Additionally, some individuals may experience mood swings or overstimulation, emphasizing the importance of starting with lower doses and consulting healthcare professionals.

The nootropic supplement most test subjects ended up liking the best was Mind Lab Pro. Based on my firsthand experience, not only does it significantly improve your mood throughout the day, but it can also ensure you have overall healthy brain function.

Our testing data showed that it had a direct impact on concentration and focus as well and that it can help you with work and study-related tasks. Specializing in Performance Psychology, his expertise is backed by both rigorous study and practical experience.

As an author, James is committed to guiding his readers towards optimal health and performance, providing actionable insights and strategies through his writings.

Write a Reply or Comment Cancel reply. Your email address will not be published. Who Shouldn't Take Nootropics For Mood? Ingredients And Dosage The Science Behind Mood: Neurotransmitters FAQs Our Verdict on Best Nootropics for Mood.

Last updated : December 1, FACT CHECKED by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, MBBS, MD. MEDICALLY REVIEWED by Dr. Kristy Dayanan, BS, MD. Methodology and Review Guidelines We personally test every product featured in our reviews and guides.

By ordering products anonymously and getting a group of independent testers, we are able to get first-hand experience and provide data-driven recommendations. Learn more. Table of Contents. Ingredients Price Effectiveness Safety Profile User Feedback and Reviews Scientific Research and Backing Brand Reputation and Transparency Ease of Use and Dosage Flexibility.

Who Should Take Nootropics For Mood? Ingredients And Dosage. Overall Score 4. Our Top Nootropic Supplements February Cons Currently only available on the official website. Vitamin B6 : 2.

Pros Works well to relieve stress and anxiety Testing results show significantly improved focus and concentration Comes in small capsules that are easy to take while on the go. Cons Parts of the nutrient label are hidden behind a proprietary formula.

Pros Helps with improving mood and motivation throughout the day Provides great focus without the jitters from stimulants Effects seem to last for more than six hours to cover a working day. L-Tyrosine : mg Kanna : mg Alpha GPC : mg Ginkgo Biloba : mg.

Pros Positive feedback confirms it can boost mood and motivation Helps to block out distractions to become more effective at work and study Spreading out the capsules can extend the effects for busy workdays.

Cons Some people are not fans of having to swallow six capsules a day for the full dosage. Pros Mainly based on scientifically proven herbs and mushrooms for mental clarity Seems to work well to drown out the noise of distractions Positive results for problem-solving complex tasks.

Pros Students have reported positive effects on their memory function Reduces stress and mental fatigue to keep your mind on track The capsules are small enough not to get stuck when swallowing.

Cons Not all of the ingredients have enough scientific research to support them. Pros Works well for short and long-term memory improvements Positive mood improvements with the use of stimulants Helps to lift brain fog in the morning to become more mentally focused.

Pantothenic Acid : 50 mg Acetyl-L-Carnitine HCI : mg Rhodiola Rosea : mg Alpha GPC : mg. Pros Good impact on mood, motivation, and memory functions Vegan certified with no animal gelatin in the capsules Available in larger bottles for bulk discounts.

Artichoke Leaf Extract : mg Acetyl-L-Carnitine : mg L-Phenylalanine : mg Coleus Forskohlii Extract : 20 mg. Pros Works well to improve brain health and overall motivating feeling for work Solid amino acid combination to help you stay focused for longer Only requires one capsule a day for more convenience.

Ingredients The composition of a nootropic supplement is crucial. Price Affordability plays a significant role in the accessibility of these supplements. Effectiveness Personal trials and user reviews were key in assessing effectiveness. Safety Profile Safety is paramount. User Feedback and Reviews Real user experiences offer invaluable insights.

Scientific Research and Backing Credibility is key. Brand Reputation and Transparency Trustworthy brands are transparent about their manufacturing processes and sourcing. Ease of Use and Dosage Flexibility Convenience matters. com Who Shouldn't Take Nootropics For Mood? The Science Behind Mood: Neurotransmitters Our mood is intricately linked to the balance of neurotransmitters in our brain.

FAQs What Nootropics Increase Dopamine? What Are the Potential Side Effects of Nootropics? Our Verdict on Best Nootropics for Mood The nootropic supplement most test subjects ended up liking the best was Mind Lab Pro. Our 1 Recommendation Mind Lab Pro Best Overall.

Click For Best Price. Was this article helpful? Yes No. Follow on Facebook Follow on Twitter Follow on linkedin Follow on instagram View All Posts. You May Also Like.

By Lisa Lorraine Taylor, BSc, CPT 1 month ago. By Benedict Ang, CPT, PN1-NC 20 days ago. By Lisa Lorraine Taylor, BSc, CPT 20 days ago. By James Cunningham, BSc, CPT 2 months ago. By James Cunningham, BSc, CPT 1 month ago. L-theanine is even more effective when taken with caffeine.

L-theanine is an amino acid found in tea that can increase feelings of calmness and may be linked to increased creativity. Its effectiveness is even greater when combined with caffeine.

Creatine is an amino acid, which your body uses to make protein. This increased availability of energy for your brain cells is linked to improved short-term memory and reasoning skills, especially in vegetarians and highly stressed people 12 , 13 , Larger doses are also effective, but research on their long-term safety is unavailable Creatine is an amino acid that can improve short-term memory and reasoning skills.

Doses of 5 grams per day have been shown to be safe in the long term. Bacopa monnieri is an ancient herb used in Ayurvedic medicine to enhance brain function.

Several studies have found that Bacopa monnieri supplements can speed up information processing in your brain, reduce reaction times and improve memory 16 , 17 , Bacopa monnieri contains active compounds called bacosides, which protect your brain from oxidative stress and improve signaling in your hippocampus, an area of your brain in which memories are processed The effects of Bacopa monnieri are not felt immediately.

Bacopa monnieri is an herbal supplement that has been shown to improve memory and information processing when taken for several months. Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogenic herb that helps your body handle stress more effectively. Several studies have found that Rhodiola rosea supplements can improve mood and decrease feelings of burnout in both anxious and highly stressed individuals 22 , Taking small daily doses of Rhodiola rosea has been shown to reduce mental fatigue and increase feelings of well-being in college students during stressful exam periods More research is needed to determine optimal dosing and better understand how the herb causes these effects.

Rhodiola rosea is a natural herb that may help your body adapt to periods of high stress and reduce associated mental fatigue.

Taking a single dose of — mg of Panax ginseng has been shown to reduce brain fatigue and significantly improve performance on difficult tasks like mental math problems 25 , 26 , It may be due to its strong anti-inflammatory effects, which help protect your brain from oxidative stress and enhance its function Some longer-term studies have found that your body may adapt to ginseng , making it less effective after several months of use.

Therefore, more research is needed on its long-term nootropic effects Occasional doses of Panax ginseng may help improve mental function, but more research is needed on its long-term effectiveness. Extracts from the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree may also have positive effects on your brain.

Ginkgo biloba supplements have been shown to improve memory and mental processing in healthy older adults when taken daily for six weeks 30 , 31 , Taking Ginkgo biloba before a highly stressful task also reduces stress-related high blood pressure and decreases levels of cortisol , a type of stress hormone While these results are promising, not all studies have shown beneficial effects.

More research is needed to better understand the potential benefits of Ginkgo biloba on your brain Some research suggests that Ginkgo biloba can improve memory and mental processing and may be beneficial in stressful situations.

Yet, more research is needed. Nicotine is a naturally occurring chemical found in many plants, especially tobacco. Studies show that nicotine can have nootropic effects, such as improved alertness and attention, especially in people with naturally poor attention spans 36 , It has also been found to improve motor function.

However, this substance can be addictive and is lethal in high doses, so caution is warranted Due to the risk of addiction, nicotine is not recommended. However, nicotine use is justified if you are trying to quit smoking. Nicotine is a naturally occurring chemical that boosts alertness, attention and motor functions.

Unlike some of the natural nootropics, the effects of Noopept can be felt within minutes, rather than hours, days or weeks, and typically last for several hours 40 , Animal studies have shown that Noopept speeds up how quickly the brain forms and retrieves memories by boosting levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor BDNF , a compound that promotes the growth of brain cells 42 , 43 , Human research has found that this smart drug helps people recover more quickly from brain injuries, but more studies are needed to understand how it might be used as a nootropic in healthy adults 45 , Noopept is a fast-acting, synthetic nootropic that may improve memory by increasing BDNF levels in your brain.

However, more human-based research is needed. It has been shown to improve memory in people with age-related mental decline but does not seem to have much benefit in healthy adults 47 , During the s, a few small, poorly designed studies suggested that piracetam may improve memory in healthy adults, but these findings have not been replicated 49 , 50 , Though piracetam is widely available and promoted as a smart drug, research on its effects is lacking.

Piracetam is marketed as a nootropic supplement, but research supporting its effectiveness is lacking. Phenotropil, also known as phenylpiracetam, is a synthetic smart drug that is widely available as an over-the-counter supplement.

One study in rats found that phenotropil slightly enhanced memory, but research to support its use as a smart drug in healthy adults is unavailable Phenotropil is marketed as a smart drug, but research showing memory-enhancing benefits in healthy adults is unavailable.

Commonly sold under the brand name Provigil , modafinil is a prescription drug that is often used to treat narcolepsy, a condition that causes uncontrollable drowsiness Its stimulating effects are similar to those of amphetamines or cocaine.

Yet, animal studies suggest it has a lower risk of dependence 57 , Several studies have shown that modafinil significantly reduces feelings of fatigue and improves memory in sleep-deprived adults 59 , 60 , It also enhances executive functioning, or the ability to properly manage your time and resources to accomplish your goals Though modafinil is generally considered non-addictive, instances of dependence and withdrawal have been reported at high dosages 62 , Modafinil is a prescription drug that can reduce drowsiness and improve brain function in healthy adults, particularly those who are sleep deprived.

However, it should only be taken as prescribed. Adderall is a prescription medication that contains highly stimulating amphetamines. Adderall works by increasing the availability of the brain chemicals dopamine and noradrenaline within your prefrontal cortex, an area of your brain that controls working memory, attention and behavior The amphetamines found in Adderall make people feel more awake, attentive and optimistic.

They also reduce appetite Depending on the dose and type of pill prescribed, the effects last up to 12 hours The side effects of Adderall abuse include anxiety, low sex drive and sweating Recreational Adderall abuse can also cause more severe side effects, such as heart attack, especially when mixed with alcohol 71 , 72 , Evidence that Adderall enhances mental performance is strong, but it should only be taken as prescribed.

Adderall is not available without a prescription but does appear to improve brain function in healthy adults and those with ADHD. However, it does not contain amphetamines In healthy adults, Ritalin improves short-term memory, information-processing speed and attention 75 , Like Adderall, Ritalin is widely abused, especially by people aged 18—25 The most common side effects of Ritalin include insomnia, stomach ache, headache and loss of appetite It can also cause hallucinations, psychosis, seizures, heart arrhythmias and high blood pressure, particularly when taken in high doses 79 , 80 , 81 , Ritalin is a powerful stimulant that should only be taken as prescribed and monitored closely for abuse.

Ritalin is a smart drug that enhances information processing, memory and attention. Nootropics and smart drugs refer to natural, synthetic and prescription substances that enhance mental function.

Prescription smart drugs, such as Adderall and Ritalin, have the strongest and most significant effects on memory and attention.