nootropics
Cognitive enhancement supplements
Nootropics are substances taken to enhance cognitive function—memory, focus, creativity, or mental stamina.
The category ranges from caffeine and prescription stimulants to exotic supplements with names like piracetam and modafinil.
Also called smart drugs or cognitive enhancers.
He swears by his nootropic stack for exam season.
Chemical neural messengers
- acetylcholineNeurotransmitter for muscles and memory
- dopamineReward-linked neural messenger
- serotoninMood-regulating brain chemical
- glutamateExcitatory neural transmitter
GABA · neurogenesis · neuroprotection · blood-brain barrier · hippocampus · prefrontal cortex · cholinergic · dopaminergic
Mind's retention capacity
- focusConcentrated attention point
- concentrationSustained single-minded attention
- mental claritySharpness of thought
- alertnessActive mental awareness
attention · recall · retention · learning · processing speed · executive function · working memory · problem-solving
Perennial with tonic root
- lion's maneMale cat's neck fur
- ashwagandhaAyurvedic adaptogenic root
- ginkgo bilobaAncient tree, herbal remedy
- omega-3Polyunsaturated dietary fat
caffeine · creatine · tyrosine · magnesium · vitamin B12 · medicinal mushrooms · adaptogens · reishi
Enhancing one's own effectiveness
- cognitive enhancementImproving mental function artificially
- stackItems piled vertically
- cyclingRiding on two wheels
- microdosingTaking minuscule substance amounts
brain training · neurofeedback · tracking · optimization · synergy · potentiation · half-life · bioavailability
Joining of multiple elements
- synergyCombined effect exceeding components
- cyclingRiding on two wheels
- dosingGiving measured medicine
- protocolPrescribed conduct rules
regimen · formulation · blend · proprietary blend · potentiation · tolerance · baseline · maintenance dose
neurotransmitters
Chemical neural messengers
- acetylcholineNeurotransmitter for muscles and memory
- dopamineReward-linked neural messenger
- serotoninMood-regulating brain chemical
glutamate · GABA · neurogenesis · neuroprotection · blood-brain barrier · hippocampus · prefrontal cortex · cholinergic · dopaminergic · receptor
memory
Mind's retention capacity
- focusConcentrated attention point
- concentrationSustained single-minded attention
- mental claritySharpness of thought
alertness · attention · recall · retention · learning · processing speed · executive function · working memory · problem-solving · reasoning
ginseng
Perennial with tonic root
- lion's maneMale cat's neck fur
- ashwagandhaAyurvedic adaptogenic root
- ginkgo bilobaAncient tree, herbal remedy
omega-3 · caffeine · creatine · tyrosine · magnesium · vitamin B12 · medicinal mushrooms · adaptogens · reishi · cordyceps
self-optimization
Enhancing one's own effectiveness
- cognitive enhancementImproving mental function artificially
- stackItems piled vertically
- cyclingRiding on two wheels
microdosing · brain training · neurofeedback · tracking · optimization · synergy · potentiation · half-life · bioavailability
combination
Joining of multiple elements
- synergyCombined effect exceeding components
- cyclingRiding on two wheels
- dosingGiving measured medicine
protocol · regimen · formulation · blend · proprietary blend · potentiation · tolerance · baseline · maintenance dose · sublingual
- supplementsmultivitamins, multivitamin, vitamin, vitamin B6, minerals
- energizerscoffee, caffeine, energy drinks, energy drink, espresso
- Neuroactive Drugsdopamine, serotonin, GABA, acetylcholine, norepinephrine
- Performance Boosterssteroids, EPO, doping, PEDs, HGH
- psychoactivesLSD, MDMA, cannabis, psilocybin, heroin
- Biohackingbiofeedback, biosensor, body modification, cognitive enhancement, grinder
nootropicsneurotoxins
Poisons targeting nervous systems
anticholinergics · intoxicants · lead · mercury · benzodiazepines
nootropicsrecreational drugs
Mood-altering substances used for enjoyment
nerve agents · chemical weapons · leaded gasoline · teratogens · organic solvents
nootropicsintoxicants
Substances causing impairment
recreational drugs · party drugs · depressants · narcotics · opioids