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 - 1,771 comments
Alejandra
August 5, 2021
Hello, I love your blog, it is very complete. I would like to tell you about my specific case to see if you could recommend a nootropic and an order to start. I am 24 years old and I have always tended to be dispersed, however in my childhood and adolescence it was more due to my shyness and fear of socializing. However, it was always difficult for me to process information, understand texts, etc. I was doing well academically but I didn’t have such a good memory or understanding. In adolescence I began to see how I had many ideas, many things I wanted to learn, a lot of intellectual curiosity … however I have always been a perfectionist and obsessive person with learning everything by heart and not having the patience to learn things or discipline At 19 I was hospitalized in a mental health clinic for an episode of depression and anxiety, I spent 1 year with intermittent exits and was medicated with antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, etc … that left me like a zoombie until my body I got used to it more … but I had side effects such as a focal epileptic seizure, repetitive movements in the limbs, things fell out of my hands, my legs buckled when walking … etc. Today I take much less medication than before, only three: sertraline, levothyroxine and levomepromazine. But I must say that although I do not have so much anxiety, I feel slow of thought, I have no motivation, I no longer have so many interests, I am always lazy, it is difficult for me to concentrate, I get stressed easily when I study, the minimum mental effort causes me a headache, My memory is bad, I never remember what I ate the day before … I find it difficult to learn, understand texts and I don’t even have so much verbal fluency … after all that history, what do you think I should use as Nootropics to improve all that topic? Another thing is that I have been diagnosed with a borderline personality disorder with variations in mood, strong emotions, anger, etc … in addition to a tendency to isolation and a presumed attention deficit
David Tomen
August 7, 2021
Alejandra, you have a lot going on there and it’s not possible for me to make a targeting recommendation based on your history and symptoms.
If you want to get started with nootropics I suggest you start with something simple but highly effective for most people. It’s called Mind Lab Pro and you can check it out here: https://bit.ly/3uAGRbk
Alejandra
August 8, 2021
Muchas gracias David, no te preocupes entiendo
Voy a revisar Mind Lab Pro como sugieres.
David Tomen
August 9, 2021
de nada Alejandra
Thomas
August 4, 2021
Thanks for sharing with us your great knowledge.
Last year I was on SSRI medication and after 3 month I got one arm tremor.I stopped taking SSRI , but tremor still persisted for over a year now.
I visited a neurologist who diagnostized beginning of Parkinson’s. He prescribed me dopamine agonist ropinirole.
I wonder if you can have any suggestion for more ‘natural alternatives’ for ropinirole.
Many Thanks,
David Tomen
August 6, 2021
Thomas, the only alternative that I know of is L-DOPA which is found in Mucuna Pruriens (https://nootropicsexpert.com/l-dopa/). But you need to find an extract of 95 – 99%. They do exist but are difficult to find.
Jac
July 30, 2021
HI David,
I’ve been taking Cymbalta (Duloxetine) off-script for fibromyalgia pain for about 10 years. I want to come off but nobody told me about the horrendous withdrawal effects (I’ve tried many times and the brain zaps and dark thoughts are intolerable). Are there any nootropics I could take while I titrate down that will minimise the withdrawal effects? TIA! 🙂
David Tomen
July 30, 2021
Jac, there is no proven method for using natural nootropic supplements for detoxing from Cymbalta. But some have had success with Magnesium, Taurine, Lithium Orotate, Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, L-Theanine, and Inositol. See the individual reviews I wrote for each of these for dosage recommendations and timing during the day.
Andrew
July 28, 2021
I take dextroamphetamine for ADHD and 30mg Cymbalta for anxiety.
I also take B-Vitamins, Omega 3 (high DHA), Zinc Picolinate, Vit D 5000iu and Magnesium Glycinate.
I am tapering the Cymbalta in order to reduce the dose down possibly as low as zero in order to counter the sexual side effects. So far I am noticing improvement for sure.
As I go along the tapering journey I am quite sure my anxiety will return at some point. If and when it does which supplements would you recommend as an alternative?
L-Theanine? Ashwagandha? Lemon Balm?
Any others?
Trying to turn my life around.
Thanks in advance.
David Tomen
July 29, 2021
Andrew, if Cymbalta worked for you then let’s reverse engineer it and find a natural nootropic that works in a similar manner in the brain.
Cymbalta (Duloxetine) inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine which makes it an SSNRI. The only other nootropic I know of that does that is Ginseng (https://nootropicsexpert.com/ginseng/). Ginseng also affects GABA in your brain which may provide and additional anxiolytic effect for you.
Andrew
September 21, 2021
David,
Thank you for the suggestion of ginseng. I have read your webpage about ginseng via the link you provided and I noticed that you mention that it is advisable to cycle ginseng by taking a week break once in a while.
Assuming the ginseng works for treating my anxiety post antidepressant, how will I cope with the anxiety when I cycle off it?
Because presumably the anxiety will resurface when the ginseng is out of my system?
Or maybe I should instead other nootropics/supplements for anxiety instead?
Thanks for your advice
David Tomen
September 21, 2021
Andrew, try it without cycling it. I personally do NOT cycle anything in my stack because I follow dosage recommendations. If Ginseng works for you then keep on using it.
Andrew
September 23, 2021
Have yet to try it David. Do you recommend American or Asian ginseng in this instance?
David Tomen
September 24, 2021
Andrew, either one should work for you if Ginseng is the right supplement for you. Experienced users of this nootropic often prefer American Ginseng over Panax Ginseng because American Ginseng is cultivated under stricter conditions avoiding pesticides and herbicides. And the colder growing climate encourages higher concentrations of the active ingredients in ginseng.
When buying American ginseng, look for Panax quinquefolius. And when buying Asian ginseng, look for Korean, red or Panax ginseng.
Andrew
October 14, 2021
Thanks. Would this Panax Ginseng be suitable do you think? Is the dose too high?
I suppose I could dump some of it out of the capsule to try first if you think its too high a dose. But in terms of the product itself do you think its suitable for what I’ve described?
Love Life Supplements – Panax Ginseng 300 mg (20% Ginsenosides)
I live in the UK so hence using Amazon UK but open to other places also.
David Tomen
October 14, 2021
Andrew, that looks like a good supplement and they don’t have any toxic “other ingredients” either. Go with the manufacturer’s dosage suggestion first and see how it works for you. If it’s too potent then empty half the capsule and see how that works.
Naveen
July 26, 2021
Hi David- great to see you thorough reviews on nootropics on YouTube. Thanks for sharing your wisdom. Which nootropics would you suggest for Dystonia? Cervical Dystonia in particular? Many thanks
David Tomen
July 30, 2021
Naveen, not my area of expertise as I concentrate my research on the human brain. But do a quick search and you’ll see clinics recommending magnesium, lysine and iodine.
Corey sieben
July 25, 2021
Hi, Dave! I’m wondering if you have ever heard of a substance called Shilajit. I just came across it, and am wondering if it would be good to take as a nootropic. It sounds like a miracle substance, however as always, take everything with a grain of salt. Hehe
David Tomen
July 25, 2021
Corey, Shilajit has been used for 100’s of years (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC3296184/) and it’s on my list of articles to write. Just haven’t gotten to it yet.
Corey Sieben
July 26, 2021
Oh awesome!! I can’t wait to read it! And I hope you make a YouTube video for it. Love your videos, and thanks for all you do Dave! 😀
Justin
July 24, 2021
Hi David,
I weaned off of a 10 year run on the SSRI medication Citalopram over a year ago. I’m still experiencing negative symptoms regarding mood, sexual functioning, the ability to feel pleasure and happiness, and sleep disturbances. I feel as if my brain chemicals have not rebounded. I’ve received little to no support form the medical community other than other prescription drug suggestions. I’m wondering if you have any experience or suggestions with post SSRI brain balancing and support. Thank you so much for your work.
David Tomen
July 25, 2021
Justin, most people do not realize that SSRIs affect more than just neurotransmitters. This long clinical review explains what happens: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2050052117300720?via%3Dihub
The only med that has had some success was Buspirone which is sold under the brand name Buspar and is mentioned in that article.
There is one other case report I’ve come across with a guy using a supplement containing L-Citrulline, combined with TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS, MACA, MUIRA PUAMA and DAMIANA. That case report is here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30640584/
Amy
July 25, 2021
Hi David
I was prescribed with valdoxan to my insomnia…
I have taken for 2.5 month…Now I can fall a sleep but sometimes the sleep quality is not good as sometimes i feel anxiety.
Can I shift to nootropics as i am afraid of its side effect in long term use.
Any suggestions for this?
Thanks
David Tomen
July 26, 2021
Amy, that drug is a melatonin receptor agonist which means it activates melatonin receptors.
There is no natural nootropic that acts like a melatonin receptor agonist. But you can certainly safely increase melatonin levels in your brain by using L-Tryptophan which helps make serotonin which goes on the make melatonin.
For a complete sleep stack see this article: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-sleep-supplements-to-buy/
imAnmumAaAamy
July 26, 2021
Is it safe to combine valdoxane with l-triptophan?
As i read in ur article that we may not take anti depressant together with l-triptophane….
And valdoxane if i am not mistaken is also antidepressant…
Please give advice on this.
Thanks
David Tomen
July 30, 2021
You need to check with the manufacturer to see if L-Tryptophan is or is not contraindicated with Valdoxan. I do not have access to that information because it is not an approved drug in the USA.
ymAmA
July 26, 2021
DO NOT use L-Tryptophan if you are taking antidepressant medications including SSRI’s. Because these drugs delay normal degradation of serotonin in brain synapses leaving more serotonin circulating in your brain.
Too much Tryptophan in combination with these drugs can produce Serotonin Syndrome which can lead to delirium, involuntary muscle contractions, high fever, and coma. And worse case and a very real scenario is death.[xxii]
amy
July 26, 2021
Hi David,
is it safe to combine valdoxan and L-Tryptophan?
as I read from your article in your website that :
DO NOT use L-Tryptophan if you are taking antidepressant medications including SSRI’s. Because these drugs delay normal degradation of serotonin in brain synapses leaving more serotonin circulating in your brain.
Too much Tryptophan in combination with these drugs can produce Serotonin Syndrome which can lead to delirium, involuntary muscle contractions, high fever, and coma. And worse case and a very real scenario is death.[xxii]
As I know that valdoxan is one of anti depressant.
Would you please advise on this?
thanks
David Tomen
July 28, 2021
Amy, it likely is NOT a good idea to combine valdoxan and L-Tryptophan. But I cannot find anything published verifying that statement. My drug interaction checker has nothing on valdoxan nor when I check its generic name Agomelatine. Because Serotonin Syndrome is nothing to be messed with it’s worth your time into researching this.
Justin
July 26, 2021
Thanks David. I’m familiar with that literature. Do you have any other specific nootropic suggestions? I was considering taurine as an overall support. And wondering if I may need to IMO to dopamine somehow? Open to any suggestions you may have.
David Tomen
July 28, 2021
Justin, Taurine may help but you may have more success by raising dopamine levels. Do that with 500 mg L-Tyrosine 2 or 3-times per day.
Ethelyn Schaeffer
July 28, 2021
So, take Taurine AND Tyrosine at the same time with Centrophenoxine?
David Tomen
July 29, 2021
Yes, you can use Taurine and Tyrosine at the same time.
Drew
July 21, 2021
Hi David,
I’d love to see a video or hear your stack recommendations for those of us with the APOE4 (Alzheimer’s) gene.
Thanks,
Drew
David Tomen
July 21, 2021
Drew, I likely will not do a video specific to that gene. But I will consider doing one for Alzheimer’s.
I’ve done some for Alzheimer’s already in my aging article here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-the-aging-brain/. And I think I did the video version of this as well.