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
Alex
June 25, 2021
Hello, David! I bought your book 3 years ago, very interesting and useful, thank you very much for your work and the knowledge that you pass on to people. Please tell me, are you still working on it? Is there a new version? Thanks.
David Tomen
June 25, 2021
Alex, I’m working on the 2nd Edition of Head First and hoping to release it in the next few months. It will be available as a hard cover, paperback as well as digital.
So stay tuned …
Dan,
June 17, 2021
I’m writing for my 67 yr old girl friend – short story at this point – she had been on BP pills for about 10 years, and anti depression for about 20 years. 1 1/2 yr ago her Dr took her off the anti depression pills, then she started having trouble sleeping, and her libido dropped and her sexual sensations dropped as well. Right to the point – now, she has no libido, no arousal wetness down there, and no sexual, arousal feeling down there.
I know we need to schedule an appointment with you – but just last week she started taking the Performance Lab “Sleep”, and for the first time, after trying many different remedies for the sleep, “Sleep” is the first product that has provided some all night sleep.
So, first of all, one million Thank Yous for what you do and your willingness to share your incredible insights and knowledge. Question – could a side of effect “Sleep” product be diarrhia? We are trying to figure if there is a connection or not. Thanks so much for your help.
We’ll send full and complete details next week.
David Tomen
June 17, 2021
Dan, the only thing in PL Sleep that could cause diarrhea is magnesium. But that is usually at far higher doses. Much higher doses.
Dan
June 18, 2021
Thanks David for your response, I forgot she was also taking 800mg of magnesium /day. That’ll do it.
Thanks Again, Dan
michael chiaurro
June 9, 2021
Started taking Phosphatidylserine and ordered more but accidently bought Phosphatidylcholine. Watched your videos on PC but now want to take that too. Given the relationship of the two substances, I would imagine this would affect the dosage of them both taken together.
Normally I would use 300mg/day of PS, and you suggested I think 1500mg/day of PC. how does that recommendation change if used together since one is a precursor for the other. Thanks for all that you do.
David Tomen
June 10, 2021
Michael, PC and PS are two separate phospholipids and are not “precursors” of the other. Check the “Overview” section just under the Table of Contents for each of the following reviews which explains where each plays a role in the health of brain cell membranes:
https://nootropicsexpert.com/phosphatidylserine-ps/
https://nootropicsexpert.com/phosphatidylcholine-pc/
They compliment each other and work great with the other major component of each brain cell membrane: DHA. Recommended dosage of each remains the same if taken together. Start with 100 mg PS and 400 mg PC per dose.
Anita
June 5, 2021
Hello David, thank you for all that you do!
I am looking for the best nootropics for my dad. He was just tested at one of the holistic doctor and it showed that he has:
-Reduced neuronal excitability in the temporal lobe zone and limbic system, with emotional disorders which cause blockage in his communication and very bad sleep disorder.
-Reduced control of the frontal lobes: he get easily distracted, he has impulsive and risky behavior, impaired judgement, very forgetful.
However he has a lot of energy and so many ideas and always talks a lot. He gets angry if people dont agree with him.
I looked into your Mind Lap Pro brain support and read reviews and I see people talk about getting a lot of energy back and their performance increases.
I was scared to order that because he does not need more energy.
I looked into ordering N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine and Pine Bark Extract – is there something else you would recommend for him? Thank you so much for your help with this.
Blessings and Health to you!
David Tomen
June 5, 2021
Anita, I’d like you to spend some time with this article on the aging brain: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-the-aging-brain/.
Read through it until you understand what happens to each of us as we get older including your dad. That should give you some ideas on what you can do to help.
Reema
May 30, 2021
Hello David,
I watched your videos quite often. Internet is very vast and its hard these days to find the information which is true, meaningful and well researched.
Your work , effort and time are really appreciated and people like me will always be thankful for such a wonderful website like yours.
I have suffered with brain fog and excessive day time sleepiness for years now. Doctors could not find out anything wrong with me. Last year, the doctors thought that i have ADHD and put me on Adderall. Adderall made me even more sleepy . It literally acted as sleeping pills for me. So last month i had my neurotransmitters tested. I was astonished to see the results. My dopamine levels are twice the normal amount ( very high ). My serotonin levels are high too. GABA is high too. PEA and Norepinephrine are low. My problem is any supplement i try to increase Norepinephrine, it increases Dopamine too, and any supplement that increase Dopamine levels, make me very sleepy. ( like Adderall.). I will try Al-CAR but i have never tried it before. I dont know if it will have any effect on the Dopamine levels or not.
Any suggestion on my condition will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks a lot.
David Tomen
June 1, 2021
Reema, you are likely suffering from a neurotransmitter imbalance. But trying to use precursors for some to raise them is not likely going to work.
I’d like you to stop and consider what may be causing this imbalance. It could one or more of a hormone imbalance, nutrient deficiencies in your diet, toxic food, chemical toxins in your living environment including mold, exposure to polluted air, severe stress, genetic dysfunction, etc.
You may need to find a naturopathic doctor or someone who practices “alternative medicine” who can help you dig into what may be causing this. This will take much more that lab tests to get to the bottom of it.
Corey sieben
May 27, 2021
Hi David! I am wondering if any of the “cell salts” are nootropic in any way. Here is a link to the brand that I buy. I get the 12 in 1 bottle. It does seem to help with an energy levels, and I definitely feel better all around when I am taking them. Hyland’s Cell Salts
David Tomen
May 27, 2021
Corey, if those “salts” are helping you it means you are low in one or more minerals. And you could likely get the same benefit by using a high quality multivitamin and contains chelated minerals. Like this one: https://bit.ly/347dm5M
Samuel Gonzalez
May 26, 2021
Hi David. I have been a follower of your blog for years, and I love it!
I am a CFS patient, and mental fatigue has affected me the most. Honestly, I really want to start with nootrootropics, but I don’t know where to start.
Do you recommend something special to start?
Thank you very much for your contribution! A strong greeting.
David Tomen
May 26, 2021
Samuel, you have a number of options for treating chronic fatigue. Start with this: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-energy-supplements-to-buy/
Taurine (https://nootropicsexpert.com/taurine/) protects from mitochondrial dysfunction and modulates energy metabolism within cells.
You could be low in DHEA (https://nootropicsexpert.com/dhea/). Astaxanthin (https://nootropicsexpert.com/astaxanthin/) may help. As well as Ginseng (https://nootropicsexpert.com/ginseng/) and NADH (https://nootropicsexpert.com/nadh/).
And get yourself a good quality bioactive B-Complex because several of the B-Vitamins (https://amzn.to/3fnkHnu) are implicated in chronic fatigue. And/or a high quality multivitamin: https://bit.ly/347dm5M
Samuel Gonzalez
June 21, 2021
I thank you very much! Really. I have been to many doctors, and few have supported me. And it has not been easy. A hug! Greetings
Jacob
May 25, 2021
Hi! Unfortunately, I can’t afford all of those supplements listed on your stack. I was thinking of buying some of them, but I can’t figure out what specific ones would benefit my lifestyle. I take Adderall for ADHD but my body isn’t absorbing it as well as it used to, even after taking breaks. What would you suggest that I can take to help re-build tolerance and help battle my adhd issues? The Performance Lab Energy product looks good so I’m thinking of adding that today! My budget is around $120 for supplements per month
David Tomen
May 26, 2021
Jacob, you need a slimmed down version of my ADD/ADHD stack which is designed to support the use of Adderall.
L-Tyrosine 500 mg 3-times per day, Alpha GPC 300 mg 3-times per day, ALCAR 500 mg 3-times per day, 1,000 mg DHA and magnesium 400 mg before bed. That will help reduce tolerance, eliminate a stimulant crash and help with your ADHD issues.
Performance Lab Energy is great for supporting your mitochondria but does not boost dopamine and only partially supports acetylcholine.