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 - 1,827 comments
Angel
January 2, 2024
Hello David, I love your site and book. I don’t know where to put this so I hope this forum is ok, I found on the new remodeled site, in the mobile version, the nootropics list menu is missing the ‘natural nootropics’ category. Cheers!
David Tomen
January 4, 2024
Angel, I just checked on my Android and you are correct! I’ve sent a message to my developer and hopefully he will take care of that soon. Thank you for the heads up!
David
December 31, 2023
Hi David,
Are you aware if NAC is anticholinergic? I’m looking for natural ways to reduce acetylcholine activity.
Thank you and happy new year,
David
David Tomen
January 1, 2024
David, NAC’s primary function is not on acetylcholine. I suggest trying Forskolin, Luteolin or R-Lipoic Acid and see if one of those works.
David
January 1, 2024
Thanks David. Happy New Year!
Zack
December 30, 2023
Hello, I am wanting to try nootropics in the US, but I am hung up on the FDA requirement to provide doctors contact information who is treating you. How to neurohackers in US meet this requirement or how is this requirement otherwise dealt with? Due to my job, I absolutely cannot risk any thing that would be illegal or even questionable in the realm of legality.
Thanks in advance.
David Tomen
January 4, 2024
Zack the majority of supplements I’ve reviewed on this site can be purchased by anyone on Amazon, iHerb and many other websites. You certainly do NOT require a doctor’s prescription. That is one of the major benefits of using natural nootropic supplements.
Zack
January 14, 2024
Does this include other classes of nootropics such as racetams? I haven’t found those on Amazon.com.
Thanks,
Zack
David Tomen
January 15, 2024
Zack, the racetams were created and are used as prescription drugs in some Eastern European countries. They are not considered “dietary supplements” in the USA. And they get particular scrutiny by the FDA in the US for various reasons. So, the very few companies brave enough to sell them are very careful about any “claims” they make and usually label them as “research compounds”.
Some even include the wording “not for use by humans” or words similar to that because they do not want to get shut down by the FDA. Which is a little crazy because the racetams are derivatives of GABA which you naturally produce in your gut.
Zainul Abidin Ismail
December 28, 2023
Hi David.
Need your advise what is the recommended supplement to overcome anxiety. I have problem on “white coat syndrome” i.e. when seeing doctors for blood pressure measurement, the reading would indicate high BP e.g. 180 or 200/95. Appreciate your advise.
David Tomen
December 28, 2023
Zainul, anxiety can be caused by a host of different things. If it is a problem with neurotransmitter dysfunction then this article may help: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-anxiety/. That article walks you step by step on how to test each one to see if that is what is causing your anxiety.
Zainul Abidin Ismail
December 28, 2023
Thanks David
Will
December 19, 2023
Hi David, I just bought your Head First 2nd Edition book… and it’s 930 pages long lol
I will really struggle reading that.
Can you suggest a stack for me to try out before I attempt reading the book? I have ADHD and need help with focus, motivation/drive, clarity of thought, happiness etc.
Thanks
David Tomen
December 21, 2023
Will, Head First 2nd Edition is not meant to be read cover to cover. It’s more like a reference manual. But you should find a stack for ADHD somewhere in the last couple of chapters of the book. Or you can just go to this page and see the stack in the yellow box near the top: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/
Will
December 23, 2023
Oh okay. Alright I’ll buy that stack and test it out and make adjustments that are preferential. If I can’t figure out what I’m looking for then I’ll possibly do one of those consultations with you however I’m not mad keen on Zoom calls lol
Thanks for your help.
David Tomen
December 24, 2023
Will, I have complete faith that you’ll figure it out. But if you do need help we can do a consultation. BTW, if you are in the USA, Canada or Mexico we’ll talk by phone. Not Zoom. Otherwise we can do it via Zoom, Skype, Google Meet or Microsoft Meetings. But they are audio only anyway. So you do NOT need a camera.
Will
January 9, 2024
Hi, So I bought all the supplements mentioned in the yellow box (but the MCL Oil was out-of-stock so I have to wait for that to be dispatched). While they do give a slight energy boost, I don’t feel like there are any major differences. One frustrating thing is, no matter what time I take them, morning or early afternoon, I’m struggling to get off to sleep at an appropriate hour and then I am out cold, not even hearing alarms and waking up late.
I have just noticed that I missed another box on that page that mentions this ;
“The ADD/ADHD stack I use includes:
Mind Lab Pro
Performance Lab® Energy – twice per day
CDP-Choline – twice per day
ALCAR – 750 mg 1-time per day
L-Tyrosine – 500 mg 3-times per day
Sulbutiamine – 400 mg twice per day
Aniracetam – 750 mg twice per day
Vinpocetine – 10 mg 3-times per day
Performance Lab® Omega-3 – 3 GelCaps per day
1 tablespoon unrefined Coconut Oil or MCT Oil– 3-times per day
Performance Lab® NutriGenesis Multi – 4 caps per day”
Should I be taking all those other things too? Where should I buy them from and what do you recommend re. sleep?
Thanks.
David Tomen
January 9, 2024
Will, it depends on what you are trying to do. That list is what I use to manage Adult ADD. The optional supplements in that stack and the ones you do not need to make it work for ADHD or ADD include Sulbutiamine, Aniracetam, and Vinpocetine. But the rest work great for Adult ADD.
Will
January 11, 2024
Hi, I’m trying to hack into like, consistent, calm/focused energy. I have ADHD and you can sometimes have spells of ADHD energy which is based of happiness or something that triggers it. I want the ability to trigger it without needing to be happy as that is something that just doesn’t exist in my life right now.
I tried some Stim-Free pre-workout supplements before and the one day it gave me that and I felt like I wanted to train all day but then I didn’t have that feeling again.
I need to feel more confident in myself and happy within and to do that I need to find this energy and motivation/drive. The motivation obviously is there within but the drive isn’t there.
Sometimes I have what I would call fake confidence which is those moments where the ADHD is triggered. A lot of the time though I can be flat, self-conscious, anxious etc.
I have to change that and tap into that energy/drive.
Basically I am lost in life haha, and I’m trying to figure out ways to uplift my mood and bring that energy into me and get **** done.
Will
January 11, 2024
So you think CDP-Choline, ALCAR and L-Tyrosine would help?
Are you saying L-Tyrosine is 500mg total, 3 times per day or 500mg 3 times per day which amounts to 1500mg?
David Tomen
January 11, 2024
L-Tyrosine 3 times per day which amounts to 1500 mg per day total. That dose works for most people. But it also requires the cofactors Vitamins B6, B9 & B12, magnesium, and Vitamin D3. CDP-Choline and ALCAR require the cofactors Vitamins B1 and B5, magnesium, and Vitamin D3.
Will
January 12, 2024
When you say “cofactors”, do you mean it must be included in the ingredients?
David Tomen
January 14, 2024
Cofactors are required to produce certain things in your body and brain. For example, you need Vitamins B1 and B5 as cofactors along with ALCAR to produce CoA and CDP-Choline to produce a choline molecule all to produce acetylcholine which is your main signaling neurotransmitter.
Will
January 12, 2024
Can you recommend where to buy what you suggest? I’m in the UK…
My sleep has been terrible and has worsened on what I’ve been taking. Struggling even worse to get off to sleep now and then drained the next day if I don’t get the 8 hours in. Now after getting 10 hours to catch up a bit I feel like I’m not present/alert, and very within myself/timid.
David Tomen
January 14, 2024
Will Performance Lab Sleep is made by a UK company and is shipped from within the UK: https://bit.ly/35cx80b
Will
January 13, 2024
Right, I’m gonna buy this “Sleep” product from Performance Lab. I could not get a wink last night lol
I remember seeing something when buying the other products and expected you to recommend… It looks good.
Will
January 14, 2024
Really apologise for asking so many questions. This will be the last one on this stack (with the Sleep product included) now until I’ve completed 3-4 weeks, at that point I can pay for a consultation if needed.
Can you suggest L-Tyrosine, CDP-Choline and ALCAR products? I can’t find any L-Tyrosine that has Vitamins anywhere in the ingredients.
Not sure what happened with my sleep. It was fine the first few days. I’ve stopped taking the stack now until the MCT-Oil arrives, along with the Sleep, and once I’ve bought the L-Tyrosine, ALCAR and CDP-Choline.
I watched the L-Tyrosine video as well and it’s definitely concerning, the long-term use potential for a stroke lol but the Sleep supplement has L-Tryptophan included anyway.
David Tomen
January 14, 2024
Will, it was long-term use of Alpha GPC that showed a 47% increased chance of stroke. Not CDP-Choline.
This is what I use and all from Amazon:
https://geni.us/NrRY
https://geni.us/q9nCC
https://geni.us/V8eBUD
And you need a BioActive B-Complex: https://nootropicsexpert.com/go/life-extension-bioactive-b-complex/
Will
January 15, 2024
Wow, it is difficult to find these in the UK with all the things listed, particularly from the same site for shipping. I assume the most important things are “lab verified”, “non-gmo” and “no fillers”.
Closest thing in the UK I can find to your Pure L-Tyrosine is this, but it’s not Lab verified. Is that okay? Pure Encapsulations L-Tyrosine
David Tomen
January 15, 2024
Will, Pure Encapsulations is a good company and that Tyrosine supplement is pure. It does not contain any “other ingredients” which is great because those “other ingredients” are toxic to your immune system.
Labels are only one source for finding out the purity of the supplement. The next best source is locating their website and find out about their testing program like this page: https://pureforyou.com/pages/pure-difference
Will
January 15, 2024
So you take L-Cartinine at 1000mg twice per day and Citicoline at 500mg twice per day?
I should stick to the L-Cartinine at 750mg once per day though and how much Citicoline should I be taking as it only says “twice per day” with no mg amount?
David Tomen
January 15, 2024
Will, the standard adult dosage is this:
Citicoline 300 mg twice per day
Acetyl L-Carnitine 500 mg twice per day. L-Carnitine cannot cross the blood-brain barrier which is why we use ALCAR instead.
Will
January 14, 2024
My bad, it wasn’t a stroke for long-term use. Got it mixed up.
Will
January 11, 2024
Also, anger can obviously trigger it as well and I get angry when the sports teams I support lose or I lose at games etc. but it’s hard to manufacture these emotions and then use them for motivation or energy. That kind of energy doesn’t stick around unless I woke up amped/hyped up/edgy and on those days I have real trouble focusing or being motivated.
I really hope I can find a good Nootropics combination for this lol
Apologies for the multiple comments on the same subject.
David Tomen
January 11, 2024
Will follow the dosage recommendations for each supplement including the right timing and number of times during the day. Follow that for at least 2 – 3 weeks and then report back on how things are going.
Will
January 12, 2024
I will do. Thanks for your help.
Sean Yim
December 13, 2023
Hi David,
When using Mucuna Pruriens or L-Tyrosine to increase dopamine, do we need to supplement 5-HTP to ensure that serotonin is not depleted?
Thank you.
David Tomen
December 14, 2023
Sean, yes, you need to support serotonin but I suggest using L-Tryptophan instead because it is easier to dose and safer to use long-term.
John
December 12, 2023
Hi David, do you have an article on what helps with neuroinflammation?
David Tomen
December 14, 2023
John, not specifically inflammation but if you use the search function top right of this website and search for the keyword “inflammation” you’ll get a list of supplements that are anti-inflammatory. (i.e. https://nootropicsexpert.com/?s=inflammation)
Sean Yim
December 12, 2023
Hi David. Do I need to add 5HTP when using Mucuna Pruriens or L-Tyrosine to increase Dopamine? There are research indicating that both these supplements depletes Serotonin. Thank you
David Tomen
December 14, 2023
Sean, yes, you need to support serotonin but I suggest using L-Tryptophan instead because it is easier to dose and safer to use long-term. And use L-Tyrosine instead of L-DOPA (unless you have Parkinson’s).