nootropics 

nootropics

 nootropics, best nootropics

Nootropics, or “smart drugs,” are a category of drugs which will boost brain performance. they're sometimes called cognition enhancers or memory enhancing substances.

 

Prescription nootropics are medications that have stimulant effects. they will counteract the symptoms of medical conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, or Alzheimer’s disease.

 

Nonprescription substances which will enhance brain performance or focus — like caffeine and creatine — also are considered nootropics. they are doing not treat diseases but may have some effects on thinking, memory, or other mental functions.

 

This article looks at prescription and nonprescription smart drugs, including their uses, side effects, and safety warnings.

 

Prescription nootropics

A doctor may prescribe a nootropic to treat a medical condition. Usually, the drug may be a sort of stimulant, like an amphetamine, which will help treat ADHD, narcolepsy, dementia, or an identical condition.

 

Prescription nootropics include:

 

modafinil (Provigil), a stimulant that addresses the sudden drowsiness of narcolepsy

Adderall, which contains amphetamines to treat ADHD

methylphenidate (Ritalin), a stimulant which will manage symptoms of narcolepsy and ADHD

memantine (Axura), which treats symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease

While these are often effective in treating specific medical conditions, an individual shouldn't take them without a prescription.

 

Like any prescription medications, they carry risks of side effects and interactions, and an individual should only take them under a doctor’s care.

 

Common side effects of prescription nootropics include:

 

high vital sign

a fast pulse

insomnia and other sleep disturbances

trouble with vision

addiction

Some evidenceTrusted Source suggests that folks who use prescription nootropics to enhance brain function have a better risk of impulsive behaviors, like risky sexual practices.

 

Healthcare providers should work closely with people taking prescription nootropics to manage any side effects and monitor their condition.

Over-the-counter nootropics

The term “nootropic” also can ask natural or synthetic supplements that boost mental performance. the subsequent sections discuss nootropics that don't require a prescription.

 

Caffeine

Many people consume beverages that contain caffeine, like coffee or tea, due to their stimulant effects. Studies suggest that caffeine is safe for many people in moderate amounts.

 

Having a daily cup of coffee or tea could also be an honest thanks to boost mental focus. However, extreme amounts of caffeine might not be safe.

 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommend that folks consume no quite 400 milligrams (mg)Trusted Source of caffeine each day . this is often the quantity in 4–5 cups of coffee.

 

Caffeine pills and powders can contain extremely high amounts of the stimulant. Taking them can cause a caffeine overdose and even death, in rare cases.

 

Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant may have to limit or avoid caffeine intake. Studies have found that consuming 4 or more servings of caffeine each day is linked to a better risk of pregnancy loss.

 

L-theanine

L-theanine is an aminoalkanoic acid that happens in black and green teas. People also can take l-theanine supplements.

 

A 2016 review reported that l-theanine may increase alpha waves within the brain. Alpha waves may contribute to a relaxed yet alert psychological state .

 

L-theanine may go well when paired with caffeine. Some evidence suggests that this mix helps boost cognitive performance and application . Anyone looking to consume l-theanine in tea should keep the FDA’s caffeine guidelinesTrusted Source in mind.

 

There are not any dosage guidelines for l-theanine, but many supplements recommend taking 100–400 mg per day.

 

Omega-3 fatty acids

Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids are important to fight against brain aging.

Omega-3 fatty acids are among the foremost well-known and well-studied mental enhancers.

 

These polyunsaturated fats are found in fatty fish and animal oil supplements. this sort of fat is vital for brain health, and an individual must catch on from their diet.

 

Omega-3s help build membranes round the body’s cells, including the neurons. These fats are important for repairing and renewing brain cells.

 

A 2015 review found that omega-3 fatty acids protect against brain aging. Other research has concluded that omega-3s are important for brain and systema nervosum function.

 

However, an outsized analysis found “no benefit for cognitive function with omega‐3 [polyunsaturated fatty acids] supplementation among cognitively healthy older people.” The authors recommend further future studies.

 

A person can get omega-3 supplements in various forms, including animal oil , krill oil, and algal oil.

 

These supplements carry a coffee risk of side effects when an individual takes them as directed, but they'll interact with medications that affect blood coagulation . Ask a doctor before taking them.

 

 

Racetams

Racetams are synthetic compounds which will affect neurotransmitters within the brain. Some nootropic racetams include:

 

piracetam

pramiracetam

phenylpiracetam

aniracetam

A study conducted in rats suggests that piracetam may have neuroprotective effects.

 

One review states that “Some of the studies suggested there could also be some enjoy piracetam, but, overall, the evidence isn't consistent or positive enough to support its use for dementia or cognitive impairment.” Confirming this may require more research.

 

There is no set dosage for racetams, so an individual should follow instructions and consult a healthcare provider. Overall, studies haven't any found adverse effects of taking racetams as directed.

Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba may be a tree native to China, Japan, and Korea. Its leaves are available as an herbal supplement.

 

A 2016 study found that gingko biloba is “potentially beneficial” for improving brain function, but confirming this may require more research.

 

Ginkgo biloba may help with dementia symptoms, consistent with one review, which reported the consequences occurring in people that took quite 200 mg per day for a minimum of 5 months.

 

However, the review’s authors note that more research is required . Also, with prescription nootropics available, ginkgo might not be the foremost safe or effective option.

 

Panax ginseng

Panax ginseng may be a perennial shrub that grows in China and parts of Siberia. People use its roots for medicinal purposes.

 

People shouldn't confuse ginseng with other sorts of ginseng, like Siberian or American varieties. These are different plants with different uses.

 

A 2018 review reports that ginseng may help prevent certain brain diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease. It also may help with brain recovery after a stroke.

 

Panax ginseng interacts with many medications, so consult a doctor before taking it. A typical dosage for mental function is 100–600 mg once or twice each day .

Rhodiola

Some evidence suggests that Rhodiola rosea L., also referred to as rhodiola or roseroot, can help with cognitive ability.

 

One reviewTrusted Source reported that rhodiola may have neuroprotective effects and should help treat neurodegenerative diseases.

 

Another review found that rhodiola helped regulate neurotransmitters within the brain, having a positive effect on mood.

 

Rhodiola capsules have varying strengths. Usually, an individual takes a capsule once or twice daily.