Are Nootropics Effective For Boosting Cognitive Function?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHistoryTypesUsesImpactTipsPotential Pitfalls

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Table of Contents

History

Types

Uses

Impact

Tips

Potential Pitfalls

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Nootropics are natural and semi-synthetic compounds that claim to enhance cognitive function and brain performance. They are sometimes referred to as “smart drugs,” memory-enhancing substances, or cognitive enhancers.

They may include certain types of prescription medications as well as nonprescription substances. Nootropics purport to improve mental functioning, including thinking, memory, mood, attention,creativity, and motivation.

In some instances, these compounds are FDA-approved to treat symptoms of specific conditions. For example, stimulant medications forattention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)and medications to treat symptoms of Alzheimer’s are considered nootropics.

History of Nootropics

Nootropics have generated more interest in recent years and gained famous fans and celebrity endorsements, including drummer Travis Barker. While the popularity of these so-called smart drugs has grown, not everyone agrees that these substances live up to their claims.

Types of Nootropics

Prescription Nootropics

Prescription nootropics are medications that treat medical or mental health conditions such as ADHD and dementia. Some different types of prescription nootropics include:

Such medications can help treat or manage the conditions they are indicated for, but in some cases, they are prescribed “off-label” for cognitive-enhancing purposes.

Synthetic Compounds

Synthetic nootropics include racetams, a class of drugs with a similar chemical structure. Some different types of racetams that are commonly used include:

Such compounds are available over the counter in the U.S. While racetam compounds may work in different ways, they are believed to modulate the actions of certainneurotransmitters, includingacetylcholineand glutamate.

Dietary Supplements and Other Sources

Certain supplements are also often used for their nootropic effects. Natural substances found in food, beverages, and other sources are also nootropics. Some different types of nootropics that do not require a prescription include:

Uses for Nootropics

These different types of nootropics are often utilized for a range of purposes. Some of the potential uses for these substances include:

Increased Creativity

Some nootropics are taken to help improve creativity. For example, L-theanine has been shown to increase alpha waves in the brain. Greater alpha wave activity is associated with increased creativity.

Better Memory and Learning

Nootropics are also often used to support memory and learning. For example, research has found that piracetam, the first nootropic ever developed, can lead to improvements in working memory.

Research has also indicated that the amino acid creatine can positively influence short-term memory.

The prescription medication Provigil (modafinil) has also been shown to enhance memory and learning.Such benefits may be useful for treating conditions that lead to impairments in these areas, but the medication is also sometimes prescribed off-label to improve cognition in healthy adults.

Improved Attention and Concentration

Nootropics are also often utilized to help people become more attentive and concentrate. Stimulants that are often prescribed to help manage characteristics of ADHD, including Adderall and Ritalin, are often utilized for this purpose.

Misuse of Prescription Nootropics

Impact of Nootropics

There is some research indicating that certain substances used as nootropics may have different types of beneficial effects. It is important to recognize that these substances work in varying ways and have differing effects, so whether or not they work often depends on what the substance is and what it is intended to do.

While some substances benefit people with certain conditions, the research is less clear on how nootropics impact healthy adults. Individual ingredients may also have specific effects, but there is little research exploring how these substances impact cognition and mental functioning when combined.

Tips for Using Nootropics

If you decide that you would like to try nootropics to improve cognitive function or brain health, there are some important things to consider first:

It is also essential to keep your expectations realistic. You may notice some cognitive benefits, but you may also find that nootropics might not deliver on their promises. Fortunately, there are other ways to keep your brain healthy and protect your memory and mental skills.

Taking steps like regular exercise, maintaining social connections, and eating a healthy diet are important ways to protect brain health.

Potential Pitfalls of Nootropics

Nootropics may have some benefits, but they also come with risks and possible side effects. Before you take nootropics, it is important to consider some of these possible pitfalls.

Risk of Side Effects

Whether you are taking a prescription medication, synthetic OTC compound, or natural supplement there is always the possibility that you might experience side effects.

For example, stimulants such as Adderall and Ritalin might cause sleep disturbances, headaches, irritability, and changes in appetite. Even supplements and herbal remedies are also capable of producing side effects. For example, taking omega-3 supplements can lead to symptoms of heartburn, stomach upset, and headaches.

Some research indicates that the use of prescription nootropics among healthy adults for non-medical purposes was associated with increased risky, impulsive behavior.

Research Can Be Mixed

It is also clear that much more research is needed to better understand the potential benefits of nootropics. Some of the research on nootropics has produced mixed results.

For example, omega-3s play an essential role in brain function and some research has indicated that this fatty acid might help protect the brain from the damaging effects of aging.However, a large-scale study found that healthy adults don’t experience significant cognitive benefits from taking omega-3 supplements.

Long-Term Effects

It is also important to recognize that the long-term effects of many nootropics are not well understood. More research is needed to determine how these substances might affect the brain when taken for extended periods of time.

7 Best Herbs for Memory and Brain Health

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Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

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