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 - 1,837 comments
Daisy
February 16, 2021
Hi David. Firstly, I just want to thank you for all your amazing work, guidance, and for sharing it all with the world. There will be so many people learning and making steps to improve their wellbeing from the information and knowledge that you provide. Ive been on your YouTube channel this evening, and I’m learning sooo much! I can’t thank you enough.
I was wondering what your opinion is of Ginkgo Bilbao and L-Theanine being used together for aid with depression? Is this a good combo?
I’m hoping one day, in the not too distant future, to have a 1-2-1 consultation with you, which I will book in.
Thanks again for all you research and contribution to this field.
David Tomen
February 17, 2021
Daisy, Ginkgo Biloba and L-Theanine work fine together. But will they work for you? It all depends on what is causing your depression.
If you try them and they don’t provide any benefit, I suggest you learn everything you can about those two supplements. Then choose another supplement that is completely different. And doesn’t work on the same neurotransmitters as the first two.
You may need to continue experimenting until you find the perfect combo of nootropics that work for you.
Daisy
February 17, 2021
Thank you David. Very much appreciated
Anthony D Wilson
February 11, 2021
David,
My wife (current age 63) has ben on a downward spiral for about 5 years. First acute angle glaucoma treated with iridotomy and acetazolimide, then sinus infection treated with broad spectrum antibiotics. The she had a small bowel overgrowth treated with broad spectrum antibiotics. All the while through this she had terrible IBS. Then she developed a systemic candida infection, which finally manifested as a vaginal yeast infection before anyone would acknowledge candida was a problem and treat it. Her brain fog started during the small bowel overgrowth, worsened during her candida problem. After the yeast infection was treated with creams and finally defeated with a couple of rounds of diflucan (she speaks often of how black and tarry her stools were for a week after the diflucan was taken, along with flu like symptoms,) her fog improved for a while. She then had serious depression which led to panic attacks, high blood pressure, more brain fog (to the point her neurologist prescribed aricept) different doctors, cognitive behavioral therapy, etc. During the two years she developed burning and tingling in the hands and feet and pain in the back of the arms.
She had genetic testing which showed her dopamine and serotonin systems are dysfunctional. She is now on trintellix for depression which seems to help, along with NAC, L-methyl folate and alpha lipoic acid supplements as well as invega for mood stabilization. Oh, and cholesterol is a problem too. She can’t take statins, of courser since they cause brain fog, so she is on a prescription dose of fish oil. The tingling and numbness in the feet and hands has mostly disappeared as has the pain in the back of the arms.
Her neurologist (new who prescribed that listed directly above) indicated that he did not see alzheimers in her. She clearly has cognitive decline and an attention problem. He indicated he did not want to look at aderall or ritalyn yet.
My wife can function around the house, but has no drive to do anything. her attention span is almost nonexistent. Her executive function is very poor. Neuropsych testing was worthless because she couldn’t concentrate long enough to complete it.
I am looking for a good nootropic to try for her.
David Tomen
February 12, 2021
Anthony, just from the history you describe it sounds like your wife’s problems started with “broad spectrum antibiotics”. That type of antibiotic is like carpet bombing your microbiome. You may have heard of the “gut-brain” connection. It’s real.
Here are a couple of articles I’d like you to read to get a better understanding of what needs to be done:
https://nootropicsexpert.com/psychobiotics-gut-brain-connection/
https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-supplements-for-brain-fog/
If that seems a little overwhelming to you I suggest scheduling a consultation with me. Because this is far to important to try and address in a comments thread.
https://nootropicsexpert.com/personal-consultations/
Celeste
February 11, 2021
Hi, I live in the UK and I am interested in trying some nootropics for anxiety and depression. I ordered phenibut recently and it was seized at the border. I was sent a letter to say that the matter wouldn’t be pursued further but that if I did something like that again, it could be escalated to a criminal matter.
My question is, I am nervous to buy anything that could be considered a psychoactive substance. I heard Agmatine and ashwagandha might be illegal to import into the UK. I have looked and cannot find a list of prohibited items.
Could you help me with this so I know what I can order safely?
Thank you!
David Tomen
February 11, 2021
Celeste, please see the section “UK” in this article for more information on the legality of nootropics in the UK: https://nootropicsexpert.com/are-nootropics-legal-in-my-country/
Willy
February 3, 2021
Hi David, you are doing a very good job.
My question is, adding tryptophan to my morning stack will supress dopamine and make me less productive/ tired or will make me more happier/ calm?
Tyrosine
Mucuna
Inositol
Aniracetam
Alpha GPC
Ashwagandha
B Complex
Vitamin C from camu camu
Coconut Oil
I want to be more happier and calm during the day but i dont know if tryptophan in the morning stack is a good idea.
And my second question is, taking Inositol with tryptophan every night will help me to increase serotonin more than if i take tryptophan only?
Thanks
David Tomen
February 3, 2021
Willy, using L-Tryptophan in the morning will likely just make you feel tired. Take it before bed because it will help you sleep along with keeping serotonin levels up.
You can use Inositol instead 3-times per day (i.e. morning, noon, and late afternoon). And that should help boost your mood without making you feel tired. As long as you keep each dose at 1,000 mg or less each time.
But keep an eye on your testosterone levels when using Inositol. Because some report that it suppresses their T-levels and libido. Doesn’t seem to happen with everyone. But worth keeping a eye out in case you are one of those people.
Any particular reason you are using both L-Tyrosine AND Mucuna?
Alexander
February 20, 2021
Hey David; a borderline Adderall addict here. I am seeing online that some people use piracatam with adderall. I purchased some Pramiracetam some time ago but never used it. Will this do the trick too? Is it too much in combination with addy?
Also I know you recommend using a b complex for us ADD people. I have used B6 100mg this past bit for neurotransmitter production and I take a multi. Is a b complex still important for myself? For some reason I had it in my mind that B6 was the most important for me, and all of the b complexes I have had before arnt high enough in that.
I also take zinc, CoCQ10, CDP Choline, Vitamin D, Magnesium threonate, melatonin, vitamin C and a crappy fish oil supplement. I also have my as needed supplements too Ashwaghanda, L arginine and Calcium Carbonate. And Iodine as well, which for whatever reason makes me a better reader, but can make me overthink and become paranoid of something crazy when on adderall aswell.
Is there any supplements you think I could add to my stack? Anything that could be swapped for something better or taken out completely? I’m open to anything, and have a lot of flexibility working with my psychiatrist.
David Tomen
February 21, 2021
Alexander, Phenylpiracetam is a stimulant so I can see why someone who abuses or is addicted to Adderall would want to use it. Fortunately, this racetam shouldn’t do any “extra” damage to the brain that Adderall already does. I would not recommend it.
I prefer the ‘conservative’ approach to treating ADD. And using L-Tyrosine to potentiate and support Adderall should be all anyone needs.
You need ALL of the B-Vitamins and not just B6 (https://nootropicsexpert.com/13-vitamins-essential-for-the-optimized-brain/).
So either a highly bioavailable B-Complex OR a high-end muli like the Performance Lab NutriGenesis Multi should be enough. And get a better Omega-3 please and ditch the fish oil. Your brain NEEDS 1,000 mg DHA every single day.
Arik
February 2, 2021
Hi, I feel I have got ADHD. But I want to ask why I could be reading something but not understand it? It’s like my brain is not processing the info properly? Maybe because my brain is thinking too fast? ADHD? What do you think the reason might be?
And would you advise B complex vitamins for that? If so? Which brand I am in the UK.
David Tomen
February 3, 2021
Arik, before you decide that you are ADHD I suggest you read this article top to bottom: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/. It includes a section you can use to help you figure out if you are ADHD.
There is no “one pill” solution if you are ADHD. It’s going to take a lot more than a simple B-Complex to fix whatever is causing your symptoms.
You’re on the first page of Nootropics Expert. And you’ve got hundreds of pages to choose from to help you figure this out. But start with that article first.
adriana
February 1, 2021
Welcome back! You did a lot, for yourself and for those who can not take care of themselves, and who don’t find an appropriate doctor.
It is amazing! …it is a real lesson for me! My own health forced me to do almost the same. I try not to be a victim of the same horrible illness my mother had.
I tried to download the book generously offered by you…I made a mistake and I failed.
I will go on you inspired me, have a wonderful life and enjoy your renewed life!
Thank you, so much!
David Tomen
February 2, 2021
Adriana, if you tried to download Secrets of the Optimized Brain and something went wrong please let me know and I’ll email you a copy.
Frieda
January 29, 2021
Hello David, I currently take Effexor, Wellbutrin, Risperidone, and trazadone. Are there any combinations of nootropics that would be safe and effective for me? My main symptoms I want to fix are anhedonia, depression, brain fog, memory loss, and irregular sleep patterns. I also have mild hypothyroidism, amenorrhea, and pre-diabetes which might be related to my mood also. I am new to this but I have taken phosphatidylcholine, multivitamin, fish oil, L-Tyrosine, and NAC. Are those safe to take with my medicine? And are there any better alternatives?
David Tomen
January 29, 2021
Frieda, you have a lot going on and are using several very potent medications. So please be careful. You can use this Drug Interaction checker to find out which drugs and supplements interact or are contraindicated with each of your prescription meds: https://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html.
I’ve written articles for each of the issues you mention. Find out how to deal with:
Brain fog: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-supplements-for-brain-fog/
Depression: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-depression/
Memory: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-learning-and-memory/
Sleep: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-sleep-supplements-to-buy/
Anhedonia is a little more complicated and needs to be saved for another time after you’ve done your homework. If this all seems a little overwhelming to you I do offer personal consultations. But please do your reading first before you decide to schedule a consultation.
David Tomen
January 27, 2021
Hi Donna, I just checked my calendar for Jan. 30th and do not see anything from you. Please try again. You’ll get an email confirmation if it goes through successfully.