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.
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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.
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Instead, you will find dozens of clickable links in each supplement review and article to supporting and relevant clinical studies.
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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.
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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 - 1,745 comments
George
June 2, 2018
Hello, I have problem with focus, motivation, experiencing pleasure and mood, also some anxiety, as I think, I have low levels of dopamine, but the doctor prescribed me SSRI, as they always do, when they see symptoms of depression, without analyzing them. I refused to take SSRI, as I think I don’t have low levels of serotonin and I don’t want to take medications, because of their side effects, I prefer to take supplements. I bought some stack, that contains L-dopa, L-tyrosine, Acetyle-L-Carnitine and alpha-GPC, I want to add Rhodiola rosea and CDP-choline to this stack, would it be a good choice or all of these together can cause any problems and side effects?
David Tomen
June 2, 2018
George, sounds like you are on the right track if you think you have a dopamine issue. Not sure why someone would include L-DOPA and L-Tyrosine in the same stack. Unless the intention was to boost dopamine as much as you can.
You can add Rhodiola to this stack but I would avoid adding CDP-Choline because you already have Alpha GPC. See how this stack works for you for a few days first.
Also, see my post on depression here for more ideas: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-depression/
George
June 3, 2018
Thanks David. I thought as the dopamine levels will raise, it may cause dopamine receptors down regulation and I have heard, that CDP-choline increases dopamine receptors count, so to achieve maximum result, I want to add it to the stack, but also I thought that CDP-choline together with Alpha-GPC and acetyl-L-carnitine, could be too much.
Also I want to know, how long can I take such kind of nootropics, several weeks, months, or there is no limitation for them? And the last thing I want to know, about St john’s wort, I also bought this supplement, but haven’t taken it yet, should I stick to nootropics that I mentioned above, or St john’s wort can be added to that stack without problems?
David Tomen
June 3, 2018
George, you can use Alpha GPC, CDP-Choline and ALCAR together if you decrease the dose of each until you learn how your body responds. I would be less concerned at this stage in down-regulating dopamine receptors and more concerned about depressing serotonin. You need to keep dopamine and serotonin in balance or you’ll have problems. Because both are involved in anxiety and mood.
Be very careful with St. John’s wort. Please read this review several times until you know exactly what to expect and watch out for: https://nootropicsexpert.com/st-johns-wort/
George
June 3, 2018
Thanks a lot, I learned lots of things, from your videos and posts.
The last thing, is it normal to take this supplements regularly, or only for couple of weeks?
David Tomen
June 4, 2018
George, I take them every day and it works for me. But everyone is different. Some find they have more success when ‘cycling’ some supplements. It all depends on your goal. Do you want consistent improvement in cognition? Or are you looking for some dramatic reaction you can feel? Personally, I’m more concerned about performance every single day and am not looking for any kind of ‘high’.
George
June 13, 2018
Hello again, David, one more question, when should I take supplements, for maximum absorption through blood brain barrier? Now I’m taking after meal, but I don’t know if it’s right, I have heard, that L-tyrosine taken with meal, can’t cross BBB, so I want to know, when and how it’s most effective to take nootropics? thanks
David Tomen
June 13, 2018
George, tyrosine is an amino acid and competes for transporters to your brain with other amino acids from your food. That’s why it’s better to take amino acid supplements an hour before or two hours after a meal. It has nothing to do with the blood-brain barrier directly.
The only other ‘absorption’ issue to keep in mind is fat-soluble vs water-soluble supplements. Fat-soluble supplements need a healthy fat like coconut oil for absorption and to be able to cross through cell walls.
Felipe
May 11, 2018
hi
whats the diference betwen lithium orotate and carbonate ?
Is it fluvoxamine a nootropic?
thanks David
David Tomen
May 12, 2018
Felipe, Lithium Carbonate is prescribed for long-term treatment of bipolar disorder, is dosed at 900 – 1200 mg and comes with a host of side effects. Lithium Orotate is lithium combined with orotic acid which increases it’s bioavailability and allows it to easily cross the blood-brain barrier. Dosage is 5 mg.
Fluvoxamine is a prescription SSRI and most definitely NOT a nootropic.
Anthony Hicks
April 23, 2018
What are your thoughts on dmg? Dimethylglycine. Particularly for focus. Would consider a youtube video as well on the subject. Thanks for the amazing content.
David Tomen
April 23, 2018
Anthony, I don’t know much about DMG but it looks to be part of the KREBs cycle which could account for its effect on energy levels. I’ll look into it and if promising enough will add it to my list. Thanks.
miauw
April 9, 2018
Can you recommend a neurologist or doctor? I’d love to get a nootropics stack that works for me personally.
I struggle with the feeling of having a cloud over my brain, a really bad case of brain fog as well as low blood pressure. I can’t afford to lose entire days by not being able to focus, think or make decisions. I also tend to procrastinate a lot.
I was taking Ritalin and Red Bull, and that helped however I am aware of how unhealthy it is. And I can visually see the premature aging effect its had on me, it looks like I aged at least five years in the last two when I started taking Ritalin and Red Bull. (I’m 22)
I really want to find a healthy solution to my problem 🙁
Thank you for your help
David Tomen
April 10, 2018
We do not recommend specific neurologists or doctors here. But certainly do not discourage anyone from working with a trusted doctor (who know what he/she is talking about).
And unless you are truly diagnosed ADD or ADHD we do not recommend using prescription stimulants like Ritalin. Clinical studies have shown that stimulants like methylphenidate will not do damage when used long-term IF you are ADD or ADHD. But if you are NOT ADD or ADHD these stimulants have been shown to cause brain damage.
Here is a post that will get you started > https://nootropicsexpert.com/how-to-create-the-best-nootropic-stack/. Go to the section most applicable to what you’d like help with right now, and put together a nootropic stack suggested in that section.
With a little work and experimenting you’ll put together a stack of nootropic supplements that work for you. No one else can do this for you. Especially not a mainstream doctor. You must learn how to do it yourself using the information provided here on Nootropics Expert.
Dee
April 6, 2018
Hi David,
I hope this email reaches you well. Your website is amazing, and I’m glad to have come across it. I hope you can help me?
I’ve always felt VERY tired in mornings, hard time going to sleep, overthinking situations and feeling anxious or down randomly during social activities. I’ve also had low libido and hard time maintaining erections, which makes me believe I have some brain issues.
At one party 6months ago, I took an Ecstacy pill drug which made me very very happy. At that moment, none of the above problems were visible. I felt like my old young self, with full confidence. I researched and found out that Esctacy releases serotonin and that explains the amazing feeling.
After researching, I found that 5 HTP will help me ( I wanted to use something natural that releases serotonin as I don’t want to take illegal drugs, the Ecstacy was a one-off). I’ve read that after 2weeks use of 5 HTP, dopamine is very likely to drop which would cause a negative effect. So I understand that I should stack 5 HTP with a dopamine supplement. But I’ve also read, it’s not enough to just take two of these, along with these, some iron/magnesium/vitamin B supplement needs to be taken as too much dopamine can deplete other nutrients and become a problem.
So, my question to you is what and how much supplements should I take with a 50mg 5-HTP capsule?
I have bought a 5 HTP supplement and each capsule has:
5 HTP 50mg
Niacin 5mg NE
Vitamin B6 5mg
Thank you for reading and I hope you can help. I am from United Kingdom, London.
Dee (Male, 26)
David Tomen
April 6, 2018
Dee, you are on the right track. Because increases one neurotransmitter will soon throw off the balance of other in your brain. Which is the reason why we need to be careful about balancing serotonin with dopamine.
It’s not that using these supplements “depletes” certain vitamins. The real issue is you cannot make serotonin or dopamine without the assistance of certain vitamins and minerals.
Your best option is find a high quality B-Vitamin supplement that uses all nature-identical ingredients. In other words, folate rather than folic acid. And methylcobalamin rather than cyanocobalamin. And the doses of every vitamin you take needs to be high enough to provide a benefit. Usually much higher than the government issued RDA.
Please see the posts I’ve just published here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/13-vitamins-essential-for-the-optimized-brain/
And here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/13-minerals-essential-for-the-optimized-brain/
You need to use NALT or L-Tyrosine to increase dopamine if you are going to use 5-HTP. And Acetyl-L-Carnitine helps with energy, mood and ED for guys.
Each of these nootropics have full reviews here on Nootropics Expert. Including dosage recommendations, side effects and types to buy. Dosage recommendations must be followed for any of these (including vitamins) to work.
Dee
April 7, 2018
Thank you for the reply. David, I have been trying to find a B-Vitamin supplement after reading your article, all natural and high dosage per serving. – I can’t seem to find any good ones, do you have any recommendation? I can really see how important B-Vitamins are now.
I’ve been reading a lot online and I can see on many people on forums and articles advising not to take 5-HTP as it can have a bad long term effect since balancing it with dopamine is so difficult. So I’m thinking about using something less risky?
i’ve also read your article :
https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-social-anxiety/#recommendations-of-nootropics-for-social-anxiety
I’m not sure where to start, I want to be more confident and have less/no social anxiety like how I feel on Esctacy, can you give me any ideas what I should start with – could something like Mind Lab Pro help me? I know you’re not a doctor but I just don’t know what to do. I feel that my anxiety/self-confidence is the cause of all the problems I have.
Thanks
Dee
David Tomen
April 8, 2018
Dee, Mind Lab Pro will help but you’ll likely need to add to it depending on your issues. Add a good B-Vitamin complex, magnesium, DHA, and L-Tryptophan which is a precursor to serotonin.
And start experimenting with some adaptogens. Try them one at a time and see how you feel. It will likely take using each one for a week of so before you can decide if it’s really working for you or not.
Try Gotu Kola, Bacopa Monnieri, Lemon Balm, or L-Theanine from the list above. Each has a link through to the full review with dosage instructions.
There is no natural substance that will give you the effect you got from Ecstasy. But as good as it felt, it is not sustainable. Your long-term solution is a stack of supplements. But it will take time and experimenting to find the right combination for you.
charles comaianni
April 3, 2018
How much citicoline would you recommend then? Perhaps 500 mg, or just stick to the dosage of mind lab pro? I remember reading one of your articles and it saying to keep a 1:4 ratio between citicoline and a racetam.
Also, about the attack dose of piracetam, would you say thats fine for me to do?
Also how can I buy your book? I’d love to repay you for all the information you’ve provided everyone here!
David Tomen
April 4, 2018
Charles, try 500 mg of Citicoline and Mind Lab Pro and see how you feel. When you start with Piracetam you may need to increase your dose. See the side effects section for CDP-Choline so you know what to watch out for. Too much acetylcholine usually feels like fatigue or getting sleepy.
If you feel comfortable with it, try the “attack” dose of Piracetam. Just make sure you’re using Citicoline at the same time. And judge how you feel the first day.
You can get my book here > https://nootropicsexpert.com/store/
charles comaianni
April 12, 2018
Hey David,
Just wanted to let you know I bought your book and am diving into it “Head First” lol. Great stuff btw!
However, looking for a bit of clarity here. I went with your recommendation of lowering the citicoline. When i started taking MLP i did so with only 1 500mg cap. The first few days were fine didn’t really feel anything good or bad from the MLP(Started last Friday the 6th). However, from Monday – Wednesday I’ve experience a reoccurring headache on the left hand side of my head, along with some fatigue and irritability.
My initial thoughts on this were to see if it was something having to do with life circumstances on some of the days due to lack of sleep or a certain event that went on one day. However, after 3 straight days of it I thought perhaps I was still using too much Citicoline based on the side effects in your article on CDP Choline.
I then stopped taking the 500mg cap today and just took the MLP. Woke up in a great mood but an hour or so after taking MLP this morning, I felt that headache with more intensity(whole head), along with Nausea and Brain fog/fatigue/lack of focus.
I’m currently not completely sure what to do and would love for some guidance if you’ll give me some… I was thinking maybe instead of having too much choline, I don’t have enough with the increase of ACH MLP brings. What are your thoughts?
I’m also currently taking the Multi Vitamin Nutrello and 100mg DHA from the brand NOW
Thanks
David Tomen
April 12, 2018
Charles, that sounds very much like a “racetam-headache” with not enough choline available in the brain. I would say increase your choline intake and see how you feel. I’ve honestly never gotten too much choline likely because of the racetams I use. But if I did, it would likely only feel like fatigue. But those headaches are particularly nasty. It’s weird how you only get a headache in one part of your head. But that’s exactly what it feels like when I’ve been low in choline. One capsule of Alpha GPC and the headache goes away.
charles comaianni
April 12, 2018
hmm i thought the same but i Havent even started taking piracetam yet. is it still possible without taking it? perhaps i natrually just need more choline?
David Tomen
April 13, 2018
Everyone of our brains are unique in who know how many ways. It is possible your brain just needs more choline. One thing I’ve learned is to listen to my body and give it what it needs to feel better.
charles comaianni
March 30, 2018
Hi David I’m a new comer to the site and still researching about stacks of nootropics and all about them in general. I’m an amateur esports player and looking to go professional very soon, so getting that mental edge of focus and decision making would be key for me.
That being said, I’m only 22 years old soon to be 23. Would it be safe for me to start taking nootropics at this age?
Thanks in advance!
David Tomen
March 30, 2018
Charles, that is a GREAT question and so glad you asked. Somewhere on this site is research on brain development and age. But it would take some searching to find it. I know, I wrote all this stuff but after several thousand pages … If you were still in your teens I would say don’t go there. And if you did, be very careful about what you use. The human brain continues to “develop” until about age 25. But most of the serious heavy lifting is from birth to late teens.
So in your case and at your stage of develop just please be careful. I would highly suggest staying away from potent stimulants unless you are “clinically, diagnosed” ADD or ADHD. That includes stuff you can get off the interweb.
The racetams should be OK as long as you follow dosage instructions very carefully. And no matter what you do support your brain with the basics. Read the posts I’ve written recently on vitamins and minerals. I’m serious about this. That with unrefined coconut or MCT Oil can give you an edge.
Final word is use common sense. You can up your game without over-amping your brain. Always do the fundamentals no matter what you try. And use adaptogens and anything that assists nerve growth factor and BDNF. Continual brain repair and listening to your body is key.
charles comaianni
March 30, 2018
David thank you so much for the quick reply! I 100% understand this and thank you for the advice, I will go and read the articles you wrote on vitamins and minerals asap!
That being said, at first glance, what would you recommend as an intro into this area?
I’ve personally read alot about piracetam and cdp-citicoline as a stack together, the L-theanine and caffeine stack, and lion’s mane for that mentioned nerve growth factor.
David Tomen
March 30, 2018
Charles, best way to get a better understanding of nootropics and different options for stacks is read some of the posts linked to from this page: https://nootropicsexpert.com/blog/. Each post title is fairly descriptive of what the post is about. And there is a short summary there as well.
charles comaianni
April 3, 2018
Hi David just thought I’d give you an update! I’m currently using Citicoline 1000 mg, DHA 1000 mg, and Nutrello Multi Vitamin for Men. I also just ordered Mind lab pro! Planning on testing it out, I’ve also read it’s not as effective unless you take the double dose… How true is this?
I’m currently planning to take Piracetam as well… Any recommendations where to get it and what brand may be best? Also, would it be worthwhile to add ashwagandha to the stack? Mostly as another adaptogen and the reaction timing and calmness its known for?
David Tomen
April 3, 2018
Charles, your dose of Citicoline is kinda’ high. And adding one regular dose of Mind Lab Pro will increase it to 1,250 mg total.
Ashwagandha is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Which means it increases acetylcholine (ACh). Adding it to your stack will push you over the top into nasty territory more than likely. With too much acetylcholine.
Mind Lab Pro benefits kick in at different times for different people. You’ll be getting all its benefits starting with the first dose. But may not notice a difference for awhile. The effects are powerful but subtle because it works on total brain optimization. And unless you are very in-tune with your body …
I would start with one dose of MLP and see how you feel. I personally use one dose of MLP in the morning and another at noon. But my brain is very Adult ADD. And needs the help. If you are relatively healthy I don’t think you will find doubling the dose beneficial.
I’ve been ordering racetams from Nootropics Depot over the last few months with good success. Watch for a “where to buy” page in the next couple of months.
Piracetam may give you the noticeable difference you are looking for. But please follow dosage instructions carefully. And take another look at the amount of Citicoline you are using.
Final note, for adaptogens take a look at this post > https://nootropicsexpert.com/top-7-nootropic-adaptogens-to-conquer-anxiety-and-stress/. And carefully evaluate each one before adding any one of them to your stack.
alan
March 25, 2018
Hi i have just received my first nootropic samples today which consisted of, 15caps aniracetam (750mg), 15caps oxiracetam (750mg), 15caps piracetam (800mg),15caps noopept (30mg), 60caps alpha gpc (150mg) and a bottle of 180 phenibut hcl (250mg). I took 1 aniracetam and 1 aplha gpc today and the feelings was absolutely unreal i felt the best i had in years (im 26 years old) although i felt a bit sleepy and possibly slight brain fog rather than enhanced cognition, my question is what is the best way to take these, should i stack them to get maximum benefits or take them all consecutively ?
David Tomen
March 25, 2018
Alan, we have detailed dosage instructions for every one of these nootropics. Scroll through the list here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/nootropics-list/. And click through to each review. Each review explains how the nootropic works in your brain. The amount to use and what to take with it to make sure it works. I also suggest you only use one racetam at a time until you learn how each works. And how your body responds to it. You likely felt sleepy because your dose of Alpha GPC was too low for the amount of Aniracetam you took.
alan
March 28, 2018
im on day 3 of aniracetam and i feel it has stopped working, is it possible to build up a tolerance so quickly ? also what is the best meal to eat to get the best results ( i know it has to contain fats ) could i just consume olive oil, and do i consume it with the meal or 20 mins after the meal ? i also used phenibut the night before perhaps that made a difference ?
David Tomen
March 28, 2018
Alan, Aniracetam requires Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline and a healthy fat like unrefined coconut or MCT oil to work. If you miss either of those it is unlikely you will experience much from using this nootropic.
Phenibut the night before may have some influence. But I have no proof that it does.
The funny thing about nootropics like Aniracetam is once they start working you quickly get accustomed to the new “normal”. And it then feels like nothing is happening.
I remember when I first started using Aniracetam I was coming home from a party at a friend’s house in South Beach. Driving north early in the morning on I-95 was amazing. Everything was crystal clear and my reaction time moved up a couple notches.
I don’t experience that sensation anymore. But when I miss using Aniracetam for 3 or 4 days in a row I know it. My productivity goes down, thinking is not as clear, and everything just feels “off”.