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 - 1,835 comments
ricky kelly
September 27, 2018
Hello, my name is Ricky Kelly. I am interested in Oatstraw. I watched your youtube video, it was very thorough and informative. I wanted to know if this herb is ok to take relative to candida. The reason why I ask is that I have issues with my superior sagittal sinus draining sometimes, and I feel this herb will help.
David Tomen
September 28, 2018
Rick, I didn’t come across any research on Oat Straw and candida. I was personally able to kill off candida within two months using oregano oil daily.
Anthony
September 27, 2018
Thank you so much for replying. If you don’t mind can you please tell us what organization your part of so we can quote you in our project and use you as our professional advisor.
David Tomen
September 28, 2018
Anthony, simply say, “David Tomen – author of Nootropics Expert”.
Anthony
September 26, 2018
Hi, I think that what I have seen with your expertise I think that my 5th grade group could use your help with a project
We will be sending lions mane into space
So if you will help us we will be very happy
From Anthony
David Tomen
September 27, 2018
Anthony, your 5th grade class is more than welcome to use the references for Lion’s Mane found at the bottom of this page: https://nootropicsexpert.com/lions-mane/
But I can’t imagine why anyone would want to send Lion’s Mane into space. Although astronauts would likely find supplementing with Lion’s Mane very helpful.
Because Lion’s Mane helps boost Nerve Growth Factor, mood and mental energy, and helps alleviate anxiety. Which I imagine could be a problem when you’re stuck in a little place like the International Space Station for months on end.
CY
September 24, 2018
Hi
Im a school bus driver and i have alot of nervousness and anxiety. Do you know of any nootropics i can take that are real effective that can help with this? And in what best form? Tincture or pill or powder form?
David Tomen
September 25, 2018
CY, there can be many causes at the root of the anxiety you are experiencing. Please see this post for a better understanding on what you are dealing with, and ideas that may help you: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-social-anxiety/
Christian
September 21, 2018
Hello thanks for all the great info.
I have read somewhere doing some research that Lithium orotate migth not be enough to help for rapid cycling bipolar disorder and that sodium valporate is necessary together with Lithium orotate or just Sodium valporate ? Could you give me your opinion and advise ?
I am taking 2 to 3 x 5mg Lithium orotate daily since a few years and have had amazing results but still suffer from depresion episode especialy because of my relationships with woman…..I guess Lithium orotate is not enough sometines !
Thanks for your help
David Tomen
September 22, 2018
Christian, I’m not a doctor and don’t even pretend to play one on TV. So your comment about Sodium Valproate could be spot on.
One of the things we’ve learned about neurohacking is there is no “one-pill” solution for just about anything. And I’ve also learned to not completely discount mainstream medicine because these guys have come up with some life-saving solutions over the last century.
So sometimes combining the right nootropic supplements with the right prescription medication may be the best solution.
For depression, please see this post here > https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-depression/
Christian
September 23, 2018
Thanks for your answer. Does Sodium Valporate is considered a nootropics or it is a drug ? Is it safe what do you think ?
David Tomen
September 24, 2018
Valproate is considered a prescription drug in most countries around the world. And it is included in the WHO List of Essential Medicines. Like any drug it has side effects. But I’m not pharmacist and know very little about this medication. I’ve found a good place to do general research for most drugs is Wikipedia. Here’s the listing for Valproate: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valproate
Bev
September 14, 2018
Hi Dave,
I have ADD but it doesn’t work anymore built up resistantance to it and I have lost motivation, energy and for sure mental craziness of course. I’m kinda use to that though but I have been using alpha gpc, noopet, addrinafinal and sulbutiamine but wondered bc though it gives me a little of what I had but I have no energy of motivation and I really miss that. I’m very depressed about it. Any suggestions? Haven’t worked out since got off of adderall feel like a zombie and I eat very healthy have always but since I have been off its much harder I’m always hungry but zero zero energy. Just want to be able mentally to have the motivation to work out and also would love to boost my brain. Trying to Learn new course online and as per even with Adderall lose the info so quick I have had short and long term memory loss for a long time and so sick of feeling stupid and now no energy no motivation what’s left? I do not like doctors been to too many who don’t listen and just want money I’m in a very sad state!! Any suggestions
David Tomen
September 14, 2018
Bev, I’m not sure what your “built up resistance to” but assuming it’s Adderall … I did a whole year using the stack described in this post with full-blown Adult ADD and no stimulant meds: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/
Tom
September 10, 2018
Hello David,
Over the past two years I’ve been taking excessive amounts of amphetamines. Two months ago I came across the PEA selegiline combo. In contrast to what you said, however, I did build a tolerance. My starting dose was 1 gram and I already needed to take more the following day to achieve the same effect. And the comedown became worse and worse. After about 2 weeks I was taking over 3 grams every 1-2 hours, so I decided to stop.
But now after watching your video, I asked myself, did I actually have real PEA or was it not correctly synthesized?! The fact that it is a naturally accuring chemical in our body and that we shouldn’t build a tolerance to it definitely makes sense.
My tolerance is down now but I’m still heavily depressed. If it’s true what you said, I could cure my depression just with real PEA. Can you tell me a source that sells real PEA? I’d be more thankful to you than to anybody else. Thanks in advance.
Best regards,
Tom
David Tomen
September 11, 2018
Tom, 2 vendors I’m aware of the sell PEA are Bulk Supplements and Liftmode. Both claim to test their product before sale. You could ask for a Certificate of Analysis for the batch you intend to buy. Next best thing is read through the reviews and see what others are saying.
The thing about using such large amounts of any nootropic and tolerance is you damage receptors and synapses. I suggest you look for ways to do some neuron repair. Lion’s Mane comes to mind right now. And take a look for other ideas in this post on traumatic brain injury because the ideas apply: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-traumatic-brain-injury/
David Alden
September 7, 2018
Hello David,
First of all I want to thank you for making this tremendous resource of information available. I have a combination of 4 types of ADD (according to the online survey at the Amen Clinic). Temporal Lobe, Ring of Fire, Inattentive and Anxious ADD. I am on day two of taking Luminol and have Mind Lab Pro on its way to me in the mail.
The initial results from Luminol are quite impressive. I have noticed my impulsivity is gone and my focus and sense of purpose is greatly sharpened.
My main question for you is I am wishing to know if there is a danger to take the Mind Lab Pro along with the Luminol, due to the combination of different stacks. Is there a safe way to do this, or would it be best to either only take one or the other. From what I have seen so far, it appears that Mind Lab Pro does not have an Ampakine ingredient. Being very new to Nootropics, I may naively think this makes it “safer”. I was planning IF I take both, to space it out, so a few hours pas between taking one and then the other. I would greatly value your advice. Thank you.
David Tomen
September 7, 2018
David, I need more information about Luminol before I can comment. What is it and what it its mechanism of action in the brain?
David Alden
September 9, 2018
Luminol has Noopept as the chief ingredient. It is a stack with Noopept, Phosphatidylserine, Acetyl L-Carnetine, L-Tyrosine, Panaz Ginseng, Hardening, Guarana, Gingko Biloba and Alpha GPC.
It is meant to increase mental energy & focus, vasodilate to increase blood flow to the brain, improve motivation though clarity and reduce anxiety.
David Tomen
September 9, 2018
David, without knowing the dosage of each ingredient in Luminol, I’m guessing that it’s safe to use it with Mind Lab Pro. Best thing to do is look up each individual supplement here on Nootropics Expert and check dosages for each. Then look at the dosages for each pre-formulated stack and make sure they are within the safety range.
David Alden
November 8, 2018
Just checking back in – Two months later and the combination of Luminol and Mind Lab Pro has been working fantastically. Whatever is not present in Luminol, is provided by Mind Lab Pro. They both have sources of choline, but for me, it only helps. Perhaps my brain needs a lot of choline to fuel ACH production. Anyway, just to say that this combination works well and I again am so grateful for your advice when I was asking the question initially. I have experimented with some other racetams and do find I feel great with taking this product called “Ultra Racetam”, along with the Mind Lab Pro. This one has a higher dose of Noopept (30mg, as opposed to the 15mg in Luminol). It also has 800mg of Piracetam, 600mg of Oxiracetam and 750mg of Aniracetam. I first thought of trying this, if I wanted a “rocket to the moon” on occasion, due to all the multiple racetams. The lesson from this experimentation, is that I tend to do well on a bit higher amount of Noopept than the 15mg in the pre made stack that Luminol offers (per two capsules).
David Tomen
November 9, 2018
David, thanks for reporting your experience. It helps a lot for others just getting started with nootropics.
You’ll likely find that when using the racetam supplements you’ll need more acetylcholine as well. So add another CDP-Choline or Alpha GPC supplement to your stack if you need to when using the extra racetams.