Smart drugs, also referred to as nootropics are supplements which help in enhancing cognitive functions. Unlike most illicit drugs, these drugs are not meant to create a high. Ideally, people take them to improve their concentration, learning as well as reasoning abilities. Moreover, they help users to create and recall memories.
Basically, nootropics aid in the natural functioning of chemicals within the brain. This leads to an increase in various cognitive functions. They provide various benefits for enhanced cognitive functioning as well as the overall brain health. They work with the brain’s natural neurotransmitters; encouraging, controlling and even limiting production of these chemicals. Through this, cognitive benefits are experienced.
How Do They Work?
The human brain is a complex organ with numerous connections. Messages are sent and received through different chemicals. Such messages are responsible for various functions ranging from formation of memories to mood balancing.
These drugs normally enhance processes that are associated with cognitive brain activities, allowing users to experience certain positive benefits. They work with the brain chemicals to produce the desired effects. For instance, there are pills which target the memory, mental performance, the overall brain energy as well as health.
Application
- Some of the drugs are used for treating cognitive as well as motor function difficulties that may be caused by Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and ADHD.
- Some are used as dietary supplements.
III. Academic Use: In academia, these drugs are used to increase productivity. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and dimethylamylamine are particularly preferred by young individuals in colleges. Research findings have shown that approximately 7 percent of students use stimulants in order to have a cognitive edge over others. Prescription stimulants are particularly prevalent among those students in academically competitive colleges.
What Are Some of the Examples of Smart Drugs?
- Amphetamine Pharmaceuticals: These drugs benefit various aspects of one’s cognitive control such as attentional control, episodic memory, inhibitory control and working memory. They also improve task saliency especially on tedious tasks which require more effort. Examples include, dextroamphetamine, Adderall and lisdexamfetamine.
- Methylphenidate: They work by improving cognitive control in terms of inhibitory control, episodic memory and working memory. They also improve the users’ performance on tedious tasks.
- Eugeroics: These drugs help in promoting wakefulness. A drug such as modafinil increases alertness especially in sleep-deprived individuals. It is also known to facilitate reasoning as well as problem solving in a more systematic manner.
- Xanthines: These are known to increase performance, alertness and memory. Caffeine and L-theanine are some of the drugs under this category.
- Nicotine: Those drugs that contain nicotine have positive effects on the users’ motor abilities, alertness, episodic and working memory.
Other examples of nootropics include; Phosphatidylserine (a phospholipid) containing DHA and EPA (omega 3 fatty acids), Tianeptine which helps in reducing stress and Valproate which enhances one’s cognitive ability.
Are There any Side Effects Associated with These Drugs?
Just as it is in the case of pharmaceutical drugs, most people are concerned about adverse effects that might be caused by cognitive enhancing drugs. Although there are no documented adverse effects associated with these drugs, it is advisable to stick to therapeutic doses so as to avoid addiction and any form of toxicity.
Where Can You Buy Them?
Although there are many self-proclaimed suppliers of nootropics, it is important to purchase them from established manufacturers or suppliers who will give you genuine products that are effective and safe for use. You can also purchase them from well-established online merchants who will deliver the drugs to you at the best price in the market. This will reduce the hassle of searching the drugs from one store to another.
The Verdict
Smart drugs are known to help in enhancing cognitive functions in the brain. They can help users to be more focused, alert and have vivid memories, all of which are vital in any learning process. They also help in improving psycho-motor abilities as well as minimizing effects of diseases such as Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and ADHD. Proper use of these drugs can have tremendous benefits on the cognitive abilities of a person. Although they have all these benefit, it is advisable to use them in prescribed doses so as to avoid addiction and other behavioral and cognitive effects that may result from misuse or overdose.