Nootropics: These New 'Smart Drugs' Could Unlock The Brain's Full Potential

Nootropics - also known as cognitive enhancers and smart drugs - have been gaining traction in the United States due to their low toxicity and excellent results. Patients can buy nootropics as an individual chemical in powder form, or in stacks which may help with a combination of mood, mental clarity, memory, anxiety, energy, and sleep. Some parents have taken their children with ADHD off drugs like Ritalin and substituted with less harmful chemicals in the wake of these smart drugs. However, patients are still recommended to speak with their physician before stopping prescribed medications or beginning to take nootropics.

Where Do Nootropics Come From?

Nootropics is a compound word that was created in 1972 by two Greek words 'nous' which means mind, and 'tropos' which means to bend or turn. The first form of nootropic was designed as a sleep remedy. However, the drug did not aid in making the patient tired but instead increased cognitive abilities and helped alleviate symptoms of vertigo and motion sickness. For a drug or supplement to be categorized under the umbrella of nootropics, they need to have little to no adverse side effects and have positive cognitive effects such as enhancing memory and learning and improving muscle memory.

Now that you know a brief history of nootropics continue reading to discover the potential dangers, risks, and side effects.