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 - 1,845 comments
Charles
October 4, 2021
Hi. Can i take just one b vitamin without the whole complex? For example just taking b1 and b2 for now then next month add b3, b6 and so on. The reason is that someone told me that b vitamins only work together.
Also, is it better if i just take NADH instead of niacin? Kinda like taking P5P instead of pyridoxine.
David Tomen
October 5, 2021
Charles, the B-Vitamins work in synergy. When you start using one or two B-Vitamins at a time this delicate balance gets out of whack and bad things happen. Don’t forget that these vitamins are water soluble so what your body does not use is excreted in urine. You need every one of these B-Vitamins every single day.
And NADH is not better or a replacement for niacin. Each has a job to in your body and brain. There are some health issues that can benefit from using one or the other. This vitamin is unique and cannot be compared to Vitamin B6.
Charles
October 24, 2021
Okay, so now I’m planning on buying vitamin B supplements, and I’ve been reading about them on this website. Can I assume that by following the “nootropic expert recommendation” dosages, I can get the correct proportion for the vitamin Bs to work synergistically? Also, are B2 and B7 essential for the complex to work? There is no page for the two on this website. Thanks for answering my questions!
David Tomen
October 26, 2021
Charles, you can read about Vitamins B2 and B7 here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/13-vitamins-essential-for-the-optimized-brain/. I’ll get around to doing individual reviews for them sooner or later. And your question about getting them to work synergistically – it’s better to use a properly designed B-Complex like this one: https://amzn.to/3nvjMnZ
Andrew Hazelwood
September 29, 2021
Hi David,
I was wondering which prescription stimulant drug used to treat ADHD in a clinical setting is the least harmful. I also want to mitigate any damage my ADHD stimulants might cause. Any suggestions?
Sincerely, Andrew Hazelwood.
David Tomen
September 29, 2021
Andrew, methylphenidate has the longest track record and clinical studies show it to be relatively safe to use even long-term. We have data on it going back to the 1950’s.
Amphetamines like Adderall are newer drugs and are brutal on the brain.
I wrote an article on the nootropic supplement protocol I developed years ago to support Ritalin use. And tried taking a one year Ritalin holiday to see if I could do it with a carefully chosen nootropic stack without the stimulant. The experiment was a success and I know that some can manage ADHD with just supplements.
But some need the extra push from stimulants. I think it’s worth trying going that natural route and see if it works for you. https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/
Andrew Hazelwood
September 30, 2021
Thank you for responding!
When you say brutal on the brain what do you mean? I’ve been taking it since I was sixteen. Should I expect working memory deficits/IQ to be lowered? Brain shrinkage? I try to find evidence against the use of Adderall, but never seem to dig up anything concerning enough to quit. If I quit using will my brain fully recover?
David Tomen
October 2, 2021
Andrew. then I suggest you read this clinical study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2769923/. Shrinkage of grey matter is just one of the problems.
Will you fully recover if you quit using Adderall? Impossible to say but it seems to me that if you used supplements to increase BDNF and supplements to repair dysfunctional dopamine receptors then you should be able to repair at least some of the damage.
Bridget
September 22, 2021
Hello from Texas!
I am a caregiver for my 31 yr. old daughter who suffered a brain injury from a car/pedi accident 6 years ago. She is on many prescription drugs. Three for seizures that keep her seizure free no for 3 years. Carbamazepine, Divalproex and Lamotrigine among other drugs like Donepezil, Ecsitalopram, Baclofen for spasticity in her right arm. I use powder form Lions Mane, Omega 3s, a good calcium supplement (Osteopenia from seizure meds) and a good multivitamin for her. Can you recommend a good stack for depression and anxiety for her and for me since I have been situationally depressed and full of anxiety for 6 years now from all of this (I am the only one to care for her). I don’t take anxiety prescriptions now. I used to take Alprazolam PRN. Thanks
David Tomen
September 24, 2021
Hi Bridget, I can’t recommend anything for anxiety or depression for your daughter because 1. many of the supplements that may work for anxiety and/or depression are contraindicated with the drugs your daughter is using. And 2. I need to know the cause of the depression and anxiety before making a recommendation.
And the 2nd goes for you too. This article should help you get to the cause of your anxiety: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-anxiety/. It is going to take some experimenting to figure out what you need to use.
But depression is another matter altogether. It could caused by a neurotransmitter dysfunction. But it could also be caused by a lack of BDNF, hormone dysfunction, lack of sleep, lack of certain nutrients, inflammation, and more. This article explains more about depression: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-depression/
Keith T. Lockwood
September 16, 2021
I Very Much Enjoy your Inciteful Info: I am Also Rather Curious about YOUR Views & Opinions Regarding Any Authenticity to AROMA-THERAPY?
David Tomen
September 21, 2021
Keith, I have not done the research but know that aroma-therapy has a long track record of health benefits.
Dave
September 15, 2021
Hi, my name is Dave, I read about nootropics on this site only because I love the way everything is explained, thanks!
could you help me with my stack?
I have:
-Mild gastritis
-Anxiety (I can’t take caffeine because I feel anxiety)
-I’m on the computer from 10am to 10pm
-29y
– I ride 3x a week
-I have difficulty in cognition
I get stressed easily sometimes…
David Tomen
September 18, 2021
Dave, I deal with the brain here so cannot help with “mild gastritis”. But there is a ton of information on Nootropics Expert helping with anxiety and improving cognition.
Try there articles to start: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-anxiety/ and cognition is covered on likely over half the articles I’ve written. Here is an example: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-studying/.
Good luck with nootropics Dave. Your are in the right place. Just need to do a little searching to find what you need.
Dave
September 20, 2021
Sorry I didn’t explain why to talk about my gastritis. in fact, she just didn’t know if any of the nootropics could affect her.
I’m devouring your blog and with the help of a friend I came to this conclusion:
all in one
vitamin B6 2.5 mg
vitamin B9 100 mcg
vitamin B12 7.5 mcg
Bacopa Monieri 150mg
tyrosine 170 mg
Theanine 100 mg
rhodiola rosea 25 mg
fucoxanthin 100 mg
5-htp 50mg
separate capsules
cdp column 250 mg
piracetam 1600mg
Lions mane mushroom 500 mg
in your experience could you give me a hint?
I just try to work with more quality, distracting myself less, also getting rid of anxiety and lack of motivation.
You’re amazing, it’s such an honor to have you answer my question!
David Tomen
September 21, 2021
Dave, you are on the right track but with the lifestyle you described that stack will provide very little benefit. Each supplement (other than the B-Vitamins) are way under dosed.
I highly recommend that you read the dosage recommendations for each of the supplements in that list. And make sure the B-Vitamins are bioactive and not synthetic.
Forget about Fucoxanthin and replace it with 900 mg DHA (Omega-3) per day like this one: https://bit.ly/3q98chL. And add 100 mg Phosphatidylserine (PS) 3-times per day.
Dylan J Mares
September 13, 2021
Hi David,
If i’m taking multiple nootropics that increase choline uptake (i.e. Noopept, Piracetam & Aniracetam) should I be taking 3x the recommended amount of Alpha-GPC or is the daily recommended dosage of this sufficient to cover all 3 of those nootropics?
Regards,
Dylan
David Tomen
September 13, 2021
Dylan, great question but it depends on your system and how much choline you need to support those three. Not likely 3X the amount of Alpha GPC but probably more than 300 mg per dose. How much more only you can determine by experimenting with different amounts of Alpha GPC.
Andrew H.
September 11, 2021
Hi David,
I am a college student undergoing an engineering degree. At the age of 16 I was diagnosed with ADHD. I received 20mg Adderall IR which I’ve been taking for several months now. Is there any concern with stacking Adderall with any of the nootropics listed in your ADHD stack? I would also like to mitigate any neurotoxic effects from amphetamines. How can I protect my brain? Also, I am currently trying to quit nicotine. That is also a concern for neurotoxicity, any advice?
Sincerely, Andrew
David Tomen
September 13, 2021
Andrew, the ADHD stack you are referring to was designed to support stimulant use. And the stack contains ingredients to help prevent and repair potential damage caused by using amphetamines.
But the only supplement I’ve come across that helps with smoking is Inositol (https://nootropicsexpert.com/vitamin-b8-inositol/) which has been found to help prevent lung cancer caused by smoking.
Dylan J Mares
September 10, 2021
Hi David,
I am in the process of developing a consistent nootropic stack. Currently I would like to stack – Noopept, Piracetam, Aniracetam, Alpha-GPC, Bacopa, Rhodiola, Lion’s mane and Ashwaghanda.
For the purposes of understanding just exactly what each individual nootropic is doing, rather than going straight into stacking all these together (at the correct dosages of course) I would like to take each individually for the recommended period of time it takes to notice the influence of these i.e. Aniracetam consistently for a period of 2-4 weeks before noticing the effects.
To speed this process up without taking away the accuracy of what I’m wanting to do, would you recommend I be able to stack together the pair of racetam’s, with alpha GPC and then rotate between each adaptogen for a period of time in order to understand what each one is doing to me specifically? Then something else along the lines of the noopept, with my choline source along with an adaptogen for a correct amount of time.
If you have any advice on building a correct stack whilst ensuring accuracy and understanding of what each one is doing for me would be very helpful in my journey.
Regards,
Dylan
David Tomen
September 11, 2021
Dylan, you should experience the benefits of Aniracetam within a day or two and not several weeks. It is Bacopa Monnieri, Rhodiola Rosea and Ashwagandha that may take consistent daily dosing for 2 – 4 weeks before you get the full benefit of each.
I think I’d put more faith in “How does ___________ feel” section of each review to see what to expect. And use the day-to-day trial method to see if you react badly to anything so you know what to avoid. The trial for each only needs to be a day or two.
Dylan J Mares
September 13, 2021
Thanks for the advice as always!