8 Best Nootropic Stacks In 2024

Updated September 23, 2024 by | Reviewed by William Gallagher, MNeuroSci
(Estimated reading time: 13 minutes)

In this article, I'll take a closer at the 8 best nootropic stacks. I'll cover the potential risks and side effects you may run into, as well as the benefits you can expect.

As the world of nootropics expands, it can be difficult to know which stacks are worth trying. Nootropic stacks offer a powerful way to enhance cognitive performance and unlock your full potential.

According to a recent report by Grand View Research[1], the global nootropics market size is expected to be valued at USD 29.24 billion by 2028 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.0%.

The report also states that the market was valued at USD 10.67 billion in 2021. But with so many different options on the market, itโ€™s easy to get overwhelmed.

To simplify things, let's look at the 8 most highly-rated nootropic stacks based on users' reviews, scientific studies, and clinical trials.

The 8 best nootropic stacks, according to scientific evidence, are:

  • Nooceptin
  • Vyvamind
  • Mind Lab Pro
  • NooCube
  • L-Theanine + Caffeine
  • Piracetam + Alpha GPC
  • Modafinil + CDP Choline
  • Noopept + Phenibut

1. Nooceptin

Unlock your full mental capacity with the help of Nooceptin (FDG-117). This amazing nootropic blend contains 7 scientifically verified nootropic ingredients, providing energy and clarity for excellent focus.

With this powerful brain enhancer in today's increasingly competitive climate, let its incredible benefits give you that extra edge to stay ahead of the game.

The Nooceptin nootropic ingredients are:

  1. Citicoline (as CDP Choline aka cytidine 5'-phosphocholine, sodium)
  2. Rhodiola Rosea 150 mg Extract (3% rosavins & 1% salidroside) 
  3. Bacopa Monnieri Extract - 150 mg (40% bacosides)
  4. L-Theanine (L-ฮณ-glutamylethylamide) - 200 mg 
  5. Ginkgo Biloba Extract - 100 mg (24% ginkgo flavone glycosides & 6% terpene lactones) 
  6. Lion's Mane Mushroom Extract - 400 mg (30% polysaccharides)
  7. Panax Ginseng Extract - 200 mg

With the power of Ginkgo Biloba, L-Theanine, Citicoline, and Rhodiola Rosea combined into one powerful stack, your brain will function optimally while feeling energized all day long.

Combining these nootropic ingredients is a powerful way to combat stress. They can offer you the perfect balance between calming mental alertness and, according to research on Citicoline, improvements in cognitive abilities as well[2] and Rhodiola Rosea can increase concentration capabilities, memory, and learning for peak focus.[3]

Nooceptin Pros

  • An all-natural nootropic stack available without a prescription
  • Contains 7 scientifically verified nootropic ingredients
  • Improves cognitive abilities, and mental alertness
  • You get more bang for your buck

Nooceptin Cons

  • The shipping time may take up to 2 weeks

Nooceptinin in Summary

If you're looking for a potent nootropic stack that can help unlock your full mental capacity and provide energy for peak focus, then Nooceptin is an excellent choice. It contains 7 nootropic ingredients scientifically verified to improve cognitive abilities and mental alertness.

You get more bang for your buck with its fast-acting ingredients and affordable cost.

2. Vyvamind

Unveiling the hidden potential of your brain, Vyvamind (NSV-313) is a culmination of 6 all-natural nootropic ingredients in perfect harmony. Experience unparalleled cognitive enhancement to take on any intellectual challenge.

Vyvamind is a complete nootropic stack that provides mental clarity, focus, and energy that can last for hours and accumulate effects lasting for weeks. Its powerful ingredients are:

  1. Vitamin B6 (2.5 mg)
  2. Vitamin B12 (50 mcg)
  3. L-Tyrosine (300 mg)
  4. Citicoline (CDP Choline) - 200 mg
  5. L-Theanine (150 mg)
  6. Caffeine Anhydrous (75 mg)

CDP Choline acts as the fundamental precursor to Acetylcholine (ACh), replenishing this essential neurotransmitter, emboldening learning and memory formation while also conferring neuroprotection - which scientific studies have demonstrated can protect against Alzheimer's Disease and other neurological illnesses.[4]

L-Tyrosine has the potential to unlock remarkable benefits for mental performance.

By leveraging this amino acid's natural properties, it is possible to bolster alertness and vigilance and increase levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine - 3 powerful neurotransmitters that can lead to superior cognitive functioning.[5]

Vyvamind Pros

  • Contains 6 scientifically verified and potent nootropic ingredients
  • Improves cognitive abilities, focus, and energy
  • Utilizes natural ingredients with minimal side effects
  • A potent nootropic stack for beginners and advanced users alike

Vyvamind Cons

  • Not ideal for people on a tight budget

Vyvamind in Summary

If you're looking for a powerful nootropic stack that can help unleash your hidden potential and provide energy for peak focus, Vyvamind is an excellent choice. It contains 6 nootropic ingredients scientifically verified to improve cognitive abilities, focus, and mental alertness.

You get full value from its potent ingredients with minimal side effects and fast-acting results. The downside is that it may be a bit pricey for some, but it's well worth the price.

3. Mind Lab Pro

Mind Lab Pro is a complete nootropic stack containing 11 natural ingredients synergistically formulated to unlock your brain's full potential.

If you're looking for a powerful nootropic stack that can help enhance cognitive performance without any jitters or crashes, Mind Lab Pro is an excellent choice.

Mind Lab Pro's ingredients include:

  1. Vitamin B6, 2,5 mg
  2. Vitamin B9, 100 mcg
  3. Vitamin B12, 7.5 mcg
  4. L-theanine, 100 mg
  5. Citicoline, 250 mg
  6. Bacopa monnieri, 150 mg
  7. Organic lionโ€™s mane mushroom, 500 mg
  8. Phosphatidylserine, 100 mg
  9. N-acetyl L-tyrosine, 175 mg
  10. Rhodiola rosea, 50 mg
  11. Maritime pine bark extract, 75 mg

Mind Lab Pro provides your brain with essential nourishment to help you stay ahead of the mental fatigue that may come from a life in motion.

Vitamin B complex is one such nutrient, breaking down into ATP[6], which serves as fuel for your most vital organ's energy needs - without it, no ideas can sparkle or bloom! Keep up an active lifestyle, and know Mind Lab Pro has got you covered.

Mind Lab Pro Pros

  • Contains 11 scientifically verified and potent nootropic ingredients
  • It provides brain-boosting effects without any jitters or crashes
  • Utilizes natural ingredients with minimal side effects
  • An excellent nootropic stack for beginners and experts alike

Mind Lab Pro Cons

  • More expensive than other stacks on the market

Mind Lab Pro in Summary

Mind Lab Pro is a powerful nootropic stack that not only provides essential nutrition for your brain but also helps to enhance cognitive performance without any jitters or crashes. It contains 11 nootropic ingredients scientifically verified to improve cognitive abilities and focus while providing mental alertness.

You get full value from its potent nootropic ingredients with minimal side effects and fast-acting results.

4. NooCube

Like Mind Lab Pro, Vyvamind, and Nooceptin, NooCube is a nootropic stack that offers remarkable cognitive benefits. It contains 13 scientifically tested ingredients designed to help you stay focused and energized for longer periods.

NooCubeโ€™s ingredients include:

  1. Lutemaxยฎ 2020
  2. Bacopa Monnieri 12:1 (20% bacosides) 250 mg
  3. Huperzia Serrata (0.5% huperzine-a) 20 mg
  4. Pterostilbene 140 mcg
  5. Resveratrol 99% 14.3 mg
  6. L-Theanine 100 mg
  7. L-Tyrosine 250 mg
  8. Alpha GPC (Glycerylphosphorylcholine) 50 mg
  9. Oat Straw Extract 10:1
  10. Cat's Claw 4:1
  11. Vitamin B1 1.1 mg
  12. Vitamin B7 50 mcg
  13. Vitamin B12 2.5 mcg

An intriguing addition to NooCube is Resveratrol (3,5,4โ€ฒ-trihydroxystilbene), a polyphenol found in red wine and blueberries. Besides its antioxidant properties, research has shown that Resveratrol can enhance memory and cerebral blood flow.[7]

NooCube Pros

  • Contains 13 scientifically backed ingredients
  • It provides brain-boosting effects
  • Provides mental alertness and focus
  • Increases cerebral blood flow
  • A complete nootropic stack

NooCube Cons

  • The dosage of each ingredient could be higher

NooCube in Summary

NooCube is a complete nootropic stack that combines 13 scientifically tested ingredients specifically designed to help you stay focused and energized. Its unique blend of ingredients provides brain-boosting benefits, mental alertness, and increased cerebral blood flow.

Itโ€™s an excellent nootropic stack for those looking for a cognitive boost without the side effects of many prescription medications.

5. L-Theanine + Caffeine

L-Theanine and Caffeine is one of the most popular nootropic stacks available and is an excellent choice for those looking for an immediate boost in mental alertness. The combination of L-Theanine and Caffeine helps to improve focus and cognitive performance by calming the mind while simultaneously providing a light energy boost.

L-Theanine is an amino acid shown to help reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and improve cognitive performance.[8] Caffeine, on the other hand, is a powerful stimulant that can help boost energy and alertness.

When stacked in the right dosage, L-Theanine + Caffeine offers an ideal balance of calming effects and increased mental alertness without any jitters or crashes.[9]

L-Theanine + Caffeine Pros

  • An all-natural nootropic stack
  • L-Theanine helps buffer the effects of caffeine
  • Provides calming and mental alertness
  • No jitters or crashes

L-Theanine + Caffeine Cons

  • It can cause drowsiness in high dosages due to L-Theanine

L-Theanine + Caffeine in Summary

Available in most supplement stores, L-Theanine + Caffeine is an all-natural nootropic stack that combines the calming effects of L-Theanine with the stimulatory benefits of caffeine. This stack offers a balance of calming and energy effects without any jitters or crashes.

Itโ€™s an excellent choice for those looking for a quick boost in mental energy and alertness without the side effects of many prescription medications.

6. Piracetam + Alpha GPC

Piracetam + Alpha GPC is a powerful nootropic combination that helps to improve learning, memory, and overall cognitive performance. Piracetam is considered the original nootropic and is a derivative of the neurotransmitter GABA.[10] It helps to improve mental energy, focus, and alertness.

Alpha GPC is a natural choline compound that helps to promote the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for learning and memory.[11] When stacked together, Piracetam and Alpha GPC offer a potent cognitive boost for those looking to improve their learning and memory. Both Alpha GPC and Piracetam have robust scientific evidence backing up their efficacy.

Piracetam + Alpha GPC Pros

  • Powerful nootropic stack for learning and memory
  • Piracetam and Alpha GPC have robust scientific evidence behind them
  • No jitters or crashes
  • Improves cognitive performance
  • Increases the production of acetylcholine (ACh)

Piracetam + Alpha GPC Cons

  • It can be hard to find high-quality Piracetam online

Piracetam + Alpha GPC in Summary

Piracetam + Alpha GPC is a powerful nootropic stack with robust scientific evidence. This stack helps to boost learning, memory, and cognitive performance while also increasing the production of acetylcholine (ACh). Itโ€™s ideal for those looking to improve their overall mental performance.

7. Modafinil + CDP Choline

Modafinil, otherwise known as Provigil, is a powerful CNS stimulant that helps those suffering from narcolepsy, shift work disorder, and obstructive sleep apnea to combat exhaustion.

Yet this medication does more than just fight fatigue - it has the potential to enhance focus on concentration for students studying hard or professionals searching for improved productivity. It works by increasing catecholamines like dopamine and norepinephrine, resulting in improved focus, alertness, and mental energy.[12]

CDP Choline, otherwise known as Citicoline, cytidine diphosphate-choline or cytidine 5'-diphosphocholine, is a powerful intermediary in the transformation of choline into phosphatidylcholine. This biochemical reaction is found ubiquitously throughout cell membranes and human/animal tissue - especially in organs.[13]

Citicoline itself occurs naturally within cells and helps to improve mental energy and focus. Combined with Modafinil, it produces a powerful nootropic stack that helps enhance alertness and concentration while reducing fatigue.

Since CDP Choline is a choline source, it helps buffer Modafinil from overstimulating the nervous system. This stack is great for those looking for improved concentration and focus without jitters, headaches, or crash.

Modafinil + CDP Choline Pros

  • CDP Choline occurs naturally within cells
  • Powerful nootropic stack for concentration and focus
  • The combination helps buffer Modafinil from overstimulating the nervous system
  • Increases catecholamines such as dopamine and norepinephrine
  • No jittery side effects or headaches

Modafinil + CDP Choline Cons

  • Modafinil is a prescription drug

Modafinil + CDP Choline in Summary

Modafinil is one of the most powerful nootropic drugs, and when combined with CDP Choline, it forms a potent cognitive stack. This combination helps improve concentration and focus while reducing fatigue.

It also helps buffer Modafinil from overstimulating the nervous system and increases catecholamines such as dopamine and norepinephrine.

8. Noopept + Phenibut

N-Phenylacetyl-l-prolylglycine ethyl ester, commonly known as Noopept, is a prodrug and nootropic discovered in 1996. It has additional names, such as GVS-111 and omberacetam.

Noopept is widely used as a brain enhancer in the nootropic community. According to preclinical studies, the mechanisms of action include boosting acetylcholine signaling, promoting BDNF and NGF expression, protecting against glutamate toxicity, and augmenting inhibitory neurotransmission within the brain.[14]

Phenibut is an engineered form of gamma-aminobutyric acid, more commonly referred to as GABA. It shares many similarities in structure but can yield powerful results when used correctly and safely.

Phenibut is a tranquilizer that has anxiolytic properties and improves mood. It helps reduce stress, anxiety, fear, and depression while improving cognition.[15]

When Phenibut and Noopept are stacked together, it creates a powerful cognitive stack that is great for focus, productivity, relaxation, and mental energy. This stack helps to enhance cognition, reduce anxiety and stress levels, improve mood, and can be the ideal stack for socialization.

Noopept + Phenibut Pros

  • Powerful cognitive stack for focus and productivity
  • Reduces stress, anxiety, fear, and depression
  • It improves mood and can be beneficial for socialization

Noopept + Phenibut Cons

  • Phenibut can be addictive (cause withdrawals)
  • Hard to find high-quality Noopept

Noopept + Phenibut in Summary

Phenibut has powerful anti-anxiety and tranquilizer effects, while Noopept boosts cognition. They create a powerful cognitive stack that is great for focus, productivity, relaxation, and mental energy.

This combination helps to reduce stress and anxiety levels while improving mood and socialization skills.

What Are the Best Nootropic Stacks?

best nootropic stacks

The best nootropic stacks, according to my market research, are:

  1. Nooceptin
  2. Vyvamind
  3. Mind Lab Pro
  4. NooCube
  5. L-Theanine + Caffeine
  6. Piracetam + Alpha GPC
  7. Modafinil + CDP Choline
  8. Noopept + Phenibut

I've chosen a mix of nootropic blends, synthetic and natural compounds to provide a comprehensive list of the best nootropic stacks.

I've extensively researched each product and believe these are the most effective alternatives for optimizing cognitive function, mental performance, focus, motivation, creativity, and productivity.

The nootropic stacks on my list are reliable and have been tested in rigorous clinical trials. This means that whatever stack you choose will provide the desired results and help you achieve peak productivity.

It's worth pointing out that these nootropic stacks are meant to be combined with healthy lifestyles and nutrition habits. Diet, exercise, and a good night's sleep all play an important role in optimizing cognitive function.

How to Choose the Right Nootropic Stack?

Your right nootropic stack will depend on your needs, goals, and lifestyle.

If you're looking to optimize mental performance or focus, I recommend combining L-theanine and caffeine. This natural stack helps to improve concentration and alertness without causing any side effects. It can also help reduce stress, improve cognitive performance, and boost overall energy.

If you're looking for a more potent stack, I recommend Nooceptin or Vyvamind. These blends contain several active compounds that enhance cognition, boost focus and productivity, and provide long-lasting mental energy.

When choosing a nootropic blend, it's important to go with one with the right amount of active ingredients. Too much of a certain compound can cause side effects or even reduce the blend's effectiveness.

What Are the Benefits of Nootropic Stacks?

The benefits of nootropic stacks vary from person to person. However, there are some general benefits that most people experience:

  • Improved cognitive function: Nootropic stacks can improve memory recall and concentration while boosting mental energy.
  • Enhanced focus: The stimulants in nootropic blends boost alertness and help you focus on tasks for longer periods.
  • Better mood: Nootropic stacks can reduce stress and anxiety, which in turn helps to improve mood.
  • More productivity: The blend of stimulants and relaxants increases productivity by helping you stay focused on the task at hand.
  • More cost-effective: Nootropic stacks are more cost-effective than buying individual nootropic compounds.

Nootropic stacks are an excellent way to optimize cognitive function and mental performance. You can increase focus, reduce stress, and improve productivity with the right blend of ingredients.

What Are the Side Effects of Nootropic Stacks?

The most common side effects of nootropic stacks are headaches, irritability, and stomach upset. Many of the ingredients in these blends can have mild side effects if taken in large doses or used for extended periods of time.

It's important to use high-quality products from reputable sources and follow the dosage instructions carefully to minimize potential side effects. You should consult a physician if you experience any adverse effects.

It's worth noting that synthetic nootropics like Phenibut can be addictive and should be used cautiously. Plenty of personal stories on the internet serve as a cautionary tale for those considering using Phenibut as a part of their nootropic stack.

Do Nootropic Stacks Really Work?

So do I personally think that nootropic stacks work? Yes, I do.

I've seen first-hand the effects of these nootropic blends on my mental performance. I have personal experience using Nooceptin, Vyvamind, Mind Lab Pro, and NooCube, and I've experienced noticeable improvements in my concentration, focus, and productivity levels.

I've found that nootropic blends, like the above, contain just the right amount of each active ingredient. This helps to reduce any potential side effects and maximize their effectiveness in terms of improving cognitive performance.

Modafinil and CDP Choline used to be my main go-to nootropic stack, but now I prefer the natural nootropic stacks, like Nooceptin and Vyvamind. They are natural, have fewer side effects, and the long-lasting benefits are great for those who want to get more done over a longer period of time.

So if you're looking to optimize mental performance and increase concentration, my advice is to give one of these natural nootropic stacks a try.

My Final Thoughts

So what do we know about the best nootropic stacks?

We know that they can provide long-lasting increases in cognitive function, focus, and productivity. We also know they come with potential side effects if taken improperly.

When choosing a nootropic stack, make sure to do your research and select one that has the right amounts of each active ingredient. Pay attention to the dosage instructions, and consult a doctor if you experience any adverse effects.

Nootropic blends like Nooceptin, Vyvamind, Mind Lab Pro, and NooCube are all great options if you're looking to increase mental performance. My personal favorite is Nooceptin which contains an optimal blend of natural, clinically proven ingredients.

Thanks for reading! I hope this article has shed some light on the best nootropic stacks. Happy stacking! ๐Ÿ™‚

References
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  14. Vakhitova, Y V et al. โ€œMolecular Mechanism Underlying the Action of Substituted Pro-Gly Dipeptide Noopept.โ€ Acta naturae vol. 8,1 (2016): 82-9. โ†‘
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