Nootropics – The Key to Brain Power and Mental Performance

Nootropics are drugs designed to enhance cognitive functions. They have been in use for nearly 20 years, and the concept has been gaining popularity among consumers who want to enjoy their mental performance and physical energy at their peak. But not all nootropics work the same, nor do they work for everyone. This article will go over a few popular brain-boosting nootropics from southernmarylandchronicle.com, how they work and when you should try them out.

How Nootropics Work?

Nootropics stimulate the central nervous system and help improve communication within the brain, leading to a better flow of information. The chemicals in your brain communicate with each other through electrical impulses and neurotransmitters. Nootropics work by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters or improving the transmission of electrical impulses. Some nootropics also block receptors that would normally bind neurotransmitters, creating a bigger “space” for more incoming chemicals. Some even mimic actual neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine, dopamine, GABA and serotonin – some of the most well-researched chemicals in terms of how they affect our mood and mental health.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Nootropics

The most important factor in determining if a nootropic is right for you is knowing what you are looking to improve or achieve. Nootropics can be broadly categorized into two groups: stimulants, which are used to increase mental focus, concentration and physical energy; and nootropics that help with memory, learning and overall brain performance. Another subdivision would be if the drug works by altering neurotransmitters; this depends on which neurotransmitter is being stimulated or mimicked. Common neurotransmitters include dopamine, acetylcholine, epinephrine/norepinephrine and cortisol.

Stimulants

The stimulant group contains two categories: amphetamines and methylphenidate. Amphetamines are used to treat conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy and fatigue. You can also use the compound to quickly increase the energy for extended periods of time, which could be beneficial for athletes or anyone who needs that extra boost of power. Methylphenidate is used to treat ADHD and is much more powerful than amphetamine, with a more profound effect on neurotransmitters. The drug boosts dopamine and norepinephrine levels, making it a preferred choice for mood enhancement. The biggest difference between nootropics that work by increasing dopamine and those that work by increasing norepinephrine is the half-life of each compound. Dopamine has a half-life of roughly 15 minutes, while norepinephrine is closer to an hour.

Nootropics for Improving Memory and Learning

Some nootropics work by improving the communication between neurons in our brain, while others improve signaling between synapses linked to memory and learning. One example is piracetam, one of the first drugs created to improve cognitive function. It was first used in the 1960s and still comes in a standard form today, although the “original” form has been discontinued. Piracetam works by increasing the levels of chemicals that are released from nerve cells in the central nervous system – acetylcholine at the beginning of these transmissions. It is typically prescribed as a supplement for people with Alzheimer’s and other conditions that interfere with memory – so it is commonly prescribed to patients who experience brain fog, but studies show it can also help with dementia or improve some types of learning disability.