What are nootropics? We get asked this a lot and we are going to explain what they are, how they work, potential side effects, and their benefits. They were a new class of molecule discovered in the 1970s and the term was coined by Corneliu Giurgea. Known colloquially as 'smart drugs', nootropics are cognitive enhancers which can increase concentration, memory, and motivation. They are central nervous system stimulants, used to treat a variety of conditions, and we will explain in more detail how they work and the disorders they manage a little later. We also get asked the question 'do nootropics work?' and the short answer is yes.
There have been numerous clinical trials to study their efficacy and they have been proved to be effective for the majority of conditions they are used for, and this is why people commonly use nootropics worldwide. These medications are available as a prescription only medication (POM). If you are unable to get a prescription from you GP however, you can buy nootropics online from our online pharmacy. Nootropic supplements are available over the counter, but the efficacy of these products is unknown.
As we mentioned before, this class of medications are used to treat a variety of conditions. Some people use nootropics for ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). ADHD is characterised by impulsive behaviour, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating. Despite being stimulants, it is thought that the increased attention properties that the medications exert help with some of the symptoms of ADHD. It usually starts in childhood; however, some people are not diagnosed until adulthood. They are also used to treat narcolepsy, which is a rare chronic disorder where people suddenly fall asleep or lose muscle tone and collapse unexpectedly during the day.
The disorder is thought be caused by a lack of the neurotransmitter hypocretin which regulates wakefulness, and while there is no cure for narcolepsy, medications can help manage the symptoms. Students also commonly use nootropics for focus when they need to complete assignments or during exam periods. Nootropic supplements are often marketed for this purpose, however so called “natural nootropics” have not undergone the same rigorous clinical trials that prescription medications have and may be marketed and labelled incorrectly. So, before you buy nootropics it is important that you ensure they are legitimate and safe.
Many people use nootropics because of the high efficacy rating and safety profile. Having said that, the exact mechanism of action is not fully understood. Additionally, each medication will have a slightly different way of working. It is thought that nootropics exert their effects primarily by increasing the production of and inhibiting the reuptake of dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with increased concentration and motivation. Neurotransmitters are chemicals in the brain which regulate signals and the way information is transmitted in the brain. They can either be excitatory (increase electrical activity) or inhibitory (reduce electrical activity). The cells in the brain are called neurons and they transmit electrical signals, called action potentials, to transmit information. In between each neuron is a miniscule gap called a synapse, and this is where dopamine receptors are located.
By targeting these receptors, the medication increases the amount of dopamine secreted and prevents it from being reabsorbed back into the cells. This means it stays in your system for longer and you will benefit from increased concentration and motivation. This increase of dopamine also indirectly increases the production of hypocretin, which promotes wakefulness. This is useful for people who need to stay awake to study and for those with narcolepsy. As we mentioned before, nootropic supplements are not regulated and so this mechanism of action cannot be guaranteed.
The duration of action will vary from medication to medication. Nootropics are typically absorbed rapidly via the gastrointestinal (GI) tract where they permeate into the cardiovascular system and cross the blood brain barrier and enter the brain. When they enter the brain, this is where they target the neuronal receptors and exert their effects as we explained earlier. Most medications have good bioavailability and reach peak plasma concentrations after 2 to 3 hours and their elimination half-life periods vary. For example, Ritalin has the shortest duration of action at 2 to 4 hours. Adderall and modafinil have longer elimination half-lives of between 12 and 15 hours so you will feel their effects for much longer.
Different nootropics will have different dosage instructions and the amount will also depend on the type and severity of the condition being treated. Ritalin is started at 5 to 10 mg and can be increased to a maximum of 100 mg split into 2 or 3 doses throughout the day. Adderall is usually started at 10 mg and can be taken every 4 to 6 hours, up to a maximum of 60 mg per day. Modafinil is started at 200 mg for most conditions. This can either be split into 2 doses or taken once each morning, up to maximum of 400 mg daily.
If you are taking the medication in multiple doses, it is important to space the doses evenly throughout the day. Tablets should always be swallowed whole with a glass of water or juice, and never crushed. If the tablets are crushed this could cause too much to enter your system at once which could be dangerous.
Before you buy nootropics, it is important to be aware of any side effects that they may cause. Not everyone experiences any, and they are usually mild for those that do. Each medication will vary, but some of the more common nootropic side effects include the following:
It is very uncommon, but some people experience more serious side effects. If any of the following affect you, you should stop taking the medication and seek medical assistance:
Again, this will vary depending on the type of medication. Some have habit forming properties and would not be suitable for long-term use unless you suffer from narcolepsy, in which case you would have no other option. This medicine has a very low potential for addiction and is a safer option for long-term use. To read some more anecdotal evidence of how the medications feel, you can find nootropics reviews on our website. If you know which type of medication is best for you already, then you can buy nootropics online from our dedicated global online pharmacy.
It is difficult to say which are the best nootropics as it depends on which condition you are using them for. As we mentioned earlier, nootropics have a wide range of uses and you may need to try different types to find which is best suited to you and you condition. According to clinical trials, the best nootropic for students appears to be modafinil as it increases concentration and motivation without the risk of addiction. Adderall and Ritalin can cause physical dependence within a short space of time, so you should be careful if you use these.
Medications with habit forming properties increase your tolerance to them, which means you will either need to take more to get the same effect or increase your dosage. There is also the risk of withdrawals if you suddenly stop taking them, so if you have been taking them long-term you should reduce your dose gradually.
Before you buy nootropics, you may want to consider other options which could help with concentration. Natural nootropics which can include caffeine and supplements such as ginkgo biloba, have some evidence that suggest they increase energy and concentration. Nootropic drinks are also available and contain natural supplements. Natural alternatives however have not undergone the same level of clinical trials for efficacy and companies can market them incorrectly. If you have found that natural alternatives have not been effective enough, you may wish to consider medication which has been proved to have high efficacy ratings.
You can now buy nootropics online without the need for a prescription. We understand that not everyone has the time to consult with their GP and some doctors can be reluctant to prescribe stimulant medications, despite them being approved by the MHRA. We advocate being able to buy medications which you know will help you with your condition, whether it be for increased concentration, ADHD, or narcolepsy. We have the best nootropics available online, which you can get from our 24 hour online pharmacy. We ship our orders quickly and in plain packaging for discretion. Visit sleepingtabletsdirect.com for our full range of products. If you have any questions, you can contact our friendly team via our website.
Last Reviewed: 22nd July 2024
Next Review Due: August 2025
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