Nootropics also known as smart drugs are a class of substances that can boost the performance of the brain, and improve mental processing. They are effectively-known to help in increasing the productivity and the functioning ability of the brain as compared to normal or detrimental. They can also be called cognition enhancers or memory enhancers, depending on the situation of the people who are administered these types of drugs. Although considered mostly safe, not everyone is advised to take these types of drugs. They can also be non-prescription substances that are supposed to enhance the brain functioning of the patient. These materials include caffeine and creatine, both found in daily life consumables such as coffee. These substances cannot treat the diseases but they may have some positive effect on the functioning of the brain of the patient so that they can experience some improvement in working of their brain which might help them in normal, day-to-day things. These substances are focused on altering thinking, memory, or other mental functions which helps mentally disabled people.

The medical perspective of nootropic drugs

Any doctor or physician may prescribe a nootropic drug to a patient in a case where they need the help of such substances, in more quantity than the natural amount found in natural food items. It is a type of stimulant, such as amphetamine, that helps in the treatment of brain-related problems such as ADHD, narcolepsy, or dementia. They are also considered an option if a person is suffering from Alzheimer’s. These drugs may or may not contain some high-quality suppressants for the underlying effects that they cause and also the medicine which acts on the condition. Active ingredients in these enzymes can help in the treatment of specific medical conditions, a person is experiencing.

Some of the common side effects of the nootropic drugs

Although there are not many records of these drugs and not much research has been carried out but these drugs can have some severe to moderate side effects depending on the condition and the surroundings of the person. Some of which include the below listed.

• high blood pressure
• insomnia and other sleep-related problems
• trouble with vision
• addiction
• increased heart rate or heart problems

Some evidence suggests that people that are administered prescription nootropics to improve brain function have a higher risk of impulsive behaviors, than the normal population.

Some nootropic substitutes

Some of the nootropic substitutes are food items that can be found in the daily life of people. Other nutrients include resveratrol, creatine, caffeine, Ginko Biloba, etc. which are all part of the diets but in minimal quantities which makes their functioning minimal or restricted in a sense. These may include fish oils and related supplements which are a rich source of DHA and EPA acids. There are also the omega-3 fatty acids that are found in these supplements that are essential for brain functioning and development.

Nootropics and brain damage

Just like the misuse of any drug can cause underlying problems or create medical conditions which are far more harmful than the drug itself, nootropics can also cause damage to the brain tissues and neurons if taken in large amounts for a long time. They are substances that are known to alter brain functioning which is exactly what happens too much in the case of an overdose. Although they are used to improve or augment cognitive performance, mainly through stimulation, they may potentially be dangerous to the human brain in certain individuals with a history of mental or substance use disorders. It might even make the drugs addictive to the person which can be very harmful to them.

Conclusion

Nootropics and smart drugs are natural or synthetic substances that can be taken to improve mental processing in people. However, they are not advised for the younger and healthier part of the population as they can cause more trouble than help with them. About the time you can take them for safe usage, it ranges from twice a dose daily for which each dose should not exceed 300 mg. Although many people report that they have experienced good benefits even when they used only half of the limited amount of these drugs. This could be associated with the fact that we naturally get these nutrients in the food we intake which is considered the normal amount. The term “nootropics” first referred to chemicals that met very specific criteria of improvement in the functionality of the brain. But now it’s used to refer to any natural or synthetic substance that may have a positive impact on mental ability. Nowadays, they fall in the category of natural, synthetic, or derived from natural resources which makes it easier to handle any damages from overdose of the drug.