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 - 1,847 comments
Sinisa
August 8, 2022
Hi David,
I’ve purchased 3 bottles of Performance Lab Sleep recently and very quickly found out that it actually has a counter-effect on me. It keeps me awake for long time and when I eventually do fall asleep, I stay all night in a sort of shallow sleep, strangely ‘present’ in my head. Should I take smaller dosage or give up completely?
My second questions is about the importance of taking certain supplements on an empty stomach (as it’s often stated on packaging) in order to facilitate absorption, particularly the following:
NAC
Phosphatidylserine
ALCAR
Choline Bitartrate
Glycine
L-Taurine
I wonder what is your view on this subject.
I have been trying to take them half an hour before meals but it’s not always possible.
Can I take them all at the same time?
Many thanks,
Sinisa
David Tomen
August 8, 2022
Sinisa, try using only one capsule and see if that works for you. The problem with pre-made supplements is it is difficult to isolate which ingredient you are having problems with.
And I would not worry about the “empty stomach” thing. It is recommended by manufacturers because some of these supplements theoretically compete for the same transporters as the amino acids you get from food. But it has been my experience that the dosage in the amounts were are using for nootropic benefit, and with consistent daily use, your body and brain will get enough of each for nootropic benefits.
For the fat-soluble supplements where they say “take it with food” – too complicated. I take water and fat-soluble supplements at the same time with a tablespoon of unrefined coconut oil. That ensures the fat-soluble ingredients get digested and absorbed. And the water soluble supplements take care of themselves.
MattD
August 17, 2022
I’ve actually come accross this problem myself regarding the Lab Performance Sleep. My conclusion was that it is the glycine in the magnesium activating the NMDA receptors because I have the same effect when I take glycine close to bedtime, it keeps me from falling asleep. I can’t take glycine anywhere close to bed or it keeps me alert. I also have issues with glutamate to gaba conversion and my brain heavily favors glutamate over gaba. I think I lack the GAD enzyme because I take everything I need for that conversion. The take away for me is that the extra glycine does not help in this scenario especially when it comes to sleep.
David Tomen
August 21, 2022
Matt, thanks for sharing. Your explanation makes perfect sense. Much appreciated.
MattD
August 21, 2022
Yeah it stinks too Dave because I think it’s a great product. When I first started taking it it worked really well but as my condition worsened it started having the opposite effect which was odd to me at first. Threw me for a loop. I’ve had to take those 3 ingredients separate at the same dose and get my glycine through collagen in the morning. I’ve been using bulk supplements tart cherry which has been good so far, so if any one else is looking for a good tart cherry extract, I recommend it.
Coco
August 8, 2022
Hi David
What are the best nootropics to recude acetylcholine levels?
David Tomen
August 8, 2022
Coco, any of the racetams will do it.
Buju Banton
July 28, 2022
Hello David, is there a ratio of ashwagandha, gotu kola, phenylpiracetam, aniracetam and citicoline that you think would be effective in treating depression and anxiety without increasing too much acetylcholine?
David Tomen
July 29, 2022
Buju, there is no standard ratio. Just follow the dosage recommendations for each. The only thing you are using to increase acetylcholine is citicoline. And both racetams are going to eat that up fast.
Jerry
July 21, 2022
Hey hi. I really enjoy all of your videos. I make some liposomal nutrition and am wondering what your thoughts are regarding adding a little nadh to my mix. Right now my main ingredient list is ascorbate, colostrum, and glutathione.
David Tomen
July 23, 2022
Jerry, it depends on what you are trying to do with that combo. And if the dosage of NADH is high enough to matter.
Ewa
July 18, 2022
Hi, is shipping to Poland possible? I would like to buy one of your books – “Head First”, yet I am not sure if overseas shippping services are available.
Regards,
David Tomen
July 18, 2022
Ewa, Head First is digital and formatted for Kindle, iPad or as a PDF. So you can download it anywhere in the world where you have an internet connection.
Kelvin deWolfe
July 8, 2022
Seems book arrived later. Apologies.
Kelvin deWolfe
July 8, 2022
Trying to get the book but it just signs me up as a subscription.
No download link.
David Tomen
July 9, 2022
Kelvin, if you mean the free download “Secrets of the Optimized Brain” if you successfully subscribed to my newsletter you’ll get a confirmation email within second with a download link. Check your inBox and if it’s not there check the other folders including Spam. You would think Google knows who I am by now but it sometimes ends up in Spam.
Beb
July 8, 2022
Hello.
I am really grateful that i found your website. I’m reading your book. For some time now I struggle with weight ( I don’t gain more but I don’t loose weight even though I eat less) My job requires odd early hours and my eating pattern isn’t that good. I struggle with muscle pain and moods.
David Tomen
July 9, 2022
Bob, my area of expertise is the human brain and supplements that will help. I haven’t researched anything to do with weight. But one thing that helped me lose 20 lbs. along with light exercise was this supplement: https://bit.ly/2RAkrYH