Laurence Lee

August 26, 2022 in Supplements

Products that contain nootropic agents are often well designed and can be safely used without risk. However, this safety profile does not rule out the possibility of side effects. Like other medicinal treatments or supplements on the market, nootropic aids can produce benefits and side effects. Side effects are unintended effects produced by formulas that are often disadvantageous.

They vary in intensity and can last for long or short periods of time. After investigating the properties and effects of several nootropics, I found that they do not have a high side effect rate. Most users experience mild side effects such as insomnia, blurry vision, nausea, headaches, or an upset tummy for a limited time while the body gets used to the nootropic's presence in the body.

Can Nootropics Cause Brain Damage?

Most nootropic agents increase/inhibit the function and production of neurotransmitters while optimizing other brain processes.

Due to this non-invasive approach, nootropics do not pose any danger to the brain. In fact, some nootropics possess neuroprotective benefits which prevent internal and external brain injury/damage. 

This debunks the thousands of unverified theories of nootropics causing brain damage. However, I can see why some individuals wouldn't believe that the theory is completely unfounded. 

There are a few user reviews that claim that nootropics were the cause of mental decline or brain damage. After taking a closer look at these experiences, I feel like they were fueled by misuse, as that's the only circumstance that shifts the safety parameters of a nootropic. According to scientific evidence, any substance that may alter, improve, or augment mental performance, primarily through the stimulation or inhibition of specific neurotransmitters—may be potentially dangerous to the human brain if used inappropriately.

Can Nootropics Make You Tired?

Nootropics are sometimes known as energy-promoting agents, as they naturally eliminate brain fog/fatigue while streamlining mental processes.

This boosts mental energy, allowing users to engage in mental work for longer and handle mental strain more efficiently. An energy boost of this magnitude is usually paired with an energy crash or other side effects that cause tiredness/fatigue. 

However, this is not the case with nootropics, as these agents provide users with a gradual energy boost fueled by increased dopamine production and function. 

This approach is a side-effect-free way of boosting mental/physical energy levels, eliminating the possibility of unwarranted tiredness. In essence, nootropics cannot make you tired. However, it should be noted that nootropic users with pre-existing sleep deprivation/sleep issues or those taking nootropic doses too late in the day are prone to feelings of tiredness, but this is no fault of the nootropic compound.

How Painkillers Affect Nootropics

Painkillers work quite similarly to nootropics as they both target neurotransmitter function, production and availability. Due to the common mechanism of action of these two compounds, taking them together is not advised.

Taking a painkiller and nootropic together can produce excessive amounts of brain chemicals such as dopamine. High levels of dopamine can have the following effects on the brain/body:

  • Depression
  • Aggression
  • Twitching
  • Hallucinations
  • Poor impulse control
  • Nausea and/or vomiting

In addition to enhancing brain function, nootropic supplements also affect the physical aspects of the body. This is because nootropic agents have more than one use. Supplements such as MindLab Pro claim to provide users with an ideal nootropic stack that accelerates muscle development through increased focus, motivation, and energy.

Promoting these mental aspects helps users become physically more capable—increased activity/exercise. A more active body improves muscle and ligament functionality, eliminating muscle and ligament discomfort.

Do Nootropics Have Long-Term Effects?

Brain supplements contain a single ingredient or blends containing multiple nootropic agents with cognitive-enhancing properties. The effects produced by these supplements can sometimes be seen immediately or shortly after a couple of doses following continuous use.

Either way, the benefits that come with nootropic use typically only last as long as the product is taken. Nootropics do not have any long-term, permanent effects.

This is because the effects of the nootropic agents in product formulas do not extend over stipulated time frames (up to 12 hours). 

Even if doses are taken consistently as recommended, the effects can not last permanently. This means that users who want permanent results must use the product consistently. Despite popular belief, long-term use of nootropics will not cause the body/mind any harm, provided the selected nootropic agent is suitable for long-term use and used as per instructions.


People also read: Best Nootropic Supplements 2022, Nootropics and Adaptogens: What's The Difference?, Can Nootropics Help With Weight Loss?

About the author 

Laurence Lee

Lee is a neuroscientist who has dedicated his career to understanding the inner workings of the brain. He has seen firsthand the power of these supplements in improving cognitive function and believes that more people should be aware of their benefits. In his articles, Lee shares his extensive knowledge on the subject and provides unbiased reviews of different products.

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