It's easy to underestimate the hype around nootropics especially considering the many challenges the supplements industry has undergone over the last few years. However, if you peer through online forums and social media sites, there is something exceptional you're likely to notice.
Online platforms like Longecity and Reddit have provided platforms where self-experimenters go where mainstream pharmaceutical companies haven't dared to go yet. It's no wonder queries like Reddit nootropics, nootropics subreddit, and even r nootropics are commonly keyed-in on various search engines.
Given the important role played by Reddit in the supplement world, we decided to dig deeper into the platform and come up with a list of some of the popularly recommended noots there. And by doing so, we were able to come up with the following 10 popular options.
Reddit Nootropics - A Run-Down of the Top 10
We'd like to clarify that this list isn't in any particular order. These brain supplements yield different results e.g. there are ones for reducing anxiety, others for good memory, and quite a few others that are all about motivation building.
(1) Mind Lab Pro
This is a nootropic stack that is basically meant to improve cognitive performance, memory, and also offer brain support. Some of the key ingredients found in this stack include L-Theanine (meant to promote wakefulness) Citicoline (all about mood balance), Vitamin B12 (enhances your cognitive function), and Vitamin B6 (meant to improve mental performance).
The stack is generally thought to be highly effective and we came across quite a few Reddit comments hailing its numerous benefits. Unfortunately, it doesn't come cheap and there are no free samples provided.
ProsA highly advanced stack
All-natural ingredients
Its methods are supported by credible scientific research
Has a high success rate
ConsMind Lab Pro doesn't come cheap
(2) Modafinil
Some prefer to call it the "limitless pill" but one thing is for sure, Modafinil is one of the most popular nootropics out there in the world. One thing you need to know is that Moda is not in the same league as other nootropics. In fact, calling it just a noot would be an understatement.
In reality, it's a prescription drug which is commonly used for managing sleep-related disorders. And for that reason, it's not easy to find it over-the-counter.
But why on earth would you use a prescription drug to manage your cognitive performance? Well, that's because Modafinil does not just improve your sleep patterns but also strengthens your mind. And unlike caffeine, this is not a stimulant yet it still functions like one with the best part being that it doesn't come with the jitters and slump caused by coffee intake.
That said, Modafinil remains illegal for recreational use. And, therefore, you might be better off taking its alternatives - such as Adrafinil. Generally, modafinil is phenomenal if your body gets along with it.
ProsHighly powerful
Enjoys a relatively high success rate
Known for promoting wakefulness
It's a mood enhancer
ConsIf taken a few hours before bedtime it can cause insomnia
In rare cases, it may cause the Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
(3) Phenylpiracetam (Best for Depression)
Originally developed in Russia, Phenylpiracetam remains one of the most sought-after racetams out there in the world. With a half-life of 3 to 5 hours, it's viewed by many a Reddit user as a powerful stimulant that can improve memory, mood, and even athletic performance.
This smart drug is renowned for its effects on memory and cognitive enhancement. But that's not all, a closer look at its formulation reveals that it can also function as an energy booster just the same way Adderall does.
To top it all up, Phenylpiracetam is classified as an anxiolytic and anti-depressant all thanks to studies done in mice demonstrating that it can prevent anxiety and increase locomotion. That said, more studies still need to be done to ascertain its effectiveness among human subjects.
ProsFast absorbed into the body unlike ordinary piracetam
Can be stacked with fish oil or even Alpha GPC
Powerful drug with incredible potential
ConsIt is banned by WADA which makes it illegal for professional sportspeople to use
(4) Aniracetam
If the many positive Aniracetam reviews on Reddit are anything to go by, then this nootropic compound is quite useful. Some of its recommended uses include promoting creativity and complex thinking, managing social anxiety, memory formation, and concentration.
One really encouraging attribute of it is that its effects can be felt in 15 minutes or so. So, you can take it just a few hours before going to class or for an interview and experience near-instant results. And for that reason, the drug is a popular replacement to your everyday cup of coffee.
The icing on the cake is that Aniracetam actively repairs your nerves thanks to the fact that it boosts your brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). What's BDNF? Well, it's what some people commonly refer to as the fertilizer of the brain especially since it promotes the production of new nerve and brain cells.
ProsIt is absorbed fast and its effects felt within 15 to 20 minutes
Can provide you with an afternoon pick-me-up effects
Can boost concentration
ConsScanty scientific studies support its effectiveness
(5) Adrafinil (Best for Stroke & Trauma Recovery)
The Adrafinil 300mg dosage is thought of as a moderate one for folks looking to experience benefits that are 90% similar to Modafinil's. Indeed, this eugeroic supplement seems to do a pretty decent job of promoting alertness without affecting the nervous system which is what caffeine does.
Unlike Moda which is illegal when sold over-the-counter, Adrafinil is freely available on the gray markets with a pill going for as cheap as $0.80 in some online stores.
One thing you need to note about Adrafinil is that it is meant to boost the levels of a hormone called Hypocretin in the brain. This is the neurotransmitter that's responsible for promoting wakefulness. On top of that, intake of Adrafinil improves the way in which your brain breaks down Glutamine which directly impacts how your body cells communicate.
Read the full review of Adrafinil.
ProsA safer modafinil alternative
Improves synapse plasticity which enhances your memory
Can be stacked with L-Theanine, Noopept, and Pramiracetam
ConsUnlike racetams, Adrafinil piles a bit pressure on your liver and kidneys
(6) Bacopa Synapsa (Best for Memory)
Bacopa with Synapsa is a unique stack that can either be prepared at home by mixing the two in the recommended proportions or ordered as a ready-made product from the likes of Absorb your Health and Doctor's Best.
Basically, Bacopa comes from an herb known as Bacopa monnieri which is commonly grown in Eastern India. Synapsa is also a form of Bacopa only that it is a proprietary extract which seeks to maximize the benefits of the Ayurveda herb.
The whole idea behind this combination is to promote neuron communication. Indeed, you can count on this stack to boost the growth of nerve endings which are commonly known as dendrites. By doing this, it slows down cognitive decline and supports your memory. Also learn more about Bacopa Synapsa as the best nootropic for stroke recovery.
Last but not least, this duo contains adaptogenic properties. In other words, it is capable of blocking stress chemicals which can easily trigger negative effects in your psychology.
ProsPrevents cognitive decline and boosts memory
Helps fight off stress and promote brain recovery
Preliminary studies show that it contains strong antioxidant properties
ConsSince Bacopa is grown in marshy areas chances of it having heavy metals are high, insist on third-party tests
(7) Noopept (Best Reddit Nootropics for Study)
This is yet another one of the popular, originally made in Russia nootropics. It is thought to be 1000 times more powerful than piracetam. And can you guess what that means?
Well, it means that only a tiny portion of it is needed to stimulate your mind. And with only a pint of it required, there is less pressure piled up on your body system. In terms of efficiency, as most Reddit users seem to agree, very few other "smart drugs" can match up to the kind of potential offered by Noopept.
And even with a daily dosage of 10 to 40mg, you can count on it to take effect in just a few minutes. What's more? The basic Noopept half-life is 6 hours which means you can fully rely on it for those demanding coding sessions or business meeting. Read more about Noopept as the closest over-the-counter thing to Adderal.
ProsOnly a tiny portion of it is needed so less strain on liver and kidneys
Its effects kick in in 7 minutes on average
Relatively safe if taken according to the recommended dosage
ConsCompared to piracetam, it's 1.8 more likely to lead to side effects
Some of its side effects include insomnia and stomach problems
(8) Phenibut (Best for Sleep)
It's also called PhGABA, Phenybut, Anvifen, Fenibut or Noofen and has been reputed for its ability to boost your quality of sleep. But what really goes on behind the scenes when you take the Phenibut pills?
To begin with, this product is actually an anti-anxiety which means it reduces tension and gives you more power over post-traumatic stress encounters. Besides that, if given at 500 to 700 mg per day, Phenibut can be a potential cognitive enhancer.
Indeed, the drug has the potential to promote the development of new brain cells and that is beside improving interhemispheric transmission in the brain.
Most importantly, Phenibut induces sleep and is, in most cases, used for insomnia treatment. In fact, it is legally prescribed for the same in countries like Russia. To a large extent, anecdotal evidence seems to support the fact that the use of this drug can improve the quality of sleep if taken in low doses.
ProsHas a really long half-life of 15-24 hours (depending on the dosage taken)
Its effects can be felt some 2 hours after ingestion
Decreases social anxiety
ConsLarge dosages needed to yield cognitive enhancing effects
(9) Ashwagandha (Best for Reducing Social Anxiety)
It's rare to come across a complete list of top Reddit nootropics without Ashwagandha appearing on it. Also known by its scientific name of Withania somnifera, this Ayurvedic remedy is renowned for its stress-relieving properties. To begin with, it protects your central nervous system which effectively makes it an ideal alternative treatment for degenerative conditions such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.
Besides that, Ashwagandha is reputed for its antioxidant properties which means that it does an incredible job of destroying free radicals. And indeed, free radicals are the main culprits behind most of the age-related diseases.
Besides toning down your stress levels and detoxing your body, this herb plays a central role in regenerating your brain nerve cells (particularly the dendrites and axons). And to crown it all up, this extract also inhibits acetylcholinesterase which is known for reducing the effectiveness of acetylcholine. So, it's safe to say that Ashwagandha indirectly boosts your cognition and memory.
ProsCan help undo brain damage due to chronic stress
It can help you suppress depression symptoms
Its effects kick in as few as 30 minutes
ConsNot ideal for hypothyroid and hyperthyroid sufferers as it stimulates the thyroid
(10) 5-HTP (Best Reddit Nootropics for Lucid Dreaming)
Looking for a nootropic supplement that can improve the quality of your dreams? Well, by supplementing on 5-HTP (also known as 5-hydroxy-tryptophan) it's possible to boost your serotonin levels. As you might be aware, serotonin is quite helpful in promoting lucid dreaming.
One thing you need to know about serotonin is that it's a multipurpose neurotransmitter. It generally affects your mood, appetite, and sleep. As far as sleep is concerned, it is reputed for its abilities to put people to complete rest, faster.
This is a status known as REM - the second stage of sleep where lucid dreams happen. The longer your REM sessions are, the higher the chances that you will remember your dreams better because you will be able to spend a significant amount of time dreaming.
And indeed, the duration of one's sleep can influence the memorability and vividness of the dreams they experience. To get the best effects, though, you'd need to take at least 300mg of this nootropic in the course of the day.
ProsIts effect kick in in 30 minutes, faster than most antidepressants work
Most people can tolerate it well
Some Reddit users swear by it
ConsProlonged use of 5-HTP my lead to hypertension
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it - our list of some of the best Reddit nootropics. Of course, the word "best" is relative - meaning it's possible to find contradictory information about certain supplements from different users. But all in all, the fact that these 10 made it to the top of this ever-busy platform speaks volumes about the kind of value they might have in store for you.