About Nootropic Reference
What is Nootropic Reference?
Nootropic Reference is a free, research-backed database of 73 nootropic compounds. Every profile includes dosage information, half-life data, mechanism of action, administration routes, regulatory status, and documented risks — all sourced from peer-reviewed research and clinical data.
Our goal is to provide the most comprehensive, accurate, and accessible nootropics reference available. We believe that people researching cognitive enhancement deserve clear, honest information — including risks and limitations, not just benefits.
Whether you are a student exploring your first nootropic, a biohacker fine-tuning a stack, or a clinician looking for a quick pharmacological reference, this database is built for you.
How We Build Each Profile
Every nootropic in our database goes through a structured research process before publication. Here is what each profile contains and how the information is sourced:
Mechanism of Action
Detailed molecular explanation of how the compound works — which receptors it binds, which enzymes it modulates, and what downstream effects result. Sourced from pharmacology textbooks and primary research papers.
Dosage Ranges
Dosage ranges are drawn from published clinical trials and established protocols, not from user anecdotes or forum recommendations. We include the ranges used in actual human studies, not theoretical optimal doses.
Half-Life & Pharmacokinetics
Elimination half-life, time to peak concentration (Tmax), and bioavailability where data is available. This helps determine optimal dosing frequency and timing within a stack.
Risks & Side Effects
Every profile includes documented risks, contraindications, drug interactions, and common side effects. We do not downplay risks — many popular nootropics carry real dangers that online forums minimize.
Research Papers
Each profile links to real peer-reviewed studies from PubMed with AI-generated summaries. We prioritize human clinical trials over animal studies and in-vitro research, though we include those where human data is limited.
How to Use This Site
Browse by category — Our database is organized into 9 categories. Use the category pages or the filter on the homepage to find compounds by their primary effect.
Compare compounds — Use the Compare page to view any two nootropics side by side. See their dosage, half-life, mechanism, and risks in a single table.
Search — Use the search bar at the top of any page. It searches compound names, categories, and aliases (e.g., searching "provigil" finds Modafinil).
Read the guides — Our Stacking Guide and Storage Guide cover practical knowledge that applies across all compounds.
Check the research — Every compound page links to the actual PubMed papers. Do not take our summaries at face value — read the primary sources.
Categories
Our database is organized into 9 categories based on primary mechanism or use case:
A Note on Evidence Quality
Not all nootropics are supported by equal evidence. Some compounds (Caffeine, Creatine, Modafinil) have hundreds of clinical trials. Others have only animal studies or small preliminary human trials. We include compounds across this spectrum because people are using them regardless — and having accurate pharmacological information is better than relying on forum posts and marketing.
When evaluating any compound, pay attention to the number and quality of research papers linked on its profile. A compound with 10 randomized controlled trials in humans is on much firmer ground than one with only rodent studies. We present the data; you make the decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are nootropics?
Nootropics are substances that enhance cognitive function — memory, focus, creativity, motivation, or mental clarity. The term was coined by Romanian psychologist Corneliu Giurgea in 1972 when he developed Piracetam. His original criteria required that a nootropic enhance learning, protect the brain under stress, have minimal side effects, and lack the pharmacology of typical psychotropic drugs. Today the term is used more broadly to include natural supplements (Lion's Mane, Ashwagandha, Bacopa), amino acids (L-Theanine, Tyrosine), vitamins (B12, D3), and synthetic compounds (Piracetam, Modafinil, Noopept).
Are nootropics safe?
Safety varies enormously by compound. Some have decades of safety data — L-Theanine (found naturally in tea), Creatine (one of the most-studied supplements in existence), and Omega-3 fatty acids have excellent long-term safety profiles. Others carry real risks: Phenibut can cause severe dependence and withdrawal, Tianeptine has opioid-like addiction potential, and even Modafinil (generally well-tolerated) can cause Stevens-Johnson syndrome in rare cases. Our profiles include documented risks for every compound because informed decisions require complete information.
Where should I start?
Start by optimizing the foundations: sleep quality, exercise, and nutrition have a greater impact on cognition than any supplement. Once those are solid, the most evidence-backed starting point is Caffeine (100mg) + L-Theanine (200mg), which provides calm, focused alertness with minimal risk. From there, Creatine (5g daily) and Omega-3 (1-2g DHA) are excellent additions with strong evidence and long safety records. Our Stacking Guide covers progressions from beginner to advanced.
Are nootropics legal?
Legal status depends on the compound and your country. Most natural nootropics and amino acids are legal worldwide as dietary supplements or food products. Racetams occupy a grey area — unregulated in the US (not approved as drugs, but not banned), prescription-only in some EU countries (Piracetam is Rx in the UK), and over-the-counter in others. Modafinil and Adrafinil are prescription-only in most Western countries. We note the regulatory status on each profile where possible.
Do I need to cycle nootropics?
Some compounds benefit from cycling to prevent tolerance or receptor downregulation. Caffeine is the classic example — tolerance develops within 1-2 weeks of daily use. Taking periodic breaks (e.g., 5 days on / 2 days off, or 1 week off per month) maintains sensitivity. Phenibut should never be used more than 2x per week due to rapid tolerance and withdrawal risk. Conversely, Creatine, Lion's Mane, Omega-3, Magnesium, and most adaptogens can be taken continuously without cycling.
How do nootropics interact with medications?
Many nootropics interact with prescription medications. Stimulant nootropics (Caffeine, Modafinil) can interact with blood pressure medications and MAOIs. Serotonergic compounds (5-HTP, St. John's Wort) can cause serotonin syndrome when combined with SSRIs. Huperzine A should not be combined with prescription acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Always disclose all supplements to your doctor. Each compound profile lists known drug interactions.
How often is the database updated?
We regularly add new compounds and update existing profiles as new research is published. Research papers are sourced from PubMed and updated periodically. If you notice outdated information or have suggestions, contact us.
Disclaimer
Nootropic Reference is an educational resource. The information provided is for research and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Many compounds listed here interact with medications, have contraindications, or carry risks that require professional evaluation. Individual responses to nootropics vary significantly based on genetics, health status, and existing medications.
Affiliate links on this site may earn us a commission at no cost to you. This does not influence our content or recommendations. Our profiles include risks and limitations regardless of whether we have an affiliate relationship with a supplier.