Top 10 Nootropics:
1.Piracetam
makes me irritable, not smarter
2.Modafinil -- mechanism of action unknown, but definitely improves attention and focus.
3.Omega 3 Too much may not be good, and eating the right kind of fish three times a week can give adequate amounts. Just watch the mercury content, both of the fish and the supplements
4.Selegiline -- Breaks down into amphetamine, may be responsible for its mode of action. Withdrawal problematic, too sudden may have caused deaths. One study found a higher death-rate in users. IMO, amhetamines or ritalin equally effective.
5.Ritalin - Yes, improves focus. Aderall may be better.
6.Choline Supplement -- Yes, if you are deficient. More is not necessarily better
7.Hydregine--Can't tell that it does anything in the suggested doses suppliers recommend
8.MultiVit -- Depends. Most have wrong forms of A and E,do not account for differing genotypes, as some people need much more, others less of certain B vitamins. Too little D for sure, D3 should be added to your list.
9.Vinpocetine --Could not tell it did anything for me
10.Acetyl-carnitine/Ginko Biloba-- ALC definitely improves cognitive ability but also increases ROS in the mitochondria. Ames suggested R-lipoic acid to quench the ROS, but this is problematic; getting a workable form of R-lipoic is uncertain, and racemic leads to oxidized s-lipoic acid hanging around in your cells. I believe resveratrol in moderation will have an equally salubrious effect on mitochondrial function without generating ROS. Ginko? studies do not seem to bear out much benefit, and what is claimed could easil be due to the quercetin in many ginko extracts
Other ones that might work: Melatonin, Creatine Mono, Tianeptine
Creatine is positive, but usually for improved physical performance. Tianeptine I am not familiar with. Melatonin may have its benefits, but as a cognitive enhancer I would expect them to be indirect.
What's your list?=D
Edited by maxwatt, 26 March 2009 - 12:41 PM.
