Nootropics and Cognitive Function—What to Know

what the experts and science have to say about it

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Shaheen Lakhan, MD, PhD, is an award-winning physician-scientist and clinical development specialist.

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Nootropics are natural and semi-synthetic compounds that claim to enhance cognitive function and brain performance. They are sometimes referred to as "smart drugs," memory-enhancing substances, or cognitive enhancers.

They may include certain types of prescription medications as well as nonprescription substances. Nootropics purport to improve mental functioning, including thinking, memory, mood, attention, creativity, and motivation.

In some instances, these compounds are FDA-approved to treat symptoms of specific conditions. For example, stimulant medications for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and medications to treat symptoms of Alzheimer's are considered nootropics.

However, these medications are also sometimes used by healthy adults as a way to boost mental functioning, which is much more controversial.

The term nootropics was coined by C. G. Giurgea, a chemist and psychologist who also developed Piracetam, one of the first cognition-enhancing drugs. The word itself comes from the Greek words nous for "mind" and trepien for "to bend."

Nootropics have generated more interest in recent years and gained famous fans and celebrity endorsements, including drummer Travis Barker. While the popularity of these so-called smart drugs has grown, not everyone agrees that these substances live up to their claims.

Nootropics can be both synthetic or non-synthetic substances that are available either by prescription or over the counter. There are three primary types of nootropics: prescription medications, synthetic compounds, and dietary supplements.

Prescription nootropics are medications that treat medical or mental health conditions such as ADHD and dementia. Some different types of prescription nootropics include:

Such medications can help treat or manage the conditions they are indicated for, but in some cases, they are prescribed "off-label" for cognitive-enhancing purposes.

Synthetic nootropics include racetams, a class of drugs with a similar chemical structure. Some different types of racetams that are commonly used include:

Such compounds are available over the counter in the U.S. While racetam compounds may work in different ways, they are believed to modulate the actions of certain neurotransmitters, including acetylcholine and glutamate.

Certain supplements are also often used for their nootropic effects. Natural substances found in food, beverages, and other sources are also nootropics. Some different types of nootropics that do not require a prescription include:

These different types of nootropics are often utilized for a range of purposes. Some of the potential uses for these substances include:

Some nootropics are taken to help improve creativity. For example, L-theanine has been shown to increase alpha waves in the brain. Greater alpha wave activity is associated with increased creativity.

Studies have found that L-theanine is most effective when combined with caffeine. Nootropic supplements often combine these two products, but you can also take them together naturally by consuming black or green tea.

Nootropics are also often used to support memory and learning. For example, research has found that piracetam, the first nootropic ever developed, can lead to improvements in working memory.

Research has also indicated that the amino acid creatine can positively influence short-term memory.

The prescription medication Provigil (modafinil) has also been shown to enhance memory and learning. Such benefits may be useful for treating conditions that lead to impairments in these areas, but the medication is also sometimes prescribed off-label to improve cognition in healthy adults.

Nootropics are also often utilized to help people become more attentive and concentrate. Stimulants that are often prescribed to help manage characteristics of ADHD, including Adderall and Ritalin, are often utilized for this purpose.

One 2020 study found that 28.1% of college students had misused stimulants at least once to improve their focus and memory. These medications are often obtained from someone with a legitimate prescription or by purchasing them from online pharmacies without a prescription.

There is some research indicating that certain substances used as nootropics may have different types of beneficial effects. It is important to recognize that these substances work in varying ways and have differing effects, so whether or not they work often depends on what the substance is and what it is intended to do.

While some substances benefit people with certain conditions, the research is less clear on how nootropics impact healthy adults. Individual ingredients may also have specific effects, but there is little research exploring how these substances impact cognition and mental functioning when combined.

If you decide that you would like to try nootropics to improve cognitive function or brain health, there are some important things to consider first:

It is also essential to keep your expectations realistic. You may notice some cognitive benefits, but you may also find that nootropics might not deliver on their promises. Fortunately, there are other ways to keep your brain healthy and protect your memory and mental skills.

Taking steps like regular exercise, maintaining social connections, and eating a healthy diet are important ways to protect brain health.

Nootropics may have some benefits, but they also come with risks and possible side effects. Before you take nootropics, it is important to consider some of these possible pitfalls.

Whether you are taking a prescription medication, synthetic OTC compound, or natural supplement there is always the possibility that you might experience side effects.

For example, stimulants such as Adderall and Ritalin might cause sleep disturbances, headaches, irritability, and changes in appetite. Even supplements and herbal remedies are also capable of producing side effects. For example, taking omega-3 supplements can lead to symptoms of heartburn, stomach upset, and headaches.

Some research indicates that the use of prescription nootropics among healthy adults for non-medical purposes was associated with increased risky, impulsive behavior.

It is also clear that much more research is needed to better understand the potential benefits of nootropics. Some of the research on nootropics has produced mixed results.

For example, omega-3s play an essential role in brain function and some research has indicated that this fatty acid might help protect the brain from the damaging effects of aging. However, a large-scale study found that healthy adults don't experience significant cognitive benefits from taking omega-3 supplements.

It is also important to recognize that the long-term effects of many nootropics are not well understood. More research is needed to determine how these substances might affect the brain when taken for extended periods of time.

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By Kendra Cherry, MSEdKendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."