What Is A Nootropic?

Posted by SharonEvans on May 10th, 2014

The term nootropic refers to a range of drugs and supplements that enhance cognitive functions like memory, intelligence, and concentration by regulating the level of neurochemicals in the brain. Nootropics have been in existence since the 1970s though their use was limited to treating psychiatric and neurological disorders like ADD (Attention deficit disorder), Alzheimer’s diseases, and dementia. However, that is no longer the case today. Nootropics are usually called cram drugs and their use is widespread among professionals, corporate and university students. In fact, surveys indicate that at least 11% of American students have used these ‘smart drugs’ more than once in their life-time.

Many of the nootropics in use today were initially developed to treat neurological and psychiatric disorders that typically featured symptoms like short attention spans, low concentration, poor memory retention. Adderall is one such nootropic that was initially created to treat ADD and ADHD. However, after the discovery of a class of nootropics called racetams in the 1960s, a number of university students pursuing difficult professional courses like medicine and law started to use these drugs to improve their academic performance. Moreover, drug trials and medical surveys had indicated that the use of racetams was well tolerated and very few adverse side-effects in regulated doses.

Today, nootropics or ‘smart drugs’ as they are usually called are not merely limited to racetams and amphetamines (adderall). They have come to include a variety of other drugs, stimulants, vitamin and dietary supplements that individually or in combination improve productivity by improving wakefulness, concentration, and memory retention. Interestingly, there also exist a number of natural nootropic substances some of which have been used by people for centuries. An example of this is caffeine that has been used by cultures around the world for centuries. In fact, even green tea contains a nootropic known as L-theanine that has been proven to enhance cognition, reduce stress, and improve one’s moods.

Though there is obviously a wide range of nootropics available today, it is usually advisable to stick to the more commonly used nootropic drugs and stimulants whose productivity-enhancing effects have been proven. A strong recommendation would be to opt for a product which is replete with natural goodness, is vegetarian and free from caffeine, gluten and GMO. Whether or not it is an outcome of good manufacturing practices is something that possession of an appropriate certificate would reveal but if yes, it is definitely an added advantage.

Some of the most commonly used nootropics are marketed by pharmaceutical companies under their various brand-names. Obviously, the use of any nootropic substance may be associated with unintended side-effects. One of the best ways to check if it works for you would be to opt for a free trial wherein the customer is provided with 30 capsules without any strings attached. Reputed and reliable manufacturers generally make such an offer because it helps them to acquire valuable feedback about their product and acts as a transparent marketing campaign too. If you are truly happy with the changes, why not announce your new discovery on facebook or any other networking website?

Before embarking on a course of nootropics conducting in-depth research on each one of the types certainly helps. Having gained knowledge, the nootropic that boosts mental abilities without causing any harm emerges as the best bet.