Do you know what’s creating the latest buzz in the medical field? One word: nootropics. These brain-enhancing nootropics are the latest group of “miracle medicines” that everyone wants to get their hands on. These substances go by many names like smart pills, smart drugs, brain boosters, and even mood enhancers.
So why are they so popular? It’s because they are able to improve several cognitive functions like:
- Memory skills
- Motor skills
- Longer attention span
- Focused mind
- Creativity
- Logical reasoning
Moreover, many of them are mood enhancers that inhibit anxiety levels. By the looks of it, these drugs can do almost everything you need to keep your mind sharp and brain healthy.
But for any normal skeptic, nootropics may sound too good to be true. These claims may make you question if there are any side-effects.
We can’t deny the beneficial effects of the drug. However, we need to warn you that these boosters come with a list of side-effects. After all, everything in this world comes with a price!
1. Brain Fog
Experts have yet to define “brain fog” according to scientific terms and through proper evidence. Yet, they believe that it exists as almost everyone experiences this hazy feeling when they are overworked.
So what is brain fog? It’s a feeling of grogginess that is developed due to brain fatigue. Most of the times when our brain is overstimulated, it starts to slow down and even shut down. As a side-effect of nootropics, the substances accelerate brain activity but do not replenish the energy they require for these functions. As a result, you will quickly lose all the stimulation you gained and start to feel tired.
Does that mean the nootropics are a waste of time? No. The best way to counter brain fog is to provide fuel to these stimulated functions by stacking your chosen nootropic with a choline supplement (which itself is a nootropic drug).
2. Massive Headache
Why are the side-effects of nootropics focused on the brain? This is because they work entirely to improve brain power. As a result, any negative reaction that occurs will be suffered in the head. The most common side effect of nootropics is a headache. The reason behind this can include:
- Heavy dose
- Low brain energy
- Overstimulation of the nerves
3. Insomnia
An activated brain will have a hard time falling asleep, which is why nootropics can lead to uneasy and restless sleep.
Like the stimulant caffeine, medical practitioners recommend against taking nootropics in the evening and definitely at night, ss they know this can result in a chemically-induced episode of insomnia. This kind of insomnia has an adverse effect on sleep patterns and also leads to brain fog, hindering the thought process during the day.
Digestive Problems
Our gut is layered with neurochemicals that are a subsidiary part of the nervous system. Some nootropic substances trigger these chemicals and cause negative reactions, leading to an upset stomach that may cause diarrhea, nausea, stomach aches, and other gut related problems.
Other Side-effects of Nootropics
Like our tastes and tolerance levels, the side-effects of nootropics differ from person to person. Apart from the main side-effects mentioned above, here’s a list of a few rare ones that oversensitive users might face:
- Mood swings
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Jitters
- Irritability
Some users of nootropics have observed the reoccurrence of strange lucid dreams after extended use.
The Factors
In their natural and true form, nootropics are supposed to be side-effect free and do not cause any negative reaction. However, somewhere in the process of manufacturing a drug, modifying the compounds, and introducing the drug to anew body, these chemicals can be altered. Albeit this doesn’t mean that the smart pills are not useful – it only means that users must be cautious of the various factors that may cause these side-effects.
The three major variables that enhance the risk of side-effects of nootropics:
- The Way They Are Made. Before you take a nootropic, take some time to read the fine print. The details of how the drug was made and what it contains may give you a hint of whether or not the substance has a negative consequence.
- Quality of the Product. Cheap quality and low-quality products are often more toxic than their high-quality counterparts. The ingredients used are poorly made and often grown in a harmful environment, which is why it’s unsurprising that such nootropics carry with them a bunch of side-effects upon use.
On the other hand, high-quality products have low toxicity. The ingredients used are grown in the optimal conditions and have good chemicals in them. These drugs often contain some other substances that may neutralize the side-effects.
The best quality of nootropic is the kind that is made naturally or those that imitate natural substances. These products have no artificial flavor, colors, or preservatives that tamper with the chemical composition.
- The Way They Are Used: Even if you buy drugs from clean labels, they might cause some side-effects. This is because you misuse the supplements by consuming them the wrong way, including:
- Incorrect dosage
- High frequency of usage
- Improper stacking
Taking too much at once can cause overstimulation of the brain that triggers many of the side-effects of nootropics. Furthermore, it can cause tolerance of the drug, rendering it ineffective on the brain.
In conclusion, the side-effects of nootropics are usually mild and easy to combat. However, you can prevent the side-effects of nootropics by buying high-quality products and consuming them according to the recommended dosage. Always remember one thing while using nootropics: Moderation is the key! In addition, always consult with your physician before starting to take any new supplement, including nootropics.
