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.
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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.
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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 - 1,760 comments
Nick
June 25, 2018
Hi David, I have strange feeling, it feels like, everything is normal with, but I get bored with doing things too fast, I enjoy them for the first time, but than every time I get so bored, I lose all of the interest. The thing is that, in my childhood and even two years ago, I was totally opposite, I enjoyed things too much and for a very long time. I have watched one movie for about fifty times and every time I enjoyed it so much, I was listening to one song for months and it was awesome, but now, when I listen to it for several times, it does not feel good, also I bought a new car, but after a week I got bored with it and sold, than I did the same with the motorcycle and the worst thing is that, with the girls it’s the same, I fall in love easily, but after a month, I fall out of love and all of this makes me think, that soon there will not be things that I enjoy and will loose motivation and love for life, so I want to do something with it, I think it must be some problem with my dopamine, or maybe down regulation of dopamine receptors. I am against of medication, so maybe you could give me some advice and I want to try some supplements, that might help? I will be very thankful.
David Tomen
June 25, 2018
Nick, I think you may be onto something here but I’ve also learned that motivation is more than just “dopamine”.
Please read this post I wrote on the dopamine and especially the part about “glutamate AMPA-receptors…”. https://nootropicsexpert.com/hacking-motivation-with-nootropics/
Put together a stack from the nootropics listed further down in that post. But include only one of the racetams at a time until you find one that works for you.
And place close attention to the dosage instructions for each of these nootropics. Detailed dosage instructions are included in each individual review.
Nick
June 26, 2018
I have read your many posts and I am thinking about this stack: Aniracetam, Sulbitiamine, Rhodiala Rosea,
Nalt, or L-dopa, L-theanine, omega 3 (with high EPA and DHA), CDP-choline, ALCAR and B-complex vitamins, what do you think about this stack, for my situation?
David Tomen
June 26, 2018
Nick, this sounds like a good start. In your case you may want to use both NALT and L-DOPA but keep doses on the lower end with each.
Find an Omega-3 supplement that provides at least 1,000 mg of DHA. The only one I know of that is reasonably priced is made by Nature’s Way and is called “Mega-DHA” (https://amzn.to/2Kbws2n).
Make sure your B-Complex is all nature-identical. A good choice is Life Extension’s BioActive Complete B-Complex (https://amzn.to/2ItREuW). The doses are much higher than RDA.
Last bit of advice is follow dosage recommendations from each review here on Nootropics Expert. Including for NALT and Mucuna Pruriens. Try this for 2 or 3 weeks and report back please.
Nick
June 26, 2018
I saw, that you wrote about Nalt, 800mg 3 times per day, it means 800mg per serve, in total 2400 mg, or 800mg diveded 3 times? Also how much L-dopa do you recommend each day, I am little bit worried, that L-dopa may cause hair loss? And final question about serotonin. Boosting to much dopamine, may cause serotonin depletion, so maybe it would be better, to add some thing for serotonin as well, maybe St John’s worth, or which one do you recommend, previously I have tried 5htp and it depleted my dopamine too much in one week?
David Tomen
June 26, 2018
Nick, the amount of NALT and Mucuna I use would be far too much for most people. One thing I have learned is to listen to my body and try to give it what it wants and needs. I personally balance my serotonin with 25 mg of 5-HTP sublingually when I feel I need it. Depending on the day, it’s from 25 – 100 mg of 5-HTP total.
I’ve never equated too much dopamine with hair loss but imagine it could be a problem. Start at the low end of dosing and work from there. You’ll soon get to know what works and what doesn’t.
Felipe
June 22, 2018
Hi David how are you, its Felipe again
Can fluvoxamine and olanzapine benefits my brain?
For motivation, wich nootropic you recomend?
Thanks David
David Tomen
June 23, 2018
Felipe, it depends on who you ask about fluvoxamine and olanzapine about benefits to the brain and overall health. The manufacturers would argue that they do. But for olazapine, the maker was ordered to settle literally billions in law suits.
Anyone using a prescription drug should research exactly how the drug works. Including side effects associated with that drug. Then make up there own mind if there’s enough evidence to show the drug does what the maker says it does. And whether it’s worth the risk of using it.
Motivation is related to dopamine and and how it is used in your brain. Including activation of AMPA receptors. Please study my post here on motivation: https://nootropicsexpert.com/hacking-motivation-with-nootropics/. Then put together a stack of 4 – 5 nootropics from that list and see if they help your motivation levels.
Felipe
June 21, 2018
Hi how are you?
Im taking lithium carbonate, fluvoxamine and olanzapine
I wold like ond nootroopic guide for students.
Nootropic like better cognition, short memory and motivation
Thanks
David Tomen
June 21, 2018
Felipe, choose one nootropic from each category on this post on Learning and Memory here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-learning-and-memory/
But before you try each nootropic, check to see if there are any contraindications with any of the prescription drugs you are using.
Gregory S Larsen
June 16, 2018
I am wondering what supplements might be beneficial for the body to repair injury or damage to peripheral nerves? Might vitamin b-12, benfotiamine, lions mane mushroom, magnesium, lecithin, acetyl-l-carnitine, or vitamin-d help? How about PQQ or, CoQ10 or ubiquinol?
Oh my. There is just so many. Where to begin. It seems so many nootropics I read about only help brain neurons and issues, but I don’t know if they help repair of nerves outside of the brain and in the peripheral nerves. Any guidance would be appreciated. Thanks
David Tomen
June 16, 2018
Gregory, yes and all of the above. Ubiquinol instead of regular CoQ10 if you’re over 40. Skip the lecithin and use Alpha GPC, Phosphatidylcholine (PC) and Phosphatidylserine (PS).
But I’d put Lion’s Mane at the very top of the list. Check out the “Research” section of Lion’s Mane here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/lions-mane/#the-research.
Also, add a high quality multivitamin to this stack. Like the one I just reviewed here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/performance-lab-whole-food-multi-review/. That’s really the base of everything else you do because nothing else will work if your body doesn’t have the basics to build with.
And anything that helps repair or synthesize “myelin”. Do a search for that keyword here on Nootropics Expert and see what turns up.
Gregory
June 18, 2018
Thanks very much David. I am 37 so does that mean I should be skipping the ubiquinol in favour of CoQ10? Also might Forskolin be helpful? Thanks again.
David Tomen
June 18, 2018
See the difference between Ubiquinol vs Ubiquinone in this review: https://nootropicsexpert.com/coenzyme-q10/. Some claim one works better than the other but the only real way to find out is try each one to see which is most effective for you.
You could try Forskolin but Pine Bark Extract may be a better choice for you: https://nootropicsexpert.com/pine-bark-extract-pycnogenol/
Gregory
June 26, 2018
Thanks David. I was looking on your youtube channel (I’m a subscriber) and on your website for info on potassium and healing nerve trauma. Do you have info anywhere? I can’t seem to find much?
Thanks
David Tomen
June 27, 2018
Gregory, the only information I have on potassium has to do primarily with brain health: https://nootropicsexpert.com/13-minerals-essential-for-the-optimized-brain/#potassium
Lion’s Mane has bee shown to repair nerve trauma: https://nootropicsexpert.com/lions-mane/
Jonah
June 13, 2018
Hello David, I want to ask a little bit off topic, which supplements are good to raise dopamine and serotonin levels fast and only at that moment of taking them, to feel euphoric and get music enhancement little bit close to Mdma, Lsd, or cannabis? I have read, that one guy took 500mg of 5htp and aslo B6 vitamins and felt very euphoric and without any comedown or hangover, so I think about something like that.
Also if you can give some advice which supplements are good to prevent Mdma Neurotoxicity and good after comedown starts, to restore depleted serotonin?
David Tomen
June 13, 2018
Jonah, apparently ALCAR taken before MDMA helps reduce MDMA toxicity of mitochondria. But it’s only been tested in rats: https://nootropicsexpert.com/acetyl-l-carnitine/. And to relieve post MDMA depression, 100 mg of 5-HTP on Day 3-7 after MDMA use: https://nootropicsexpert.com/5-htp/.
Only other thing I can think of possibly providing some state of euphoria is snorting cocao: https://nootropicsexpert.com/cacao/
JOYCE
June 13, 2018
Hi. David.
I wrote about my pressure before. it was mostly about learning.
but I just thought that I also want to change of my lifestyle too.
such as relationship, mood swing, and my bad habit.
as you said before, I think was too harsh on me. I think I shouldn’t rest because I am not good enough. but at the same time, I thought that I gonna die because of stress. I don’t have my own way of controlling stress, and mood.
the only thing I want to do is taking care of my body and soul.
I want to make fit and strong body through work out.
daily work out takes about 2 – 3 hours. but I just thought that I don’t have time to do that because I am not smart so I should put more effort and time into studying. but it was not productive. I knew that but I cant help it. I think I have an obsession with time management and self control. This makes me so depressed.
I want to change myself in many way. I tried a lot. but I always worried too much.
and I think I do care about what other people think of me and say of me too much. I want to have a nice reputation. so I think others mood too much. this holds me back sometimes.
and sometimes I am awkward when I go to public places like fitness center. this make me not to do what I really want to.
I think everybody change themselves in better version.
I think I am fragile person when situation is really bad.
but i found hope, nootropic makes me a better person I always imagine. I know that it could not make a dramatic change but I will do my best. I visit your blog everyday and read again and again hoping that I will find any possibility making me a better me.
thanks for sharing information. thanks.
George
June 11, 2018
Hello David
Could you give me advice, which supplement to take for decision making, I have big problems with it, all the time I have to take some decision, I start thinking all the possible ways and could not decide, which one do I want, all the time, I am not sure what I want, but all the time I have the feeling that I want something but can’t decide. Sometimes I think to wait some time, to live in peace, without any important actions, but I am getting bored, I want changes in my life, but that I can’t decide what to choose and at the moment of choosing I get huge anxiety, so it’s like a vicious circle. I don’t know what’s wrong with me, but I think, my brain needs some help, so maybe you could recommend me some supplements, for such case?
David Tomen
June 11, 2018
George, ‘decision-making’ is directly related to ‘executive function’. And is one of the major issues related to ADD and ADHD. A good place to start is this post I did on “Best Nootropics for ADHD” here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/.
Then scroll through the posts listed on this page: https://nootropicsexpert.com/blog/. And read the posts on ‘vitamins’, ‘minerals’, “How to Hack Your Mitochondria”, and “Hacking Motivation…” for more ideas. Start with the basics like vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and build from there.
You will likely end up with a nootropic stack containing at least 6 supplements to get you where you want to be. And it will evolve and change as you gain more experience.
George
June 12, 2018
I also think that I have ADHD, I have many symptoms, trouble with focus, when I am watching movie, I can’t stay focused on it and start thinking about many other things, also I like making people feel guilty about themselves, when they are not and making conflict situations, out of nothing. Also I am Impatient and can’t wait for things, to happen. All the time I am like looking for little dopamine boosts, something to change or happen, or I’m getting very bored. On the other hand, all my life, I was very good at studying and very successful, now sometimes I can focus at work, very well, so I don’t know, if I have ADHD, or not. I also had depression more than a year ago, but only depression, without anxiety, than I started smoking cannabis and took mdma for about 5 times and it added huge anxiety to my depression and I had suicidal thoughts, depersonalization and something like hppd, but than I started healthy lifestyle and it saved my life, depression has gone and other symptoms as well, only little anxiety is still left and some symptoms of ADHD, that I mentioned above, so I don’t know, if I have ADHD, or it post depression symptoms
Also I want to ask about ADHD, is it chronic or it can be cured? If I start taking rytalin, I should take all of my life?
David Tomen
June 12, 2018
George, I’d try the ADHD stack first before you see a doctor about using Ritalin. I did fine with the stack for an entire year without Ritalin. The ADHD stack is designed to boost dopamine to consistent levels, increase acetylcholine for brain signaling, all while repairing brain cells and keeping depression down. Use it consistently for 3 – 4 weeks and then decide how you feel. It may take awhile to repair your brain enough for it to work. After 3 – 4 weeks, and if you still have symptoms of ADD or ADHD then it’s time to see a doc.
Please remember that I’m not a doctor and don’t even play one on TV. I’m just a guy with Adult ADD who figured out how get my brain working again. So this isn’t medical advice by any stretch. Hopefully, what you find here on Nootropics Expert will give you and your family some relief.
George
June 12, 2018
Thanks David, I have been researching neuroscience from the period I started feeling symptoms of the depression and it helped me a lot. I try to stay away from medications and find other way, with healthy lifestyle and supplements, so I find your posts and videos very helpful.
Karen W
June 5, 2018
Hello David,
I’m looking forward to studying the wealth of your site, if only I could get the light turned back on in my brain! I have multiple health issues: CFS, IBS, arthritis, chronic EBV, Hashimotos, West Nile encephalitis, several concussions in childhood. I’m currently taking approximately 20-30 different supplements every day. I’ve been researching and studying health issues for the last 4 years or so. I have low levels of Dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine, possibly due to upregulations of the COMT enzyme. Last week, I tried 300mg Sulbutiamine for the first time. It was amazing! My fatigue, depression, brain fog, and low libido vanished! These results lasted only 2 days, however, and the last several days I have felt worse than ever. I’m guessing I am dosing incorrectly, or need companion nutrients. Can you help?
David Tomen
June 6, 2018
Karen, some people report tolerance when using Sulbutiamine. But not after two days. You could try using it ever 2nd day and see if that works for you. And remember that Sulbutiamine is fat-soluble so you need to take it with a healthy fat like unrefined coconut oil for it to get into your cells.
Sulbutiamine primarily helps produce ATP for your mitochondria and boosting GABA. So look for other ways to boost ATP and mitochondria and possibly GABA too. You might be on to something here.