Post: #1

So I've been intrigued by Nootropics (also knows as 'smart drugs') for a long time. Supposedly they can enhance cognitive abilities, memory and energy. There are a lot of them out there, some clinically tested others completely experimental.

This article will give you a flavour:

http://www.wired.com/reviews/2009/09/pr_studydrugs

I'm mainly looking at the Get Smart supplement which apparently contains some nootropics: http://smart-drugs.net/Get-Smart.htm

Does anyone have experience with these? Would you recommend them? Warnings?

PS - here are some more links:

http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2009/...ntPage=all

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?...gvEF#gid=0

Post: #2

I made a post on here a while back about a nootropic stack I use almost every day:

- Korean Ginseng
- Fish Oil / Omega 3 & 6
- Ginkgo Biloba
- Aniracetam or Piracetam
- Lions Mane Mushroom

I stopped with the racetams a couple months ago, but would consider taking them again. I noticed better retention of information and cognitive clarity when I was taking Aniracetam every day.

As a side note, fish oil/b-vitamins will also help with increasing dream clarity and ability to lucid dream. Makes for another added benefit.

If you're interested in nootropics and healthy living, I'd also recommend Kurzweil's book Transcend

Post: #3

Caligula, are any of these legal and don't require a prescription? Use of controlled substances can be problematic for me, even if they're under prescription. Especially adderall, which is an amphetamine.

Edit: My bad, read the Wired link. I see these are perfectly legal, might have to give them a look. I'd only heard of Adderall/Modafinil, which are both prescription, as being effective in this area. Good to know there are legal alternatives.

Post: #4

(01-24-2012 03:22 PM)November Wrote:  I made a post on here a while back about a nootropic stack I use almost every day:

- Korean Ginseng
- Fish Oil / Omega 3 & 6
- Ginkgo Biloba
- Aniracetam or Piracetam
- Lions Mane Mushroom

I stopped with the racetams a couple months ago, but would consider taking them again. I noticed better retention of information and cognitive clarity when I was taking Aniracetam every day.

As a side note, fish oil/b-vitamins will also help with increasing dream clarity and ability to lucid dream. Makes for another added benefit.

If you're interested in nootropics and healthy living, I'd also recommend Kurzweil's book Transcend

Thanks a lot for the tips. I've always sworn by cod liver oil, will add the above and see what happens. Fish oil is probably one of the reasons why the Japanese generally stay healthy and live longer.

@basilransom - all the above are available as supplements and legal. Of course that doesn't mean they're without risks. I've taken adderall a few times when I needed serious focus over a long period of time, but would prefer to boost focus with something milder with fewer side-effects.

Post: #5

I've been intrigued by these as well (see here).

I always figured that you have steroids for the body..so why not the brain?
I've seen cats go from 70kg on the flat bench to 150kg on the incline after a stack of roids so I figure there must be a mental equivalent.

Post: #6

(01-24-2012 03:22 PM)November Wrote:  I made a post on here a while back about a nootropic stack I use almost every day:

- Korean Ginseng
- Fish Oil / Omega 3 & 6
- Ginkgo Biloba
- Aniracetam or Piracetam
- Lions Mane Mushroom

I stopped with the racetams a couple months ago, but would consider taking them again. I noticed better retention of information and cognitive clarity when I was taking Aniracetam every day.

As a side note, fish oil/b-vitamins will also help with increasing dream clarity and ability to lucid dream. Makes for another added benefit.

If you're interested in nootropics and healthy living, I'd also recommend Kurzweil's book Transcend

Can you bust out the brands?

Post: #7

Certain supplements, such as mushrooms, can lead to elevated liver enzyme levels. Source: my liver enzyme levels after taking mushroom supplement (forget which ones, started with a "C", but they were mentioned in the thread).

Post: #8

what about for increasing your smarts via ability to pay attention. I've been taking omegas for the past little while and i exercise early in the morning. My mind is as clear and as quick as can be, but I sit down to read a textbook or do my homework and I'm thinking about something else a few minutes later. And in class I'm super restless and drift off every 15 minutes or so.

Post: #9

WesternCancer - What are you studying? When do you find you pay the most attention? I have that problem. I used to doodle a lot in classes to compensate.

What I do as an adult, when listening to boring ass presentations is I try to engage in the presentation as much as possible. I'd rather have people listen to me than the other way around because I find a lot of people talking who don't know how to present their information well.

Post: #10

I'm studying cell biology and genetics, I try to read the textbooks/lecture slides beforehand and take a few notes. I usually do this where I find i pay the most attention which is alone in a quiet place with no people. When I get to class there are lots of people who are noisy, the teacher is boring and doesn't go into as much depth as the textbook so I find myself paying attention to the weird shit people do instead of the teacher, or I'll make some jokes to the girl(s) beside me. One time I watched this kid eat an apple for like 20 minutes, weirdest thing I ever saw, he didn't touch the apple with his bare hands once and would wrap it back up every time he took a bite.

I agree with your second statement, when I'm studying for finals I learn way better when I'm teaching the material to another person.

Post: #11

rhodiola rosea.very good supplement

started using it 3 days ago.I feel a boost in mood,energy and wellbeing.It helps with anxiety issues too!

Post: #12

I just ordered some NADH based on Fistos recommendation here: /thread-9237-p...#pid148247

Looks great.

I'm seeing a bunch of criticism of that Get Smart stack on nootropic discussion forums. Consensus seems to be that you're better off building your own stack based on what you need / works for you rather than get a ready-made one like that.

Post: #13

(01-24-2012 06:57 PM)thegmanifesto Wrote:  

(01-24-2012 03:22 PM)November Wrote:  I made a post on here a while back about a nootropic stack I use almost every day:

- Korean Ginseng
- Fish Oil / Omega 3 & 6
- Ginkgo Biloba
- Aniracetam or Piracetam
- Lions Mane Mushroom

I stopped with the racetams a couple months ago, but would consider taking them again. I noticed better retention of information and cognitive clarity when I was taking Aniracetam every day.

As a side note, fish oil/b-vitamins will also help with increasing dream clarity and ability to lucid dream. Makes for another added benefit.

If you're interested in nootropics and healthy living, I'd also recommend Kurzweil's book Transcend

Can you bust out the brands?

I just buy most of my vitamins/supplements from Swanson.

I used to get the Aniracetam/Piracetam from bulk nutrition, but it doesn't look like they sell it any more. Here's some piracetam powder on amazon. I'm not so sure how much the brand matters, I've bought from different sources and didn't notice a huge difference, aside from price.

My favorite thing was to make a fruit smoothie in the morning with ginseng, piracetam powder and ginkgo. Worked wonders.

Post: #14

I bought that exact same brand of Piracetam off of Amazon (different serving size). The only side effects I've had with it were some anxiety, but I halve the capsule dosage and take it with food and it seems to work. If you're taking racetams supposedly choline (eggs) really helps.

I also take a Vassopressin based nootropic called Alpha Brain. Mixed results so far, but for some reason it improves your REM sleep and your dreaming ability.

Post: #15

http://blisstree.com/live/smart-drugs-pr...ealth-800/

This article named:

Piracetam
Huperzine A
L-Tyrosine
Modafinil

Post: #16

I am not sure if this was mentioned already, but I'd give it a go if you're interested in increasing intelligence.

http://www.bulletproofexec.com/

He's basically Tim Ferriss but with a different way of doing things. His products might be legit.
I'm skeptical because he doesn't have IQ tests and before-after type stuff, but if you're interested in making an investment (monetary, time) in your brain this shit probably works.

Post: #17

I am going to try acetams for college work and will report the results if I remember to do so.

Post: #18

After hearing about how great Theanine was on this forum, I started digging more and more, and, experimenting.

So, I started trying out Tyrosine first.

Tyrosine at a 500 mg dose was nothing too crazy, did notice my focus increased a bit and I had some more energy.

I tried Inositol/Choline (came together) at 500 mgs with 1000 mgs of Tyrosine and 200 mgs of caffeine. Even though I slept like shit the night before, after an hour of the nootropics doing their thing I felt like I had the best sleep ever and my physical performance was boosted for sure and I felt ultra focused. Interesting mix.

Taking Inositol and Choline at 500 mgs on their own however seems to really make you focused, similar to theanine, but really tires you out.

Just thought I'd share this with you gentlemen.

Post: #19

i got a 50gs of Oxiracetam off amazon a couple of weeks ago. I took a 3g dose and was flying for about 1 and 1/2 hours then the effects wore off. Good stuff.

Post: #20

(09-22-2012 06:59 AM)Hades Wrote:  I am not sure if this was mentioned already, but I'd give it a go if you're interested in increasing intelligence.

http://www.bulletproofexec.com/

He's basically Tim Ferriss but with a different way of doing things. His products might be legit.
I'm skeptical because he doesn't have IQ tests and before-after type stuff, but if you're interested in making an investment (monetary, time) in your brain this shit probably works.

Yeh, there's a ton of useful info on his website, some of his podcasts and various interviews he's done, are fascinating
I've been listening to this one, this morning:
http://www.gnosticmedia.com/gnostic-medi...-body-169/
Even if you don't dig his products, his depth of knowledge on nutrition, health and toxins and their effect on the body, is staggering

Post: #21

Quite a few threads on this topic, didn't want to start a new one. I have a quick question. Could someone recommend me a product that can help with studying? I study math for long periods of time each day and sometimes I find myself phasing out and just feeling fatigued. Other times I feel like just getting up from the chair and moving around, I guess from sitting still too long.

Pretty much the newb here, looking for a quick and dirty recommendation. Not looking to do anything fancy like build a stack (but if you think a combination is good, by all means).

I'd be even more grateful if you gave me a specific brand you like.

Post: #22

I'm not the first to say it, but modafinil is the real deal.

Anything less than that, and I don't notice much difference between pills and coffee.

Bulletproof Coffee is pretty amazing. I can't drink more than a cup or two or I'll be buzzing so high I have to move. Great preworkout.

Post: #23

I just got my Modafinil in the mail last week. Modalert 200mg tablets from Sun Pharma (an indian pharma company).

It definitely increases my focus, and I'm a guy with pretty bad ADD. If I pop a 200mg tablet, I'll have pretty solid concentration for the next 4 or 5 hours and can just totally focus on whatever it is that I am doing.

So yea Fathom, I'd really check into Modafinil if you are looking for something that will help with your concentration for studying. Downside is the stuff is pretty expensive, it cost me like 150 dollars for 40 pills.

Also, I take it one day on, one day off. If you take it everyday, it stops working as well, and it can also cause nausea and headaches if taken daily.

Post: #24

(01-24-2012 03:22 PM)November Wrote:  I made a post on here a while back about a nootropic stack I use almost every day:

- Korean Ginseng
- Fish Oil / Omega 3 & 6
- Ginkgo Biloba
- Aniracetam or Piracetam
- Lions Mane Mushroom

With this stack you really need to know why you should be taking each thing to decide if it's right for you.

Korean Ginseng
This is an adaptogen, in that it boosts your ability to handle stress and allow your adrenal glands to recover. If you suspect adrenal problems (low energy, hard to get out of bed, easily stressed, general lethargy) then you'll notice a boost in energy (available here: http://bit.ly/1rD2d47 ) BUT you'll gain more in the long-term from a meditation habit and cognitive reframing.

Fish Oil (Omega 3)
Proven to improve measurable IQ within a month of taking it, only difficulty is finding a good source that's stable and not contaminated. Krill oil is the best option right now as it's the most bioavailable and far more stable than cod liver oil (available here: http://bit.ly/Sow4O3 ).

Ginkgo Biloba
This is worthless, there's virtually no evidence behind this as a significant nootropic so don't waste your time with it.

Aniracetam
Proven to improve intelligence even in healthy individuals, which means better creative problem-solving to help achieve all your goals (available here in powder or capsules: http://bit.ly/1kqfZT6 )

Lions Mane Mushroom
Increases nerve growth factor, which means more neurons (brain cells) will grow in your brain for better learning and memory. Extremely useful to improve your brain over the long-term and protects against neurodegenerative disease (available here: http://bit.ly/T7rV1as )

(01-25-2012 09:54 AM)WesternCancer Wrote:  what about for increasing your smarts via ability to pay attention. I've been taking omegas for the past little while and i exercise early in the morning. My mind is as clear and as quick as can be, but I sit down to read a textbook or do my homework and I'm thinking about something else a few minutes later. And in class I'm super restless and drift off every 15 minutes or so.

(06-01-2014 09:53 PM)Fathom Wrote:  Quite a few threads on this topic, didn't want to start a new one. I have a quick question. Could someone recommend me a product that can help with studying? I study math for long periods of time each day and sometimes I find myself phasing out and just feeling fatigued. Other times I feel like just getting up from the chair and moving around, I guess from sitting still too long.

Focus and Productivity
Best Nootropic: L-Theanine and Caffeine
Caffeine is the most popular stimulant in the world for a good reason - it helps you stay alert and get shit done. Problem is that there can be all sorts of nasty side effects such as jitteryness, anxiety, nausea, heart palpitations etc.

Not anymore. L-Theanine is an amino acid which completely removes the negative sides. Boom. Brilliant way for a beginner to get into nootropics with an awesome legal short-term enhancer.

Recommended Brand:
Natural Stacks Smart Caffeine (with L-Theanine in 2:1 ratio) http://bit.ly/43gffsf

Or if you want to purchase them separately:
NOW Foods L-Theanine 200mg http://bit.ly/1xfdw54 (take 400mg L-theanine for every 200mg caffeine)
SNS Caffeine 200mg http://bit.ly/as53ff4c

Post: #25

(06-02-2014 11:55 AM)Valentine Wrote:  Caffeine is the most popular stimulant in the world for a good reason - it helps you stay alert and get shit done. Problem is that there can be all sorts of nasty side effects such as jitteryness, anxiety, nausea, heart palpitations etc.

Not anymore. L-Theanine is an amino acid which completely removes the negative sides. Boom. Brilliant way for a beginner to get into nootropics with an awesome legal short-term enhancer.

Recommended Brand:
Natural Stacks Smart Caffeine (with L-Theanine in 2:1 ratio) http://bit.ly/43gffsf

Or if you want to purchase them separately:
NOW Foods L-Theanine 200mg http://bit.ly/1xfdw54 (take 400mg L-theanine for every 200mg caffeine)
SNS Caffeine 200mg http://bit.ly/as53ff4c

True, but if you just drink a lot of green tea it will have the same effect, be healthier and is cheaper.