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
Suzanne
April 23, 2021
Hi David,
I’m reading your article about the nootropics you use. I was wondering why you don’t use egcg or mention it anywhere. Is there a reason you are not a fan of it?
Thanks in advance for replying!
David Tomen
April 24, 2021
Suzanne, I haven’t gotten around to writing a review on EGCG. But do get mine by drinking a couple of cups of green tea during the day.
Patrick
April 21, 2021
Hi David,
I read your article about DHEA and I like that you mentioned a lot about research. But I have a few questions. Last year I suffered from high calprotectin as the doctors said was due to “h-pylori” and I was taking the medicine Olanzapine/Zyprexa before that happened but I had to stop suddenly without tapering down due to that. Now I think that because I stopped with that so suddenly, my DHEA levels dropped as I was experiencing a lot of stress because I stopped it, my DHEA is currently at 5.2 which is lower than normal. I started taking olanzapine/zyprexa again in December last year but my DHEA levels didn’t return to normal. I’m 29 years old and I wonder if I take a DHEA supplement to get my levels back to normal, will taking the supplements suppress my body’s ability to produce it on its own and do I have to take it for the rest of my life? The only thing that I experience from low DHEA levels is low libido and a bit of brain fog. I really hope you can give me some advice thanks!
David Tomen
April 22, 2021
Patrick, the argument that using these supplements may suppress your body’s ability to produce them naturally on its own is bad advice in my opinion.
Because what if your body cannot make as much DHEA as you need? Do you need to suffer from DHEA deficiency for the rest of your life hoping that some day it’ll start working again?
That doesn’t work for me.
I’m hypothyroid and use large dosages of natural desiccated thyroid every single day. If I miss just one dose I go hypo and feel sick.
I’ve had endocrinologists look at what I’m taking and tell me it’s too much. That I’m not letting my own thyroid produce hormone naturally. I’ve fired at least 7 of those doctors so far. Because they have no idea what they are talking about.
Patrick
April 23, 2021
Thanks for responding. I will contact you about consulting once I receive my blood test results on Tuesday. I have one more question though, do you think I can take DHEA supplement at the same time I take my Ritalin for ADHD? Because I read taking DHEA it increase your heart rate. Also have you ever heard about a case where someone in my age was deficient in DHEA and took it for one cycle, say a month to be back in normal levels again and then didn’t have to take it anymore because his levels remained balanced? I was hoping to not having to take it all my life because that one incident when I stopped Zyprexa caused my levels to drop.
David Tomen
April 24, 2021
Patrick, it depends on each of us and our system and how it responds to each of these supplements. I use DHEA at the same time as Ritalin with no problem. But you may react different than I.
I have come to realize over the last few years that younger and younger guys have issues with these hormones. I’ve talked to guys in their 20’s whose levels were what you would expect to see in someone in their 60’s.
Some supplement with DHEA for a month and then take a month “hormone holiday”. Others like me need to supplement every day. I don’t want to give you false hope Patrick on something that you may need to do deal with for life. I hope you don’t need to but would not be surprised if you did.
That’s the world we live in today. The dietary supplement industry is growing by billions of dollars each year. It barely existed 50 years ago. But that’s a whole other conversation I’ll not get into here.
Ken
April 20, 2021
Hi David. Really enjoy reading all the great research you provide. Can mucuna pruriens powder (15% L-dopa) from Sun Potion be taken with Mind Lab Pro? Or is Mind Lab Pro good enough to take by itself? Also, can either be taken long-term? Thanks!
David Tomen
April 22, 2021
Ken, Mind Lab Pro was designed to be taken on its own. And it should provide some benefit for you as it has for thousands of others.
But if you are low in dopamine then you may want to try Mucuna. Although it’s not the best way to boost dopamine. A better option is L-Tyrosine because it is easier to dose, works within 30 minutes, and is safe.
Seth Fulmer
April 20, 2021
Hi David,
Do you have any nootropic recommendations for narcolepsy?
David Tomen
April 20, 2021
Seth, I have not come across any research specifically for treating narcolepsy with nootropic supplements. Nothing natural will provide the same stimulant effect as a drug like Modafinil.
Only thing I can suggest is supplements to boost your energy levels. Like this: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-energy-supplements-to-buy-in-2021/. Either stack described in that article may help. But instead of using select B-Vitamins in your case I suggest a bioactive B-Complex because chances are you are deficient in at least some of them.
One other thing is boosting dopamine. Try 500 mg L-Tyrosine 2 or 3-times per day.
Christine
April 14, 2021
Hi David! I am new to Nootropics and just beginning my research. I am so happy to have found your site and YouTube channel last week. They have been so incredibly helpful. Thank you!!!
I am researching for relief of my own issues as well as for my Mom who is beginning to suffer from memory loss. I placed an order a few days ago for a few different items that you suggested based on my needs but I would really love to schedule time to speak with you and get your advice and suggestions specific to my concerns. I clicked the link to your calendar on YouTube and it gave me an error message. Is there another way do this?
David Tomen
April 15, 2021
Christine, thanks for the heads-up on a bad link on my YouTube channel. If you can remember where you found that bad link please let me know and I’ll fix it.
Meanwhile, you’ll find links to my calendar here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/personal-consultations/. I highly recommend an hour rather than 30 minutes from past experience of dozens and dozens of other consultations.
Natasha
April 13, 2021
Hi David I have made my own stack equivalent to Mind Lab Pro with the only exception being that I am using sublingual vitamin B complex in place of taking vitamin B complex in capsule form. I read that sublingual is better absorbed in some people. I am not feeling the same effect and curious if taking vitamin B complex in capsule form helps absorb other nootropics better than sublingual? The change in how I feel could be attributable to other causes so not sure if I should consider adding vitamin B complex to nootropic blend in non sublingual form? Any feedback on this is appreciated.
David Tomen
April 15, 2021
Natasha, a lot or these supplements work by going through our digestive system. And that would include most of the vitamins and minerals you need every day. d
Just because something gets into your bloodstream faster does not mean it will work better.
Also, keep in mind that Mind Lab Pro was designed with each ingredient working in synergy at exactly that dosage. And they use premium patented versions of many ingredients which would be expensive to try and recreate their formula.
I’ve gone through the calculations as have others and Mind Lab Pro keeps on coming up as the most cost effective way to do it. And it works.
Natasha
April 20, 2021
Thank you for this explanation.
If I am adding a racetam in addition to Mind Lab Pro, do I need to take additional citicoline or is there enough in 2 capsules of Mind Lab Pro to assist racetam such as aniracetam?
David Tomen
April 20, 2021
Natasha, it is likely that there is not enough Citicoline in Mind Lab Pro to support Aniracetam use. But each of us is different and you may find that it is enough.
The only way to find out is to try it. If you do try it and find that Aniracetam provides zero benefit, or you get a headache, it means you need to add an extra choline supplement.
wong
April 13, 2021
Hi david
Do you know which supplements help in low blood pressure? Does B9 Folate and B12 helps?
David Tomen
April 15, 2021
Wong, for optimal cardiovascular health and blood pressure you need the right daily dose of Vitamin, C, Vitamin E, the B-Vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium, copper, manganese, chromium, and vanadium. A deficiency in any of these can result in an increase in blood pressure.
As for the rest of the list I suggest using the search function at the top right and search for the keyword “pressure” and see what else turns up. You have plenty to choose from.
Misty
April 8, 2021
Hello David! I stumbled upon your youtube video about tryptophan while researching low serotonin levels. I would like you expertise please. I have suffered with MDD and anxiety disorder ever since elementary so I know that my serotonin is low. I recently quit taking Trintellex because I noticed that it was making me forgetful and I know long term use of anti depressants can affect cognitive ability. Now that Trintellex is fully out of my system I find myself getting back into a rut again. Do you think tryptophan could help me and does it affect cognitive ability after long term use? I would like to try the natural route if I can. Any and all information will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for all of your wonderful information you provide.
David Tomen
April 9, 2021
Misty, if Trintellix worked for you then supplements that increase serotonin may work for you. L-Tryptophan is certainly the safest way to increase serotonin. But you may need to use it before bed because it goes on the make melatonin as well. Which will make you sleepy.
Tryptophan does help with cognitive ability especially if you use it daily. But serotonin works in concert with dopamine and they must be in balance. So you may want to consider trying L-Tyrosine during the day to increase dopamine as well.