Are there any 'smart drugs'/nootropics that aren't stimulants?

[Derleth]

Adderall. Ritalin. Modafinil. Caffeine, if you’re poor. They’re all called ‘smart drugs’ and they’re all more-or-less speed. Especially modafinil, which for some reason seems to have the best reputation.

So, are there any drugs that can be demonstrated to improve cognitive function without doing things like reducing the need for sleep, suppressing appetite, making the invasion of the USSR seem attractive, or otherwise being crank?

[psychonaut]

Sure, lots. Vinpocetine, piracetam, aniracetam, pramiracetam, hydergine, desmopressin… I’m surprised you think that most nootropics are stimulants, as most of them probably aren’t.

[Washoe]

As a side note of interest, the FDA has just banned the OTC sale of piracetam. Which is a shame, as it is my personal favorite.

[Wesley_Clark]

bacopa and other adaptogens can be used. If anything, they are considered anxiolytics.

Piracetam, DMAE and an adaptogen combined can be fairly effective.

[dzero]

I think I tried piracetam once but either I had a bad reaction to it or I wasn’t impressed with it - no idea which though.

It appears to be related to the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-amino-butyric acid) - which is expressed in inhibitory neural pathways.

Abstract

Piracetam, a derivative of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), has a variety of physiological effects that may result, at least in part, from the restoration of cell membrane fluidity. At a neuronal level, piracetam modulates neurotransmission in a range of transmitter systems (including cholinergic and glutamatergic), has neuroprotective and anticonvulsant properties, and improves neuroplasticity. At a vascular level, it appears to reduce erythrocyte adhesion to vascular endothelium, hinder vasospasm, and facilitate microcirculation. This diverse range of physiological effects is consistent with its use in a range of clinical indications. Its efficacy is documented in cognitive disorders and dementia, vertigo, cortical myoclonus, dyslexia, and sickle cell anemia. While high doses are sometimes necessary, piracetam is well tolerated.

A host of drugs have some mode of action on GABA receptors including tranquilizers like Valium. Probably one of the most commonly prescribed drugs is one that also targets GABA receptors - Neurontin. It’s used for so many different and varied purposes that the first time my doctor described it to me, I accused him of trying to sell me snake oil.

While it’s tough to beat stimulants for goosing your IQ a few points, there are ADD/ADHD drugs that aren’t stimulants. Straterra (which seems to act on dopamine and maybe norepinepherine - not sure) is one. There’s also guanfacine which was originally developed as a high blood pressure med.

I think that certain b-vitamins give me more mental energy and better focus. You probably need them in a balanced complex, but B-6 seems to be especially helpful. I think the same is true for P-5-P, a B-6 metabolite that you can buy in pill form (not sure about that one yet).

If you’re in you’re 60 or older, ask about having your B-12 levels checked. It’s common for older people to lose their ability to absorb the vitamin from food. This can result in “pernicious anemia” which I think includes fuzzy thinking and a general mental fog.

If you want to experiment, you can try the amino acid L-glutamine. Supposedly it’s the only amino that cross the blood brain barrier on it’s own. The most it ever did for me was make me feel even more confused, but then amphetamines tend to put me to sleep, so that might not mean much.