Last Updated on June 27, 2024 by Kaira
Wouldn’t it be great to be irresistibly charismatic, incredibly focused, and have a photographic memory? The combination of these characteristics would make a person pretty powerful. It is possible to achieve at least half of the “powers” above by taking the right supplements in the right combination – nootropic stacks.
To do this correctly, it is important to understand how the body works and how supplements impact the system. Stacking supplements are nothing new. However, research has shown that putting together supplements that make each other more effective provides much more bang for the money.
We’ve researched various supplements and their individual effects to create stacks that are perfect for improving memory, increasing the ability to study and helping with socialization.
The Defenition of the Best Nootropic Stack
It is possible to combine supplements and create a stack that will benefit learning, memory, motivation, and focus. These are called Nootropic stacks and some of the best nootropic stacks are listed in this article.
When certain supplements are taken in the proper combination, the brain experiences a synergistic effect in the brain that is more powerful than when you take the same supplements individually or in any stack; you could create on your own.
The right stack provides the user a boost to their brain’s abilities. There is a stronger effect from the right combination that can be achieved by taking individual supplements.
The Elements of a Great Nootropic Stack
When someone takes a strong nootropic stack, they can expect to experience improvement in several areas. The effects may vary between individuals, but overall, most people see improvements from each of these nootropics.
Component A
Component A, also known as ‘racetams are the best nootropics for improving general cognition.’
- One of the most popular is noopept.
Noopept is one of the best of these types of stacks. There are also several others which help boost general cognition. They are provided here. Component A is a critical element of every good nootropic stack.
- Piracetam is considered one of the best researched of the nootropics.
It is formulated to improve communication between the brain’s right and left hemispheres by using the corpus callosum. Those who use this nootropic usually begin to see results within the first 30 days.
- Noopept is a more recent nootropic but is better than piracetam for use short term or long term.
The positive effects of noopept tend to increase over time.
- Aniracetam works differently than piracetam but is still a very effective nootropic.
It is very useful for anyone experiencing depression or anxiety. The following review provides a comprehensive look at how to use this nootropic and should be read by anyone considering its use.
Component a Nootropic Supplements List:
Component B
Component B is the best stack for improving energy, focus, and concentration. This is the most effective stack for those who want to improve their overall focus or mental abilities. This combination produces significant synergistic effects when combined with other nootropics.
The “Finils” which include Adrafinil, Modafinil, and Armodafinil is the best of the nootropics designed to improve energy and focus. These are also the most popular and considered to be the most effective.
- Adrafinil is available over the counter, but armodafinil and modafinil are both available only by prescription.
The liver metabolizes Adrafinil into modafinil, and many find they experience the same results. These supplements are very effective for creative work, long nights, and overall productivity. They also stack very well with most racetams.
- Phenylpiracetam produces several unique effects even though it is the phenylated analog of Piracetam.
Taking this supplement in the right combination with others produces abundant energy, improved visual acuity, and enhanced color perception.
- Amphetamines are pretty controversial, especially Adderall.
However, when taken in the right dosage, they can be very good for improving energy and focus, although they may produce certain negative side effects. When adding to a stack, it is best not to take these every day. They should also be combined with an antioxidant.
- L-Theanine and caffeine are some of the most basic of combinations.
This combination has been thoroughly researched and is a well-respected use of these two supplements. Caffeine and L-theanine be taken in a 1:2 ratio (example, 100 mg caffeine taken with 200 mg l-theanine) and should not be taken daily. Users can very easily build a tolerance for caffeine.
- Noopept Sublingual is a synthetic drug that is more than 1000 times stronger than piracetam.
It is taken sublingually and when taken properly will interact with the cholinergic system and is sent directly to the brain.
Component B Nootropic Supplements List:
Component C
Component C is designed specifically for improving learning ability and memory. While noopept and racetam are effective for memory improvement, these supplements are considered some of the best.
- Bacopa is one memory supplement that is recommended by almost all experts.
It can take up to 30 days before results are seen, it is still one of the best for memory improvement.
- Huperzine-A is another memory-enhancing supplement.
It is best for those who are already exhibiting signs of cognitive impairment due to age or other physical issues. It is also beneficial for individuals who have an acetylcholine deficiency.
- Piracetam was one of the first nootropics and is still considered one of the most effective.
First discovered in 1962, this supplement was the start of today’s nootropics. It has been well researched in both animal and human studies. While very effective, it can take up to 30 days before results can be measured.
- Centrophenoxine is a relatively new nootropic for memory enhancement.
It is already earning a reputation for its excellence. It is very popular among those who use nootropics for memory enhancement.
Taking the right nootropic stack can improve memory, concentration, creativity, and focus. The stacks must have the right combination to achieve maximum results.
Component B Nootropic Supplements List:
How to Create the Best Nootropic Stacks with Your Bare Hands? Confused?
Creating your own supplement “stacks” to boost your memory can be a complex trial and error process. By learning about the benefits of the most common nootropic brain enhancers, you’ll be able to put together the supplement stack that gives you the mental performance edge that you need.
Mood Enhancers
Improving your mood doesn’t just make life enjoyable, but with the right supplements – it can also boost your cognitive performance while reducing anxiety and depression.
Ashwagandha
Studies have shown that this Ayurvedic herb may reduce anxiety symptoms up to 56.5 percent. If you can find the right vendor, Ashwagandha is a tried and true nootropic compound.
St. John’s Wort
In 29 trials with a meta-analysis of the data for 5500 patients, St. John’s Wort was found to be just as effective as prescription antidepressants, but with fewer side effects.
This natural mood enhancer offers a safe option for lifting your mood.
Tianeptine
Tianeptine was once a prescription drug used in the treatment of anxiety.
There are some side effects with tianeptine as well as a slight potential for addiction, so it’s not recommended for beginners.
Simple Nootropic Supplement Stacks for Beginners
Stack #1: L-Theanine and Caffeine
Caffeine boosts energy levels and focus, while also increasing the effects of the L-theanine.
L-theanine, the amino acid from green tea, eliminates the jittery feeling that caffeine often produces, allowing you a relaxed yet alert state that helps with productivity.
Here is some evidence:
- “…suggests that L-theanine and caffeine in combination are beneficial for improving performance on cognitively demanding tasks.” (Journal of Nutritional Neuroscience, 2008) [2]
- “…Headache” and “tired” ratings were reduced and “alert” ratings increased. There was also a significant positive caffeine x L-theanine interaction on delayed word recognition reaction time.” (Journal of Biological Psychology, 2008) [3]
Stack #2: Racetam and Choline
Mix a racetam with choline for a very popular stack combination. The racetam could be aniracetam, piracetam, oxiracetam, etc.
Many people will choose Noopept and Citicoline as their racetam and choline stack ingredients of choice because they provide some of the most effective for the cost.
Although Noopept initially appears to be more expensive, when you realize that Noopept is about 1000 times more concentrated than the original racetams, you can see why it is less expensive in the long run, because you’ll need far less of it.
Noopept produces effects similar to pramiracetam, but on a bigger scale. It’s important to add in a choline supplement like Citicoline to make sure your brain is producing enough acetylcholine. Otherwise, you might experience an acetylcholine deficiency headache.
Stack #3: ALCAR and Choline
Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALCAR) combined with choline is a very effective nootropic combination, but it’s even more effective when stacked with racetams. ALCAR can help your brain turn choline in the brain into acetylcholine.
You can get choline by consuming fish, eggs, and other choline-rich foods, yet most people don’t have enough of this crucial nutrient in their diet.
But knowing that billions of neurons in your brain need this neurotransmitter to communicate well with each other, you can see why having the right levels of acetylcholine is essential for good brain function.
There are many choline sources to choose from, but Centrophenoxine, Citicoline, and Alpha GPC are some of the most popular and effective options to take with Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR).
This stack will produce a mild nootropic benefit as it is, but by adding a racetam (such as piracetam, Noopept, or pramiracetam), you’ll see far better results.
Stack #4: an Alternative Beginner’s Nootropic Stack
Aniracetam is another popular beginner-friendly supplement. This is an example of a good beginner’s aniracetam stack:
Morning:
- 750 mg Aniracetam
- 600 mg Alpha GPC
- 2 g Lion’s Mane Mushroom
- Fish Oil
- Multivitamins
Afternoon:
- 750 mg Aniracetam
- 300 Alpha GPC
- 2 g Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Advanced Nootropic Stacks for Those with Experience
Stack #1: Alpha GPC and Phenylpiracetam
For a more potent version of piracetam, try phenylpiracetam, known as the “stimulating racetam” for the intense focus it produces, along with a boost of energy. Don’t forget that with a more potent racetam, you’ll want a more potent source of choline.
Alpha GPC will offer you the strong choline source you need because it’s the precursor for acetylcholine that has the highest bio-availability. With Alpha GPC, you’ll make more acetylcholine available to your brain than a regular choline supplement would provide.
It works particularly well with the phenylpiracetam since more glutamate is made and absorbed with Alpha GPC. However, it’s important to note that the high amount of acetylcholine that the Alpha GPC produces is too much for the other racetams.
If you’re looking for an intense surge of focus and motivation, and you have experience with stacking, then this combo might be for you.
Stack #2: Piracetam, Aniracetam, and Oxiracetam
This stack, commonly referred to as the PAO nootropic stack, offers a variety of benefits through the combination of the most popular trio of racetams.
They can boost your mental performance, but each of these three supplements also has one area that out-perform the others in, working in a specific way to improve cognitive performance.
Together, they make an incredibly potent stack. The piracetam increases memory and learning, the aniracetam boosts your mood, while the oxiracetam ramps up your brain’s processing power.
Too often, nootropic users take only one of these three supplements, but by doing so, they miss out on the cooperative effects gained by using all three. A PAO stack is the ideal way to get the full range of benefits possible.
Stack #3: How Advanced Nootropic Stack Should be Composed
As you can see this advanced best nootropic stack consists of components for morning and afternoon as well as specific mini-stacks for special occasions.
Morning:
- 1500 mg Aniracetam
- 750 mg Oxiracetam
- 300 mg Alpha GPC
- 2 g Lion’s Mane Mushroom
- Fish Oil
- Multivitamins
Afternoon:
- 750 mg Aniracetam
- 750 mg Oxiracetam
- 300 mg Alpha GPC
- 2 g Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Intense Study or Focus Days
Continue taking your normal stack as usual but add:
- 120 mg Ginkgo Biloba, up to 2x per day
- 100 mg L-Theanine (if feeling jittery)
Immediately Before an Exam:
Right before a mentally demanding situation such as an exam you can add these nootropics.
- 10 mg Vinpocetine
- 200 mcg Huperzine A
Sleep Stack
Before bed, preferably at a time “natural” to your sleep cycle.
More of the Best Nootropic Stacks
The Generalist – Focus, Creativity, Memory
- Piracetam – 1600 to 4800 mg (2-3 x daily)
- Noopept – 15 mg (2 x daily)
- Modafinil – 100 mg (2 x daily)
- Bacopa – 300 mg (2 x daily)
- Theanine & Caffeine – They should be taken in a 1:2 ratio (example, 100 mg caffeine taken with 200 mg l-theanine).
Creative Work
- Piracetam – 3.5 gr (3 x daily)
- Modafinil – 200 mg (2 x daily)
- Bacopa – 300 mg (2 x daily)
- Ashwagandha – 1.2 gr (2 x daily)
Stress Relief and Focus
- Aniracetam – 750 mg to 1500 mg (2-3 x daily)
- Phenylpiracetam – 250 mg (2 x daily)
- Ashwagandha – 1.2 gr (2 x daily)
Decide which cognitive areas you are looking to boost, and then try out one of these recommended stacks, based upon your level of experience with supplement stacking. With a little experimenting, you’re sure to find the combination that works for you.
