Nootropic Side Effects – Noopept User Experience

This is my own experience with the cognitive-enhancement drug Nootropics - I have specifically used Noopept over 8 8-month periods and, unfortunately, my opinion is slightly negative. This means more cons than pros. I wish I could say the drugs were excellent but I can't. Nootropic side effects are quite unpleasant.

You may want to note that I was in my late 40s when I tried it. Significantly older than anyone, as smart drugs are often used among college students to help cram in for exams as much as they can. So this is my honest, genuine experience and I'm neither trying to persuade you to use Noopept nor dissuade you from using it. How you view my report is up to you.

Why Noopept? - The Strongest Nootropic

I had a set of exams I had to take over the course of a few years and, being in my late 40s, memorizing anything was becoming increasingly difficult as you can imagine. When I heard about the "smart drugs", I didn't hesitate for a second before getting some for myself online.

Noopept is considered to be one of the strongest Nootropics available and at least >1,000 times stronger than piracetam. Many people would experiment with the dose and, generally take 10-30mg once a day, or 10-20mg at a time but three times a day, etc. If you take more than 100mg, you may experience "brain fog" (lack of mental clarity).

My Medical Background

So I was 48. Healthy and normal, healthy heart, normal blood pressure. I exercise every day, and no longer drink, smoke, or take illegal drugs. No previous record of mental illness or any kind of clinical depression, clinical mood swings, etc. I'm generally very easygoing, you know.

The Effect - Did Noopept Improve My Memory?

I'll go straight to the point - it never did.

First I took a 10mg tablet every evening before the study for a month. I wanted to start with a low dosage and make sure I was still in a normal mental state after a while. Noopept initially gave me constant headaches but at a tolerable level lasting for a couple of hours. Soon I got used to the chemical and after a few days, I no longer had headaches.

After one month, I didn't feel my memory had particularly improved. I spent 3-4 hours for the exam study every day in total; 1-2 hours before I left for work, then 1-2 hours again in the evening. So I started to take the same 10mg tablet twice a day each time before the study. 

I know this is only a subjective statement, but after 8 months, I decided Noopept was not contributing anything to improve my memory. Is it the case that the Noopept is actually working but my brain's aging and increasingly forgetful at the same speed that I'm not noticing the difference? ...like the graph on the right, I know it's almost like a joke. But this is what I often wondered.

Mood Enlightenment

Noopept enlightened my mood. The drug made me chattier and feel much more positive. It worked particularly well when I had to have an important meeting with my clients. I would just take 10mg an hour or so before the meeting, and it turned me into a quick-thinking advisor guy full of positive jokes and wits. I thought it was great, and was also weary of the temporary effect and the potential of dependency.

Increasing the Dose

Over the weekend I spent all day for the exam study, quite intensely. I started to try 30mg at a time, which made me feel "mentally exhausted". If I took 30mg at 10 am, by noon I would feel so "drained" and would have to have a couple of hours of nap. I often wondered whether I was tired physically or mentally - but often didn't want to sit upright, I needed to lie down, therefore I'd say the pill affected my body physically, as well as mentally.

Side Effect - Depression

My exams were over and I stopped taking Noopept regularly. By then the drug was never a memory enhancement pill, but it was a mood-enlightening substance. I continued to take a 10mg tab when I felt I needed to motivate myself. 2-3 times a week (i.e. 10-30mg a week).

I hadn't taken the pill for a week when I noticed my mood had plummeted, and quickly realized I was actually feeling "depressed". I was fairly happy at work and very happy with my personal life, so there's no reason to be depressed. But it felt like my head was buried in the sand, or pressed against the floor, and was never able to get out or get up.

I've never felt this way in my life - the only time was the day after I took a cocaine/ketamine mixture about 10 years ago (while out clubbing, never intended!) I took the feeling of depression quite seriously and decided not to take the Noopept tablets for at least a week to avoid dependence.

And I was fine again after 4-5 days or so, I got myself back - one morning I knew my spirits were high and normal again.

Noopept - Pro's and Con's

I'll summarise what I've just said above. Just one Pro.

Pro

Con's

Alternatives To Nootropics

Omega-3 Supplements

I've been using Omega-3 supplements for a while now, and they're pretty cool. They're like a simple, no-fuss way to help your brain. I usually take fish oil capsules, but there are vegan options from algae if that's your thing.

• Easy to find in any pharmacy or health store.
• Can support brain health and improve mood.
• No noticeable side effects for me.

I just pop one with my breakfast, and that's it. They don't work overnight, but over time, I felt a bit sharper and more focused. Plus, they're good for your heart too, so that's a bonus.

Herbal Teas

I've got a whole collection of herbal teas at home. Some favorites are ginkgo biloba, ginseng, and green tea. They're great for a little mental boost without the jitters of coffee.

• Ginkgo biloba can help with memory.
• Ginseng is known for boosting energy.
• Green tea has a gentle caffeine kick plus antioxidants.

I usually have a cup in the afternoon when my energy starts to dip. It's a nice, calming ritual, and I definitely feel more alert afterwards. Plus, they're super easy to make.

B Vitamins

B Vitamins are another go-to for me. I'm talking about B6, B12, and folic acid. They're supposed to be great for brain function and energy levels.

• Found in multivitamins or as individual supplements.
• Can help with energy and brain fog.
• I've noticed better energy on days I take them.

I either take a multivitamin in the morning or just B12 on its own. It's a subtle effect, but I do feel like it helps with my overall energy and mood.

Magnesium

Magnesium is kind of underrated but it's been great for me. It's supposed to be good for relaxation and sleep, which in turn helps with cognitive function.

• Helps with sleep and relaxation.
• I take it in the evening.
• There are different types like magnesium citrate or glycinate.

Ever since I started taking magnesium before bed, I've been sleeping better. And we all know good sleep is super important for a clear head the next day. It's a simple thing, but it makes a big difference.

Adaptogens

Lastly, adaptogens. These are herbal supplements like Ashwagandha, Rhodiola Rosea, and Lion's Mane mushroom. They're supposed to help your body handle stress better.

• Ashwagandha is great for stress.
• Rhodiola Rosea can boost energy.
• Lion’s Mane is said to support brain health.

I've tried Ashwagandha, and it's pretty chill. It's not like you feel it working right away, but over time, I've noticed I'm a bit more relaxed and less frazzled. It's worth a shot if you're dealing with stress.