You may already know about the many different kinds of nootropics in the market. You may also understand how they can help increase your mental ability get more done better and faster.
But, did you know that nootropics, much like any drug or supplement, can come with adverse effects? This fact is one I always try to be very upfront about on BestNootropicsNow. Everything has a potential downside, and our favorite cognitive enhancers are no different.
The Downside of Nootropics
Not everyone who takes smart drugs will experience side effects. In fact, only a small percentage will. And when they do occur, they can vary wildly in their severity. We are all different, from our brain chemistries and overall health to the environment in which we live. All these factors help determine what we experience when taking nootropics – both the good and the bad.
On top of each user’s unique physical and physiological response to taking smart drugs, what they use also plays a big part. Both the substance and the consumed dosage play a role in what, if any, side effects are felt. Typically the more significant the dose, the more likely the chance of potential issues.
Most Common Smart Drug Side-Effects
Even top supplements may lead to adverse reactions. The most commonly reported one is headaches, which I would classify on the milder end of the scale. Headaches most often occur when first starting out with a new substance, as your body is getting used to it. They can also happen when taking too large of a dose.
Some smart drug users report having gastrointestinal (GI tract) issues. Much like with headaches, this frequently occurs when taking excessive amounts of a supplement. Doing so causes the body’s digestive system to go into overdrive to eliminate any surplus material as waste. This process most often manifests itself as diarrhea. Other times, it may lead to nausea or general discomfort in the stomach or gut.
Another common side-effect has less to do with the amount consumed and more with when you’re doing it. For many nootropics, insomnia can occur when taking them too close to bedtime. Since one of the desired effects of these drugs is increasing focus and mental alertness, this makes perfect sense. As your mental capacity and effectiveness increase, it can be tough to put your mind to rest.
Preventing Adverse Nootropic Effects
For the last nootropic side-effect mentioned above, insomnia, preventing it is easy. Just don’t take any cognitive enhancers to close to sleep time. Whatever substance you are using, check it’s half-life and plan around it.
To get rid of headaches or stomach discomfort, you have two options. First, be sure to follow the correct nootropic dosage and if you already are, scale it back a bit. Second, you can consider stacking with a choline supplement. They’re excellent at reducing and sometimes eliminating entirely both these adverse effects.
Just like with any supplement or drug, there is a good side and a bad side to nootropics. The most important thing is to be mindful of how much and when you take it. If you do, odds are you will get the most benefit without ever welcoming any adverse effects.
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