Whether you are a busy professional aiming for a promotion or a college student striving to ace your exam, you may find the idea of taking a pill that will boost your brainpower appealing. It is because of this concept that using nootropics or smart pills is becoming popular.
Many believe nootropics can help improve memory, increase mental alertness, and enhance focus. Some also say taking these drugs boosts energy levels and keeps you awake. While using these smart pills may have been linked to a better cognitive process, the effects only last while the drug stays in your body. To sustain this increase in productivity, you may need to consume more pills—which may lead you
to experience harmful side effects.
Today, there are many different types of nootropics, from synthetic ones to prescription medications. Some are mainly designed to help treat conditions like sleepiness and narcolepsy, while others are meant to aid people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, there are people who take the drugs for non-medical use in an attempt to improve their cognitive functions, which may pose great health risks. To determine the full effects and safety of using nootropics as cognitive enhancers, more research is needed. There are many different types of nootropics and some are sold as supplements that don’t require prescription, so if you’re concerned about safety, here’s what you should know about smart pills.
Racetam
Racetams are some of the more popular types of smart pills. They are synthetic nootropics that share a
similar chemical structure”. The common ones believed to help boost cognitive abilities are:
Piracetam – This is considered the original smart pill. Its development in 1964 helped coin
the term “nootropics.” Available online and in health food stores, piracetam comes in both
capsule and powder form. According to a study 1 published in the National Center for
Biotechnology Information (NCBI), this drug improves brain function, reduces dyslexia
symptoms, and protects against myoclonic seizures. Some of the common side effects of
piracetam are rash, muscle spasms, nervousness, weight gain, and insomnia.
Aniracetam – Known for its stimulatory effects, aniracetam is a synthetic derivative of
piracetam that enters the bloodstream quickly. It was originally developed for memory and
learning, with claims of increasing creativity. Aniracetam has several known side effects
including headaches, vomiting, nausea, and jitteriness.
Oxiracetam – This type of racetam is believed to be effective in improving memory, focus,
attention span, and logical thinking. It may also act as a stimulant, increasing alertness and
mental energy.
Although studies about these racetams exist, most of the research is dated. Newer research may help
medical professionals develop better informed recommendations. Though racetams can be purchased
without a prescription, it’s best to consult a physician before taking these drugs.
Eugeroics
Eugeroics are medications promoting wakefulness and alertness. The most common one is modafinil. Originally, it was developed to treat narcolepsy and other sleep disorders. But some physicians prescribe it for off-label usage to enhance memory, attention, and learning.
Modafinil is considered safe to use and has shown promising results in improving mental performance. However, some users have shown side effects like insomnia, headache, and stomachache. Also, trials on the drug’s long-term effectiveness or safety have not yet been done.
ADHD Medications
Adderall and Ritalin are psychostimulants prescribed to help treat those with ADHD. These drugs increase the number of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine in your central nervous system. This enhances brain activity, leading to improved focus, attention, and cognitive functions. The drugs work similarly for normal individuals but taking them without proper prescription puts them at risk for side effects, including:
Anxiety
Irritability
Headaches
Dizziness
Dry mouth
Appetite loss
Inability to sleep
In addition, the Food and Drug Administration classifies both drugs as controlled substances. This means you need a physician’s supervision when taking them due to their potential to be abused. If you know someone who may be abusing these prescription medications or other substances, help them become aware of their condition and get treated. Substance use disorder can develop even with legal drugs, and this can have many ramifications for the user’s health. They can choose among the numerous facilities in the United States. Whether they pick a nearby rehab center or an out-of-state Fort Myers drug rehab facility, it’s important to seek professional help at once.
Nootropics are known to enhance cognitive functions, making them an attractive solution to improve your performance in school or at work. However, more studies and trials are needed to fully understand its capabilities and long-term safety as taking any type of drug always poses some risks. In the case of some smart pills, the risk includes the possibility of becoming addicted. This is why you need to be cautious in consuming them. Always ask your physician before taking any drugs and know how they can affect your health.
Hi there! I am Emily Evert, the owner of Emily Reviews. I am 28 and live in a small town in Michigan with my boyfriend Ryan and our two pugs. I have a large family and I adore my nieces and nephews. I love reading memoirs, and learning about child development and psychology. I love watching The Game of Thrones, Teen Mom, Sister Wives and Veep. I like listening to Jason Isbell, John Prine, and other alt-country or Americana music. I created Emily Reviews as a creative outlet to share my life and the products that I love with others.
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