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Frequently asked questions
What are nootropics?+
Substances that may improve cognitive function — memory, focus, mood, creativity, or motivation — while having a low side-effect profile. The term was coined in 1972 by Corneliu Giurgea to describe piracetam.
Are nootropics safe?+
Safety varies enormously by substance, dose, and combination. We grade each substance on a 0–5 safety scale informed by clinical literature and side-effect profile. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new compound, especially if you take prescription medication.
Are nootropics legal?+
Legal status varies by country and substance. We track US, UK, EU, and AU status on every substance page. Some popular nootropics (modafinil, racetams) are prescription-only or scheduled in certain jurisdictions.
Where should I start?+
The safest entry-point stacks for most people are caffeine + L-theanine (focus) or omega-3 + magnesium L-threonate (long-term brain health). Use the Goal Finder tool to get a personalized suggestion.
How do you evaluate substances?+
Every substance gets an evidence grade (A–F) based on quality and quantity of human RCT evidence, and a safety score (0–5) based on tolerability and side-effect profile. We cite primary literature whenever possible.
Do you sell anything?+
We do not sell supplements directly. We earn revenue through affiliate commissions from vendor stores and paid vendor directory tiers. Paid placement is always clearly disclosed.
How do affiliate links work?+
When you click a vendor link from our site and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This does not influence our editorial rankings — our rubric is published and applied consistently.