Nootropics are becoming increasingly popular in the US and beyond as people look to these so-called “smart pills” to help improve exam performance, productivity, and even other things which may seem less relevant.
They are essentially a class of drugs that includes all substances that are designed to improve brain health, cognitive function and can be taken to improve memory or stimulate creativity, plus much more.
Some nootropics, also known as memory enhancers or cognitive boosters, aim to promote general good health and wellbeing of the brain. In contrast, others specifically aim to help with a particular aspect of brain health, such as memory.
Nootropics are continually being developed to formulate the best blend of ingredients for the desired outcome – and today, there are countless brands and products on the market for you to choose from, in addition to natural nootropics.
Why Might Someone Take a Nootropic?
There are countless reasons why someone might take a nootropic, ranging from helping them focus and learn as they study for an important exam, to help them manage their anxiety and feel less “on edge.”
Nootropics can also sometimes be taken as an alternative to more traditional ADHD medication.
Even people who aren’t studying for a particular exam may take a nootropic – natural or synthetic – to improve their learning ability or their ability to process and interpret complex information or data (at work, for example.)
Aside from serving as a study or work aid, nootropics can be taken to make one more sociable or to improve their mood, among other things.
How Do They Work?
Different types of nootropics work in different ways, but they all work their magic by impacting your brain and the network of receptors in your body, which sends signals to and from your body’s central control system.
Some nootropics work to achieve the desired outcome in the body by influencing your brain waves, while others can change your cellular energy levels or the production of certain types of hormones.
Nootropics may also change your cerebral blood flow and affect how receptors and neurons in your body communicate with each other.
Do They Have Any Side Effects?
Most users of nootropics don’t experience significant side effects, but some nootropics have been known to cause a few side effects in some people. These potential side effects include things like increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and insomnia.
Most nootropics are not addictive, and you won’t feel withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking them, even if you’ve been regularly using a particular nootropic for a while.
Do I Need a Prescription?
While some nootropics require a prescription, there are plenty of non-prescription alternatives for you to consider. However, it is still advisable to consult with your doctor before trying a non-prescription nootropic.
A Quick Nootropics Summary
- Nootropics are growing in popularity in the US and other parts of the globe.
- A nootropic is a drug that can improve your cognitive function, memory, and many other things related to the healthy functioning of the brain.
- Some nootropics aim to promote good brain health in general, while others are designed to help with a particular aspect of brain function and health, such as memory or cognitive function. They may also be taken to help with things like anxiety.
- Different nootropics work in different ways, but they all work by impacting your brain and your body’s receptors in some way, which leads to changes in things like hormone production, brain waves, and cellular energy levels.
- Most people who take nootropics don’t experience side effects, but some types of nootropics have reportedly caused side effects such as elevated heart rate and increased blood pressure.
- Most nootropics are not known to be addictive and therefore don’t have any withdrawal symptoms, while some (especially prescription nootropics) do.
- It’s advisable to consult with your doctor before trying a nootropic, even if the one you’re interested in taking doesn’t require a prescription.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
I read about nootropic supplements in a book by Dave Asprey. I tried one he wrote about called Armodafinil. The first time I took one I was shocked at how focused I became and how much work I was able to get through. Normally, I drift all over the place!