Smart Drugs, Cognitive Enhancers
How Do Nootropics Work?
The most effective nootropics are amphetamines such as Ritalin and Adderall. These stimulants and others increase levels of dopamine in the brain, a neurotransmitter known to regulate attention , alertness, and energy. Stimulants are most effective in individuals with ADHD, and have a long history of use in professions such as piloting and surgery, where sustained attention and fast reaction times are critical.
It is less clear that stimulants enhance performance in other arenas, and self-reported gains may be subject to the placebo effect . Stimulants enhance mood, which in turn leads people to overestimate their performance while under the influence of a smart drug. Most doctors and psychologists argue that it is preferable to enhance overall cognition and executive function simply by obtaining adequate sleep and exercise, as well as through a healthy, nutrient-rich diet .
ADHD symptoms are thought to stem from an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly dopamine and norepinephrine. Stimulants boost levels of those neurotransmitters, so people with ADHD don’t need to seek as much outside stimulation. Proper levels of these neurotransmitters therefore reduce hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity, the core symptoms of ADHD.
For typical individuals, cognitive tests reveal that stimulants don’t enhance cognitive abilities. Instead, they boost energy, interest, enjoyment, and optimism about the task at hand to marshall the cognitive resources people do have.
Is It Safe to Use Smart Drugs?
The United States leads the developed world in the use of stimulants: in 2017, 30 percent of Americans surveyed stated that they had used a drug for cognitive enhancement at least once in the preceding twelve months. Among this group, 22 percent had used amphetamines such as Ritalin. Countries with high rates of ADHD diagnosis, such as the US, Australia, and Canada, have correspondingly high rates of off-label or non-prescription use of these stimulants. Indeed, only 4 percent of respondents acquired the smart drug via a medical prescription.
There are many risks associated with stimulant use, especially if the drug is used off-label and without medical consultation and supervision. Physical side effects include elevated heart-rate and risk of stroke and insomnia . Psychological side effects can include hallucinations and addiction .
The use of stimulants is often questioned for ethical as well as medical reasons. Just as steroids are considered unacceptable in sporting competitions, stimulant use among students, especially in standardized test settings, is widely deplored, though it is impossible to know just how advantageous stimulants are in study prep or test-taking.
On the whole, nootropics are safe. In a review of 165 placebo-controlled studies of 77 nootropics, no serious adverse effects occurred more frequently in the nootropic groups than the placebo groups. Minor adverse effects that occurred more frequently in the nootropic groups included headache and gastrointestinal symptoms (N-acetylcysteine), dizziness and dry mouth (Reishi), and anxiety (Theacrine).
Explore More About Nootropics
For a comprehensive understanding of nootropics, read our complete guide: