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 - 1,761 comments
Rob
January 9, 2021
I love when I take cacao, I feel amazing, I want to talk with everybody and the problems go away, what exactly is happening to make me feel so good?
And the best substitute? I cant take to much because cacao has a lot of oxalates and I have issues with my kidneys
David Tomen
January 9, 2021
Rob, Cacao (https://nootropicsexpert.com/cacao/) stimulates the release of anandamide (the “bliss” molecule).
Mery
January 7, 2021
Something for personality disorder?
David Tomen
January 8, 2021
Mary, it depends on what symptom of personality disorder you want to treat. For depression you could try St. John’s wort. And for anxiety see my article on best adaptogens for anxiety: https://nootropicsexpert.com/top-7-nootropic-adaptogens-to-conquer-anxiety-and-stress/
Abra
January 7, 2021
Can you recommend the safest or high quality St. John’s wort supplement? I read in your book hipericin may cause blindness..
David Tomen
January 8, 2021
Abra, you want a St. John’s wort supplement that uses hyperforin. A patented version of this is called Perika and Nature’s Way is one of the few companies who make it: https://amzn.to/3nu2N34
Don
January 5, 2021
Hi David
I’ve started to supplement with L Tryptophan at 500mg at night and thinking of going up to 1g; is it necessary to supplement with Tyrosine re Dopamine balance, or should I be fine?
I also take magnesium, I-theanine, ashwaghanda, thus I don’t want to spend money on more supps that I don’t need 🙂
David Tomen
January 7, 2021
Don, great question but only you can answer it because each of us is different in how we respond to these supplements. You may need to add 500 mg L-Tyrosine the next day after using 1,000 mg L-Tryptophan. But maybe not. Only way to find out is try it. See the “Side Effects” section for L-Tryptophan and/or do a Google search for “excess Tryptophan” and see what people say about using too much. So you’ll have something to compare it to.
Emma
January 4, 2021
Hi David, after researching, I’m considering to start the following stack.
Background, I’m starting a challenging 2 year medical program this week. I’m seeking to improve my memory, learning, and motivation/energy. I’ve been adjusting my sleep schedule slowly but surely to a more normal rhythm in the last month after leaving a 3yr contingent/part time night position at the hospital. I’m a 22y/o female, 115lbs. This is what I currently take supplement-wise daily/morning (for the last approx 3 years on/off):
vit c 1000mg
vit d 15,000 iu and vit k 100mcg
trans-resveratrol 490mg
omega 3 1600mg (DHA 600mg)
alpha lipoid acid 300mg
vit e 140 iu (with gamma tocopherol 400 mg) w/ selenium 200mcg
B-complex
magnesium 400mg (at night)
curcumin c complex 1102mg
milk thistle 140mg
This is the stack I’m considering to add starting out once in the morning and once at noon between classes:
Mind Lab Pro x 2 daily
Piracetam 2400mg x 2 daily
CDP Choline (additional) 250mg x 2 daily
Noopept 10mg x 2 daily
Do you think this is a safe stack to start out with for my age? Too much choline? Even though MLP has CDP Choline, could I use Alpha GPC as the additional choline?
I immensely appreciate your feedback. Hope this was straight enough to the point!
David Tomen
January 8, 2021
Emma, sounds like an effective stack. But you are correct that I’d recommend Alpha GPC instead of CDP-Choline since you are already getting that in MLP. That much Piracetam along with Noopept will likely demand at least 300 mg each time you use them.
I also recommend changing you Vitamin E supplement to one that contains all 8 isomers. And cutting back your Vitamin D to 5,000 IU per day.
Pablo
January 2, 2021
Safest nootropic similiar to an ssri?
David Tomen
January 2, 2021
Pablo, there is no nootropic that is “similar” to a ‘selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor’ (SSRI). But if you are simply trying to increase serotonin you need a direct precursor like L-Tryptophan: https://nootropicsexpert.com/tryptophan/
MooD
January 1, 2021
Nootropics or stack similar to benzos?
When I take benzos I feel REALLY good and axiety and depression disappears
David Tomen
January 1, 2021
MooD, use the search function top right of the main menu above. And search for the keyword “benzodiazepine” and see what turns up.
There have been several nootropic supplements that have been tested in clinical settings that were compared to benzos in efficacy.
Luna
December 31, 2020
In the morning at 7:00 I take my bulletproof coffee, theanine, tyrosine and aniracetam, I dont have any anxiety and I am very focused, but at 15:00 I get very anxious and depressed until the night even if I take more aniracetam, can it be serotonin deficiency caused by stimulating dopamine or what could it be?
David Tomen
December 31, 2020
Luna, you are doing plenty so support dopamine. But when you raise dopamine you depress serotonin. And vice versa.
I suggest a couple of things. Add 300 mg Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline to your morning stack. Repeat your stack at noon. And then again late afternoon if needed (but without Aniracetam).
Then take 500 mg L-Tryptophan before bed to increase serotonin.
Ann W
January 11, 2021
I just wanted to add that I was experiencing the same issue. I started splitting my L-tryptophan dose into two doses – 250mg in the early evening (b/w 6-7), second 250mg dose an hour before bed (b/w 10-11). It smooths out my mood later in the day without making me sleepy to early.