Nootropics FAQ Frequently Asked Questions
What are nootropics?
Nootropics are drugs or natural supplements which enhance certain mental or physical performance with few unwanted side effects. Most nootropics improve mental performance and health over time, rather than providing a short temporary burst.
What effects do people notice when they take nootropics?
There is a wide variety of effects that people notice from nootropics. People experience improvements in memory, motivation, mood, reaction time, ability to concentrate, ability to communicate, and much more.
The extent to which people feel these things differs greatly from person to person and depends on the drug they take. Some people may feel no noticeable effect while other people find that nootropics completely transform their life. Most people do get at least some sort of noticeable effect from nootropics and continue to use them for that reason.
How long does it take to feel the effects from nootropics?
Depends on the drug and the person. Some people report feeling effects within hours, others report feeling effects within weeks, and some people report not feeling effects at all. The best advice we can give when trying a new nootropic is to stick with it for a few weeks, usually that will be enough time to notice a difference.
Are nootropics safe?
Anything can be unsafe when used improperly. That said, research indicates that smart drugs are among the safest drugs in the world. Many are safer than common over-the-counter drugs like Tylenol. Unlike Tylenol and other OTC drugs, many nootropics have an assortment of health benefits and some may even extend one’s lifespan.
What if I feel negative side effects or don’t like the way nootropics make me feel?
Stop taking them. Most nootropics have mild to no side effects. That said, every person reacts differently to nootropics and even though they work for a lot of people they may not be right for everyone.
Do you get dumber when you stop taking nootropics?
Yes and no. If you stop taking smart drugs any cognitive abilities you were enhancing will decline back to their normal state. You will not get any dumber then you were before you started taking the nootropics.
Are nootropics addictive?
No. It is recommended that people cycle the nootropics they are taking so that their effects do not diminish and so that they don’t build up a tolerance.
How can I know that nootropics work?
Three reasons. There have been thousands of studies conducted all over the world. Many can be viewed on this site. There is an ocean of anecdotal evidence and testimonial reports stating that they work. Finally, I have experienced the results myself. While not everybody may experience the results they are hoping for, many people do. The only way to know is to give it a try.
Who are the studies regarding nootropics performed on?
Studies regarding nootropics have been performed on almost every type of subject. Animals, person’s suffering from cognitive diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s as well as healthy people have all been the subject of nootropic studies.
Why aren’t nootropics approved by the FDA and advertised for their uses?
Under current law, the FDA can only approve drugs for disease conditions. This means that drugs cannot be approved for uses such as memory enhancement, the prevention of mental aging, or increasing ability to learn unless the directly relate to a specific disease. Having average memory or learning ability and undergoing the process of mental aging are not classified as diseases so the FDA won’t approve any drug for their uses.
How do nootropics compare with anabolic steroids?
They are similar in the sense that they are both performance enhancers. What makes them different is that unlike steroids, nootropics have few or no known negative side effects.
How do nootropics compare with recreational drugs?
They are completely different. Recreational drugs deteriorate mental health and ability while causing a sometimes addicting sense of euphoria. Nootropics increase mental health and ability, are not addictive, and while in some cases they enhance mood, they do not produce an overwhelming sense of euphoria.
How many people are currently using nootropics?
In 1991 ABC’s Nightline estimated the figure to be around 100,000. Since then, sales figures from pharmaceutical companies have estimated the number to be well over one million. Nootropics are certainly a rising trend and their usage is becoming much more common.
How do I get started with nootropics?
Inform yourself. There are a number of articles on this site on subjects ranging from how nootropics work, how to build your own regimen, to specific nootropics. I recommend you read the introduction articles, then the regimen articles, and finally read about any specific nootropics you are considering. If you have then decided you wish to give nootropics a try visit out buyers’ guide to find reliable distributors.
