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Nootropics are a class of supplements and nutraceutials known for boosting memory, focus and brainpower.
Many people who are interested in using cognitive enhancers are worried about the potential for nootropic side effects to develop. However, one of the lesser-known qualifications for being a nootropic is that they must be extremely safe and non-toxic to human brains.
In fact, the founder of this family of compounds Dr. Corneliu E. Giurgea’s original criteria for nootropics state that they must actually protect and promote brain health.
For this reason, many “Smart Drugs” like Adderall and Ritalin would not measure up as nootropic drugs.
Of the supplements that do qualify as nootropics (such as Piracetam, Aniracetam, Noopept, Choline and more), there have been multiple research studies establishing their safety and very low risk of negative side effects.
Mental Function
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Brain Health- Promotes brain health & communication
- Supports memory, reasoning & cognition
- oosts focus, mental clarity & attention
Nootropics Overview
Related Topics
- What are Nootropics?
- Nootropics List
- Types of Nootropics
- Effects & Benefits
- How Do Nootropics Work?
- Natural Nootropics
- Enhace Intelligence
- Boost Memory
- Improve Concentration
- Reduce Anxiety
- Treat Depression
- Nootropic Side Effects & Dangers
- How to Stack Nootropics
- Best Nootropic Stacks
- Strongest Nootropics
- Where to Buy Online
- Cheapest Nootropics
- Are Nootropics Legal?
Nootropics have actually proven to be some of the safest types of nutritional supplements available on the market today.
Their neuroprotective properties may slow down signs of aging on the brain and prevent cognitive decline in elderly individuals. They can also help in maintaining the basic structures found in your brain cells and many offer anti-oxidant effects.
Some nootropics can also boost Nerve Growth Factor and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor levels to support the development of new neurons and connection between these neurons.
There is currently ongoing research into using Nootropics for clinical purposes such as treating Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease and many other conditions. Most Nootropics also do not have any type of known drug interactions or complications with existing health conditions.
Almost none of these supplements show signs of developing tolerance in the human body and there is no risk of long-term addiction or withdrawal symptoms.
Of course, it is always advisable to talk with a doctor before starting a new supplement regimen and you may want to consult a health professional prior to using Nootropics.
Given the great promise behind Nootropics for providing cognitive enhancement with little risk of side effects, we can expect these supplements to grow in popularity quickly over the next decade.
Before you decide to start a Nootropic regimen or stack for yourself, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with some of the possible experiences and milder side effects that you may encounter. These Nootropic side effects are exceptionally rare and usually only occur when you are first adjusting to the compound or when you are taking larger than normal dosage.
Some of the possible adverse reactions include headaches, GI tract issues, fatigue, insomnia and anxiety.
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Nootropics & Headaches:
The most commonly reported side effect of Nootropics is headaches (especially from the Racetam class like Piracetam).
The main reason for this is due to the fact that the brain is actually working harder and demanding more Acetylcholine than the body is capable of producing.
This leads to the Acetylcholine receptor sites starting to ‘burn’ out. It is believed that this synaptic over-excitement may cause headaches.
Fortunately, this side effect is quite easy to counteract. Simply add a quality source of Choline (Alpha GPC is one of the best) to your routine. This acts as a precursor to the Acetylcholine and serves to safely increase its supply. This satisfies the brain’s need for the chemical and relieves the headaches.
Nootropics & GI Tract Issues:
Normally, when an excessive nootropic dose is taken it can be a little difficult on the intestinal system.
If this happens, the body may perceive it as a threat and simply eliminate the excessive material. This can cause irritation and lead to things like nausea, diarrhea, or simply pain and discomfort in the stomach and GI tract.
The simple remedy for this side effect is to reduce the dose that you have been taking. Normally this means going back down to the recommended levels. If this is not possible, or it still does not provide relief than not using these supplements for a few days while the side effects resolve themselves can help.
Another option is to use a more concentrated nootropic like Noopept which requires a smaller dose and therefore less processing by the gastrointestinal system.
Nootropics & Fatigue/Insomnia:
Many nootropics are able to increase energy levels and improve alertness. This can sometimes result in one of two quite opposite side effects: fatigue and insomnia.
Insomnia is seen in cases where a stimulating nootropic is taken close to bedtime, leading to your mind being overly active and unable to fall asleep. Once you get to sleep, you may also feel like you are not achieving high quality restful sleep and you may wake up feeling tired.
The timing of your dosing is important for preventing this possible nootropic side effects.
For example, try taking Pramiracetam, CDP Choline or Noopept right before bed and you are almost guaranteed to have insomnia. It is best to avoid dosing your Nootropics in the late afternoon or early evening to limit this side effect.
Another option is to supplement with some of the nootropics that are better at promoting sleep later in the day. Phenibut, Inositol, Melatonin, and L-Theanine are all compounds that can promote better sleep patterns and the latter are considered safe for daily use.
Acetylcholine supplements taken early in the day can also promote more REM sleep since this neurotransmitter is involved in this deep sleep state.
If you take your more stimulating nootropics when you need to be productive and use these relaxing supplements later in the day, this can help you balance your supplement regimen. Check out some of these additional nootropics which can help you fall asleep.
The other end of the spectrum is nootropics causing excessive fatigue. In most cases, this occurs when an excessive dosage is used of one of the alertness-promoting nootropics. You may feel like you are “burned out” after a few hours, similar to the spike and crash felt with caffeine or central nervous system stimulants.
The easy solution to this problem is to use a smaller dose or to spread out your dosages over a few administrations a day. If fatigue persists even at these levels, you might want to cycle off the compound for a week or two or consider switching to a different nootropic altogether.
Other Possible Nootropic Side Effects:
Each nootropic supplement has a unique mechanism of action and therefore may come with unique side effects. You should look at the specific safety profile for whatever supplement you want to use to learn about any risks. Other side effects that you may experience from these supplements are anxiety, restlessness, nervousness, mood disorder or depression.
These tend to be very rare but it is important to observe any changes in yourself when using health products. In more rare cases, some drugs may cause rashes and skin irritation, increased blood pressure, and lightheadedness.
Once again, these risks are normally associated with taking excessively high doses. They also may be the result of a poorly formulated Nootropic stack with supplements that should not be combined.
The bottom line is that Nootropics are safe if they are used safely. These side effects are only attributed to a small percent of total users, with the majority being very mild and consisting of at most a headache.
Additional side effects are often due to people not following the recommended guidelines or mixing different supplements. But if you stick to the suggested usage, nootropics offer a lot of benefits with low risk of negative effects.
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Article last updated on: February 21st, 2018 by Nootriment