon. I currently take Vitamin B-Complex and sometimes Vitamin D. No other medication at all. Thank you very much.
Khorshed, if you are dealing with Long-COVID then I highly recommend scheduling a Personal Consultation with me. I’ll walk you through the supplement protocol you need to recover quicker.
Hi David
I’m interested in buying Your Head First Ist edition but don’t have a PayPal account. Andrew
Andrew, get the latest version which is Head First 2nd Edition using this link: https://geni.us/K1Bv. You’ll get a choice a hardcover, paperback or digital depending what you find easier to read.
so many promising therapies are being created that it is difficult to keep track of them all. For example, there is work that used intranasal resveratol + rifampicin to completely stop neurodegeneration/alzheimer’s in mice. It’s odd that billions are going into Alzheimer’s research, but such preventative treatments are not being marketed as they seem to be. Anyway, I really hope a way can be found to significantly reduce the cost of gene therapies for example and shake the medical sector to its foundations!
There is no money to be made by the pharmaceutical companies by selling natural Resveratrol. If they can’t patent it they are not interested in selling it.
but still they sell it, I wonder how it will come down as a nootropic
Dan, Rifampicin is an antibiotic so the likely hood of it ever becoming a natural nootropic supplement is zero.
Hi David,
Dogwood is producing alpha – gpc which is synthetic. the original manufacturer Chemi Nutra has warned customers from using it. Please check below article,
https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/be-vigilant-synthetic-alpha-glyceryl-phosphoryl-choline-says-chemi-nutra
Would you still recommend dogwood here after reading this above article? Also, my second question is how can i directly purchase Chemi Nutra’s alphasize gpc. Are there any vendors? Lastly, a company named “Holistic Bin” has started selling the patented Alphasize GPC from their end. Are you aware of this company. They are actually selling this powder on Amazon website. Would you recommend this product?
Amit, that article was published in 2019 as I recall and it sounds like Chemi Nutra does not like the competition. So, I wouldn’t take that article too seriously.
But if you are looking specifically for the patented form Alphasize you can get it in this Doctor’s Best supplement: https://geni.us/czmc. Sorry but I know nothing about the company Holistic Bin.
Hi David,
Sorry to send the same question a few times, I’m not sure it’s making it through the spam filter
What do you think about stacking NAC and L Tyrosine? Any drawbacks or contraindication? A good combo in your opinion?
Edd, I haven’t had a chance to address questions for the last few days. So I likely missed your earlier question. I can assure you it did not go to “spam”.
NAC supports the use of L-Tyrosine because NAC helps restore dysfunctional dopamine receptors.
Hi David
Thanks so much for getting back. It’s kind of you to take the time to run a comments Q&A
I plan on booking a session with you in the future
Edd
Hello,
Can most or all of the benefits of niacin be realized by the use of 500mg
instant release niacinamide capsules? I have run a four month protocol of 3000mg/day several times over the last 15 years by taking one capsule six times per day throughout the day.
I am a 67 y/o male standing six foot tall and weighing 175lbs. Having discovered a UCI neurology white paper claiming complete remission of alzheimer’s in lab animals by administering niacinamide over a four month period. The paper suggested the accumulation of a waxy plaque responsible for blocking neural pathways in the brain was the primary cause of age related dementia. The called this waxy plaque TAU.
The paper claimed this therapy would enable the body to eliminate Alzheimer’s and all related Tauopathies.
Any input would be appreciated.
Sincerely,
R S Allred
Eastsound, WA
Ray, the half life of niacin is less than an hour. So using niacin 3 or 4-times per day makes sense. Just make sure you are using form that does not harm your liver. Niacinamide is a good option.
Hi David,
first of all congrats and thank you for your amazing project!!!
I wanted to ask if it’s possible to work 1:1 with you; I’m a ADHD’er with a little bit of OCD and GAD, besides my sleep apnea… 52 years young, diagnosed 3 years only… I’m experimenting recently with Tyrosine, Pine Bark extract, Lions Mane, Glutamine during the day, GABA and magnesium in the night…
In general I add. Vit D3, B12, C, Quercitin for my immune system, probiotics since I have been with antibiotics because of a prostate problem…
THe thing is that I’m not 100% sure if I’m doing right, if I’m over dosing, under dosing, missing something, doing really good or, or, or…. (my GAD and ADHD overthinking here??? 😀 )
If not you, it would be nice to find somebody who could work with me on this journey, since traditional doctors mostly don’t get my point, don’t understand us neurodivergents 🙂
Thanks for all!!!
CHris
Chris I’m happy to work with you. Here is a link to my calendar: https://calendly.com/davidtomen/60-minute-consultation-with-nootropics-expert
I’ll walk you through what you need to do and why. And my suggestions on how to make what you are using even better.
David, I just saw Galantamine being sold @ Smart Nutrition. Can you check it out and please do a review. Am interested. In their Facebook I saw interesting information about taking care of the body not a new discovery but good review for everyone to make man whole. Many thanks David for your great work! God bless you…
Marcie, I do not review “smart drugs” that are only available by prescription in most countries. Galantamine is simply an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and works to boost acetylcholine use in your brain. Similar to Huperzine-A and several other ‘natural’ nootropic supplements I have reviewed. Do a search of this website for acetylcholinesterase inhibitor” and see what else turns up.
Where can I get your Head FIrst book? Do you sell it?
Also, what was that book you offeredwhen we first subscribe?
Was that the Optimized Brain? Can you offer that to me again? I never did anything as I don’t know how to please? Will seek help this time. Many thanks.
Marcie, I have not yet advertised it but Head First 2nd Edition is now available in hardcover, paperback and digital from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Balboa Press, Walmart and other online bookstores. Here’s the link: https://geni.us/K1Bv
I will be ‘launching’ Head First 2nd Edition with all the advertising, etc. within the next month. But there is no reason to wait! And if you have it you do not need Secrets of the Optimized Brain unless you want to subscribe to my newsletter again which you can here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/free-download/
Hi,
Great site with elaborate info, very helpful, thanks!
I miss galantamine being covered? I know it’s a bit more obscure than huperzine-a but think it’s worth to mention. Would be great to see it added, thank you!
Richard, Galantamine is a prescription drug. You cannot buy it at your local vitamin shop or health food store as far as I know. Which means it is not a natural nootropic supplement.
Different supplements have different recommendations for dosages ranging from mg to G per day. Is there a rule of thumb as to how much the transport mechanisms across the blood brain barrier can support at a time?
I know sometimes it is recommended not to take certain supplements at the same time due to competition for theses pathways. So if there is a limit, then maybe certain supplements can be taken together at certain times? And also have a need to limit big doses of certain supplements that would max out capacity for transport at a certain point.
Sean, you are making it much too complicated in my humble opinion. It has been my experience that once you find what works and the best dosage for you then the key to success with nootropics is consistently using them every day. And sometimes 2 or 3 times per day depending on the supplement.
Worrying about things like transport competition will just give you a headache which is counter productive to what we’re trying to do. And that’s to feel better.