Keeps you awake and focused for 12-15 hours by gently boosting dopamine in your brain. Unlike coffee or Adderall, it doesn't give you jitters or a crash—just clean, sustained alertness. Think of it as a wakefulness switch that also sharpens your thinking.
Selective dopamine reuptake inhibitor (DAT) in prefrontal cortex and striatum. Modulates orexin system, enhances norepinephrine release, and inhibits GABAergic transmission in sleep centers.
The original "smart drug" that keeps you awake and alert for 10-12 hours. It works by keeping more dopamine available in your brain, making you feel motivated and focused. Popular with students, shift workers, and anyone who needs to push through fatigue.
Dopamine reuptake inhibitor with effects on orexin, histamine, and norepinephrine systems. Less selective than armodafinil (contains both R and S enantiomers).
A unique Russian compound that gives you energy AND reduces anxiety at the same time. Instead of draining your dopamine like most stimulants, it teaches your brain to make more of it naturally. Great as an afternoon booster that won't keep you up at night or make you feel wired.
Upregulates tyrosine hydroxylase and AAAD enzymes, increasing de novo dopamine synthesis (not reuptake inhibition). Also strengthens GABAergic mediation. Unique genomic mechanism.
The world's most popular stimulant. It works by blocking adenosine, the chemical that makes you feel sleepy. This lets your natural stimulating neurotransmitters flow freely, making you feel alert and awake. Best paired with L-theanine to avoid jitters and crashes.
Adenosine receptor antagonist. Blocks adenosine binding, preventing drowsiness. Inhibits phosphodiesterases.
Delivers choline directly to your brain, where it gets turned into acetylcholine—the neurotransmitter responsible for memory, learning, and focus. Think of it as fuel for your "thinking" brain chemical. It's the most bioavailable choline source, meaning more of it actually reaches your brain.
Choline donor that crosses blood-brain barrier. Increases acetylcholine synthesis and supports phospholipid membrane integrity. Influences dopaminergic and serotonergic systems.
A tiny but mighty nootropic that's up to 1000x more potent than older brain pills. It helps you form and recall memories better by boosting brain growth factors (BDNF and NGF). You only need a small dose because it's incredibly concentrated—a little goes a long way.
Dipeptide prodrug metabolized to cycloprolylglycine. Modulates acetylcholine and AMPA receptors. Increases NGF and BDNF in hippocampus.
Found naturally in tea leaves, this amino acid puts your brain into a calm, focused state without making you sleepy. It increases alpha brain waves—the same waves you get during meditation. Pairs perfectly with caffeine to give you smooth energy without the jitters.
Amino acid that crosses BBB and increases alpha brain waves. Modulates GABA, dopamine, and serotonin. Can mimic or block glutamate effects.
Your brain's raw material for making dopamine and adrenaline. When you're stressed, sleep-deprived, or mentally exhausted, your brain burns through these chemicals fast. Tyrosine helps replenish them, keeping your thinking sharp when you'd otherwise feel foggy and depleted.
Amino acid precursor to dopamine and norepinephrine. Converted via tyrosine hydroxylase to L-DOPA, then dopamine. Most effective when catecholamines depleted by stress.
Despite being famous from energy drinks, taurine is actually calming—it works on your brain's relaxation pathways (GABA). It protects your brain cells like an antioxidant, supports your heart, and helps with hydration. It's the ingredient that smooths out caffeine's rough edges.
Amino sulfonic acid that modulates GABA receptors, regulates calcium signaling, and has antioxidant properties. Supports cardiovascular and neurological function.
Famous for building muscle, but your brain uses it too. Creatine is like a backup battery for your cells—it helps regenerate ATP, your body's energy currency. When your brain is working hard or you're sleep-deprived, creatine helps keep the lights on upstairs.
Phosphate buffer for ATP regeneration. Brain stores 5-10% of body creatine. Supports brain energy metabolism during high cognitive demand.
The "sunshine vitamin" combo that most people are deficient in. D3 influences mood and brain function through serotonin and dopamine pathways. K2 makes sure the calcium D3 helps absorb goes to your bones, not your arteries. They work as a team for brain and body health.
D3 receptors in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus influence serotonin/dopamine. K2 activates brain proteins and supports sphingolipid synthesis.
The "chill mineral" that most people are deficient in. It activates your brain's calming system (GABA) and is needed for over 300 processes in your body. The glycinate form is gentle on your stomach and absorbs well. Great for sleep, stress, and overall brain function.
Essential mineral that binds GABA receptors. Necessary for serotonin synthesis. Glycinate form is highly bioavailable and gentle on GI.
Your brain is ~60% fat, and it needs the right kinds to function well. DHA (one of the omega-3s) is literally built into your brain cell membranes, while EPA fights inflammation. Most people don't eat enough fatty fish, so supplementing helps keep your brain structurally sound.
DHA supports membrane integrity and neuronal function. EPA has anti-inflammatory effects. Both influence neurotransmission.
Sodium and potassium are essential for every nerve signal in your body, including your brain. When you're fasting, eating low-carb, or sweating a lot, you lose these minerals fast. Replenishing them prevents brain fog, headaches, and fatigue. Dirt cheap and highly effective.
Sodium and potassium maintain cellular hydration, nerve impulse transmission, and muscle function. Critical during fasting and low-carb states.