Health

The Future of Medicine: What To Know About Smart Drugs & Nootropics

Smart Drugs are on the rise in the U.S. Increasing numbers of students are turning to nootropics because they want to gain an academic advantage. Meanwhile,… Darren Ryding - December 20, 2023

Smart Drugs are on the rise in the U.S. Increasing numbers of students are turning to nootropics because they want to gain an academic advantage. Meanwhile, people from other walks of life are using them too because they want to gain alertness and mental clarity. But what are smart drugs or nootropics and are they safe to use?

Let’s look at some of the facts, myths, and side effects surrounding this controversial topic. One thing is clear: smart drugs are going nowhere but there’s more to learn about them. Now we’ll examine some of the most popular and common nootropics as well as their benefits and flaws.

Smart Drugs

Many people confuse the terms ‘smart drugs’ and ‘nootropics’ because they don’t understand what they are. In short, they’re the same thing, although the former is more of a nickname. They refer to a diverse group of substances with medicinal benefits that affect human cognition.

We’ll look at these in detail later but they include improving functions like memory, learning, and general thinking. Remember, cognition is simply the process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through our brains. Smart drug advocates say that they provide useful boosts to enhance these processes (via NCBI).

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Caffeine

1, 3, 7-trimethylxanthine is one of the most popular smart drugs that most folks don’t even realize that they’re taking. There’s another more common name for this concoction: caffeine. Every time somebody drinks a cup of coffee or tea they are ingesting caffeine and reaping its benefits.

Most experts agree that caffeine has many benefits as long as we consume it in moderation. It’s usually safe to drink coffee, matcha, and black tea a couple of times per day. Caffeine improves alertness and concentration. Furthermore, gymgoers even use it because it boosts energy before training (via ABC).

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Increase Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters have a key function inside the body because they act as chemical messengers. According to the Cleveland Clinic, they send messages from nerve cells to other parts including muscles, gland cells, and other nerves. Some smart drugs reportedly can enhance this process.

College students, gamers, and office workers use the likes of Adderal and Ritalin because they believe they’ll gain benefits. Traditionally, doctors prescribe these drugs to treat ADHD. At this point, it’s unclear whether nootropics can help to increase neurotransmitters or their effectiveness.

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Enhanced Memory

It won’t shock anybody that college students are desperate to enhance their memories for exams. Increasing numbers are taking smart drugs when they’re studying because they want to retain extra information. There’s a common belief that using nootropics will drastically enhance this process.

That’s why so many people drink coffee but there are other specialized smart drugs on the market. Modafinil is one of the most popular pills but there are questions about its effectiveness. Some aficionados consume ginkgo and ginseng because they prefer natural products (via The Conversation).

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Modafinil

One of the most popular smart drugs today is Modafinil ahead of former favorites like Adderall and Ritalin. This non-amphetamine stimulant promotes wakefulness so it’s easy to see why students use it. Chemists created it for narcolepsy patients and to contend against sleep apnea.

However, students are taking it because they want to stay up all night to study or write an essay. The reality is that while it does keep people awake, it doesn’t improve focus. That’s why it’s not uncommon for users to lose their train of thought and turn to other tasks (via The Guardian).

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Smart Drugs Are Not Steroids

Many people think that using smart drugs is like taking steroids but that’s not entirely accurate. The latter pushes the body beyond its natural capacity by creating muscle or enhancing endurance. However, nootropics work to put the brain in its optimal chemical state.

That’s why some experts believe that they don’t provide an unfair advantage. Proponents say they improve focus and mental clarity. This can make studying and reading a more enjoyable experience as well as helping retain information. Remember, that’s what a simple cup of coffee does (via BBC).

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Beverages and Supplements

There are many myths around smart drugs and the very name confuses some of the haters. They come in many forms but beverages and supplements are the most common. We already mentioned coffee because it is probably the most popular but different teas, including matcha also contain high caffeine levels.

Meanwhile, it’s possible to consume smart drugs in wholefoods form too. Ginseng and ginkgo are two favorites. However, most people think of supplements in powder form like creatine or supplement pills. There are many variants of nootropics for a wide variety of purposes (via Healthline).

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Some ADHD Meds Can Lead To An Increase in Libido

The reality of smart drugs is that many of them can produce side effects. An increased libido is one known result of taking ADHD medications. We’re talking about common brands like Ritalin and Concerta that contain Methylphenidate. People usually take these because they want to focus but it’s easy to see the problem here.

Anybody that’s experiencing a sudden increase in libido may find that a very difficult task! We don’t want to be too explicit here so let’s leave this problem to the imagination. However, it’s something to be aware of because these are prescription drugs. There’s a good reason why most consumers can’t freely buy them (via Everyday Health).

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Mental Energy Increase

Many people take smart drugs because they believe it will improve they will improve their mental energy. Magnesium is a great example of a common mineral often taken daily. It can improve mental clarity as well as numerous physical effects. These include enhanced bone and muscle strength as well as regulated blood sugar levels.

However, it’s not good to take too much magnesium because there can be side effects. Doctors advise no more than 400 mg per day because excess magnesium can cause muscle cramps and an abnormal heart rhythm. This is a great case study for nootropics because there are many pros and cons (via Health Direct).

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Exercise Shouldn’t Be Ignored

Experts point out that smart drugs have their place but they aren’t essential yet. For example, there are many myths about them including that they eliminate stress and can replace balanced nutrition. This is simply incorrect and it’s crucial to understand them before incorporating them into a busy lifestyle.

Physical exercise keeps the body healthy but it’s also great for mental health because it releases endorphins. Meanwhile, eating properly is another important way to ensure a good night’s sleep and recovery. Nootropics aren’t magic pills that cure everything but they may have their place (via Insider).

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The New Norm

It’s naive to dismiss smart drugs as a fad because they’re becoming increasingly prevalent in regular society. According to The Conversation up to 25 percent of U.S. students are intentionally taking nootropics to gain an academic advantage. Now some universities, including Duke, are strictly banning their use.

However, this is extremely difficult to regulate. The reality is that we should learn how to live with them in an educated way. People must understand what they’re putting into their bodies. Nobody wants an air traffic controller to take the wrong substance and fall asleep!

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Temporary Effects

Earlier we emphasized that smart drugs aren’t steroids because they don’t promote physical changes to the body. We also stated that they don’t provide long-term benefits unless users consume them over a lengthy period. The truth is that most people only drink coffee or take Modafinil because of the temporary effects.

Users microdose during periods of severe pressure like office deadlines or college exams. The short-term gains are one of the biggest appeals because users don’t associate them with long-term damage. Novices should understand that taking nootropics won’t permanently turn them into the next Einstein (via News Medical).

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The Dark Web

One of the problems with smart drugs is that there’s no control over them. Yes, most jurisdictions require prescriptions but it’s naive to think that young people aren’t using them. They can go online and buy different pill concoctions on Amazon and other marketplaces. But it gets even more dangerous than this.

There are many chemical options available on the Dark Web but these are insanely risky. However, college students don’t care because they’ll do whatever it takes to reach their full potential and make life easier. Life is a rollercoaster, so they’re willing to risk it (via Dazed Digital).

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Speed of Recall

We’re not pulling any punches on this list because there are plenty of myths about smart drugs. But we’re presenting the facts too and some indeed have benefits. There is evidence that Ashwagandha helps to improve the speed of recall as well as reduce anxiety (via Prevention).

Ayurvedic supplements tend to have a better reputation than the likes of modafinil. Bacopa Monnieri extract is another of these that has a proven track record of improving memory functions. Meanwhile, Omega-3 supplements also can help to improve the speed of recall and reactions.

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Increased Brain Blood Flow

Some people will question how smart drugs supposedly enhance the brain’s output. There are a couple of explanations that reveal why it may work. First, they reportedly increased the flow of blood to the brain which increases the oxidation levels. This also allows the easier transportation of chemicals like dopamine.

Meanwhile, other nootropics trigger the body’s adrenaline levels and this also spikes the brain to transmit quicker. Some medical experts question whether it is safe to artificially induce this response. There’s a lot of work to be done regarding smart drugs but it’s a fascinating area (via Amen Clinics).

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Cumulative Effect

Critics of the current smart drug trends say that it’s pointless unless users take over long periods. Most of the benefits of nootropics reportedly only occur through a cumulative effect. Sure, there are exceptions like the instant boost that caffeine provides but many of them won’t work quickly.

The other problem with long-term smart drug use is an increased dependency on them. This is especially dangerous for young people as their brains are still developing. We must understand that smart drugs are here to stay but it’s crucial to use them properly so there are no ill effects (via ADF).

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FDA Approval

The FDA raised eyebrows over the past couple of years with the speed at which they’re approving smart drugs. However, experts observed that there is often little to no proof that these drugs work. Nuplazid is one example associated with Parkinson’s Disease but there’s no evidence of its effectiveness (via PBS).

One massive problem is that unintended users attempt to hack prescription drugs’ perceived benefits and use them as nootropics. The FDA has a responsibility to ensure that they’re legalizing safe substances. This also includes educating people about the myths regarding certain smart drugs.

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High Blood Pressure

Earlier we explained how some smart drugs work to increase the blood flow to the brain. But this can have a serious side effect of increasing blood pressure. They may also speed up the heart rate and affect the vision. Prescription drugs like Modafinil and Adderall can produce this effect.

That’s why it’s crucial to consult a doctor before using nootropics like these. It’s risky to use them because the side effects can cause serious consequences. High blood pressure may lead to strokes or heart attacks so it’s very serious. Young people don’t think this way when they’re using them (via Medical News Today).

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Youth Problems

As we can see, the 18-25 group is one of the key demographics behind the rise of smart drugs. However, increasingly younger teenagers are turning to these substances as they try to gain a competitive edge. This is problematic because their brains are still developing so it’s extremely risky.

Remember, these are mostly prescription drugs so it’s not wise for parents to allow their children to use them. Even coffee is risky for teenagers and many doctors recommend that they don’t drink it until they turn 18. This is something that we should be aware of as nootropics cement their place in society (via Healthline).

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Oxidative Stress Protection

Oxidative stress is the unwanted production of free radicals in the brain. Free radicals are reactive chemicals that come from imbalances in the body. The problem is that they can cause diseases and long-term damage. There’s a belief that some smart drugs may protect against oxidative stress.

Vitamins C and E are powerful antioxidants that fight against these processes. Meanwhile, gotu kola is a popular plant with multiple benefits. Reportedly, it can protect against heavy metals as well as reducing free radicals in the brain. Usually, people consume gotu kola in capsule or tea form (via Mount Sinai).

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Quality Control

One of the current issues with nootropic consumption is that people are sourcing them from the internet. They’re turning to Amazon or even the deep web because they can’t buy them over the counter. The issue with this is that there is no quality control and this is extremely risky.

Even the FDA isn’t infallible but it can’t approve drugs that may actively kill or hurt people. Many students are buying these prescription drugs online and they have serious side effects that they don’t consider. Regulation is crucial so that young people don’t tempt fate (via Web MD).

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Addiction

Addiction or over-dependence on smart drugs can become a genuine problem. If people take stimulant drugs they may unconsciously develop the former issue. That’s why it’s impossible to buy them over the counter without a prescription. However, many users don’t realize this before they obtain them.

It’s also possible to become dependent without addictive cravings. After using smart drugs a tolerance may develop over time. This means that it will ironically become more challenging to focus without using them. It’s also likely that users will take more to regain the same effect (via The Woods At Parkside).

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Sleep Disorders

Nootropic users often take them because they want to stave off drowsiness and remain alert. That’s why they’re using the likes of Modafinil or Adderall. However, the reverse effect is that they may unwittingly trigger sleep disorders. Insomnia and unusual physical tiredness are commonly reported as long-term side effects.

Nobody wants to deal with these but they’re a genuine risk. ADHD medications are particularly risky in this regard because pharmacists create them to engage with the body’s chemical imbalances. That’s why it’s important to consult a medical expert before recklessly using them without a prescription (via Turnbridge).

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Brain Wave Modulation

Some smart drug proponents profess that they promote brain wave modulation. The brain produces patterns of neuronal activity when we do different tasks. Scientists are aware of four distinct categories ranging from most to least activity. Brain wave modulation attempts to manipulate and fine-tune these frequencies (via Scientific American).

This is a controversial topic because many experts decry this and say there’s no evidence to validate this yet. Many also believe that meditation and other holistic practices are as effective as using nootropics for this purpose. Only time will tell if smart drugs can aid brain wave modulation.

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Further Research Required

One of the most important points to note about smart drugs is that we need to do more research to understand them. The reality is that they are the future and their increased use is resulting in their normalization. It’s naive to try to change the course of history because it’s not going to happen.

Scientists will play a big part in uncovering the truth about smart drugs. We’ll learn what works and what’s pointless or even dangerous for us to consume. It’s also important for legislators to carefully regulate them but not to turn them into fetishized banned substances like illegal drugs (via The Varsity).

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