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 - 1,845 comments
Bernardo
June 16, 2020
Im making a new Stack and I was wondering how I would Optimize it. I would appreciate it if someone would want to tell me which ones I could pair together and when to take them and maybe what situation to take them in.
New Stack ( permanent additions, most likely) Iodine, Zinc, Vitamin D, Omega 3, Magnesium, Multivitamin, B Complex, ALCAR, Uridine, Lion’s Mane, Bacopa Monnieri, Citicoline, Aniracetam, Noopept, Lithium Orotate, CoQ10, and Ubiquinol Black Seed Oil
Things that seem good that I want to put in (would appreciate recommendations which ones to use or new ones I haven’t found)
Huperzine-A, SAM-e, PQQ, PS, PC, PEA, Pine Bark Extract, Rhodiola Rosea, Maca, Gotu Kola, CoQ10 and Ubiquinol Resveratrol Pterostilbene
I’m also using the mind diet 🙂 and may have ADHD (speculative going to check it out), if that contributes to anything.
David Tomen
June 17, 2020
Bernardo, each of the individual reviews for the nootropics you mention include dosage recommendations as well as the mechanism of action for each. You need to do the research and read through each of those reviews listed here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/nootropics-list/
You can avoid any two or more nootropics that have a similar mechanism of action in your brain.
If you require more help I suggest scheduling a consultation with me and I’ll help you sort it out: https://nootropicsexpert.com/personal-consultations/. But I still highly recommend doing the reading so you understand exactly what you are taking and why.
Al
June 13, 2020
Hi David,
I have been learning about lithium orolate , interesting !
Iam wondering what exactly is orolate ? Or oratic acid ?
Are they the same or …..
And what is lithium orolate vs
Elemental lithium ?
David Tomen
June 15, 2020
Al, the “orotate” is oracti acid and the rest is 5 mg elemental lithium.
Abdullah
June 10, 2020
Hi David,
I want to know, whether there are any nootropics which help to make antidepressant medication work better (SSRI in particular). I know about Inositol from your Videos, but are there any other nootropics?
Best regards,
Abdullah
David Tomen
June 12, 2020
Abdullah, Inositol is good choice to safely use with antidepressants. Keep in mind that since antidepressants usually affect serotonin, and sometimes dopamine and/or norepinephrine. Logic says they’ll work best if you have enough of those neurotransmitters available.
Since you can’t directly boost serotonin using something like L-Tryptophan, or boost dopamine using something like L-Tyrosine (depending if it’s a SSRI or SNRI). You can still support their synthesis by using cofactors. And those include the B-Vitamins and some of the minerals. SAM-e, while not usually in a high quality multi, is also involved in neurotransmitter synthesis.
I suggest getting a good Multi like the Performance Lab NutriGenesis Multi for men because it’ll help antidepressants work better: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-multivitamin-for-men-to-buy/
You can also support their use by making sure your brain cells are in good shape. And that means using DHA (https://nootropicsexpert.com/dha/) and maybe Phosphatidylserine (PS) (https://nootropicsexpert.com/phosphatidylserine-ps/).
Abdullah
June 21, 2020
Thanks a lot for the advice David
Best regards,
Abdullah
Ron
June 6, 2020
Hi David. I first heard of you on the Rebel Health Podcast and it was very informative. I am always searching for that “cure” or at least something to make quality of life as best possible. I have Myasthenia Gravis and although I’m told that it’s an uncurable disease I march on. Guess you could say ive been trying various combos of supplements since I was first diagnosed in 2013. My Doc’s pretty much have a no-comment when I bring up things I try. However they have never told me NO…. I guess cause they have no idea either. Ive been on all the various drugs and now im left with prednisone( (only 10mg/day) and occasionally mestinon when needed.
Have you ever heard of a stack for this condition? I currently use Hup-A 400mg every other day, ALC, ALA, samE, N-acetyl L-Tyrosine, lithium orotate, all the “B’s”, alpha gpc, benfotiamine, L-methylfolate….etc…etc all the major vitamines and minerals. I have to get my magnesium from very low dose chelated supps or food or topical chloride. For some reason my body does not like mag and that has put me in hospital a few times.
With that said my problem is supplement exhaustion…so many. What helps, what combo does what!?! I gets confusing and expensive. Do you or anyone reading this Know of a good stack for MG? …or am I the only one?… It gets lonely out here.
Thanks Sir.
David Tomen
June 7, 2020
Ron, from the research I’ve done into MG, it appears that acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are the most used and effective option (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25310725/).
Huperzine-A is one acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. But there are other options available. Although maybe not as effective as Hup-A. They include Black Seed Oil, Berberine, Holy Basil, Saffron, Lemon Balk and Ashwagandha extract.
Each of these other nootropics are worth looking into because of the other benefits they offer. But if you’re already having success with Huperzine-A I’d be careful about adding more AChE inhibitors to your stack.
Of course, there’s more to a healthy life than taking care of Myasthenia Gravis symptoms. And it’s why most experienced biohackers have several nootropic supplements in their stack.
Ron, please change your mind about “supplement exhaustion”. There is no such thing as a “one pill” solution as we’ve been conditioned to believe by mainstream medicine. You use what it takes to feel good. It’s no different than having a variety of food on your plate for a well-rounded and healthy meal.
Ron
June 16, 2020
Thanks David. One more question and I’m not sure it’s related. I have had tinnitus for some time and lately it ha became worse. Any supplements that you know of that would cause this or perhaps help the condition?
David Tomen
June 17, 2020
Ron, my covered tinnitus in my July 2019 email newsletter which you’ll find archived here: https://mailchi.mp/38c358b3560e/try-these-nootropics-for-tinnitus
Suki Miller
August 30, 2020
Hey Ron, & David,
I’m sure you both are already aware of it, but I just recently learned of a new form of oral magnesium called ‘ozonated magnesium'(not ozonated magnesium oil, although I am sure something like that exists, because that is just magnesium chloride & water that obviously would be ozonated)..nope; anyway, this is possibly a laxative? Also, I’m assuming you’re balancing your magnesium with calcium? You didn’t mention it, but you’ve likely covered that.
One more thing, regarding tinnitus..
I used to take a lot of NSAIDs, or aspirin if out of Aleve or Ibuprofen. I would invariably get the fiercest tinnitus during this time, but was unaware that taking excessive amounts of these medications causes hella bad tinnitus.
So, hopefully there’s something of value in that. I wish you well, Ron, & thank you, David, for this phenomenal site & for all your work & dedication.
Muchlove, suki
David Tomen
August 31, 2020
Suki, if you can come up with another way to present magnesium then you too can make a lot of money. This is just another way to make it easier for you to be “regular”.
Darcy
May 30, 2020
Dude! I had a consultation on Dec 6th ’19. I have lifelong debilitating fatigue. I was already taking a lot of the supplements you suggested but about half and so you suggested additional ones. I didn’t follow all of your suggestions due to being housebound and also cost (couldn’t get tests taken). However, I did increase supplements based on your consultation and I am also taking a few other things not mentioned. Three days ago I had my first noticeably productive day. I hate journaling and gave up on that last month, but what I do remember is; I cooked, washed some dishes and took a shower. I still needed to nap but I’m trying not to focus on that. Yesterday I stayed focused (I have ADHD as well) enough to do a lot of computer work that I normally can’t do. Today, I feel less of my malaise, and I washed dishes, twice(!), and make compound garlic butter and garlic cream cheese, and it’s not even Noon yet. I know this is unimpressive to those who don’t understand, but I’d wash some dishes about twice a month. I’d cook, maybe, three to five times a month and I wouldn’t be able do to extra stuff, like compound butter. I’d just dump some ground beef or whatever in a slow cooker or skillet, add salt and cook until done because doing any more was too much.
Also, somehow you boosted my hope that kept me going, kept me trying. I’ve been fighting this all my life, and I’m old, and I was just trying to slow my decent. I took nearly six months, keeping in mind I didn’t follow your protocol to a T, and there were really bad days where I couldn’t even manage to take supplements at all.
Whatever is wrong with me, the current medical culture could care less. I’m sure there are test that exist that would help with information but no one would refer me to a specialist because they couldn’t see anything wrong… which is why I needed a specialist.
I know enough to not expect every day to be good but now I have hope and energy to keep at this. Rambling sorry. I’m just trying to say you helped me, and thank you so much.
David Tomen
June 1, 2020
Darcy, thank you for reporting in. And your comments are the reason why I offer consultations. Nootropics helped save my life several years ago. But stories like yours will hopefully encourage someone else reading this to not give up hope. And give nootropics a try.
Natalie Calderon
May 22, 2020
Hi David,
Thank you for sharing all of this amazing information. I just bought your book, and will be printing it out and binding for reference and note taking. I initially was seeking help with anxiety, and I have been experimenting with a few supplements, AND recently got my neotransmitter levels tested which was very interesting.
But now I am wondering, for fun, if nootropics can be used as appetite suppressant. Is there a link to any nootropics to aid in weight loss?
~ Natalie
David Tomen
May 22, 2020
Natalie, so a search of Nootropics Expert for the keyword “weight loss” and see what turns up. I just tried and got two pages of results.
Zack
May 21, 2020
David thank you so much for all of your work and as support i just ordered your book, cant wait to arrive.
i came across PEA and i am really interested in trying it but i have a question:
i fell in love with empathogens like mdma and 2cb and i know that they can have a bad effect if used frequently so i am looking for an alternative, would PEA do it for me?
any advice is appreciated
thank you
David Tomen
May 21, 2020
Zack, the book you are referring to is “Secrets of the Optimized Brain” and it will arrive in your email inbox as a digital download.
But you may need to go looking for your download link. Because all Microsoft-owned email services including msn.com have this bad habit of sending Nootropics Expert emails and newsletters to folders other than your inbox. So if it did’t land in your regular inbox when you subscribed May 21 please check your other folders including Spam.
Some neurohackers love PEA for its stimulant and mood enhancing qualities. The PEA class of compounds include amphetamines, empathogens, stimulants, psychedelics, appetite suppressants, bronchodilators, nasal decongestants, and antidepressants. And one of the most famous of course is MDMA.
But you will not experience the same effect as you do with MDMA. Please read the entire review carefully from top to bottom including how to use it for best results. https://nootropicsexpert.com/phenylethylamine/
Elijah
May 19, 2020
Hi David, I came across your site today and it seems to be a treasure trove of info. I’m studying for my year 12 exams and am looking for something to help with concentration, focus, and memory. Any suggestions?
David Tomen
May 20, 2020
Elijah, check out this post https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics/ and look at the table in the first section. There is a section called, “Learning & Memory”. Make a stack out of those nootropics and it should help. But follow dosage recommendations for each supplement.