The term nootropics are derived from the Greek, nous trepein, meaning to ‘turn the mind’. Call them smart drugs or cognitive enhancers, a nootropic is a compound to improve cognitive functioning, increase productivity, make you more alert, and they can help develop better habits. Healthy people can reap great benefits from these synthetic compounds. A nootropic is not a medication to restore health but rather a supplement to enhance concentration and motivation.
Each nootropic has a unique profile and their effects will vary from person to person as everyone’s brain chemistry is different. Nootropics are taken for diverse reasons, whether to help with socializing, counter the effects of stress, or improve learning capabilities. They give you more control over your mental state, and mood and are safe when used responsibly.
Table of Contents
Modafinil (M)
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Modafinil is a popular nootropic and generally prescribed as an anti-narcolepsy drug to reduce fatigue, treat sleep apnea, and enhance wakefulness. While it is only available as a prescription, there are generic derivatives, such as adrafinil.
It has been used by the military to enhance alert levels and reduce battle fatigue in soldiers, in cancer patients to reduce stress, and drug addiction for crystal meth or cocaine. Because it binds to the same receptors as these drugs, it can help lessen cravings, alleviate withdrawal, and promote sobriety.
Main Benefits
Modafinil improves memory, cognition, motivation, and focus. It also increases resistance to feeling fatigued and thereby improves your mood, while increasing productivity, levels of focus, and energy. Vigilance is also amplified, which in turn reduces impulsive feelings and thinking that lead to poor decision making.
Potential Side-Effects
As a psychostimulant, Modafinil is known to have minimal to no adverse effects when used in moderation. If taking Modafinil late in the day, it can lead to insomnia, and prolonged use to avoid sleeplessness can induce stress that leads to impairment of the immune system.
While it is not considered to be addictive, it is recommended to lower the dose over time if you want to stop taking it. This is especially for those who have taken Modafinil for a long period of time or were taking higher doses.
Noopept (N)
Source: en.m.wikipedia.org
Noopept (N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester) is a potent nootropic based on cycloprolylglycine, which is a neuropeptide that occurs naturally in the body. It affects your serotonin and dopamine, and other brain chemicals that promote neuron health. It also influences the calcium and potassium channels to stimulate electrical impulses for nerve cell communication.
Noopept has similar chemical properties to another nootropic selling on this website, piracetam although their reactions and benefits differ significantly. Noopept is actually considered to be more potent than piracetam, and it is generally safe and effective for most people.
It can be taken by itself or as a ‘stack’ with other nootropics, like choline. Noopept works on one of the brain neurotransmitters called acetylcholine. By including a dose of choline, it ensures optimal levels of the neurotransmitter allowing Noopept to work to its full potential.
Main Benefits
Noopept offers improved overall cognitive performance even with small doses. It enhances your mood, memory, and focus decreases anxiety and depression, and stimulates clearer thinking. Studies have also shown that Noopept can help reduce symptoms associated with the cognitive injury.
Potential Side-Effects
Noopept has a good safety profile and is well-tolerated when taking the recommended dosage. However, it can cause undesirable effects when taking in high doses, which can include insomnia, nausea, restlessness, headaches, or gastrointestinal problems. If you experience any of these side-effects, it is advisable to stop taking Noopept.
Phenylpiracetam (Ph)
Source: thenootropicsreview.net
Phenylpiracetam is a safe, non-addictive, and effective alternative to Adderall, which is prescribed for ADHD. It is derived from Piracetam and requires lower doses. It has psychostimulatory effects and plays a vital role in reducing stress and boosting brain function.
Phenylpiracetam increases specific brain neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine, glutamate, dopamine, and serotonin and improves their interaction. Because it is water-soluble, it is rapidly absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, so taking it on an empty stomach can accelerate feeling its effect.
Main Benefits
It’s recommended to start on a low dosage of about 100 mg and slowly increase it over time as needed. It improves mood, memory, motivation, physical performance, focus, and heightens visual and auditory senses.
Potential Side-Effects
Phenylpiracetam is well-tolerated without experiencing side-effects. In rare cases, it can cause headaches, irritability, insomnia, and gastrointestinal problems. However, taking this nootropic in a ‘stack’ with choline sources such as Alpha GPC will generally help alleviate unwanted effects. More information you can find at mybiosource.com.
Considerations when starting Nootropics
Source: purenootropics.net
Nootropics enhance and protect brain health without harmful effects or addictive properties. They can become unsafe when taking incorrect nootropic combinations, and ingesting high and frequent doses. The legal status of nootropics varies as they are regulated differently from county to country.
Smart drugs are most effective when taken in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle that incorporates sufficient sleep, regular exercise, a well-balanced diet, and responsible alcohol consumption.
Quality
There are several factors to keep in mind when choosing the best nootropic for you:
- Buying from cheap, unspecified sources, be aware the quality may be poor and even toxic with adverse side-effects.
- Research the type of nootropic and find reputable brands with customer reviews.
- Go for clean nootropics without allergens, GMOs, artificial coloring, and preservatives.
Dosage
Source: newsweek.com
If you’re a nootropic beginner or switching to a different type, do so responsibly by following the recommended dosage. If your body reacts negatively, lower the dose, or discontinue altogether. To avoid building up a tolerance, start with the minimal dose three times a week.
Most nootropics take effect within 2 – 4 hours or sooner, lasting up to 6 to 8 hours.
Contraindications
It is not recommended to take nootropics if you suffer from heart, liver, or kidney problems, mental illness, alcoholism, allergic and skin conditions, or when pregnant
