Have you seen the movie Limitless with Bradley Cooper? If not, here’s a quick spoiler alert!
So, the movie follows a writer who’s stuck in a creative block and can’t come up with anything worthwhile.
Through a series of strange events, he gets his hands on a “drug” that allows him to use his brain at nearly full capacity.
Suddenly, he can learn multiple languages, understand the stock market, write books in just a few hours, and recall everything he’s ever seen or heard with perfect clarity.
That’s the gist of it.
Kind of like the movie Lucy, if you’ve seen that one. If not, I highly recommend it.
Basically, the same concept, just with a slightly different approach.
So, why am I bringing up this movie?
Well, the reason is simple – because these films brought nootropics into the mainstream.
Before that, only a handful of enthusiasts knew about them, mostly driven by the idea that we use only 5% of our brain and that the rest could somehow be “unlocked.”
So, what exactly are nootropics, or these so-called “smart drugs” similar to the ones from these two movies?
What are Nootropics?
Nootropics, also known as cognitive enhancers or smart drugs, are substances that are taken with the intention of improving mental functions such as memory, focus, alertness, and overall brainpower.
While they are often marketed as performance-boosting agents, their actual effectiveness and safety, especially for healthy individuals, remain controversial.
The term “nootropics” was originally coined to describe a specific class of compounds that met certain criteria, such as improving cognition without causing significant side effects.
Today, it refers to a broader range of substances, including dietary supplements, synthetic compounds, and prescription medications that claim to enhance mental performance.
Although some prescription nootropics are widely used to treat conditions like ADHD or Alzheimer’s, there is skepticism surrounding the use of nootropics for enhancing cognitive abilities in healthy individuals.
Experts argue that there is no strong evidence supporting the efficacy of many of the cognitive-enhancing supplements on the market.
Suggestions are that any perceived improvement in mental performance may largely be due to a placebo effect, where individuals believe they’re doing better because they expect to.
Works or Not?
Other experts, however, acknowledge that while nootropics may not provide superhuman cognitive abilities, they might offer some benefits, especially when combined with healthy habits like good sleep, a nutritious diet, and stress management.
Once these basics are covered, the right nootropic might offer an additional cognitive boost.
The most common nootropic is caffeine, which is widely used by most people, often without realizing its cognitive-enhancing properties.
We all know that caffeine increases alertness and improves focus by affecting neurotransmitters.
Beyond caffeine, nootropic supplements like L-theanine, CDP-choline, Bacopa monnieri, and creatine are gaining popularity.
These compounds have shown some promise in small studies, particularly in improving memory, focus, and reducing mental fatigue.
For example, L-theanine, found in tea, is known to reduce the jittery side effects of caffeine while enhancing cognitive performance.
Creatine, typically used in bodybuilding, may improve short-term memory and reasoning skills.
Not so Legal Nootropics
However, except nootropics you can get at your nearest Walmart, there’s some that have kinda similar effect to those used in movies.
Of course, to an extent.
Prescription nootropics like modafinil (used for narcolepsy) and ADHD medications such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamines (Adderall) have stronger and more immediate effects, but they come with significant risks, including addiction and serious side effects like insomnia, high blood pressure, and heart issues.
But that certainly hasn’t stopped the multi-million-dollar industry of counterfeit nootropic drugs, mostly coming from China and India, which can easily be ordered online and delivered straight to your mailbox.
Of course, this raises serious concerns about product quality, as obscure pharmaceutical companies often have equally obscure policies and quality control processes. Consuming their products is, at the very least, a risky gamble.
Naturally, this also brings up legal issues, as the sale of pharmaceuticals is strictly regulated worldwide…
These drugs should only be used under medical supervision, particularly since misuse is common among students and professionals seeking cognitive enhancement.
Overall, while nootropics might help some people improve mental performance in specific situations, they are not miracle solutions.
The safest and most effective way to support cognitive health is through healthy lifestyle choices.
If you’re considering trying nootropics, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to understand the potential risks and benefits tailored to your specific needs.