8 Best Nootropics For Euphoria In 2024

Updated November 3, 2024 by | Reviewed by William Gallagher, MNeuroSci
(Estimated reading time: 9 minutes)

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

When it comes to euphoria, there's no need to turn to illegal drugs.

In fact, there are many different types of legal nootropics that can help you achieve the same effects.

Let's dive in and take a look at the 8 best nootropics for euphoria, shall we?

The best nootropics for euphoria, according to scientific evidence, are:

  • Mind Lab Pro
  • Phenibut
  • L-Theanine
  • Modafinil
  • Phenylpiracetam
  • Caffeine
  • Aniracetam
  • L-DOPA (Mucuna Pruriens)

1. Mind Lab Pro

Mind Lab Pro is a cognitive enhancer, or blend, that has shown to be effective in improving memory, focus, and mood. The nootropic contains 11 natural ingredients that work together to support optimal brain function.

One of the key mechanisms of action is the enhancement of neurotransmitter activity. This is achieved through the inhibition of monoamine oxidase, which increases serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline levels.

These neurotransmitters are known to be involved in regulating mood and are associated with feelings of well-being and pleasure. Additionally, Mind Lab Pro increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, a protein that promotes neuron growth and survival.

This helps to protect against age-related cognitive decline and supports cognitive function in general. Additionally, Mind Lab Pro has been shown to reduce stress levels by modulating the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.

In turn, this can lead to increased feelings of euphoria. Therefore, it is clear that Mind Lab Pro works through a number of different mechanisms to support optimal brain function and promote feelings of euphoria.

Mind Lab Pros

  • Helps to improve memory, focus, and mood
  • Enhances neurotransmitter activity
  • Increases levels of BDNF
  • Reduces stress levels
  • Modulates the activity of the HPA axis

Mind Lab Pro Cons

  • Can be a bit expensive

Mind Lab Pro in Summary

If you're looking for a legal and safe way to experience euphoria, then you may want to consider trying Mind Lab Pro. This cognitive enhancer contains 11 natural ingredients that work together to promote optimal brain function and increase feelings of well-being.

2. Phenibut

Phenibut is a GABAergic compound that was originally developed in Russia for the treatment of anxiety and insomnia. GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, and Phenibut works by binding to GABA receptors and boosting levels of GABA activity.[1]

This leads to increased inhibitory neurotransmission, which results in a calming effect. In addition to its anxiolytic effects, Phenibut also has potent euphoric properties. Low doses can increase feelings of well-being and pleasure, while higher doses can cause pronounced feelings of euphoria.

These effects are likely due to Phenibut's ability to increase dopamine activity in the brain. Dopamine is a key player in the brain's reward system, and increased dopamine activity is associated with pleasure and euphoria.[2]

Thus, by increasing dopamine activity, Phenibut creates a state of heightened well-being and pleasure.

Phenibut Pros

  • Helps to reduce anxiety and improve sleep
  • Has potent euphoric effects
  • Increases dopamine activity

Phenibut Cons

  • Can be addictive and lead to withdrawal symptoms

Phenibut in Summary

If you're looking for a way to experience euphoria, then Phenibut may be worth considering. This compound works by increasing GABA activity, which leads to increased inhibitory neurotransmission and a calming effect.

3. L-Theanine

L-Theanine, an amino acid found naturally in green tea, has been shown to produce a calming effect without causing drowsiness. In addition, L-Theanine has been shown to increase levels of dopamine and serotonin, two neurotransmitters that are associated with feelings of happiness and well-being.[3]

Studies have also shown that L-Theanine can help to reduce anxiety and improve cognitive function. It is thought to work by inhibiting the binding of glutamate to brain receptors.[4]

Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter that has been linked to anxiety and stress. By inhibiting its binding, L-Theanine may help to reduce anxiety and improve mood.

L-Theanine Pros

  • An all-natural compound for euphoria
  • Can help to reduce anxiety
  • Increases levels of dopamine and serotonin

L-Theanine Cons

  • May not be as potent as other nootropics
  • Can cause drowsiness in high doses

L-Theanine in Summary

If you're looking for a natural way to experience euphoria, then L-Theanine may be worth considering. This amino acid can help reduce anxiety and increase dopamine and serotonin levels, two neurotransmitters associated with feelings of happiness and well-being.

4. Modafinil

Modafinil is a drug that is used to treat sleep disorders like narcolepsy. It works by increasing the amount of dopamine in the brain, which helps to promote wakefulness and reduce fatigue.[5]

However, Modafinil can also produce feelings of euphoria and well-being due to its effects on dopamine. In addition to its effect on dopamine, Modafinil also influences other neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and serotonin.[6]

These chemicals are responsible for regulating mood and energy levels. As a result, increased levels of these neurotransmitters can lead to feelings of euphoria.

Modafinil Pros

  • Potent nootropic for euphoria
  • Increases dopamine levels
  • Also increases norepinephrine and serotonin
  • A wakefulness-promoting agent

Modafinil Cons

  • Can lead to dependence and addiction
  • Can cause side effects like insomnia and anxiety

Modafinil in Summary

If you're looking for a potent nootropic for euphoria, then Modafinil may be worth considering. This drug can increase dopamine levels, which leads to feelings of euphoria and well-being. However, Modafinil can also cause side effects like insomnia and anxiety.

5. Phenylpiracetam

Phenylpiracetam is a nootropic drug that is structurally similar to piracetam. It was originally developed in 1983 in Russia as a treatment for motion sickness and other problems associated with spaceflight.

Racetams like Phenylpiracetam work by modulating the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. In particular, they seem to increase levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, especially when combined with a choline source.[7]

This can lead to improved cognitive function, mood, and memory. However, Phenylpiracetam can also produce feelings of euphoria due to its effects on dopamine and noradrenaline.

Phenylpiracetam Pros

  • More potent than Piracetam
  • Increases levels of dopamine and noradrenaline
  • Can improve cognitive function, mood, and memory

Phenylpiracetam Cons

  • Can cause side effects like insomnia and anxiety
  • May not be as widely available as other nootropics

Phenylpiracetam in Summary

If you're looking for a potent nootropic that can produce feelings of euphoria, then Phenylpiracetam may be worth considering. This drug can increase dopamine and noradrenaline levels, leading to feelings of euphoria and well-being.

However, Phenylpiracetam can also cause side effects like insomnia and anxiety.

6. Caffeine

Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant that increases alertness and produces feelings of euphoria. Caffeine works by binding to adenosine receptors in the brain.[8]

Adenosine is a neurotransmitter that promotes sleepiness and slows down nerve cell activity. When caffeine binds to adenosine receptors, it prevents adenosine from binding and has the opposite effect.

Caffeine also causes the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is associated with pleasure and motivation.[9] The combination of these effects makes caffeine a powerful mood-enhancer. However, it is important to note that tolerance to the effects of caffeine develops quickly.

Caffeine Pros

  • Widely available
  • Inexpensive
  • Increases alertness and produces feelings of euphoria

Caffeine Cons

  • Tolerance develops quickly
  • Can cause side effects like anxiety and jitters

Caffeine in Summary

If you're looking for a cheap and widely available nootropic that can produce feelings of euphoria, then caffeine may be worth considering. This drug increases dopamine levels and prevents adenosine from binding to its receptors, leading to increased alertness and feelings of well-being.

However, tolerance to the effects of caffeine develops quickly.

7. Aniracetam

Aniracetam is a nootropic drug that belongs to the racetam class of drugs. It is structurally similar to piracetam, but it has a slightly different chemical structure.

Aniracetam is thought to work by modulating neurotransmitter systems in the brain. It increases neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine levels, which are associated with feelings of well-being and pleasure.[10]

Additionally, aniracetam may help to protect neurons from damage caused by excessive glutamate activity. The result is a reduction in anxiety and improved mood.

Aniracetam Pros

  • Increases dopamine and serotonin levels
  • Helps to protect neurons from damage
  • Reduces anxiety and improves mood

Aniracetam Cons

  • Can cause side effects like headaches and dizziness
  • May not be as widely available as other nootropics

Aniracetam in Summary

Aniracetam works by modulating neurotransmitter systems in the brain. It increases serotonin and dopamine levels, which are associated with feelings of well-being and pleasure.

However, aniracetam can also cause side effects like headaches and dizziness.

8. Mucuna Pruriens

Mucuna Pruriens is a tropical legume that has been used in traditional Indian medicine for centuries. The active ingredient in Mucuna Pruriens is levodopa (L-dopa), which is a precursor to the neurotransmitter dopamine.

Dopamine is involved in a number of important functions, including motor control, motivation, and reinforcement learning. When levodopa is taken orally, it is rapidly absorbed and crosses the blood-brain barrier, where it is converted into dopamine.

However, as levodopa is also a precursor to other neurotransmitters, including norepinephrine and serotonin, it can have some unintended side effects.

For instance, too much levodopa can lead to anxiety and psychosis.

Nevertheless, when taken at the right dosage, Mucuna Pruriens can be an effective way to boost dopamine levels, improve mood, motivation and treat depressive symptoms.[11]

Mucuna Pruriens Pros

  • Increases dopamine levels
  • Can improve mood, and motivation and treat depressive symptoms

Mucuna Pruriens Cons

  • May cause side effects like anxiety and psychosis
  • The dosage must be carefully monitored

Mucuna Pruriens in Summary

Mucuna Pruriens can elevate dopamine levels and improve mood, motivation, and depressive symptoms. If you're looking for a natural nootropic that can produce feelings of euphoria, then Mucuna Pruriens may be worth considering.

What Are the Best Nootropics for Euphoria?

According to my research, the best nootropics for euphoria are:

  1. Mind Lab Pro
  2. Phenibut
  3. L-Theanine
  4. Modafinil
  5. Phenylpiracetam
  6. Caffeine
  7. Aniracetam
  8. L-DOPA (Mucuna Pruriens)

How to Choose the Right Nootropic Supplement for Euphoria?

nootropics for euphoria

There are many different nootropic supplements on the market, and it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. When choosing a supplement, it is important to consider your goals.

If you are seeking euphoria, then you will want to choose a supplement that increases dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for feelings of pleasure and motivation.

Some supplements that can increase dopamine levels include Mind Lab Pro, Phenibut, and L-DOPA.

Another important factor to consider is the half-life of the supplement. You will want to choose a supplement with a long half-life so that it remains effective throughout the day.

Finally, safety should also be taken into consideration. Be sure to choose a supplement that has been third-party tested for purity and potency.

What Are the Benefits of Nootropics for Euphoria?

The benefits of using nootropics for euphoria include:

  • Improving mood and motivation
  • Reducing anxiety
  • Enhancing cognitive function
  • Increasing dopamine levels
  • Producing feelings of pleasure and well-being

If you're struggling with depression or anxiety, then nootropics for euphoria can be an effective way to improve your mood and cognitive function. Nootropics can also help increase dopamine levels, producing feelings of pleasure and well-being.

If you are seeking euphoria, then it is important to choose a supplement that is safe and effective. Be sure to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplement, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medication.

What Are the Side Effects of Nootropics for Euphoria?

The side effects of using nootropics for euphoria include:

  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Restlessness

It's worth pointing out that there is a huge difference between synthetic nootropics and natural nootropics.

Synthetic nootropics, such as Phenibut, are much more likely to cause side effects than natural nootropics. This is because synthetic nootropics are made in a laboratory and are not found in nature, thus making them more potent and potentially more dangerous.

On the other hand, natural nootropics are found in nature and have been used for centuries for their medicinal benefits. These nootropics are much less likely to cause side effects than synthetic nootropics.

Hence, if you are seeking euphoria and relaxation, it is best to choose a natural nootropic like L-Theanine.

Do Nootropics Really Work for Euphoria?

Yes, nootropics really do work for euphoria. Nootropics are a class of supplements that can enhance cognitive function, improve mood, and reduce anxiety.

Some nootropics, such as Phenibut and L-DOPA, can also increase dopamine levels in the brain, resulting in feelings of pleasure and well-being.

If you're looking for a safe and effective way to improve your mood and cognitive function, then nootropics are definitely worth considering.

Final Thoughts

I highly recommend taking a closer look at Mind Lab Pro and L-Theanine. These two nootropics are the safest and most effective for producing euphoria.

If you're looking for a more potent nootropic, then Phenibut may be a good option. However, Phenibut can cause side effects, so it is important to start with a lower dosage and increase it gradually.

All in all, nootropics are a great way to improve mood, cognitive function, and dopamine levels. If you're seeking euphoria, then be sure to choose a safe and effective nootropic like Mind Lab Pro or L-Theanine.

References
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  2. Wise, R A, and M A Bozarth. “Brain mechanisms of drug reward and euphoria.” Psychiatric medicine vol. 3,4 (1985): 445-60. â†‘
  3. Nathan, Pradeep J et al. “The neuropharmacology of L-theanine(N-ethyl-L-glutamine): a possible neuroprotective and cognitive enhancing agent.” Journal of herbal pharmacotherapy vol. 6,2 (2006): 21-30. â†‘
  4. Yamada, Takashi et al. “Effects of theanine, r-glutamylethylamide, on neurotransmitter release and its relationship with glutamic acid neurotransmission.” Nutritional neuroscience vol. 8,4 (2005): 219-26. doi:10.1080/10284150500170799 â†‘
  5. Volkow, Nora D et al. “Effects of modafinil on dopamine and dopamine transporters in the male human brain: clinical implications.” JAMA vol. 301,11 (2009): 1148-54. doi:10.1001/jama.2009.351 â†‘
  6. Madras, Bertha K et al. “Modafinil occupies dopamine and norepinephrine transporters in vivo and modulates the transporters and trace amine activity in vitro.” The Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics vol. 319,2 (2006): 561-9. doi:10.1124/jpet.106.106583 â†‘
  7. Bartus, R T et al. “Profound effects of combining choline and piracetam on memory enhancement and cholinergic function in aged rats.” Neurobiology of aging vol. 2,2 (1981): 105-11. doi:10.1016/0197-4580(81)90007-5 â†‘
  8. Holtzman, S G et al. “Role of adenosine receptors in caffeine tolerance.” The Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics vol. 256,1 (1991): 62-8. â†‘
  9. Temple, Jennifer L et al. “Subjective Responses to Caffeine Are Influenced by Caffeine Dose, Sex, and Pubertal Stage.” Journal of caffeine research vol. 5,4 (2015): 167-175. doi:10.1089/jcr.2015.0022 â†‘
  10. Shirane, M, and K Nakamura. “Aniracetam enhances cortical dopamine and serotonin release via cholinergic and glutamatergic mechanisms in SHRSP.” Brain research vol. 916,1-2 (2001): 211-21. doi:10.1016/s0006-8993(01)02939-0 â†‘
  11. Rana, Digvijay G, and Varsha J Galani. “Dopamine mediated antidepressant effect of Mucuna pruriens seeds in various experimental models of depression.” Ayu vol. 35,1 (2014): 90-7. doi:10.4103/0974-8520.141949 â†‘