Today's Wednesday • 6 mins read
People using nootropics report they feel more alert, lucid, and peppy. Some users claim taking them has doubled or tripled their brain capacity and clarity.
Do these things work as people claim?
TLDR: They work somewhat, but not miraculously. Plus, some evidence warns they could be habit-forming.
Nootropics By Other Names
Nootropics are also called smart drugs, memory enhancers, neuro enhancers, cognitive enhancers, focus pills, intelligence enhancers, and brain boosters.
The word “nootropic” was coined in 1972 by a Romanian psychologist and chemist, Corneliu E. Giurgea. The term came to be defined as substances that can improve brain functions of memory, focus, alertness, and cognitive stamina. They may also improve creativity, motivation, quick thinking, and mental clarity.
To date, there is no scientific consensus on what constitutes a nootropic.
Do Nootropics Work?
There is some evidence that nootropics can improve memory and cognitive function in healthy people. But much of the research is not yet conclusive.
- A 2015 review of clinical trials found that Ginkgo biloba, a popular nootropic supplement, had a small but significant positive effect on cognitive function in healthy adults aged 60 and over.
- Similarly, a 2016 review concluded that the herb Bacopa monnieri may help improve memory and attention in healthy adults aged 18-35.
The long-term benefits of nootropics remain debatable. If you are healthy and well-rested, you may not experience any notable benefits from taking these brain boosters.
Are Nootropics Safe?
Nootropics are generally considered safe when taken at recommended doses.
However, as with any supplement, some people may experience side effects based on the dose, individual sensitivity, and tolerance threshold. Also, some medicines you’re already taking for other health issues may interact in adverse ways with them.
Nootropics are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States, and may have an addiction potential, so always talk to a doctor or healthcare provider before taking them.
Some nootropic abusers may overwork or overplay themselves into “toxic productivity” and into serious ill-health.
Some scientists believe there is no such thing as a true nootropic and that the term is simply a marketing gimmick.
Potential Risks and Side Effects of Nootropics
The most common side effects of nootropics include headaches, nausea, gastrointestinal upset, anxiety, irritability, and insomnia.
Some people may be sensitive to certain ingredients and experience severe negative effects such as intractable headaches, hyper-excitability, or gut movement issues after taking brain enhancers that contain high amounts of caffeine.
In addition, some nootropics can interact with other medications or supplements you may be taking and can have unwanted side effects. Be sure to talk to your doctor before taking any nootropics.
Drugs that were originally intended to treat neurological and psychological diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), are now frequently misused by students as ‘brain doping’ substances.
No supplement can fix an unhealthy lifestyle.
Types of Nootropics Available
Natural Herbal Nootropics
- Caffeine
- Ginkgo biloba
- Panax ginseng
- Rhodiola rosea
- Bacopa monnieri
- Panax (Korean) ginseng
- Maritime Pine Bark Extract
- L-theanine (green or black tea)
- Gotu Kola, also known as Centella Asiatica
- Medicinal mushrooms like Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Natural Non-Herbal Nootropics:
- Fish Oils
- CDP Choline
- Vitamin B-12
- Omega-3 fatty acids
Over-The-Counter (OTC) Nootropics:
- Nicotine
- Creatine
- Phenibut
- Resveratrol
- Phosphatidylserine
- Acetyl-L-Carnitine
- S-Adenosyl Methionine
- Sulbutiamine (Synthetic Vit B1)
- Racetams (piracetam, pramiracetam, aniracetam, oxiracetam, fasoracetam)
Prescription Nootropics
- Semax
- Noopept
- Phenotropil
- Modafinil (Provigil)
- Amphetamines (Adderall)
- Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
Some ADHD medications, like Adderall, Concerta, and Strattera may have overlapping effects (improving focus and reducing impulsiveness) with those of nootropics.
Vinpocetine and Piracetam have also been found to improve ADHD symptoms in children. It has led some people to believe that nootropics may help improve symptoms of ADHD.
Free alternatives to nootropics:
Do not expect a nootropic to fix your cognitive capacity if you are getting yourself through 4 hours of sleep and 16 hours sitting on a chair each day.
Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of rest, sunshine, and social love are basic requirements for good physical and mental health.
Try these free alternatives to nootropics:
- Social Connections
- Meditation
- Laughter
- Exercise
- Sleep
Who takes nootropic medications?
People who use nootropics are:
- Senior and elderly people to stay mentally sharp and energetic.
- People in high-stress jobs to stay performance-oriented.
- Military personnel for overcoming combat fatigue.
- Biohackers who want to optimize brain capacity.
- Scientists to improve mental performance.
- College students to study for exams.
FAQ
Why are nootropics popular?
According to AARP’s 2019 Brain Health and Dietary Supplements Survey, more than 25% of Americans aged 50+ take supplements to improve their brain health.
Who should consider taking nootropics?
There is some evidence to suggest that nootropics can help those with certain mental conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects.
What are the benefits of using nootropics?
There is some evidence to support the efficacy of nootropics in increasing NGF (Nerve Growth Factor) & BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) and improving communication between the two hemispheres of the brain.
How long do nootropics take to work?
In the case of Noopept, results are usually felt minutes after ingestion.
Further Reading:
- Establishing Natural Nootropics, 2016.
- Rhodiola rosea as a putative botanical antidepressant, 2016.
- Probable Nootropic-induced Psychiatric Adverse Effects, 2015.
- Ginkgo Biloba for Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease, 2016.
- Nonmedical Use of Stimulants Is Associated With Riskier Sexual Practices and Other Forms of Impulsivity, 2018.
- The efficacy and safety of animal-derived nootropics in cognitive disorders: Systematic review and meta-analysis, 2021.
- Nootropic drugs: Methylphenidate, modafinil, and piracetam – Population use trends, occurrence in the environment, ecotoxicity and removal methods, 2019.
Final Words
Remember, nootropics are not magic pills, and they will not make you smarter overnight.
If you are considering them, do your research and choose a product that is right for you. There is a lot of misinformation out there, and not all products are created equal. Read the authentic reviews and make your own decision.
Do consult a healthcare professional before starting any.
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