Ultimate Guide To Nootropics In 2023: Everything You Need To Know About Nootropics

There are so many different nootropics out now, that it’s hard to know which ones work and which are fluff so I figured an ultimate guide was needed.

Years ago not a lot of people even knew what nootropics are, but now go on google and type in best nootropics and thousands of results come up with different supplements left and right.

With so many people getting into nootropics it is hard to tell what works and what doesn’t, moreover, anyone new to nootropics might have concerns about health, what to take, and, if it’s even worth it.

I’ve been taking nootropics for years and they have helped immensely in all areas of my life I wouldn’t be where I am today without using nootropics.

So with all that in mind, I thought this article was needed and anyone whether you’re new to biohacking with nootropics or have been using them for a while now can benefit from this definitive article on nootropics.

This article will go over what nootropics are, how they work, and which ones work best as well as health benefits and where to get them from.

Everything I’ve learned about nootropics boiled down into one article, so without further or due let’s get into it. Get some coffee (one of my favorite nootropics) and lock in for this ultimate guide to nootropics.

What Are Nootropics?

Nootropics are, simply put supplements that are cognitive enhancers that give your brain the nutrients they need to function optimally. They help perform certain cognitive tasks better like focusing longer, reducing brain fog, and helping protect against the effects of aging.

Nootropics come in a variety of different ways, some of them are synthesized in a lab that is designed to help support brain function. Others are natural that come from the earth and nature that have been used by people for centuries whose effects are well documented.

Whether it’s made in a lab or comes from a plant and ground into powder, any compound that enhances brain function and helps with certain brain functions can be a nootropic. Whatever you decide to go with, there are dozens of options when it comes to nootropics.

This ultimate guide to nootropics wouldn’t be complete without going over everything in depth so with that said let’s get into how nootropics work to enhance brain function.

How Nootropics Work

Nootropics work by affecting your brain in a number of different ways such as increasing blood flow to the brain, affecting neurotransmitters to achieve a certain effect, as well as influencing growth hormones. Whatever nootropic we’re talking about it’s important to know which one you’re taking and how it interacts with your body chemistry and also how it interacts with other nootropics/supplements that you take with it.

For example, if you take phenibut for general anxiety or social anxiety you might know that it interacts with the GABA receptors in your brain and alters neurotransmitters to affect the levels of dopamine and serotonin so your brain produces more “happy” chemicals and that you should never combine it with say kratom or especially alcohol.

Depending on what you take nootropics can make you:

• Hyperfocused
• Relaxed/sleepy
• Energized
• Euphoric
• Cognizant

There is a nootropic for nearly every brain function, there are ones that make you alert and focused, there are nootropics that make you less anxious and relaxed, and there are ones that improve your memory recall and much more. Each compound affects the brain in a unique way, there’s literally a nootropic for just about everything.

Each nootropic has a different effect on your body so while nootropics are safe to take it’s important that you educate yourself and make sure these supplements are safe to take especially if you take any prescription meds. Consult your doctor if you do to make sure they’re safe to take.

If you’re interested in how each nootropic impacts the brain more in-depth, there is a great article that details how it alters brain chemistry here.

Two Types Of Nootropics: Natural vs. Synthetic

As alluded to at the beginning of the article, there are generally two types of nootropics that people take. There are natural herbal supplements that come from nature that improve brain function that has been used around the world for hundreds of years. Whether it’s ashwagandha root or lion’s mane mushroom.

Then there are synthesized nootropics like modafinil or phenibut that have been studied and made in a lab that are sold to people for specific purposes. These nootropics are either easy to purchase online or in stores and some even require a prescription because of how strong they are.

When It comes to natural vs. synthetic supplements, most of it comes down to preference. Most natural nootropics aren’t as strong as some synthetic nootropics (although some of them can be) and help to supplement other bodily functions and support general health. Most of the time, these natural nootropics can be taken regularly without any adverse side effects.

On the flip side, most of the synthetic smart drugs are synthesized to only support certain brain functions like memory and focus and are very strong. However, some of them you can only use a few times a week. A good example is Phenibut, which helps amazingly with anxiety but can only be used a maximum of 2-3 times every week.

With that in mind, there are pros and cons to both. Let’s go over the benefits of each one.

Pros Vs. Cons Of Natural and Synthetic Nootropics

When it comes to both natural and synthetic nootropics there are some pluses and negatives that go with each. If you’re not familiar with nootropics and don’t know the difference between the two here are some examples real of natural and synthetic nootropics.

Natural Nootropics

1. Ashwagandha Root: This is a root of a plant native to India that has been ground up as a powder and comes for centuries for its effects on improving life span and relieving stress. It’s still around to this day and is widely popular in a lot of places including most western countries.
2. Caffeine: While caffeine is synthesized into capsules you can take, caffeine in the form of coffee has been around for a long time and its effects and benefits on health are widely documented. From Increasing focus to protecting the brain against the effects of aging, and even helping treat depression, caffeine is one the best and most popular nootropics consumed worldwide.
3. Kratom: Kratom has so many effects on the body that it can’t be considered NOT a nootropic. If you’ve never heard of kratom it’s been used in southeast Asia for hundreds of years for its relaxing yet energizing effects. Kratom leaf is ground down to a powder that is mixed with a liquid and then drank. The effects depending on the strain can be anywhere from relaxing to very energizing.
4. L-Theanine: An amino acid naturally produced by the body, is most commonly found in green tea, and is most known for its calming effect on the mind.

Synthetic Nootropics

1. Modafinil: This guide wouldn’t be complete without good old modafinil, the ultimate drug when it comes to nootropics. Originally synthesized as a treatment for narcolepsy, this wakefulness drug helps promote alertness and makes you hyperfocused for hours on end, and gives you the energy and focus to get a lot of work done in a short amount of time.
2. Piracetam: One of the earliest nootropics ever synthesized, piracetam is part of the racetam family, originally created to improve brain function and increase focus by helping induce sleep.
3. Phenibut: Synthesized by the soviet union in the 1960s it was created by scientists to give to cosmonauts in case of an emergency. it plays on the GABA receptors in the brain and relaxes you, without being sedating or even energizing while leaving all the other functions of the brain intact. Phenibut is used nowadays for reducing anxiety as well as improving confidence and motivation.
4. Aniracetam: Another member of the racetam family, much stronger and supercharges your ability to focus for long periods of time and also boosts mood and feelings of confidence.

With those as some examples, there are a lot of benefits from taking both natural and synthetic nootropics. With that said here are the pros and cons of both.

With those two types of nootropics out of the way, let’s go over the benefits that nootropics have to offer and how they can start improving your brain and overall life. If you’re a student, an entrepreneur with a Shopify store, a day trader, or just new to nootropics looking to improve an aspect of your mental faculties, everyone can benefit from nootropics one way or another. Here’s how.

Research On Nootropics (What The Science Says)

As nootropics gain popularity there are a lot of studies are being conducted on a wide variety of different smart drugs. From how they impact long-term health, whether are they safe to take, and what side effects are present that impact long-term health.

A study was done researching the efficacy of using nootropics for improving memory and showed promise in helping the brain retain better memory.

As more research comes out people are able to make more educated decisions as to what they put into their bodies. I love all of these supplements and have experience with most of them, however, some of them might not be good for you which is part of the reason for this article.

It’s also important to note that the FDA hasn’t approved all nootropics, in fact, most of them aren’t inspected by the FDA which is why it’s important to research the products you’re taking. While most of them are safe to take, some of them can interact with your body negatively if you take meds that you aren’t supposed to take or if you drink while taking nootropics.

With that said, nootropics are still being studied every day for more information about how they affect health, as far as this article is concerned they are definitely safe to take.

A cited Study regarding nootropics:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5021479/

Benefits Of Taking Nootropics (Start TODAY)

You’re probably familiar with the benefits of consuming caffeine if you’ve ever had a strong cup of morning coffee. There are numerous benefits that come with taking different supplements that have an effect on the brain and body that can benefit users in both the short term and the long term.

With that said there are some side effects that come with taking too many nootropics at a time, so it’s important to keep in mind to use nootropics in moderation. A lot of people who take nootropics have a routine where they take certain days off to keep from building a tolerance to some of them. This is more common for stacking nootropics but I digress.

This ultimate guide will cover these benefits in a more in-depth listing of which nootropics give what effect. For now here are some of the benefits you can expect. Depending on which nootropics you take they have a tremendous impact on your ability to think and have a positive impact on your overall health and wellness.

Effects On The Brain

1. Memory: Nootropics have the potential to keep your memory sharp for both the short term and the long term. Nootropics like Alpha GPC are prescribed in some European countries because of how strong it is as a treatment for preventing dementia.
2. Energy & Motivation: There are some supplements that absolutely light a fire under your seat. Some nootropics have the potential to energize you as well as make you feel 10x more motivated. It’s an awesome feeling when it kicks in. You feel like you’re on the pill from limitless.
3. Anxiety & Depression: If you pick the right one, nootropics can have a powerful impact on your feelings of anxiety or depression. Some people use these supplements daily to destroy their anxiety and reduce any feelings of depression that they have.
4. Productivity: You can use nootropics as a productivity booster. Just like having a cup of coffee to get your day going there are supplements as well that are even stronger than coffee that allow you to zero in and focus on completing all your tasks that day and still have energy left over.
5. Social Anxiety: Nootropics are popular with people who struggle with social anxiety for good reason. Instead of taking prescription drugs, people are turning to nootropics that achieve the same effect. The results are impressive and nootropics have helped anxious individuals reduce anxiety and improve their social skills.

As well as those benefits, there are a host of other health benefits that come with taking the right nootropics.

You get antioxidants from taking natural nootropics as well as improved blood flow to the brain and throughout the body.

Ultimate Guide To Nootropics List

There are so many nootropics that I decided to list them by effect so I’ll be going over the best nootropics for anxiety, best for focus, etc. In the end, if there are any leftover nootropics I feel need mentioning I’ll put them there.

Depending on what you’re going for there’s something here for everyone so here it is, the ultimate list of nootropics for this guide is down below.

Best Nootropics For Anxiety

Anxiety is one of the most common reasons people start taking nootropics. With so many supplements that claim to reduce anxiety, people are using nootropics to ease their stress and feel more comfortable going about their day.

If you’re looking for nootropics that absolutely destroy anxiety here are some of the best nootropics for fighting off anxiety:

• GABA
• Ashwagandha
• Phenibut
• Kratom
• L-Theanine

A quick overview of nootropics for anxiety, there’s a more in-depth article here. These nootropics keep any anxious thoughts at bay and have you on cloud 9 in no time.

Best Nootropics For Focus

Any student in university from top programmers in silicon valley takes nootropics that help them focus for hours on end to get as much work done as possible.

The best nootropics that help you focus for hours are as follows:

• Modafinil
• Caffeine
• Piracetam
• Huperzine A
• L-tyrosine
• Limitless Nootropics

If you’re someone like me who is diagnosed with attention deficit disorder and you’re not a fan of Adderall, these nootropics can be an effective replacement.

Best Nootropics For Energy

Nootropics have the potential to energize you and give you enough fuel to keep you energized throughout the day.

Coffee is a popular choice for getting energized however there are some other options that are just as effective.

some good choices for nootropics for energy would be:

• Coffee
• Kratom
• Modafinil
• Onnit Shroom Tech
• Qualia Energy

Some of these energy complexes don’t use caffeine, like shroom tech. If you’re someone who is sensitive to caffeine or don’t use it there are some other options that will keep you energized throughout the day.

Best Nootropics For Memory

There are several supplements on the market right now that have the potential to improve memory long-term for anyone young or old.

Some good examples of nootropics that help boost memory would be things like:

• Alpha GPC
• Ginkgo Biloba
• Acetyl L-carnitine
• Lions mane mushroom
• Onnit Alpha Brain
• Mind Lab Pro

These supplements impact memory, attention span, and knowledge retention meaning these supplements actually give the brain it needs to function.

Introduction To Nootropics Stacks

An ultimate guide to nootropics isn’t complete without mentioning nootropics stacks.

What do I mean when I say nootropics stack? A nootropics stack is just when you take multiple nootropics together at the same time.

If you think it sounds dangerous, don’t worry it’s not in fact taking nootropics together boosts the effects of each other creating a synergistic effect.

Stacking nootropics to get a certain effect is very powerful and can triple the effects of the original nootropic you take there are a few examples of common nootropics stacks that will make you feel superhuman.

That being said don’t take every nootropic you buy together at the same time, there are still side effects that come with taking too many nootropics.

The idea is to take a stack that enhances your performance and works synergistically with the other smart drugs you take.

How To Stack Nootropics For Mind-Blowing Results

When starting out with nootropics stacking, keep it simple at first.

Start with smaller doses and then move up as you get more of a feel and increased tolerance.

Stacking nootropics is pretty straightforward, you just take whatever nootropics/supplements you’re going to use for the day, measure your dose, and just down them all at once.

Whether you’re stacking for more energy, better focus, or to crush anxiety there’s a stack for it, you can be sure that if using a stack the results are impressive.

To stack nootropics plan out your dose for the day, and take an amount that’s not too much for you to handle. It’s usually best if you take your stack first thing in the morning shortly after you wake up.

Here’s what a stack for focus would look like.

Morning: Upon waking up, take half a tab of modafinil. Then one cup of strong coffee on top of that, and then take 100-200mg of L-theanine to take the edge off. Just this stack alone will have you wired for a good part of the day.

Nootropics Stack Examples

If you’re new to nootropics start off slow, take individual nootropics for a while to assess tolerance and get a feel for how strong they are.

If you’re a little more experienced feel free to try some of these seriously effective nootropic stacks.

L-Theanine+Caffeine

The most basic nootropic stack you can take. Combining coffee and some L-theanine to balance the effects of caffeine can create a soothing effect that makes you feel energized and calm making it easier to focus.

It might seem counterintuitive to take a supplement that relaxes you when you’re trying to stay energized. However, L-theanine and caffeine work synergistically to keep you focused and alert while decreasing some of the side effects of too much caffeine.

If you notice you feel too jittery or anxious (common side effects of too much caffeine) you can pop a few hundred milligrams of L-theanine to cut down on these side effects.

Modafinil+Phenibut

One of the most effective nootropics stacks you can take, this ultimate guide wouldn’t be complete without it. Taking modafinil or phenibut by themselves is enough to give you plenty of energy for the entire day.

Combining them both though… you’ve got an extremely powerful combination that puts you in god mode. The modafinil will energize you, giving you an insane amount of focus while phenibut will give you a feeling of euphoria and happiness that will make your work not even feel like work.

Unlike caffeine, this stack doesn’t give jitters or is overly hyperactive. It’s cleaner and makes you feel like you’re on Adderall without the effects of amphetamine.

If you decide to go with this stack just remember to TAKE IT SLOW this stack is really strong and might have you up till the morning hours if you take it too late in the day.

Side Effects

Even though nootropics are safe to take, it’s worth mentioning that there are some side effects that come with taking too many.

These side effects can occur if you take too many supplements at once or if you’re combing them with something you shouldn’t. Side effects from taking certain nootropics can range from mild to moderate. Your health isn’t in any danger, but you might get a little sick if you overdo it.

Some common side effects that come with abusing any nootropic can include:

• Brian Fog
• Anxiety
• Gastrointestinal problems
• headaches

Different nootropics can have different side effects depending on how much and how often you take them.

Nootropics can be a godsend but it’s important not to overdo it, here are a few ways to get the most out of nootropics without encountering little to no side effects.

• Assess your tolerance and don’t take too much (Don’t take more than the recommended amount)
• Check with your doctor if you take any medication
• Don’t drink when taking nootropics

Where To Buy Nootropics From (Approved Resources)

Buying nootropics online used to be a mixed bag, the company you order from might be sending you a substandard product.

Today though, there are dozens of reputable vendors online that sell the best nootropics and supplements money can buy you. There are a few vendors that I’m a fan of that I’ll run through so you don’t waste time trying to find a decent vendor.

Modafinil XL

One of the ultimate places online to buy modafinil, this guide wouldn’t be complete without mentioning this nootropics giant.

In addition to selling the best modafinil you can buy, they sell a ton of variations of modafinil such as armodafinil and many other types that give you a more pronounced effect.

They also give great deals on buying in bulk, so if you need a lot of modafinil this is defiantly the place to go.

The only downside I would say is their shipping times can take a few weeks before you get your order. If you’re buying in bulk it will help you have a lot on hand until you get your next order.

Science Bio

This is a great resource for anything nootropics-related. Their site has an all-star lineup of third-party tested nootropics and supplements for working out as well.

You can find natural and synthetic nootropics as well as supplements that improve overall health and longevity. There’s something for everyone, from SARMs to everyday vitamins.

Whether you’re buying high-grade phenibut or just everyday health supplements you can find almost anything on here, they even have their own variation of modafinil which I’ll be reviewing soon.

If you’ve read this far first of all thank you, you’re definitely a fan of nootropics and I can tell you you’ll love this site and there’s a coupon code you can use to get anything off of their website 10% off when you use the code “harrisondeal10”

The Take Away

To end this ultimate guide to nootropics I can not emphasize enough to take it slow. Nootropics can really benefit you in your work and personal life but remember not to overdo it.

If you’re looking for resources that will help you learn more about nootropics or cover something that wasn’t in this article I’ll leave them below. There’s a lot to cover when it comes to nootropics but I thought this was a great primer for newbies.

Whatever reason you take nootropics I hope this helps inform you more on the effects, benefits, uses nootropics have, and how they change your life for the better.

Helpful Resources

Reddit: r/nootropics

The ultimate guide to modafinil: One of the strongest nootropics you can get

Buying guide for nootropics: Natural and Synthetic nootropics