Table of Contents
Nootropics can help increase your memory, boost learning ability, improve your mood and assist overall brain function. If you’re new to nootropics, or wonder about the difference between a nootropic and a smart drug, then this page is for you.
Here you’ll find the definition of a nootropic, how to pronounce the word “nootropic”, the origin of the word nootropic, other names or synonyms you’ll come across when referring to nootropics, a brief explanation of nootropic ‘stacks’, if they really work, how they work and what nootropics can do for you.
You’ll also find information on nootropic safety. And if they have any side effects. Use this guide as a primer to clear any confusion, and get started safely with nootropics.
In just a few minutes you’ll have a better understanding of each topic. And links through to pages in more detail when an in-depth explanation is needed.
You can even click each of the titles in the Table of Contents and go directly to that section if you’re pressed for time.
What are Nootropics?
Nootropics are a class of substances that improve brain function. Also referred to as neuro-enhancers, cognitive boosters, or memory enhancers. Nootropics can be natural or synthetic.
Experienced bio-hackers often make a distinction between nootropics and smart drugs. For our discussion and to help you understand what they are and how they’re used, we’ll cover the latest in nootropics research.
Nootropics are used to improve focus, motivation, memory, mood, and cognition. Each of these depend on different processes in your brain. And different substances can be used to affect each of these functions.
This idea of altering brain function is not new. Our ancestors were using herbs and alcohol to alter brain function for the last few thousand years.
Origin of the word ‘Nootropic’
The term “nootropic” is relatively new. Romanian psychologist and chemist Dr. Corneliu Giurgea synthesized Piracetam in 1963. And coined the term “nootropic” in 1972.[i] It is derived from the Greek nous (“mind”) and trepein (to bend).
Definition of Nootropic
Dr. Giurgea gave us a list of five criteria that a substance must have to be considered a ‘true’ nootropic.
A true nootropic:
- Enhances memory and the ability to learn
- Assists brain function under disruptive conditions such as lack of oxygen and electroconvulsive shock
- Protects the brain from chemical and physical toxins like anticholinergic drugs and barbiturates
- Increases natural cognitive processes
- Must be non-toxic to humans, nor stimulate or depress the brain
Most of the time, when you hear the term ‘nootropic’ used, people loosely mean “cognitive enhancer”. A substance or compound that improves memory, increases cognitive processing speed, boosts alertness, concentration and focus, or a combination of these qualities.
At Nootropics Expert, I do my best to stick to the original definition of nootropic. And when a substance or compound strays from this strict definition, I’ll tell you the reasons why. And things to avoid when choosing a nootropic supplement.
How to Pronounce the word “Nootropic”
The formal or ‘correct’ way to pronounce the word “nootropic” according to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a few in the nootropic community is:
nō-ə-ˈtrō-pik
Which sounds a little like ‘Noah’ as in the biblical Noah. And ‘tropic’ with the ‘tro’ rhyming with ‘go’.
However, most in the nootropic community pronounce the word ‘new-tropic’. With ‘tropic’ rhyming with ‘living in the tropics’ (which I did for many years).
There is no absolute ‘correct’ way to pronounce nootropic in my opinion. And anyone who takes issue with the pronunciation of the word likely needs an extra dose of Phenylethylamine. Or 30-minutes of meditation. Just to calm down and get on with building their stack.
Nootropic Synonyms
With the rapidly growing popularity of nootropics and other cognitive enhancers, you will come across many terms generally referring to the same thing. And it can get confusing especially for someone new to nootropics.
Nootropics are commonly referred to as smart drugs, brain drugs, memory enhancers, neuro-enhancers, cognitive enhancers, intelligence enhancers, racetams, nootropic supplements, brain supplements, neuroceuticals, nutraceuticals, and cognition-enhancing supplements.
Most experienced neurohackers simply refer to them as “nootropics”. And here at Nootropics Expert, I make the distinction between a “nootropic” and a “smart drug”.
Natural vs. Synthetic Nootropics
You can boost brain power in a variety of ways. Your end goal will often dictate if you should use a natural or synthetic nootropic. Let’s illustrate this with some examples.
First we’ll look at a synthetic nootropic, and then we’ll look at a natural nootropic. These are only two of dozens of nootropics in each category.
Dr. Giurgea’s piracetam is a cyclic derivative of GABA. GABA is naturally produced by your body. (But because it is not “natural”, piracetam cannot be sold in the USA as a “dietary supplement”. And since piracetam is not approved by the FDA for medical use, it also cannot be sold as a drug.)
Piracetam has been shown to support memory[ii], learning capacity, reduce mental fatigue, and improve concentration. It is sold as the prescription drug “Nootropil” in many European countries.
Clinical trials with piracetam have shown it may help your brain in several ways. Including increasing the effectiveness of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.[iii]
Acetylcholine is a chemical messenger that allows neurons to communicate with each other. It is vital for memory, focus, concentration and mental alertness. But piracetam is not the only way to boost acetylcholine function in your brain.
Your body naturally makes acetylcholine from healthy fats in your diet. Good sources of choline – the precursor to acetylcholine – include:
| Milk | Cheese | Eggs | Soy Lecithin |
| Fatty fish | Beef (esp. liver) | Almonds | Cauliflower |
| Pistachios | Spinach | Wheat germ | spirulina |
You can also use supplements like Alpha GPC, CDP Choline, and choline citrate to boost choline.
So there is no best source for nootropics. Natural and synthetics work. Some work better than others. And everybody’s body really is different. It often depends what you’re trying to achieve.
Do Nootropics Really Work?
There is no question nootropics work. But opinions vary across the board how well they work. Decades of clinical studies and nootropic user comments and reviews show improvement in many areas. It depends on the person and the specific nootropic.
Personally, I was able to get off of ADHD meds (Ritalin) for a year. And manage my condition just as well with nootropics.
Many university students will tell you their high grades are directly related to a stack like aniracetam, Pramiracetam, ALCAR, L-Theanine and caffeine.
Users report the ability to:
- Interpret and retain complex information
- Learning is faster and more efficient
- Signal to noise ratio gets better
- Emotions are affected generally in a positive way
- Anxiety levels drop
- Sociability can be affected either way.
In the Nootropic community the big proviso is always “your mileage may vary”. Dosage can influence the desired (and undesired) effects of many nootropics. With some of the newer nootropics (smart drugs in particular) the jury is still out on how well, or even if they work.
This includes stacks put out by companies who either don’t disclose individual dosage of each ingredient. Or companies who have poor quality control over, and amount of the ingredients used in a capsule.
The underlying lesson is research and experimentation. Read what others say and research clinical trials. But always remember more is definitely not better.
For an in-depth dive into how nootropics work including influencing brain energy, signaling, cell health & repair, cerebral blood flow, brain waves and fatigue, see my post on:
What is the Best Nootropic?
It depends on what you mean by “best”. And maybe not the answer you’re looking for. But we have a lot of variables in play here. And especially for someone new to nootropics, this is what you need to consider…
If you are a university student, an entrepreneur, a business executive, a stay-at-home mom or dad or a senior – what are you trying to improve?
By using nootropics, you can benefit from improved memory, focus, learning, mood or motivation. Some even have anti-aging benefits. You have several options for each benefit you’re trying to boost or correct.
Here are the…
Best Nootropics for Learning & Memory
Best Nootropics for Depression
Hacking Motivation with Nootropics
Hack Your Flow State with Nootropics
But to be perfectly honest with you, from my personal experience, one nootropic to boost memory may work better for you and not as well for me.
As a general rule, we’re all the same. And generally one nootropic will work better for focus for most people. But I have found each nootropic can have a different effect at different doses on different people.
Each one of us has variations in cognitive “wiring”. Our chemical and genetic makeup is different. We’re influenced by the foods we eat, where we live, the air we breathe and the genes we inherited from our parents.
Science hasn’t yet developed the “magic pill” to solve all cognitive issues. It’s why we experiment, read reviews, and listen to other neurohackers. There is no one-pill solution!
It’s why I created and continue to develop Nootropics Expert®. To help you in your journey in creating the perfect nootropic stack for you at this time in your life.
Learn How to Create the Best Nootropic Stack for You here.
Best Nootropic Stack for Beginners
If you are new to nootropics, and don’t know where to start, here’s a few things to keep in mind.
Each nootropic supplement has a unique mechanism of action in your brain. As soon as you add just one more nootropic, it may have some impact on how the first nootropic works in your brain.
Sometimes this combination of two or more nootropics is intentional. For example, Piracetam boosts the sensitivity of acetylcholine receptors in your brain. Which causes your brain to demand more acetylcholine to satisfy this demand.
Experienced neurohackers have learned that ‘stacking’ Piracetam with a choline supplement like Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline boosts the effectiveness of Piracetam. With even more focus, learning and memory improvements.
But sometimes the interaction between two or more nootropics taken together is unintentional. And could cause adverse side effects like depression, irritability or insomnia.
Huperzine-A is a classic example because it acts as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor which means it boosts levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in your brain.
So if you add Huperzine-A to your stack, you may want to reduce your dose of a choline supplement like Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline. Or you could experience the side effects of too much acetylcholine.
You’ll also want to keep in mind that some nootropics have a cumulative effect in your brain. They ‘build-up’ over time. Especially if you take them everyday. Take Huperzine-A for example which has a half-life of 10 – 12 hours. If you took Hup-A every day, your body wouldn’t have the chance to flush the old Huperzine-A out of our system before you took your next dose.
Some nootropics are water-soluble while some are fat-soluble. What does this mean?
To help you if you’re just getting started in nootropics and building your first stack, check out this article on:
Beginners Guide to Nootropic Stacks
The guide will take you through building a nootropic stack step-by-step. And show you how to avoid the many pitfalls and mistakes many new neurohackers make when first getting started with nootropics.
How do Nootropics Work?
Nootropics can affect your brain by influencing brain waves, cerebral blood flow, cellular energy, hormones, neurotransmitters, neuroplasticity or growth factors.
Dozens of natural and synthetic substances have nootropic properties. Each can affect one or more of several categories affecting your brain. Nootropics work by affecting:
- Brain energy
- Brain cell signaling
- Brain cell health & longevity
- Brain blood supply
- Brain Waves
- Brain fatigue
- Brain repair
For a detailed overview of each of these categories, go to my post called:
You’ll find how each affects your brain, what can go wrong, and examples of nootropics that can address each issue.
You can also get detailed explanations of dozens of nootropics here on Nootropics Expert. Each article explains what the nootropic is and where it came from, mechanisms of action on how it works in your brain, why you may want to add it to your nootropic stack, dosage recommendations, forms each nootropic comes in, references to dozens of clinical studies, and where to buy the supplement.
Visit the “List of Nootropics” page and scroll through the Table of Contents. Each nootropic summary on that page links to a detailed article on that nootropic and how it works.
What Can Nootropics Do for Me?
Referring to a section near the beginning of this article, the right nootropics can help you:
- Interpret and retain complex information
- Learning is faster and more efficient
- Signal to noise ratio gets better
- Emotions are affected generally in a positive way
- Anxiety levels drop
- Sociability can be affected either way
Nootropics may also help to repair years of damage to your brain, and possibly find a healthier alternative to ADHD meds.
For more on ADHD and ADD, check out my post on:
Best Nootropics for ADHD & ADD
For athletes or anyone maintaining a serious exercise regimen some nootropics can help up your game. And give your body and brain the fuel it needs to operate at your peak.
Hack Motivation with Nootropics
Hack Your Flow State with Nootropics
Best Nootropics for Learning & Memory
Best Nootropics for Depression
Need more energy to power through your day? Mitochondria are where your body’s energy is produced. Allowing you to hear, feel and see. Mitochondria beat your heart, stimulate your sex drive and allow you to think.
Your brain has a higher concentration of these little cellular powerplants than most other cells in your body. You can have several thousand mitochondria in each brain cell. They even have their own DNA.
You can hack your mitochondria with nootropics. Learn how here:
Hack Your Mitochondria with Nootropics
If you are dealing with anxiety or depression and conventional prescription anti-anxiety meds, or antidepressants just aren’t helping…
Check this… are you also battling with abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea? Your brain fog, anxiety or depression could be a gut problem. Recent research has established a strong gut-brain connection.
And when you address gastrointestinal issues, you’ll often find that depression, anxiety and brain fog are gone too. Learn how here…
Psychobiotics: The Gut-Brain Connection
Are Nootropics Addictive?
A true nootropic as defined here (a natural method of boosting brain performance), are safe and generally non-addictive. Some nootropics can give you long-term benefits even after you stop using them.
Smart drugs which are typically pharmaceuticals can be addictive. Particularly those acting as stimulants.
Nootropics generally have very few side effects, are non-toxic when taken at recommended doses, and do not cause withdrawal symptoms once you stop using them.
To learn more about nootropics vs smart drugs, tolerance, psychological addiction, nootropics and withdrawal, and non-addictive alternatives to smart drugs, see my extended article on:
Nootropics vs. Smart Drugs — What’s the Difference?
Smart Drugs are not the same as nootropics even though some may have similar benefits.
A smart drug is typically a prescription pharmaceutical used to treat the symptoms of ADHD or narcolepsy. They are central nervous system stimulant drugs. And the most commonly prescribed are Adderall (dextroamphetamine) or Ritalin (methylphenidate).
These stimulants help with focus and energy in someone who is truly clinically ADHD. They produce spikes in dopamine and norepinephrine.
Adderall, Ritalin and other stimulants are very powerful drugs. And can include side effects such as decreased appetite, irritability, mood swings, anxiety, sleep problems, and cardiac issues. Dependency and addiction is a growing problem with their use.
Two other smart drugs of note are Modafinil and Adrafinil. These are wake-promoting agents that have a different chemical make-up from stimulants like Ritalin and Adderall. But exhibit similar side effects in many people.[xii]
Nootropics are described as having the characteristics of enhancing learning and memory. It should protect the brain while increasing natural cognitive processes. And should not be toxic, nor stimulate or depress the brain.
You could think of a nootropic as food for the brain, while a smart drug is exactly that — a drug for the brain.
Let’s be clear.
Smart drugs can kill you. And
nootropics can heal your brain.
For more on the “dark side” of smart drugs including more detail on methylphenidate (Ritalin), Adderall, modafinil, and prescription ampakines, see my post on:
Smart Drugs – The Bad and the Ugly
Nootropic Safety & Side Effects
One of the qualifications to be called a nootropic is they must be extremely safe, and non-toxic to humans. This from the original definition by Dr. Giurgea who invented piracetam.
For this reason, “smart drugs” like Ritalin and Adderall do not qualify as a nootropic.
Most nootropics have few, if any, drug interactions. And should not complicate existing health conditions.
But a strong word of caution here… carefully read the dosage recommendations and side effects for each nootropic you’re considering adding to your stack. Every article for each nootropic listed here on Nootropics Expert® goes into detail on what to look out for. Including possible drug interactions.
So care must be taken with anything that alters dopamine or serotonin in your brain. Particularly if you are on any kind of SSRI, MAOI, or other anti-depressant medication.
Nootropics are generally made from plants, or made up of ingredients from plants. Or are purified components or extracts of plants.
The racetam-family of nootropics are derivatives of chemicals naturally produced by your body. For example, piracetam is a cyclic derivative of GABA which is naturally produced throughout your body, including your brain.
Nootropics are generally safe if you use them as recommended. You don’t want to go overboard with Vitamin D, melatonin or zinc because it could cause problems. Likewise, follow directions on the label and get advice from experienced nootropic users.
Many clinical studies have been done on nootropics over the last 40 – 50 years establishing their safety. And no one who has used a nootropic at recommended doses has ever OD’d to my knowledge.
Some nootropics like the racetams can work as a precursor to, or increase the efficacy of acetylcholine in your brain. In other words, they boost the uptake of choline.
So, for example the most commonly reported “side effect” of using racetams are headaches. And they usually occur in a specific part of your brain.
The best way to counteract a “racetam-headache” is to use a good source of supplemental choline such as Alpha GPC, CDP-Choline, or Cognizin®.
Read more about:
Nootropics Safety & Side Effects
Are Nootropics Legal?
In the USA, nootropics are generally classified as “dietary supplements” or “research compounds“. And can be purchased and used legally for personal consumption.
Smart drugs like Ritalin, Adderall, and Modafinil are prescription “drugs” and require a prescription from a licensed medical professional.
Some nootropics, particularly synthetics are classified as a prescription drug in some countries. For example, Citicoline, which is a supplement in the USA, qualifies as a prescription drug in much of Europe.
Piracetam and other racetam-class nootropics are only available by prescription in Russia, the United Kingdom and Australia. SAM-e is a prescription drug throughout Europe. And Vinpocetine, derived from the periwinkle plant is prescribed as a dementia drug in Japan and parts of Europe.
Dietary supplements are available in the USA without a prescription. And in many other countries. However, please check the status of any particular nootropic and their classification in your country.
See the page on the legal status of nootropics in your country here:
Are Nootropics Legal in My Country?
That page is updated as new information comes in from readers and neurohackers like you. So if you have information about your country that’s not yet listed, please leave a comment at the bottom of the Are Nootropics Legal in My Country page. That page is checked by hundreds of visitors every day. Your input is greatly appreciated.
Join The Discussion - 210 comments
Lisa
August 2, 2021
Hello David.
Have you done consults with folks that have Genomind Mental Health Report and does it help eliminate some of the nootropics? I have ADHD and in menopause so my memory is crap now. Thanks
David Tomen
August 2, 2021
Lisa, I no idea what the Genomind Mental Health Report is. But I regularly do consultations with people for ADHD, menopause and/or if their memory is crap.
Leo
June 27, 2021
Hi David, I am turning to you for some help and I want to make sure I am safe while doing this and was hoping for your advice. These are the supplements I have currently and I just started taking them. I want to be sure I am not overloading my brain/body especially with to much choline. I would love your advice, please. Here is my list:
Alpha GPC- Take During Day. 300 mg: Water Soluble
Aniracetam- Have not Taken yet. Take During Day. 1500 mg: Fat Soluble
Ashwagandha- Take either at night or day. 250 to 500 mg. Don’t like to take during day as it makes me sleepy: Water Soluble
B-Right Vitamin Complex Jarrows- Take During Day: Water Soluble
Bacopa Monnieri- Take During Day. 200-400 Mg: Fat Soluble
Berberine- Take During Day. 500 Mg 3 times a day: Fat Soluble
Citrus Bergamot-Water Soluble: 500 Mg 3x a day
CDP-Choline-Take During Day. 500 mg: Water Soluble
COQ10- Take During Day. 300 Mg. Fat Soluble
Curcumin-Take During Day. 750 Mg: Fat Soluble
EGCG-Take During Day. 800 Mg: Water Soluble
Huperzine-A. Take During Day.200 Mg of 2 or 3 days: Water Soluble
L-Lysine- Take During Day. 500 Mg 2-3 times a day: Water Soluble
L-Theanine- Take During Day. 250 mg 2x per day. Water Soluble
Lions Mane- Take During Day. 500-1000 mg taken either 2/3 a day. Fat Soluble
L-Threonate- Taken Afternoon, Evening and Night. 144 mg 2/3 x a day. Water soluble
L-Tryptophan- Taken At Night. 500-1000 mg 1x per day. Water soluble
N-Acetyle L-Tyrosine (NALT)- Taken During Day. 350-500 2x per day. Water soluble
N-Acetyl -L-Cysteine (NAC)- Taken During Day. 1000 mg 1x a day. Water soluble
NA-R-ALA R-Lipoic Acid- (AKA) Alpha-Lipoic Acid- Taken During Day. 375 mg total 3x a day. Water Soluble
Noopept- Take During Day. Havent started taking it yet. Dosage 10-30 mg a day. Water Soluble.
Oxiracetam- Take During Day. 750-1500 mg per day: Water Soluble
Omega-3 Fish Oil- Take During Day. (Currently Wild Alaskan Fish Oil From Costco)- 1400 Mg: Fat Soluble
Pine Bark Extract- Take During Day. 100 mg 3x a day. Water Soluble
Pumpkin Seed Oil- Take During Day. 1000 mg. Fat Soluble
Quercetin- Take During Day. 500 mg 2x a day. Fat Soluble
Smart PS Phosphatide- Take During Day. 100mg 3x a day. Fat Soluble
Taurine- Take During Day. 500-1000 mg a day. Water Soluble
Thorne Multivitamin
Uridine Monophosphate- Take During Day. 150 – 250 mg per day twice per day: Water Soluble
I want to get off adderal and use nootropics/Racetams. Are all these safe to take together minus the Racetams/Noopept? Can I include just Noopept with this stack minus the racetams? Or Just 1 Racetame minus the Noopept? Thank you so much David for your help
David Tomen
June 27, 2021
Leo, your stack is fine as long as it works for you. But the fish oil you are using is useless. You need 1,000 mg DHA per day. So look for a DHA supplement that provides 1,000 mg DHA and half that of EPA. Or use 3 gelcaps per day of this one: https://bit.ly/3q98chL
Leo
June 28, 2021
Hey David thank you for your response!
I want to start Racetams or Noopept, can I take everything on that list and just 1 racetam? Should this be safe? Also, Can I take a racetam with Noopept and final question, can Adderal and racetams be mixed? Thank you!
David Tomen
June 29, 2021
Leo, one racetam at a time is fine along with Noopept. I use Aniracetam with methylphenidate with no problem.
Leo
June 29, 2021
Can you take Adderall with Noopept or an racetam? So for asking so many questions.
David Tomen
June 29, 2021
Yes
Allan
May 1, 2021
Okay, I’m just gonna post this, because I’m helpless.
Tons of days I have experienced becoming unstable, acidic, dizzy, unbalanced (= thus unable to do any). Then I’ve tried to counter it by getting more food, water, exercising. And when that hasn’t helped, I’ve tried electrolytes, or supplements, other times antacids. Or a nootropic (combo or singular). Or just coffee. Sometimes a glass with baking soda has done the trick. EACH of these things have SOMETIMES helped, many other times not – and this puzzle is driving me SICK! I CAN’T find a pattern, I’ve experimented for about a couple years now. This is simply too insane to sort out on one’s own – there’s too many variables. But the doctors and nutritionists can’t say SH*T. Because they don’t know nothing about either nootropics, neurotransmitters, acid-base in relation to food and medicine uptake (or medicine-food interactions, that’s all divided up), and noone can tell what specific mineral or nutrient (or whatever thing) I might be unbalanced in. I’m so stuck in my situation, I almost never get anything done (even though my ADHD medication has proven to work many times, it just keep shifting!), which is why I’ve tried to look in to it, but I’m tired of not having any *consistent* clues what to do.
David Tomen
May 2, 2021
Allan, welcome to my world. I use a lot of supplements and very successfully. But for about 6 months some days around 4 pm I would start going south. And feel really, really sick. I tried a regular doctor then a gastroenterologist.
I had labs done, imagining of my liver done, and no one could tell me what was wrong. I was desperate. Then a couple of months ago I realized that I had stopped taking an adrenal cortex supplement that I used for years 3-times per day. I started again and problem solved. I was experiencing an adrenal crash.
My point is only you can figure this out. It may take more time than you like. But you know your body better than anyone. And how you react to different things.
Look back on what made you feel better even if it was only a little. Then dig deeper into that and find out what it means. This is the only way you’ll be able to figure it out.
At the end of the day each one of us saves ourself. Thank God there are things like Nootropics Expert now so you can research anything that comes to mind. I suggest you keep on digging and listening to your body until you figure it out.
Matt
May 3, 2021
Well said David, thank God is right. I too am in a similar situation. Lost my ability to sleep properly about 3 1/2 years ago due to stress and addiction problems. I do not sleep through the night anymore. Sometimes I lay there all night into the morning. I suffered with extreme head pain with no help from doctors despite their efforts. I saw a Neurologist to no avail. Like you said they just don’t know. I’m finding out that I was lacking sufficient choline/acetylcholine. I’m not there yet but it was a big part of the missing piece to my puzzle. This site has been a huge help so thank you David for putting in the time.
Allan
May 9, 2021
Hello David. Thanks for writing back. That sounds very complicated as well. Good you got that sorted out. Wouldn’t adrenal crashes be relieved from supplements that boost epinephrine (adrenaline)?
We are all closest to ourselves, yes. But I don’t know what’s going on within my chemistry at all and can’t nail down a pattern.
I most often just try to follow the same procedure the next day when something appears to work. Then it changes anyway. And any attempt to follow through or counteract gets derailed. And when each item poses series of complications surrounded by several irregularities and variables, taking a whole stack would severely complicate things. Even if I might be missing something in the balance.
I’ve tried reaching over a handful articles in here, without gaining much of a clue unfortunately.
I’ve taken nootropics by Puritan’s Pride (L-tyrosine, neuro boost) or LT from Bulk.com. Usually 1x 500mg of L-tyrosine first thing in the morning without eating for an hour. Then I’ve taken my medicine (Vyvanse 30mg) after that and a meal. I’ve also sometimes taken half the amount of LT because I seem to react sensitively. But the first times I took that amount of LT with my meds, it was fine and I got very focused. Other times my head has felt like it’s melting or ‘crashing’. Sometimes massive ‘laziness’ like I can’t use my limbs very much.
I drink a lot of water. I avoid gluten and around 71 food items (apparent IgG food intolerances) most of the time (have lots of inflammation). I also use L-tryptophane at night. I’ve tried supplementing with brahmi some days, where it worked fine. Then no difference.
I’ve also recently had a pause from the vyvanse, several days in a row. Had less experiences, but it’s often worked wonders and I need the function. Right now I’m experiencing some relief from flea seed shells. Other times I’ve had aweful sensations using fiber-supplements despite adding plenty of water (I think vyvanse also drains some water, but still doesn’t explain why it only sometimes goes wrong). Just to point out some examples.
David Tomen
May 10, 2021
Allan, I don’t know if it was an adrenal crash or cortisol crash. I just know my adrenals were the problem. And find using adrenal cortex helps tremendously.
I wish I had an answer for you but it could be so many things. For example, I was doing a consultation with a young guy in the UK last week who described having problems even using vitamins. Turns out he may have methylation issues because of problems with one or two gene mutations.
That’s the thing. When you react badly to so many things it’s time to start thinking outside the box.
I suggest doing searches like “why am I so sensitive to supplements?”. Or Google specific symptoms with the word “AND” in capital letters and then the name of the supplement. Keep digging until something clicks. Someone, somewhere on this planet has the same problem. And hopefully they wrote about it somewhere online.
I only suspected I had adrenal problems years ago during my research on hypothyroidism. And it turned out many who were hypo also complained about adrenal fatigue. I started supporting my adrenals along with my thyroid and things started to get better.
Allan
May 10, 2021
Alright, hurray for solutions when they happen, nevertheless.
I understand. I had to try. It was far from being as detailed as can be or among the most complicated sensations. The imbalances are simply too irregular to summarize. Now, vitamin sensitivity – that sounds radical. How one could track up a genetic mutations baffles me. That must require access to some rather advanced lab research facility.
And believe me, I have searched and read around like a maniac, through those many months. Doctors have even advised against it on occasion. It can easily confuse the layman mind which warrants caution.
It does seem like, however, that both restricting the dose further is important to the puzzle, and with a small amount-usage of a few other nootropics being another piece to it (right now using ‘Neuro Boost’ by Vita Mass and only taking one 500 mg tyrosine capsule in the morning). And then also restricting the ADHD medication, since both that and tyrosine works up the dopa’. It doesn’t count as a whole stack, but I just aim for basic brain functionality and enough balance to do things and coordinate myself in general.
How did you tell apart the adrenal fatigue from fatigue in general (which I gather could also happen in people with low dopamine, a.o.). The symptoms must have some specific ‘subset’. Given the ‘hypo’, it makes quite a bit of sense though.
David Tomen
May 12, 2021
Allan, genetic mutations of course are inherited. But easily checked these days. All you need is get a DNA test done by Ancenstry.com or 23andme.com. Less than $200 as I recall.
I figured it was an adrenal crash only because I had been supporting my adrenals since I was first diagnosed hypothyroid. And then I stopped supporting them because I forgot to order the supplements.
It didn’t occur to me until 2 or 3 specialist visits later and out of desperation wondering what was causing this. That’s when finally remembered about supporting my adrenals. Didn’t realize how bad the symptoms would be until I started crashing a few times per week. One of the nastiest things I’ve experienced physically.
Wong
April 29, 2021
Hi David
Will you be doing a review on PL immune? I am looking forward to it.
David Tomen
April 30, 2021
Wong, I will be doing a review of PL-Immune. It’s a good product especially for taming brain inflammation.
Rick May
March 14, 2021
I have been researching supplements for over fifteen years, and would like to show you something not covered in your write-up on Piracetam.
Piracetam according to the following study increases prolactin which is activated by the pituitary gland. This according to PubMed article
ID 2392876. If you look further, you will find that increased prolactin raises the chances of prostate cancer. Thanks for the book.
David Tomen
March 15, 2021
Rick, you’re welcome. That PubMed abstract is two sentences. How you get from there to prostate cancer is little concerning.
Gary
March 10, 2021
Glad to find out about your site,just subscribed..much thx for making all this info available-
Been taking Source Naturals Positive Thoughts for a number of yrs,recently it’s been out of stock everywhere so I decided to see what else I could find w/similar ingredients;as a result been trying to do a little research about things w/sites like
webmd….you can imagine my reaction when finding this site!!
Wonder if you’d get a chance at some point to take a look at the ingredients and let me know if you have any suggestions…already got St.John’s Wort 300 mg + GABA 500 mg.,thinking about doing the same thing(purchasing individual ingredients)w/DMAE/amino acids…
Here’s what 3 tablets contain-
St. John’s Wort Aerial Parts Ext. (0.3%) Yielding 2.7 mg Hypericins 900 mg
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) 500 mg
L-Tyrosine 200 mg
Taurine (as magnesium taurine complex) 185 mg
Holy Basil Leaf Extract 100 mg
Lemon Balm Leaf Extract 100 mg
Valerian Root Extract 100 mg
L-Phenylalanine 100 mg
DMAE (as bitartrate) 60 mg
L-Theanine 50 mg
N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine 50 mg
Relora®(Phellodendron amurense bark extract and Magnolia officinals bark extract blend)
Again,really appreciate your having put this site together…
Gary Shore
David Tomen
March 11, 2021
Gary, I assuming those ingredients are in the Source Naturals product. Only advice I have is if it works for you keep on using it.
Gary
March 12, 2021
David-
Really appreciate you taking the time to reply!!Much thx for making this great info/pdf available..looking foward to studying things ….
As I posted above,product is N/A currently so I’m interested in what I can get to continue taking the same ingredients,either in combined form or purchasing individual supplements….
David Tomen
March 13, 2021
Gary, gotcha so I suggest getting these as individual supplements because I’m not aware of a stack like that by anyone else:
St. John’s Wort (with hyperforin instead of hypericin) – see my review for why
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)
L-Tyrosine
Taurine
Holy Basil Extract
Lemon Balm Extract
Valerian Root Extract
L-Theanine
Go to the Nootropics List at the top and scroll through to each supplement because I have types to buy and how much to use.
Robert
January 23, 2021
Hey DAVID thank you for putting the time into this!! A serious question I really want your opinion on this. So Gorilla Mind Rush I keep hearing is the best of the best Nootropic on the market hands down, what say you on this product?
David Tomen
January 23, 2021
Robert, that kind of statement can only be made by the folk who make that supplement. I’ve been doing this for over a decade and never heard of it. But the name sounds a lot like just another caffeine-based stack that will feel like a “rush” if you use it.
My opinion? Definitely not the best nootropic on the market. In fact, it would not even rank.
Nicola Lavorato
January 3, 2021
Hi
I have been trying to download your new ebook – Head First – The Complete Guide to Healing & Optimizing Your Brain with Nootropic Supplements
but none of the links are working from your site on Nootropics Expert.
Please advise how I can best download your book. Very interested in reading it
Thank you for your help
David Tomen
January 4, 2021
Nicola, I just spent the last hour chatting with someone at the shopping cart I use about this problem. And no one knows what’s going on. But I’m trying to get this fixed ASAP. Sorry for the hassle. My apologies. But it will be fixed! Please check back at this time tomorrow and see if I’ve made any progress.