How Do Nootropics Affect the Brain, and Are There Side Effects?

"Nootropics" often refers to natural supplements that people take to improve their brain function. Nootropics improve cognitive function and memory, but potential side effects vary by choice of nootropic.

While "nootropics" itself may not be a household term, the substances that fall into this category often are. If you’ve ever taken omega-3 supplements for heart health or memory, for example, you’ve ingested a nootropic. These natural supplements and medications are often called “smart drugs” because they provide brain-boosting benefits, including increases in concentration, memory, and alertness. Learn more about these substances and the effect they have on the human body and brain.

"Nootropics" often refers to natural supplements that people take to improve their brain function, but in reality, the term can mean any substance used to enhance brainpower. Many nootropics are prescription medications — like pills used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or narcolepsy — used off-label to increase alertness. Others are supplements that you can buy over-the-counter.

While nootropics may be called “smart drugs,” it’s a myth that nootropics actually make people smarter. These substances can enhance your ability to focus, bolster your creativity, and help improve your memory over time. 

Though making your brain work more efficiently is an attractive idea, it’s important to use good judgment when dealing with nootropics. Remember that some of them may not be safe to take long-term, while others have not been studied thoroughly enough to demonstrate their long-term effects on the human brain.

Synthetic nootropics

Synthetic, or man-made, nootropics are pharmaceutical drugs that are used for various brain-boosting purposes. They may be used as they were intended to boost a certain cognitive function like focus (in the case of ADHD medication), or they might be used off-label to enhance memory or improve test performance.

• Modafinil: This medication treats sleep disorders and sleepiness. Most often, those taking this drug have narcolepsy, which causes dangerous bouts of sleepiness, or they work night shifts and need to stay awake at unnatural times. Modafinil can make you feel very alert and awake, but it can be addictive. Side effects may include dizziness, insomnia, stomach issues, and dry mouth.
• Methylphenidate: This medication, usually under the brand names Ritalin or Concerta, is prescribed to treat symptoms of ADHD. It’s a central nervous system stimulant like coffee, which means that it can provide you with a quick boost in focus.
• Dextroamphetamine and amphetamine: This medication, usually under the brand name Adderall, is used to treat symptoms of ADHD, as well as narcolepsy. Like other ADHD medications, it can keep you awake and focused. It has high addictive potential, especially for teens who may not understand how to safely use their ADHD medication to control their symptoms.

Natural nootropics

• Phosphatidylserine (PS): This over-the-counter supplement helps your brain to communicate with itself. There’s encouraging evidence that shows that it might be effective for symptoms of memory loss, stress, and ADHD.
• Rhodiola Rosea: This plant is often called an “adaptogen” in herbal medicine circles, which means that it can help the body increase stamina and strength. It is used for focus and mental clarity.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: This natural supplement, often derived from fish, is most often used to protect heart health. Researchers have found that certain types of omega-3s can help heart patients retain cognitive function. 
• Gingko Biloba: This herb is a popular choice for improving brain function. Research has shown mixed results, but it might help people with mild memory issues, cognitive disorders, and dementia.
• Panax ginseng: This herb is a common ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine to treat memory issues as well as Alzheimer’s disease. It increases neurotransmitters like serotonin, GABA, and dopamine.

A "stack" is a particular mix of nootropics that you can tailor toward your preferences and the cognitive deficits you wish to improve. A stack may include several supplements, or it may come pre-packaged in a formulation sold specifically as a cognitive enhancer. 

For example, a nootropic stack for someone with ADHD could look like this:

• Prescription medication, such as Adderall
• An omega-3 fatty acid supplement
• A phosphatidylserine supplement

There are many vitamin and supplement formulations that have not been regulated or tested by the United States Food and Drug Administration. In fact, most supplements are not regulated by the FDA. 

Do your research about the supplements you want to try as well as the company you plan to purchase them from to ensure that, at the very least, they won’t harm your health. Because many supplements are not labeled correctly and some don’t even contain what the label describes, it’s important to buy from a place you trust.

The ethics surrounding nootropic use, especially in academic situations, is a bit of a grey area. Using dietary supplements like fish oil and PS will not put you in an ethical dilemma, and few people would argue that a child with ADHD who takes methylphenidate is cheating on an exam. 

There are some people who take prescription nootropics, though, when they don’t have to — but they enjoy feeling better than normal. The drugs improve their brain’s functioning enough for them to notice, but they may not take the medications safely or at the right doses. Right now, there aren’t too many laws and regulations concerning taking nootropics if you don’t need them for medical reasons. Most dietary supplements, vitamins, and healthy foods that enhance brain function are, of course, safe.

People seeking natural remedies for ADHD and stress

ADHD can be a difficult condition to manage, and most people use a combination of approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, classroom interventions (for children), and medication. Side effects from ADHD medication can be discouraging for some people, while some may feel as though their medication doesn’t work as well as it should. Others may wish to avoid medication entirely. 

Many parents have concerns that ADHD medication isn’t good for their children when taken for a long time. Most of these medications are safe for children because they exit the body very quickly. Adults with ADHD may wish to boost their cognitive performance by taking nootropics geared toward making the brain healthier overall (like omega-3 supplements), as well as those specifically studied for ADHD (like PS).

People looking for ways to improve cognitive function and memory

As you age, you may be on the lookout for ways to improve the way your brain works. Nootropics can give you an edge as many of them increase both dopamine and acetylcholine — both of which are neurotransmitters that are involved in learning, memory, and mood. Acetylcholine, specifically, is linked to memory function. Omega-3 fatty acids, when supplemented over time, may be able to help you retain cognitive function as you age.

Everyone should be cautious when they are trying a drug or a supplement for the first time — even if it was prescribed by a doctor. Until you know how a substance affects your body and brain, don’t increase your dose unless specifically instructed to do so by a medical professional. Aside from using common sense when trying new medications, it’s especially important for the following groups of people to use caution when taking brain enhancers or to simply avoid nootropics altogether.

Young people

Your brain goes through the most development in your youth, but it’s actually still developing well into your twenties. Some children take safe doses of medication for ADHD while they are in school, and this is generally considered by experts to be safe. While it’s usually fine for kids to take more common nootropic supplements (like omega-3 gummies) if they are dosed correctly, check with your doctor before giving children supplements that were not formulated specifically for kids.

People who take other medications

Taking multiple medications puts you at risk for dangerous interactions and overdoses. Your doctor has prescribed your medications at doses that are correct for your condition. If you take a nootropic, be sure to confirm with your medical team that it will not interact with your other medications or cause side effects that could be dangerous for someone with your health condition.

People experiencing severe memory loss

Memory loss is common with age, and this might explain why so many people turn to nootropics to try to reclaim what they’ve lost (or what they’re afraid of losing). Many memory issues are harmless, such as forgetting where you’ve put your wallet or misremembering the time of your afternoon appointment. 

If you’re healthy overall and you wish to try over-the-counter or natural nootropics to boost your memory, you can probably do so safely — but if you’re experiencing more severe memory loss such as not remembering important people, strange mood changes that alarm you, and forgetting where you’re going when you’re in a place you’re familiar with, you should address these issues with your doctor. This doesn’t mean that nootropics aren’t safe for you — but there may be an underlying cognitive problem you should check out first.

Nootropics can provide exciting real-world benefits for people who wish to improve their brainpower. If you have a medical condition, be sure to talk to your doctor about whether your chosen supplement is right for you. Those who have ADHD or another condition that requires prescription nootropics should also take them under a doctor’s care.