What Is a Nootropic Stack?

What is a nootropic stack? In the most basic terms, nootropic stacking is when you combine two or more nootropics with the intended purpose of creating results that are more effective and farther-reaching than just a single nootropic on its own.

If you’re new to the world of nootropics, these are substances, either natural or synthetic, that improve cognitive function improve neurological blood flow, and enhance overall brain health.

Most nootropics are very safe, but others aren’t for everyone. Once you start blending or stacking, their effects multiply – which can be a good or bad thing depending on what’s in your stack.

The What & Why of Nootropic Stacks

While a single nootropic may offer neuroprotective properties and cognitive enhancement, combining different nootropics, whether taking them separately or combined into a single nootropic substance (as with commercial nootropics stacks), can offer synergistic effects.

For example, the nootropic Alpha GPC on its own may increase blood flow to the brain, improve memory and brain function, and possibly protect against age-related cognitive decline. [1] The effectiveness of Alpha GPC is one of the reasons that it is a common ingredient in a pre-made stack. As effective as Alpha GPC is, combining it with other nootropics offers even more benefits.

If you have Alpha GPC and combine it with a well-known, easily accessible nootropic like caffeine, you really get a boost in benefits. Caffeine can add mood enhancement, mental alertness, and improve focus – even better if the source of caffeine comes from green tea.

We would consider this a good stack, especially for someone who’s relatively new to the world of nootropics. However, the long-term safety of Alpha GPC is still being researched, so short term supplementation is advised.

Benefits of Nootropic Stacks

All the nootropics offer a variety of benefits, and you’ll find that different nootropics work in unique ways. The benefits of a nootropics stack depend on the nootropic formula. Speaking in general terms, nootropics offer benefits that include positive cognitive effects, such as:

• Reduced stress levels
• Enhanced memory – including memory formation, working memory, and memory recall
• Increased energy level
• Improved focus and attention
• Improved mood
• Protection against age-related decline in cognitive abilities

Side Effects of Nootropic Stacks

The side effects of stacks depend on what’s in them. There is such a range of nootropic substances that it’s impossible to pinpoint side effects that apply to all. Some nootropics are completely harmless, while others can cause problems.

Nicotine is a prime example of a nootropic that isn’t free of side effects. Nicotine is considered a cholinergic compound, meaning it enhances neurotransmitter acetylcholine levels. [2]

Low acetylcholine levels often produce symptoms of poor memory and decreased cognitive performance. We also see low acetylcholine levels in patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. [3]

Nicotine rapidly crosses the blood-brain barrier, producing noticeable results quickly. Nicotine also comes with a whole slew of side effects, including raising blood pressure, raising your heart rate, and narrowing the arteries. Nicotine is also addictive, and the usual ways of getting nicotine into your system come with their own health consequences.

You’re not going to see nicotine in your typical stack unless you add it in yourself. However, it is a great example of how not every nootropic is good for you and how it’s really important to research each component of a nootropic stack.

Caffeine is another example of a nootropic with side effects that is a common ingredient in a nootropic stack. For many people, caffeine is a great boost to cognitive function, increasing mental clarity and mental performance overall.

However, if you’re someone who does not tolerate caffeine well or has issues with anxiety, nervousness, or insomnia, caffeine is only going to make these issues worse.

Is Nootropic Stacking Safe

Premade-stacked nootropic supplements are generally safe for healthy individuals. The combination included has been researched, and side effects and contraindications have been noted, at least in nootropics stacks by reputable companies.

When making your own stacks, you want to research the effects of each substance to ensure they’re not either canceling each other out or creating unwanted side effects, and also make sure that the combination is not dangerous in any way.

An example of this would be a nootropic stack that does the double or triple duty of increasing serotonin. St John’s Wort is a nootropic that increases serotonin, which is why it’s often used to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Mixing St John’s Wort with another serotonin-increasing nootropic, such as SAM-e, can lead to excessive serotonin in the brain. Too much serotonin can cause something called serotonin syndrome, which can be potentially life-threatening. This is even more of a concern if you’re taking SSRIs along with a nootropic stack containing St John’s Wort. [4]

To make a safe nootropic stack, combining St John’s Wort or SAM–e with a substance like pine bark extract, which works on increasing other neurotransmitters besides serotonin, is a better way to go. Remember, just because many nootropics are natural supplements doesn’t mean they are automatically safe to take with each other.

Should You Make Your Own Nootropic Stacks?

You can definitely combine nootropics on your own and save a lot of money in the process. The only caution is to understand the effects, positive and negative, of each and also to make sure you’re not combining nootropics that do more damage than good when taken together.

Mushrooms, like lion’s mane, reishi, and turkey tail, are a great place to start. They offer tons of health benefits and are generally well-tolerated by most people.

Bacopa monnieri is another popular nootropic that’s generally well tolerated with few side effects and contraindications (people with ulcers or pulmonary conditions should not use it). [5] Mushrooms and Bacopa monnieri can be safely used together as a nootropic stack without adverse effects.

FAQs

Is stacking nootropics safe?

In a good nootropic stack, the nootropic substances work together to improve cognitive performance and brain health. Many stacks are safe, but it really comes down to the nootropic ingredients and the person taking them. Some nootropics are more powerful when combined together, and some people may be more sensitive to the effects than others.

What does a nootropic do?

Nootropics increase oxygen to the brain, which in turn boosts blood flow. Nootropics don’t permanently change the brain, but they can produce positive cognitive benefits, including enhanced memory formation, mental clarity, and mental performance. Some have also noticed the benefit of a more positive mood. Nootropics have a wide range of uses, from being used to enhance cognitive performance in healthy individuals to preventing age-related cognitive decline.

What is an example of a nootropic?

There are actually a number of nootropics that you are already very familiar with but might not be aware of the “smart drug” status. Caffeine is a great example of a common nootropic supplement that’s famous for increasing energy levels and improving concentration. The family of B vitamins are also nootropics. Many people notice that supplementing with these essential vitamins will increase motivation, offer mood support, and improve focus.

Key Takeaways

• You can combine nootropics to enhance the beneficial properties of each
• The best nootropic stacks contain a synergist blend of supplements and vitamins that support mental health and enhance cognitive performance
• Although nootropic stacks may be natural substances, some still have potentially serious side effects
• The best nootropic supplements are made by reputable companies – do the research
• To make your own stack, start with two nootropics and work your way up from there

Sources

1. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282156740_The_effect_of_alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine_caffeine_or_placebo_on_markers_of_mood_cognitive_function_power_speed_and_agility
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3181992/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8949236/
4. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9304-st–johns-wort
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK589635/