Nootropics are increasing in popularity among people looking to enhance cognitive function and ultimately boost productivity because they work. However, with so many options on the market, deciding which one to use can be overwhelming. If you’re interested in discovering the best nootropics for memory and focus, this guide is for you. It discusses the top 3 cognitive enhancers you can bank on for the best results, as well as exploring their mechanism of action, safety, and potential side effects. Whether you’re a student, entrepreneur, or professional or just looking to sharpen your mental function, you’ll benefit from reading this review guide. Let’s dive in.
What Are Nootropics?
Nootropics definition can be made as dietary supplements, herbal products, vitamins, or medications that boost brain health and improve memory, focus, and overall mental function. They’re often called “smart drugs,” brain boosters, cognitive enhancers, or “smart pills.” But regardless of what they’re called, they have the same mechanism of action. They alter the levels of certain brain chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin, among others, that influence mood and the wake-sleep cycle directly or indirectly [1].
While there are numerous nootropic brands on the market, it is worth noting that only a handful of them are safe and effective. Consequently, it is important to seek advice from a doctor or healthcare provider before starting treatment with any cognitive enhancer.
How to Boost Your Brain With Smart Drugs to Be Smarter
Many people across the world use nootropics to enhance their cognition and ultimately gain a competitive edge at school or in their workplace. However, some others report deriving little to no benefit from their use. You’ll find comments like this on forums and question-and-answer platforms such as Reddit and Quora. But in most cases, the reasons why most people find nootropics ineffective can be attributed to improper use. To get the best out of them, you have to use them exactly as stipulated in their instruction manual or as recommended by a healthcare provider.
Depending on what nootropic product you’re using, there are specific doses and times to take them. Taking the right dose at the right time will help you achieve the desired results without experiencing side effects. It is vital to always start with the lowest dose and gradually increase it if necessary.
Cycling is a great way to boost your brain with “smart drugs.” It involves taking a nootropic for a set period such as a few weeks or months and then observing a short break before resuming. Cycling can help you avoid developing tolerance to the nootropic; it can also help you reduce the risk of negative after-effects.
Do not solely depend on nootropics use to boost brain health; it is crucial to establish a solid foundation based on healthy lifestyle choices. This includes getting quality sleep, eating healthily, staying hydrated, and exercising. It is worth noting that the effectiveness of “smart drugs” can vary from individual to individual. Always use them with caution and seek advice from a doctor before starting any new supplement regimen.
TOP-3 Nootropics to Improve Memory and Focus
There are countless nootropics available, each with specific benefits they provide. While some of them promote wakefulness and increase energy levels, some others improve memory, focus, and overall cognitive function. According to customer reviews, here are the top 3 nootropics for brain health, memory, and focus.
Modafinil
Modafinil is one of the most popular nootropics used to enhance memory and focus and ultimately increase productivity. Although it was originally developed to treat excessive daytime sleepiness in individuals with narcolepsy and other sleep disorders, it has a great cognitive-enhancing effect that makes it the favorite brain pill of most nootropic enthusiasts [2].
One of the things that make modafinil stand out is its high safety profile. Researchers at Harvard and Oxford deemed it the “world’s first safe ‘smart drug’” because of its low potential for addiction [3]. It is a prescription nootropic, and it works by increasing the levels of certain brain chemicals that improve cognition without causing the jitteriness or anxiety associated with caffeine and many other stimulants. Another interesting feature in its arsenal is its long duration of effects. It lasts for 12–15 hours, and this makes it the ideal product for individuals whose jobs or academic pursuits require long hours of focus.
While prescription nootropics generally require a prescription, you can easily buy modafinil 200 mg online without one. However, it is advisable to order it from a reputable vendor to avoid getting counterfeit pills. It is important to consult a doctor before taking any nootropics, especially prescription-based versions.
NooCube
NooCube is a nootropic supplement formulated to increase alertness, enhance memory & focus, and increase mental processing speed. It contains a blend of natural ingredients such as resveratrol, Bacopa monnieri, L-theanine, and L-tyrosine, among others, that are known to improve cognition and overall brain health.
It is manufactured by a reputable UK-based company, Wolfson Brands Limited, in facilities approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) [4]. Thus, it is effective and safe for use. While NooCube has impressive cognitive-enhancing benefits, it is also capable of helping people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder get relief from their symptoms. Its effects kick in within about 30 minutes after consumption and typically last for 8–10 hours. It is advisable to consult a doctor before taking this nootropic.
Mind Lab Pro
Mind Lab Pro is a nootropic dietary supplement made up of a fine blend of 11 evidence-based ingredients, such as maritime pine bark extract, N-acetyl-L-tyrosine, lion’s mane mushroom, and Bacopa monnieri, known to improve focus, memory, and cognitive function. It also contains minerals and other nutrients that have been shown to support brain health.
Most users give it a thumbs up based on its safety, effectiveness, and ease of use. However, it is worth noting that like every other dietary supplement, it doesn’t have FDA approval. While some “smart drug” enthusiasts choose other nootropics such as modafinil for this reason, others still use it because it is effective. It remains important to consult a doctor before using Mind Lab Pro or any other cognitive enhancer.
Are Nootropics Safe?
Nootropics are generally safe and well-tolerated in healthy individuals, but they can have potential risks and side effects, especially if they’re used incorrectly. Different brain boosters have specific instructions for use that must be strictly adhered to. Taking more than the recommended dosage or taking them alongside other supplements or medications they interact with may cause health problems.
These products may not be safe for some individuals, especially those with certain underlying health conditions. It is always a great idea to speak with a healthcare professional before taking any brain booster. They are in a good position to help you determine whether or not it is safe to use them.
Possible Side Effects and Risks
Just like every other healthcare product, nootropics have side effects. However, they may vary based on the specific product and dosage used. Below are some common adverse effects associated with them [5]:
- headache;
- anxiety;
At this point, it is worth noting that more serious negative after-effects can result from taking these products. Fortunately, such cases have been linked to an overdose and other forms of misuse. Ringing in one or both ears, palpitations, chest pain, hallucinations, and depression are examples of the severe side effects that can occur. Seek urgent medical attention if you experience any of them, as they can become life-threatening if left unattended. Note that long-term use of certain nootropics may also have risks such as tolerance or addiction.
Conclusion
Nootropics can be effective in improving memory, focus, and mental processing speed. However, getting the desired results rests greatly on choosing the right nootropic product and taking it exactly as recommended to minimize potential risks and prevent unnecessary side effects.
Modafinil is one of the most popular and widely researched “smart drugs”. It has been used for decades by millions of people across the world, yet it maintains positive reviews and ratings. Most users give it a thumbs up based on its safety, effectiveness, and ease of use. However, be sure to obtain it or any other brain booster from a reputable and trustworthy vendor so you won’t end up with a counterfeit product. Consult your healthcare professional before taking any nootropics.
References
- Nootropic. Retrieved: April 14, 2023. Wikipedia.org.
- Modafinil. Retrieved: April 14, 2023. Wikipedia.org.
- Narcolepsy Medication Modafinil Is World’s First Safe ‘Smart Drug’. By Helen Thomson. Retrieved: April 14, 2023. Theguardian.com.
- NooCube Reviews: Does It Work? Shocking Consumer Warning Alert! By Kevin. Retrieved: April 14, 2023. Thedailyworld.com.
- Are Nootropics Safe? Reviewed by Matt Huston. Retrieved: April 14, 2023. Psychologytoday.com.
Comments
comments