“Smart drugs”, which is the term often used for nootropics, are a hot subject. Just the existence of a magic pill that makes you sharper, more intelligent, and generally more capable, is very tempting. If you’ve seen movies like “Limitless” or “Lucy”, you must have daydreamed about having a similar solution in your medicine cabinet.
You should know that chances are that you already have a nootropic in your nutrition without even knowing it. Caffeine and green tea also possess “smart drug” properties, only their effects aren’t as powerful as in some other nootropic.
If you are thinking about testing the benefits of these supplements, but you’re concerned about their safety, there are a few things you need to know first. So, are nootropics safe?
It Depends on the Nootropic
Different nootropics have different qualities. Although they all have the same purpose – enhancing your brainpower – the way they start certain chemical processes in your mind differs.
Therefore, you should do thorough research before you start using any of the supplements on the market. For example, Modafinil is a very popular nootropic backed with trials and studies that prove its benefits, but you can’t purchase it without a prescription.
It also depends on your source. Many members of the student body, where these supplements are quite popular, turn to the black market. This method is severely unsafe, and instead of enabling you to enjoy the benefits of nootropics, it might cause serious damage.
Dosing and Stacking Is Relevant
Like with actual drugs, with nootropics, you need to act in accordance with the instructions.
Many supplements in this category are still untested, but when it comes to their potency, many studies are ongoing still. However, on the other hand, we have Piracetam that has been a subject of many trials and it’s quite popular among “smart drugs”.
If you don’t follow stacking instructions for Piracetam, taking it recklessly will give you headaches. This nootropic uses the choline in your brain as fuel, and if you don’t compensate with a proper choline source, it’s inevitable that you’ll experience headaches.
So, the answer to our question – are nootropics safe – highly depends on users and whether they are taking their preferred supplement responsibly.
Age Is a Factor as Well
Young people shouldn’t implement nootropic to their diet. Their minds are still in the development process, and “smart drugs” can cause damage to it.
On the other hand, adults can experience a wide series of nootropic benefits. Among other things, nootropics are neuroprotectant. They’re capable of slowing down the oxidation process in the brain. In addition, smart drugs have an anti-inflammatory effect, and they can also repair neuro damages. So, your age also has a say here; when asking whether nootropics are safe, the answer is no if you’re too young.
User Experience Matters
When researching clinically tested nootropics, you’ll also learn about the recommended routine you should apply. Some of these supplements shouldn’t be taken for periods longer than two weeks, while others are safe to use for as long as you need.
This is because you can either build up a tolerance or develop an addiction. Like with coffee – too much caffeine won’t help you achieve alertness after a while, but you’ll still feel the need to intake it in order to achieve the desired effect.
So, are nootropics safe? Only if you take them responsibly and in a safe manner. If you act in accordance with professional instructions, find a trustworthy supplier, and be responsible with dosing and stacking, you’ll be able to enjoy the full benefits of “smart drugs”.