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
James Basil
October 23, 2024
Dear David,
I wonder if you could help me. Years back I was going through a combo tester pack of racetams from ND. I didn’t really notice much if anything from any of them except for aniracetam. When I took that my social anxiety seemed gone, I was calmer, listened better, and felt at peace. Anyway so I was struggling with some social things recently and thought to look for it again and the only distributor I trust is ND, but they seem to have stopped stocking it. I am in the UK and wondering if you could recommend any distributor that provides quality aniracetam? Also, perhaps, any possible alternatives to it?
Thank you so much for your advice and good work.
Jamie Basil (UK)
David Tomen
October 25, 2024
James, the only suppliers I know of that sell Aniracetam are both based in the USA but I don’t know if they ship to the UK. Check the “Where to buy” section of my Aniracetam review: https://nootropicsexpert.com/aniracetam/
James Basil
October 27, 2024
Hey David, thank you for getting back to me.
You know I remember aniracetam as a wonderful dream now, which I am hoping to find again! Perhaps it was just placebo, but none of the other racetams had such an effect, if anything, noticeable.
if I can’t get hold of aniracetam, what do you think could come close to that in terms of a Nootropic stack? (perhaps a stack not involving racetams)?
I think aniractem worked so well because it helped with social anxiety which i’ve realised is worse than I thought and may be because I was diagnosed ADHD but I think asperger’s may in fact be my main diagnosis, and also because it helped me with communication.
Thank you, Jamie
David Tomen
October 27, 2024
Jamie, Aniracetam has a unique mechanism of action because it boosts the use of acetylcholine by up to 300%. This study is a deep dive into how Aniracetam works: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1527-3458.2002.tb00216.x. It also affects AMPA receptors which improves the effectiveness of glutamate, and seems to affect dopamine some how.
I don’t know of any other supplement that works like that. If you have been diagnosed ADHD then please read my article on how to deal with that here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/. And if you still need more help then schedule a consultation with me and we’ll work together longer figuring this out.
Mark Thompson
October 22, 2024
Hi David, I am putting together my own stack to help with a fuzzy brain. I am 66 years old, and I am not sure if it is age-related, those 20 Grateful Dead concerts back in the 70s or both. Haha! I am considering Ashawanda or Rhoiola Rosea. What is the difference between them, and how do they compare, given my brain issues?
David Tomen
October 25, 2024
Mark, Ashwagandha is likely a better choice for you because it helps repair dendrites, axons and synapses. I don’t know of any other supplement that does all three.
And I suggest using this page for tips on putting together your stack at 66 so you don’t miss anything: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-the-aging-brain/
BWT, is was NOT the Grateful Dead concerts that did any harm. That likely helped. 🙂
Alexander Fitzgerald
October 17, 2024
Hello David, I was thinking of buying an Iodine supplement because I believe that my levels are low. I am also hypothyroid and take 88 mcg of Levothyroxine per day. Would purchasing a Kelp supplement from NOW be a good source? It provides 150 mcg of Iodine per tablet.
David Tomen
October 20, 2024
Alexander, kelp is a source of iodine. But in supplement form you need to make sure that it’s pure. The problem with Kelp is it can naturally contain toxic arsenic and halides. It seems to me a better option is an iodine supplement at the dose you need. That way its easier to judge the purity of the supplement so you are getting only iodine/iodide and nothing else.
Daniel
October 13, 2024
plasma dopamine and bdnf are not the same as dopamine and bdnf in the brain
David Tomen
October 15, 2024
Daniel, not sure where that little gem of wisdom came from looking at the page above. But you are correct that “plasma dopamine” does not measure the level of dopamine in your brain. And is why neurotransmitter tests are a waste of money.
Jens
October 11, 2024
Hi David!
Got a question about your new members-only forum.
Will you be giving direct stack advice like in the consultations in this forum? Would be great, since other can read and learn it for a more affordable price.
Would love to have actually consultations with you, but at the moment it’s not realistic to have more than a few for me (student with ADD).
David Tomen
October 11, 2024
Jens, I will be participating in that forum. That should be soon. I have a team putting the finishing touches on the forum so please stay tuned. I think it will be so much better than the comments threads here on the website. Because every one who has joined will be able to participate.
Jens
October 11, 2024
Looking forward to your new forum! : )
Jens
October 7, 2024
Hi David!
Are silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, steric acid, and cellulose bad fillers, and should they be avoided as much as possible in supplements (like Performance Lab does)? If so, why are these bad?
David Tomen
October 7, 2024
Jens, all explained here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/7-tips-for-choosing-the-highest-quality-nootropic-supplements/#other-ingredients
Thomas Roe Reeb
September 27, 2024
Hello David, In the coming weeks I’d like to schedule a consultation with you. Just to tell you why and a little bit about myself I’ll begin with my name, Thomas Roe Reeb. I had spinal issues and then an accident that left me with a rather serious spinal cord injury. It was quite sometime ago yet required 7 surgeries to regain the ability to walk approximately 40 or 50ft without assistance. I was a competitive power lifter [edited for length] Thank you so very much, Thomas Roe Reeb
David Tomen
September 29, 2024
Thomas, I had to edit your essay down to a couple of sentences because it’s not necessary to share your life story here and publicly. Send me your notes once you do schedule the consultation and we’ll get you back on track and feeling better.
Jens
September 24, 2024
Dear David,
What is your opinion about genetic tests that show mutations for mainly ADHD? Are they useful to determine which nootropics to use, besides that they are quite costly.
David Tomen
September 26, 2024
Jens, if genetic testing tells you that you are ADHD then the only thing you can do is tame the symptoms of ADHD by using the right supplements. There are very, very few supplements that effect gene expression. But nothing will touch genetic mutations.
Jens
September 26, 2024
Thanks!
With respect to nootropics and supplements, could it help to see if there are certain genes of which the neuro(chemical)mechanism causes the adhd? Like if it is related to certain neurotransmitter receptors, deviating enzyme activity that clears neurotransmitters, etc.
In order to select effective supplements right away to save time to find what could work really effective.
David Tomen
September 27, 2024
Jens, it gets way too complicated trying to do it that way. I’ve found from many years of experience that if you follow the protocol I outline in my ADHD article it works for nearly everyone. As long as you follow dosage recommendations and timing during the day. Some need to use a prescription stimulant and nootropics as support. But some can manage ADHD symptoms naturally just following the protocol.