However, due to limited enforcement, piracetam supplements remain available for sale.
The FDA also does not consider vinpocetine (a synthetic derivative of vincamine) a supplement.
Nootropicsare substances that boost brain and cognitive performance.
Akaradech Pramoonsin / Getty Images
They can also enhance visual information processing, reasoning, balance, and coordination.
Nootropics are derived from plants or can also be synthetic (artificial).
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Akaradech Pramoonsin / Getty Images
Uses of Nootropics
The following nootropics have been shown to enhance cognition.
It showed a decrease in choice reaction time and an improvement in attention speed.
However, the effect of Bacopa on memory remains to be seen due to conflicting results.
Bacopa has been shown to improve cognitive function in healthy adults, children, and adolescents.
It also improved attention shortfalls in young people with the neurodevelopmental disorderattention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
However, in some of the studies, caffeine was taken with carbohydrates.
This may have changed caffeine’s effects.
One review looked at the effect of short-term caffeine consumption in individuals with sleep deprivation.
It revealed caffeine improved cognitive performance and appears to counteract the effects of sleep loss.
Another review found that using caffeine before a mentally tiresome task helped counteract mental fatigue.
It’s essential to get adequate sleep whenever possible.
Replacing rest with caffeine intake is not advised.
This combination improved cognitive performance among people withAlzheimers diseasevs.
Further study is needed.
However, ginkgo did not improve cognitive function in healthy subjects.
Further research is needed to clarify the cognitive effect of ginkgo in healthy individuals.
Huperzine A
Huperzine Ahas been studied for its effects on several cognitive issues.
A review of studies looked at data from 1,823 participants with Alzheimers disease between 50 and 85 years old.
The studies lasted eight to 36 weeks, with an average duration of 14.7 weeks.
However, the quality of the included studies was not the best.
A different systematic review, from 2016, showed that usinghuperzine Awithantipsychoticsimproved cognitive function in people withschizophrenia.
Higher-quality studies are needed.
Further research is needed to determine the minimum period necessary to take L-theanine to provide long-term effects.
Racetams
Racetams are technically a drug class used to treat seizures or as nootropics.
They are made synthetically (in a lab).
However, piracetam supplements remain available in the marketplace at high doses.
Higher doses of racetams carry an increased risk of side effects among consumers of cognitive enhancement supplements.
Tyrosine
A review suggestedtyrosinecan help people doing demanding work in harsh environmental conditions.
Tyrosine prevented or reversed the cognitive performance decreases in participants that these situations created.
The review also suggested tyrosine increased working memory, information processing, and mood.
ADHD has been associated with deficiencies in neurotransmission (transferring information between neurons), specifically involving the neurotransmittersdopamineandnorepinephrine.
Researchers believe L-tyrosine provides the building blocks to make dopamine and norepinephrine.
Further study is needed to confirm whether tyrosine supplementation is equivalent to methylphenidate.
One study found that vinpocetine increased blood flow in the brain and improved cognitive ability in people with stroke.
Another study, showed no significant cognitive effects of vinpocetine in healthy volunteers or people withepilepsy.
Future studies exploring higher doses of vinpocetine are needed to determine if such doses can effectively enhance human cognition.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
What Are the Side Effects of Nootropics?
Your provider may recommend you take nootropics for specific reasons.
These side effects may be mild or severe.
Common Side Effects
Bacopa monnieri
Side effects ofB.
However, tyrosine is a building block fornorepinephrineanddopamine.
Theoretically, it may cause symptoms associated with norepinephrine and dopamine.
Potential side effects of piracetam include the following:
Mild side effects such asdizzinessanddiarrheawere reported in one study.
Moderateallergic dermatitiswas also reported.
Keep the following precautions in mind when using the following nootropic supplements.
It is unknown whether it is safe to use ginkgo while breastfeeding.
Raw or roasted ginkgo seeds and unprocessed ginkgo leaves can be toxic.
Huperzine A may lower heart rate.
L-theanine should be avoided if you have a green tea allergy.
Avoid theanine supplements if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, as there’s not enough information about their safety.
Do not take vinpocetine if you are of childbearing age or are pregnant.Vinpocetine may cause harm to your fetus.
Interactions
This is not an exhaustive list.
kindly speak with your pharmacist, registered dietitian nutritionist, or healthcare provider for more information about possible interactions.
It may also interact withNSAIDs.
Huperzine A should not be used withacetylcholinesterase inhibitors.
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors includeAricept (donepezil),Razadyne (galantamine), andExelon (rivastigmine).
Huperzine A works in the same way as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.
Taking huperzine A with such medication may increase the risk of side effects.
L-theanine relaxes the mind.It may increase drowsiness risk when taken with medications or supplements that cause drowsiness.
Tyrosine is a precursor to thyroid hormones.It may changethyroid medicationneeds.
However, caution should be taken.
Some supplements should not be used if you have certain medical conditions or take certain medications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nootropics are substances that improve thinking, learning, and memory.
They can be derived naturally from plants or made synthetically (human made).
That said, replacing sleep with nootropics or any supplement is not recommended.
Obtaining adequate,high-quality sleepis a vital part of overall health.
Some nootropics may interact with certain prescription or nonprescription drugs.
yo consult with your healthcare provider before starting a nootropic supplement.
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