After the movie Limitless was released, people began to imagine that there could be a drug that could potentially make them smarter. Why? In the movie, a smart drug called NZT-48 was introduced. This drug was described as being the answer to increasing human intelligence beyond its current limits.

Even though it does sound like something from a Sci-Fi movie, scientists have been diligently working to create intelligence boosting drugs just like the fictitious one in the movie.

Currently, there are no drugs on the market that can compare to the one that was in the movie, but there are some smart drugs on the market, known as nootropics, that have the potential to improve a person’s cognitive abilities in a positive way.

Smart drugs, or nootropics, are being used by individuals from all walks of life. Athletes, students, business owners and even housewives are using these drugs to improve memory, concentration, and focus. The most popular smart pills have even been credited with improving communications, both written and verbal.

Although a large percentage of people who use these drugs do not admit it, recent surveys conducted by prestigious scientific publications have discovered there is widespread use of nootropics in all age ranges. In fact, the surveys revealed that one in five people use these drugs as a concentration stimuli, and not for medical reasons.

Prescription Nootropics

Typically, the main difference between a non-prescription and a prescription drug is that prescription drugs have the potential to increase risk factors such as side effects and addiction.

Prescription drugs are generally listed in schedules. The classification is made based on the drug’s potential to cause abuse or addiction. When it comes to nootropics, some of the most popular medications that come to mind are Adderall, Dexedrine, and Ritalin.

These drugs are known psychostimulants that are often prescribed to improve concentration and focus, especially for those with ADD or ADHD. Although many patients have expressed their benefits, they are not the only prescription-based drugs for cognitive enhancement.

The Different Types Of Nootropics

Modafinil is a drug available only through a prescription that is generally prescribed to treat sleeping disorders like narcolepsy. However, it has also gained mainstream attention in publications like Rolling Stone for being an effective nootropic. It is favorite among smart drug users to increase mental wakefulness, while also promoting motivation and concentration.

Before Modafinil hit the market, there was Adrafinil. Adrafinil was a popular drug for treating narcolepsy in the 1980s. In addition, the liver can convert Adrafinil into Modafinil. However, after pharmaceutical manufacturers realized that they could create Modafinil, they stopped manufacturing Adrafinil.

The racetam family of nootropics is some of the most commonly used smart drugs in the world. This group of smart drugs includes:

• Piracetam
• Aniracetam
• Oxiracetam
• Pramiracetam
• Phenylpiracetam

After five decades of research, this classification of smart drugs has been deemed non-addictive, non-toxic and safe. This family of nootropics can help users improve memory and focus, while also improving brain vasodilation.

These smart drugs are popular because the benefits they offer are available to a range of users. However, it is important to keep in mind that they will affect each individual differently.