Nootropics are a class of brain-enhancing supplements that are widely used in the UK and around the world.
But many who could benefit from cognitive aids choose not to use them because they are unsure of the legal status of Nootropics in the UK.
The word Nootropics is derived from two Greek words: nous, or “mind,” and trepein meaning “to bend/turn”. It was first coined by Dr. Corneliu E. Giurgea, the Romanian chemist who first synthesized Piracetam in 1964.
Today, the word refers to an entire class of substances which are specifically used to enhance the user’s cognitive function and ability.
Nootropics encompasses a vast field of nutrients, supplements and drugs with over 150 compounds falling into this category. It can become confusing for UK residents to know what is, and is not, permissible to buy, use, possess or import in the United Kingdom.
Considering the wide array of nootropics available today, it would be difficult for any country to classify the entire spectrum of cognitive enhancing substances under a single Nootropic umbrella. Thus, nootropics currently includes vitamins, minerals, herbal supplements, as well as prescription and non-prescription drugs.
Partly because of this wide scope, the UK, like most other countries, doesn’t formally recognize this class of substances, collectively. This leaves many of the nootropic drugs in a grey area which is unregulated because they have not been formally approved in the UK.



- Promotes brain health & communication
- Supports memory, reasoning & cognition
- oosts focus, mental clarity & attention
Vitamins and Minerals
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?
Most nootropic vitamins and mineral supplements are readily available in the United Kingdom, either at health food shops or via online health food stores.
Users should be aware that there can be both mild and serious health consequences if taking too much of certain supplements, but overall, most nootropics are considered safe and non-toxic when taken within the recommended dosages.
Some common vitamins and minerals found in many nootropic stacks include B-vitamins, D-vitamins, Fish Oil and Choline. You can buy inexpensive vitamin supplements of high quality if you spend just a bit of time researching the various shops and stores. Y
ou can also import vitamins and minerals from the USA or other European countries online, making quality and cost comparisons fairly easy to do.
Herbal Supplements
The United Kingdom allows for herbal supplements to be sold without prescription, providing the labeling is accurate and not misleading to the consumer. These, too, are widely available in various forms, via health food shops or online health stores.
Some herbal supplements can take two to six weeks to build up in the body to produce a desired result, so you shouldn’t add herbal supplements to a stack expecting immediate results—because most herbs will not offer them.
That being said, some of them have been profusely studied and the benefits have been established.
Some common herbal supplements used in nootropic stacks are Bacopa Monnieri (for memory), Huperzine A (an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor), Vinpocetine (a potent vasodilator to enhance cerebral blood flow) and Ginko Biloba (a vasodilator).
All of these supplements are non-prescription and UK residents can easily purchase, use or import them at will.

- Focus longer, clear brain fog & feel more motivated
- Boost energy, alertnes & memory
- Contains 12 safe and natural nootropic ingredients
UK Nootropic Drugs
Racetams are some of the most popular nootropic drugs world-wide. The forefather of all racetams is Piracetam and in the UK a prescription is needed for it.
The other racetams are Aniracetam, Oxiracetam, Pramiracetam and Noopept are all allowed to be imported for personal use without a prescription. You may import Piracetam for personal use, but regulations do specify the need for a prescription.
Some users have reported no problems when importing small amounts without prescription, but it is recommended you try one or more of the other racetams which are readily and legally available to you.
Ordering in bulk powder form is the most cost-effective way of purchasing racetams, though some people prefer to purchase them already encapsulated for the sake of convenience. Buying in capsule form can increase the price by 3x – 4x.
Other prescription-required drugs and nootropics in the United Kingdom include Citalopram, DHEA, Donepezil, Adderall, Ritalin, Guanfacine, Losartan, Methylphenidate (sch. 2 “controlled”), Armodafinil and Modafinil.
These drugs not only require a prescription, but many have side effects about which the user should be aware and should be monitored by a medical doctor to assure the best user experience.
Because Modafinil is prescription-only in the United Kingdom, some people prefer to purchase a legal alternative known as Adrafinil. Adrafinil is the prodrug to Modafinil, meaning it is an inert substance until it is taken into the body, where it is converted by the liver into Modafinil.
There are risks of elevated liver enzymes when using Adrafinil and we do not recommend it for consistent or long-term use.
Prescription-only drugs may be imported into the country. Drugs which are “scheduled” (meaning they are controlled substances), such as Methylphenidate, cannot be imported.
Nootropics UK
Residents of the United Kingdom are able to buy, use and possess most nootropic substances without issue.
Importation should be in quantities considered “for personal us”, meaning a 1-3 months supply. Most nootropics requiring a prescription can also be imported by the patient, bearing in mind they may be asked to produce the prescription.
Nootropics can be purchased in the United Kingdom, or through reputable online nootropic stores.
Article last updated on: March 17th, 2018 by Nootriment
1 Comment
Is it possible to stack all the number ones on your charts? I am currently taking vivance for ADD and abilify for schitzo-affective……