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 - 1,827 comments
Peter
May 6, 2021
I’ve been dabbling in nootropics for the past half a year, but I still haven’t found a balance that I’m looking for from the things I’ve tried.
Around November, I decided to order the well-known alpha brain stack. It soon became apparent that jittery feelings were present so I stopped after a few days. Next, I tried several things, such as several multivitamins and then Mind Lab pro, all of which also gave me jitteriness.
So, more recently I’ve been trying to focus on individual supplements, as it seems obvious that too many ingredients in one stack are not suited to my body. Firstly I tried phosphatidylcholine which unfortunately presented me with jitteriness again (sweaty palms, faster heartbeat), so I stopped that. I am currently on alpha-GPC (its been 4 days). The effects have been ok- definitely feeling more focused. However, my heartbeat seems heavier (although a lot less jitteriness overall than PC) and I seem to get periods of tiredness throughout the day.
Considering the fact that all these experiences point to the fact I’m clearly sensitive to jittery side effects generally, are there any supplements that I should be looking at which have the greatest likelihood of the least amount of these side effects? My main goal is to increase my focus.
David Tomen
May 7, 2021
Pedro, focus and concentration is primarily the job of acetylcholine. You can increase acetylcholine synthesis by using Alpha GPC, CDP-Choline (Citicoline), and Phosphatidylcholine.
The feeling of jitteriness is often caused by excess norepinephrine which is a byproduct of dopamine. Try using something like L-Tyrosine which increase dopamine and see what happens.
Kathy
May 6, 2021
I take Rosuvastatin 10mg daily is it safe to take No-Flush Niacin 500mg with this on a daily basis to lower LDL or can I discontinue the statin all together & just take the Niacin?
Also, is the Niacin toxic to the Liver because my Doc says that it doesn’t lower LDL & the side effects are concerning.
David Tomen
May 6, 2021
Kathy, read the dosage notes and types to buy for niacin which explains which forms of niacin at which dose are toxic to your liver here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/vitamin-b3-niacin/
I cannot recommend one way or the other about using statins because I am not a doctor. Only you can decide after using the right kind of niacin at the right dosage and your labs tell you LDL has dropped.
Sorry, but in this case your doctor is misinformed. I encourage you the read some of the user reviews on bestselling niacin supplements. And see what others say about how it affected their LDL levels.
Thomas
May 3, 2021
Hi David,
What are your thoughts on the use of donepezil in cognitively normal and healthy adults?
Thanks,
David Tomen
May 4, 2021
Thomas, Donepezil is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor drug used to treat Alzheimer’s. Not sure why any healthy person would want to use it since we have several natural nootropics that act as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.
CJ
April 30, 2021
David – thank you for the informative videos. I hope you’re willing to give a detailed answer. I have ADHD and Aspergers/ASD, diagnosed in my 40’s. Caffeine (including high caffeine drinks) as well as low-to-mid dose stimulants cause tiredness. Medium-to-high doses of stimulants make me feel “calm” but no motivational benefit, nor extra focus, but cause side effects when it wears off that my heart rate is high preventing sleep, even though I am so sleepy, whereas when I’m not on meds I nowadays fall asleep fine and long (mostly on the couch before bedtime). I’m also often fatigued but off meds its less. I’ve also looked into gut health, and two different tests (both directly of my gut contents, and also from a blood test and a different company) show undetectable lactobacillus / bifido, but show a significantly high candida, which I’m not sure whether that might prevent my gut from making the correct neurotransmitters. I believe there is a “missing connection” in my body that is preventing all stimulants from working (and I mean, including Desoxyn, so we’ve tried a lot of meds to get to there). A: Is there a type of doctor that reliably looks into neurotransmitters, and if so, do you know what type as well as a recommendation? B: Do my symptoms sound familiar and if so, do you have direction for nootropics? C: Do you take patients to look at nootropics, and the like, as I’ve described? D: I will take any additional recommended advice you can think of. I appreciate it, so much!
David Tomen
April 30, 2021
CJ, I’m not a doctor. Don’t even play one on TV. But even I can see that “undetectable lactobacillus / bifido” is a HUGE problem. And until you get that fixed nothing will work right. No nootropic or drug has a chance when your microbiome is so out of whack.
The gut/brain connection is a real thing. Most serotonin and GABA is made in your gut. The various strains of lactobacillus and bifidobacterium are involved in everything from neurotransmitter synthesis to immune function and much, much more.
I highly recommend that you hunt until you find a doctor or naturopath who understands how the human gut works. Get rid of the candida or at the very least get it under control. And after you get the right stool samples analyzed find out which probiotics you should be using. Don’t just go picking something off the shelf and hoping for the best.
coco
April 28, 2021
does cacao butter (100% fat) has nootropic properties?
David Tomen
April 30, 2021
Coco, cacao butter with 85% cocoa (https://nootropicsexpert.com/cacao/) or more has nootropic value. The darker the better.
Diane
April 28, 2021
My 2 friends & I have been watching your videos. We all have a history of Lyme Disease and are currently being treated for LD. However, I believe that as a result of LD, we have developed autoimmune issues, including thyroid disease. We met at a Lyme support group over 10 years ago and we are constantly brainstorming about our ailments. LOL! We would love to hear your thoughts and we would also be interested in a consult appt. Thx very much.
David Tomen
April 30, 2021
Diane, “my thoughts” are it sounds like you and your friends should be talking about something else. Instead of rehashing your ailments. 🙂
My area of expertise is the human brain so don’t know how much help I could be for something like Lyme Disease. I am hypothyroid and could certainly share my experience there and provide some guidance.
But I don’t do group consults. It’s complicated enough sorting out the issues of one person at a time. Happy to do a consultation with each of you when you are ready. Here’s the link to my calendar: https://calendly.com/davidtomen/60min
Janice
April 26, 2021
Hello,
I’m new to nootropics and was wondering if there are any that help with hearing loss as it’s progressively getting worse. I have a little tinnitus but it’s minor thus far! I did order some Mind Lab Pro but haven’t received it yet & don’t know if that will help with hearing problems? Hearing aids don’t help much & I have the following problems so I’m hoping to prevent going deaf too!
52 years ago I had corrective surgery for Arnold Chiari malformation & hydromyelia but over the years my hands have gotten much worse…clawing, atrophy, lack of feeling to touch, pain & temerature. These are old issues that I’d like to prevent from getting worse if possible. I’m also having brain fog & memory issues.
Thanks in advance for your advice!
David Tomen
April 27, 2021
Janice, there are a couple of ingredients in Mind Lab Pro that may help you. But as you get older and things seem to worsen you need to be more aggressive in the supplements you use. There is no “one-pill” solution in life. This will take a stack of supplement and consistent daily use before you start to feel any improvement.
These supplements have been proven in clinical studies for nerve repair: Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin) + Vitamin B9 (methyl-folate), Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALCAR), Alpha Lipoic Acid, CoQ10, Omega-3s, Curcumin, and magnesium.
Pay attention to the “form” of vitamins as I have indicated above. That is critical. Try this one: https://amzn.to/32Truye. You can get three on that list in just 2 capsules here: https://bit.ly/3ifR1XJ and use it twice a day. And the Omega-3 is important as well. Use this one: https://bit.ly/3q98chL. Use 3 gelcaps instead of 2.
The magnesium supplement needs to be a chelated form of this mineral like this one: https://amzn.to/3gFv5Ip. And the curcumin supplement must contain 95% curcuminoids like this one: https://amzn.to/3vohIjL with this for added absorption: https://amzn.to/3t0moe2 both taken 3-times per day (morning, noon, and late afternoon).
All the above should help with nerve repair and consistent use should help life some of the brain fog and improve memory. Definitely keep on using Mind Lab Pro as well.
Janice
May 3, 2021
David,
Thank you so much for your help & recommendations. I do have some questions about the B complex & curcumin.
The Life Extension B complex has the following legal disclaimer on it and I’m wondering if that’s a concern: “WARNING: Consuming this product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to [California proposition 65].”
I’ve been taking 1 serving per day of the following Curcumin. I still have some on hand and would like to know if this is a good formula and if it is, how many servings per day that I should take?
Smarter Nutrition Curcumin with black seed oil (serving size 2 softens)
Curcuma longa 400 mg (standardized to minimum
95% tetrahydrocucumanoids)
Black cumin seed oil 400 mg (Nigella sativa)
Ginger root extract 100 mg (Zingiber officinale) 5% gingerols)
AstraGin 50mg (extract of Panax notoginseng & Astragalus
membranaceus) (root)
David Tomen
May 4, 2021
Janice, not sure why Life Extension’s BioActive B-Complex has that warning on it. I see that warning turn up in the most unlikely places. It sure isn’t on the bottle I have here on my desk. And I’ve never seen it on their bottle. I think that may be a mistake on Amazon or part of a template they use when entering a new product.
I can’t offer you an opinion of the curcumin supplement you mention because I don’t know what it’s for. The Curcumin is under-dosed and should be 600 – 750 mg which needs to be used 3-times per day to be effective.
peter c
April 24, 2021
David, with your expertise a new new tropics is there a particular combination of supplements that can help with epilepsy?
David Tomen
April 26, 2021
Peter, there are too many to list here. Use the search function top right of the main menu. Search for “epilepsy” and see what turns up. You should get 3 pages to choose from .