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
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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 - 1,743 comments
Chris Ortega
December 27, 2020
Thanks for all the helpful information.
One question..
In order to function physically with any kind of normalcy I need to take pain killers probably for the rest of my life, due to a devastating accident in 2016.
I swore off opiates and my doctor had me try suboxone last year and they don’t remove the pain completely but I can function fairly decent.
Can you recommend something that helps with memory and cognitive function that won’t have any adverse reactions with the suboxone?
Thanks again.
Chris,
David Tomen
December 28, 2020
Chris, first let’s address the pain. I have personally found and use Kratom as a replacement for opiates for pain that I experience from two back surgeries. More on that here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/kratom/
Suboxone primarily binds to the μ-opioid receptor and is not contraindicated with most nootropics that I’ve reviewed here on Nootropics Expert.
Which means you can put together a nootropic stack that works for you based on information I’ve detailed on this page: https://nootropicsexpert.com/how-to-improve-memory-and-concentration/
That is just one of several articles I’ve written on memory and cognitive function. But should get you started. If you want to try something right away that works well for thousands of people you could try something like Mind Lab Pro: https://bit.ly/3lh3w8a
jonn
December 26, 2020
I have anxiety because I dont socialize too much, best nootropic to avoid that anxiety?
David Tomen
December 27, 2020
Jonn, I don’t think you’ll like my answer but there is no one “best nootropic to avoid anxiety”. There is no “one-pill” solution as we’ve been conditioned to believe.
The only way to conquer anxiety is to first find out the cause. Here are three pages I’d like you to read to get a better understanding of anxiety. And then start experimenting.
https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-anxiety/
https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-social-anxiety/
https://nootropicsexpert.com/top-7-nootropic-adaptogens-to-conquer-anxiety-and-stress/
Joseph Haraszko
December 25, 2020
Hi David. Is is really worthwhile to fill your own capsules? Also, which capsule filler do you use?
David Tomen
December 26, 2020
Joseph, it is often less expensive to make your own capsule because you are buying powder and empty capsules.
I also prefer it because you are getting a pure supplement when you make your own capsules. There are zero “other ingredients” which are often toxic.
I have two of these machines: https://amzn.to/3hknblP and use these capsules: https://amzn.to/2MbosQP
Contell
December 23, 2020
Im VERY hypochondriac, what nootropic do you reccomend?
David Tomen
December 23, 2020
Contell, impossible to answer your question. Unless you can share the cause of your issue.
arnold
December 17, 2020
David what would you recommend for low testosterone?
David Tomen
December 17, 2020
Arnold, it depends on your age and what level you are working from. The best natural supplement that I’ve tried is now called Test Lab Pro. And it moved my T-levels up by about 300 pts. Can’t guarantee it will do the same for you. But if you want to try it, you can get a bottle here: http://bit.ly/2WnSqCP
Don
December 14, 2020
Hi David.
I’ve been reading a few of your guides (your wealth of information is astounding!), and I would like to start experimenting with 3-5 nootropics, see what works, then move to a formulated brand (I am 62, blood work and heart has been good). However, my brain (energy, anxiety. sleep) and nervous system (I think) REALLY need improvement. I am starting with L-Theanine (green tea makes me feel good). Also, based on your articles, I would also like to begin with AGPC and Lion’s Mane and something mitochondrial (say ALCAR). Wow, there is so much to choose from.
I’ve given some general symptoms, but based on the following, is there anything specific you would recommend?
– If I get mentally tired for whatever reason, sometimes I feel in the area behind the eyes.
– Really suffer from SAD, love that sun!
– I have the sense my parasympathetic system needs help, if I get too active (mentally or physically), I have kind of a nervous fatigue and it takes me a long time to get back to a relaxed state, even though my heart feels good.
David Tomen
December 16, 2020
Don, I suggest you take a more conscious approach to supporting your brain because of your age. I highly doubt that 3 – 5 nootropics will provide the benefit you are looking for. And here’s why …
All humans age and my research into the aging brain revealed 5 key areas that break down as we get older. But each area can be supported by repairing your brain, reducing inflammation and repairing some of the damage it’s caused, increasing blood flow and replacing lost neurotransmitters.
Please study the following page from top to bottom. Then go back to the top of that page and select at least 2 nootropic supplements from each section. You’ll end up with a nootropic stack that will begin to provide results. You’ll find those instructions here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-the-aging-brain/
This takes time. But remember that you are trying to undo decades of damage. Fortunately, it doesn’t take decades to repair. But it will take at least 2 or 3 months of dedicated, daily work. And then continued maintenance.
Don
December 16, 2020
Thanks so much David! Just so happens I’m having a blood test tomorrow – anything special to test for, I think you mentioned CRP?
David Tomen
December 17, 2020
Don, looks like I’m a little late answering your question. But for future reference, here is an article I wrote on suggested blood tests for neurohackers: https://nootropicsexpert.com/neurohackers-guide-to-lab-tests/
Jorden Keller
December 13, 2020
Hey Dave,
I’m writing this comment to ask if you know anything about akathisia or tardive dyskinesia?
My girlfriend was given an injection of Droperidol after going into the ER for ovary pain. After this injection she went haywire and the doctors proceeded to sedate her.
Since this episode 4 months ago she hasn’t been the same. Doctors and neurologists can’t seem to care.
She got surgery to check out her pain via laparoscopy surgery. Her organs look great. Her pain went away the same week as it started. That pain is no issue. Her symptoms have gotten worse since surgery. I’m guessing surgery drugs.
There was a week she was doing great and then she got hit hard with akathisia, inner turmoil, panic attacks, pressure in her head.
She was never on meds and isn’t on meds.
Ativan was the only thing that seemed to work. We found this out because she was given benadryl to calm her down but it seemed to make things worse. So then they gave her ativan.
She hates meds but is desperate to try anything.
So far I’ve gathered this
She had a cat scan with the dye and she said her head felt like it was going to explode.
Month later.
Droperidol started all of this, akathisia like symptoms. Increased aggression.
Got another cat scan, no dye this time.
Cat scan looks great.
Now she’s got akathisia like symptoms.
She will freeze and be unresponsive very rarely but only when it gets late.
Neurologist doesn’t suspect seizures.
Intense neck pain
Insomnia for a month now
This is what she is taking everyday.
Performance lab woman’s multi
Colostrum powder
1000 mg DHA
5-30g vitamin C (seemed to build up to help her for an entire week then having no effect)
100mg b6
500mg niacin (the first flush was real bad but the next day felt really good; zero tension, zero fear, and zero neck pain. Pure joy on this day. But can’t seem to replicate this day)
600mg Phosphatidylcholine
She started taking alpha gpc 300-900mg a day and acetyl L tyrosine <1000 mg a day recently. No effect
She's messed with bacopa, ginsing, lemon balm, and valerian root here and there with mixed results. Never consistent with anything in particular. Trying to play it safe
One thing to note, if can muster to get her self into a very very intensive competitive mindset she feels way better and usually gets a better day out of that day. She's tournament able in a video game she plays. I wonder if that brain state can be a clue to figuring this out.
I appreciate your time to read this.
She is living like she's going through some huge withdrawal to an addiction she's never had. I fear she's losing hope and that she'd do something when I'm at work.
David Tomen
December 14, 2020
Jorden, your first clues to what will help are her was her positive experience with Ativan (lorazepam), and niacin.
I suggest doing a search of Nootropics Expert (function top right of the top menu) and search for “lorazepam”.
You’ll get results like Bacopa Monnieri, niacin, Kava, and Ashwagandha along with several articles which likely reference lorazepam. See each of my reviews for those 4 nootropics which includes why they were compared to lorazepam along with dosage recommendations and timing.
Jorden Keller
December 14, 2020
Appreciate it !
I’ve got those besides KAVA.
I’ll look into those articles
May I share an interesting article referring to a Japanese 7 herb combination (yokokansan) that is used for seizures, tardive dyskinesia, am I anxiety, panic, insomnia, dementia aggression, neurogenesis, and much more. Showing promising effects on all sorts of neurotransmitters and most parts of the brain including the brain step, as well as the siatic nerve.
3 of the main herbs seem to do a lot of the work
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2017.00149/full
David Tomen
December 15, 2020
Great study Jorden. Thanks.
Cassio
December 10, 2020
Hello David, I am watching your videos reading about nootropics and your content are really fascinating!
I’m 20 years old and actually studying and training but I want a better memory, focus and awareness feeling during my studies.
I study a lot and frequently I had a lot of mental fog and bad memory(specially short-therm memory) in my day..
I will show my first stack of nootropics and supplements that I buy in last week and you confirm if can I take all of them or not..I buy for test and take for about 2 months or more in my day I only use 10mg of (Lexapro
Escitalopram) for social anxiety..
Nootropics that I buy to take daily:
Complete B Complex (60 capsules Life Extension)
Bacopa Monnieri (250 mg)
Acetyl L-Carnitine (500mg)+(B6 2mg)
Rhodiola Rosea (300mg)
Gingko Biloba (120mg)
Vinpocetine (6mg)
Choline Bitartrate (250mg)
Creatine (3mg)
Omega 3 4 capsules (DHA 480mg+EPA 720mg)
Nootropics to cycle 2nd to 3rd day:
Huperzine-A (200mcg source naturals)
DMAE (100mg)90 capsules
David Tomen
December 11, 2020
Cassio, I suggest replacing Choline Bitartrate with Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline. Because Choline Bitartrate needs to be dosed at least 1,000 mg to be somewhat effective. It cannot cross the blood-brain barrier.
Are you sure about 3 mg of Creatine? Because that’s almost nothing.
And you are not supporting dopamine with your stack which is important for studying. Try 250 or 300 mg L-Tyrosine twice per day.
Cassio
December 11, 2020
Thank you so much David, I will try to buy CDP Choline and L-Tyrosine in the next time like you said. and the creatine was 3g I typed wrong haha..
Other question that it’s in my mind:
With all this nootropics + Lexapro 10mg Can I have a super dosage of acetylcholine or other excess of compound?
It’s an safe stake in your opinion?
David Tomen
December 12, 2020
Cassio, you can certainly take too much of any supplement which is not good. And is sometimes dangerous.
Lexapro is an SSRI which means it affect serotonin in your brain. You cannot use nootropic supplements that also increase serotonin or you put yourself in danger of Serotonin Syndrome which can be deadly.