Nootropics: Enhancing Cognitive Function Safely

Nootropics or smart drugs are used to improve concentration. People can face concentration issues for various reasons; it could happen due to ADHD, stress, anxiety, brain fog, sleepiness, and more. However, facing difficulty in keeping your focus can be really bothersome in performing your daily activities. Whether you are driving, working on your laptop, or doing house chores without proper concentration, you not only face difficulties in performing the task but also fall into serious troubles.

So, if you are struggling to keep you're your focus and don't know what to do to bring it back, nootropics or smart drugs can be an excellent choice to boost your focus and prevent brain fog or other concentration issues effectively. In this blog, we are going to discuss everything you need to know about nootropics, including popular nootropic drugs, natural nootropic sources, benefits, side effects and best practices. So, without wasting any time further let's get started!

What are Nootropics?

Before we discuss the benefits of using nootropics or best practices for preventing side effects, let's understand what nootropics are and how they work first. Nootropics are also known as smart drugs due to their ability to enhance focus and improve memory and cognitive skills. They are also known to boost your brain performance and mental functions.

Also, you can get nootropics from natural sources like caffeine, ginkgo biloba, Rhdiola roses, L-theanine, or nootropic drugs such as Modafinil, Armodafinil, Methylphenidate, etc.

Benefits of Using Nootropics

Nootropics can be an excellent support to boost your brain performance, increase focus and boost mental alertness. Using nootropics can have several benefits, especially when you have problems maintaining your focus. Here are some common benefits of using nootropics –

• The use of nootropics helps to boost brain functioning
• It can also help with repairing and renewing brain cells
• Prevent brain aging
• Helps to treat sudden sleepiness due to narcolepsy
• Treating various brain diseases like Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, Huntingdon disease, etc.
• It helps to increase alpha waves in your brain, resulting in a more relaxed yet alert mind.
• Works as a brain stimulant or central nervous system stimulant.
• It can also help in protecting neurones, which leads to the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.
• It regulates neurotransmitters and creates a positive effect on mood.
• Treats ADHD symptoms.

Different nootropics can have various capabilities such as some have higher alertness boosting qualities while others may boost brain cell repair and generation. So, it is important to understand the capabilities of the nootropic drug or natural source you choose and your requirements.

Popular Nootropic drugs

Nootropic drugs are also known as smart drugs, as they primarily boost brain function and concentration capabilities. Here are some popular nootropic drugs that you can try to strengthen your brain or mental capacities and boost your concertation or focus capabilities-

Modafinil

Modafinil is one of the most common yet popular types of nootropic drugs that help boost your brain or cognitive abilities. It is a prescription-only, controlled substance that you can use to prevent unwanted sleepiness and other symptoms of narcolepsy and other sleep disorders. It is also used for other health conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea or sleep work shift disorder. However, excessive use of Modafinil can have adverse effects, including confusion, racing heart, loss of appetite, agitation, triggered ADHD and more. Therefore, consulting with a healthcare provider is a must.

Armodafinil

Another popular nootropic drug is Armodafinil. It is similar to Modafinil and helps to treat sleepiness issues, including narcolepsy, shift work disorder, obstructive sleep apnea and more. Armodafinil is also a stimulant or wakefulness-promoting agent that primarily works by mimicking adrenaline or dopamine in the brain to boost alertness and activity. However, Armodafinil is also not free from side effects due to misuse, overuse or interactions. So, before you take Armodafinil, consult with your healthcare provider.

Adderall

Adderall is another popular stimulant nootropic drug used to enhance alertness and focus. It is primarily used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy, but doctors and healthcare providers can prescribe Adderall for several other health conditions. It works excellently in enhancing brain alertness, boosting concentration and preventing excessive sleepiness or other brain disorders that interrupt the natural capacity to focus and perform regular activities. Not to mention, Adderall also contains certain side effects or risks, which include troubled sleeping, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, irritability, stomach pain, headache, dry mouth, etc. Therefore, you should take Adderall as prescribed by your doctor.

Memantine

Memantine is also a nootropic drug that falls under the NMDA receptor antagonist class of drugs. It is available in different forms, including capsules, tablets and liquid. Memantine is primarily used to treat dementia and related Alzheimer's. It effectively blocks the effects of glutamate, responsible for worsening the symptoms of Alzheimer's. However, as a nootropic drug, doctors can also use Memantine for treating other conditions as well. Memantine contains several side effects, so you must consult with your healthcare provider before taking it.

Methylphenidate

Last but not least, Methylphenidate is also a popular nootropic drug that belongs to the CNS stimulant class of drugs. It is primarily used for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD and other brain disorders. Methylphenidate is a powerful drug that can also cause certain side effects. Therefore, consulting with a healthcare professional is crucial to ensure safe and effective dosages.

Commonly Available or Natural Nootropics

Nootropic drugs are popular for boosting concentration, improving brain function, and preventing sleep disorders and other brain disorders. However, you can also get nootropics from various natural sources. Some common nootropic natural sources include-

Caffeine

Caffeine is usually found in coffee, tea, cocoa, etc. This substance with psychoactive properties is consumed throughout the world. As a Nootropic, caffeine increases alertness and focus and reduces the symptoms of fatigue and tiredness. Mild to moderate consumption of caffeine is advised for enhanced energy and concentration. Excessive caffeine consumption can be habit-forming.

L-Theanine

L-theanine is available as a supplement. Also, it naturally occurs as an amino acid in tea. It increases alpha waves in the brain, which plays a key role in creativity. L-theanineL can be more effective if taken with caffeine. However, overdosing on the substance can create health hazards. It also should be avoided during pregnancy.

Panax ginseng

Panax ginseng is an ancient Nootropic which is derived from nature. It improves the function of the brain and reduces brain fog. It can be used in the treatment of Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. However, it can interact with other medications and substances and must be used only after consulting with a doctor.

Ginkgo biloba

This Nootropic is derived from the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree. It improves brain function and reduces stress. However, it is suitable for only adults. The supplement can interact with other prescription Nootropics and should be used wisely.

Rhodiola Rosea

Another popular natural Nootropic is Rhodiola rosea. This adaptogenic herb can be used to reduce stress and feelings of burnout, improving brain functionality. It also creates a positive effect on mood, enhancing creativity.

Possible Side-Effects of Nootropics

Nootropic drugs and natural supplements offer a number of benefits. But they can be habit-forming if taken excessively or for a long time. Here are some common side effects of Nootropics:

• Addictive or habit-forming
• Agitation
• Motor impairment
• Hot flushes
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Loss of memory
• Spatial memory problem
• Tremors
• Stomach issues
• Insomnia
• Severe fatigue
• Headache

Some serious side effects of Nootropics include:

• Paranoia
• Severe anxiety problems
• Panic attacks
• Hypomanic episodes
• Restlessness

How to Safely Take Nootropics?

It is important to take Nootropics responsibly to avoid health hazards. One can only get the benefits of smart drugs when used properly. Here are some safety tips to make the best of Nootropic drugs:

• If you want to take Nootropics or smart drugs, it is always wise to consult with your healthcare provider. A healthcare provider will review your medical history, current health conditions and other medicines you use to inform you whether you can take a Nootropic.
• Do not combine several Nootropic products from different manufacturers. It increases risks and safety concerns related to the medicine.
• If you are taking a prescription Nootropic, strictly follow your prescription. If you are taking an OTC supplement, adhere to the manufacturer's directions. Do not overdose, as it can cause severe health issues.
• Cycling means you take a Nootropic drug daily for a certain duration and then take a break before resuming your dosage. This reduces the chances of Nootropic addiction.
• Always buy your Nootropic drugs and supplements from a reliable manufacturer and seller that adheres to safety norms through GMP.
• Also, do not use stimulating Nootropics in the evening, as they can negatively affect your sleep cycle.
• Different Nootropics have different onset times. Educating yourself about the Nootropic drug you use is essential for getting the best results.

Conclusion

Nootropics are commonly known for their outstanding capabilities in enhancing focus, boosting mental clarity, and strengthening brain activity. Therefore, the use of nootropics can be very beneficial in treating conditions that are associated with concentration problems or brain problems, such as narcolepsy, ADHD, shift work disorder, and more. In this blog, we have discussed some popular nootropic drugs and natural nootropic sources, along with benefits, side effects and best practices.