Your Best Nootropics for Creativity & Imagination in 2024

Nootropics, commonly known as “smart drugs,” are supplements, herbs, pills, or other substances that are capable of boosting mental performance in healthy individuals. Considering how effective some of them are, coupled with the results they’ve helped prominent individuals achieve, they’ve cemented their place in today’s highly competitive society.

Without wasting your time, here are the very best nootropics for creativity & imagination in 2021.

What Is Nootropic?

“Nootropic” is a term used to refer to a class of drugs, supplements, or any other substances that can enhance brain function in healthy people [1]. These drugs have become so popular that people from all walks of life, including students, market analysts, top-level executives from Fortune 500 corporations, and celebrities, now use them.

Contrary to what many people think, “smart drugs” have been around and in use much longer than expected. The first synthetic nootropic was formulated by a Romanian chemist and psychologist called Corneliu E. Giurgea in the 60s to treat motion sickness. He developed piracetam and demonstrated its ability to enhance cognitive abilities such as information processing speed and memory. He then coined the term “nootropic” in 1972; thus, it may be safe to regard him as the father of nootropics [2][3].

Ever since, more and more better and safer alternatives that promise faster results and minimal risk of side effects have been developed. However, many continue to wonder if they are safe and whether they work.

Note that some nootropics are safe, while others aren’t, and they may even give rise to severe or life-threatening side effects. Fortunately, our list consists only of the best nootropic stacks for creativity, so you can rest assured that they’re safe.

Best Nootropics for Creativity | 2021 Choice

Before diving head-first to purchase one of the products on this list to help make you creative, it is worth noting that nootropics are divided into two broad categories: over-the-counter supplements and prescription drugs. Knowing what category the product you’re using falls under will help you consume it correctly and get the best out of it.

Here’s a table showing our list of top nootropics of 2021 and what category they fall under.

Drug	Prescription drug	Supplement
Mind Lab Pro	❌	✔️
Noopept	❌	✔️
Phenibut	❌	✔️
Aniracetam	❌	✔️
Armodafinil	✔️	❌
Piracetam	❌	✔️
Sulbutiamine	❌	✔️
Coluracetam	✔️	❌

It is worth noting that nootropics under the prescription category were specially formulated to treat various health conditions, e.g., sleep disorders such as narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder (SWSD), and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). On the other hand, the supplements are formulated specifically for cognitive enhancement and can therefore be used more frequently. However, they aren’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are restricted from making certain claims.

Let’s find out more about these “smart drugs.”

Mind Lab Pro

Mind Lab Pro (MLP) is a dietary supplement, meaning that it can be purchased over the counter very easily. It consists of a unique blend of 11 individual nootropic ingredients that have been tested and proven to be safe, well-tolerated, and highly effective. This product works quite differently from others. It increases focus, memory retention, and alertness and boosts the creativity of users by working in six bio-pathways [4].

The MLP’s manufacturer boasts of its product being the cleanest nootropic supplement on the market, as it utilizes only superior forms of each ingredient. While this is yet to be scientifically proven based on the fact that dietary supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA, reviews from the hundreds, if not thousands, of people who’ve used it indicate that there’s a lot of truth in that.

Mind Lab Pro contains no artificial colors, zero preservatives, zero gluten, and zero stimulants – the main culprit behind the sudden energy crashes associated with many other nootropics. This product has limited side effects and is easy to use. No wonder it is currently one of the most popular over-the-counter cognitive enhancers, with countless packs sold.

If you’re looking to boost your mental strength, improve attention, increase memory retention, and approach problem solving more creatively, Mind Lab Pro is a great product to try out [5].

Noopept

Noopept is a popular nootropic that’s quite different from several others; it is a prescription medication that can be bought over the counter as a dietary supplement. One other feature that makes it stand out is the fact that its effects kick in relatively faster than those of some other nootropics. Thus, instead of taking hours, days, or even weeks to get working, it takes effect just within a few minutes.

This product was specifically formulated to improve memory retention and to help people recover quickly from brain injuries. Although more is still being learned about Noopept, it has also been shown to possess protective effects on the brain and influence the ability to think well and process information. No wonder people who take it experience a remarkable increase in creativity and imagination.

A couple of human studies and animal trials have already indicated that it works just fine; more studies still need to be conducted to learn more about the drug, including its adverse reactions, interactions, and its effects in different people.

It is worth noting that the legal status of this drug varies from place to place. Thus, while it’s possible to get it without a prescription in countries like the United States, Russia, among others, it is classified as a scheduled substance in the UK.

Phenibut

Phenibut is a prescription medication originally used to treat anxiety, alcohol use disorder, and insomnia. However, many people take it for cognitive enhancement and as a recreational drug to achieve a feeling of euphoria. Because phenibut depresses the central nervous system (CNS) pretty much like gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), it is commonly used off-label to improve mood.

The drug is typically administered either orally as a tablet or intravenously. However, it can be unsafe for most people when taken by mouth. It can be addictive if used frequently and may cause withdrawal symptoms in people who use it regularly and stop taking it suddenly. Side effects associated with its use include nausea, fatigue, a hangover effect, and dizziness. Even worse, it may lead to unconsciousness, difficulty breathing, or death if taken in large doses or abused [6].

Phenibut made it to this list because several people have reported experiencing an increase in alertness, better memory retention ability, and an improvement in creativity. However, there’s limited scientific evidence or proof that supports its effectiveness.

The drug is available under several brand names, such as Fenibut, Anvifen, and Noofen, among others. Although it lacks FDA approval, its possession isn’t considered illegal [7].

Aniracetam

This product is a powerful stimulant that offers wake-promoting effects, increases alertness, and generally acts as a mental enhancer. It is similar to caffeine and is thought to boost memory, increase concentration, and ultimately boost productivity [8]. These features make it useful to students and professionals from all walks of life in search of a game-changing nootropic product.

Aniracetam is known to work by triggering the release of AMPA (αlpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid) receptors, which in turn increases the speed at which chemical signals move between nerve cells (neurons) [9].

Experts believe that the drug is capable of enhancing brain function, improving creativity and imagination. However, one study conducted on adult mice in 2014 indicated that the drug neither eliminated anxiety nor increased cognition [8]. But this doesn’t hold much water, as drugs typically require many clinical trials with positive results to become acceptable. More human trials need to be conducted to learn more about the drug, its side effects, and how to get the best out of it.

Several people have reported experiencing a remarkable improvement in cognition, especially in the area of creativity, after taking this drug. This is not surprising, as it brings about calmness, thanks to its anxiety-reducing properties. We tend to be more creative when we’re very relaxed.

Aniracetam is available in Europe as a prescription drug, but it is not approved by the FDA in the US.

Armodafinil

Armodafinil is one product you’ll probably almost always find on random lists of the best nootropics that help enhance cognition. It is originally a wakefulness-promoting agent used to treat excessive daytime sleepiness and tiredness caused by sleep disorders such as SWSD, narcolepsy, and OSA. However, it is more commonly used off-label for its ability to increase creativity, improve imagination, boost focus and memory retention.

Although armodafinil is very effective, some people tend to achieve better results from modafinil – a drug very similar in structure to armodafinil. Feel free to give either product a shot to find out which works better for you.

Hundreds, if not thousands, of people from different parts of the world, have given this drug the thumbs up in terms of effectiveness and safety. If you’re looking to enjoy 10+ hours of laser-like focus, enhanced creativity, and other benefits, there’s a high chance you’ll get it from armodafinil or modafinil.

Both armodafinil and modafinil are approved by the FDA. It is worth noting that they’re controlled substances and may only be obtained with a valid prescription [12].

Piracetam

Piracetam is a popular nootropic that has tons of creatives who depend on it for increased creativity, laser-like focus, improved memory, and better concentration. But you know what’s interesting about this drug? It’s the fact that it was the first nootropic to be developed. Since its creation in the 60s, it has helped hundreds of lyricists, students, analysts, and creatives from all over the world perform much better.

Besides its already mentioned off-label use and medical use for treating epilepsy, learning disorders like dyslexia, dizziness, and movement disorders, it is capable of improving memory decline associated with old age.

Piracetam equally works by triggering receptors that are typically regulated by GABA. Thus, it may also be capable of treating anxiety and helping with relaxation. Although uncontrolled, several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of this drug in treating some memory-related issues in healthy adults. There are also several positive reviews from people who’ve used it, which serve as a buttress for its effectiveness [10][11].

Like Noopept, piracetam is also a prescription med that can be purchased over the counter as a supplement. As with every other drug, do well to consult your doctor before taking this product.

Sulbutiamine

Sulbutiamine is a supplement similar to vitamin B1 that regulates the level of thiamine in the brain. It is known to offer remarkable cognitive-enhancing benefits, including improved creativity, quick mental processing speed, and increased focus. This dietary supplement is often used by healthy individuals from all walks of life, including athletes, students, and industry experts, among others.

Sulbutiamine is generally safe, especially when administered orally, and it has very limited side effects. A few people who took it reported experiencing fatigue, insomnia, headache, and nausea, which lasted only for a short period when they first started using it. If you decide to take this supplement, it is best to use it correctly only for the short term [13].

Although there are only positive reviews of this drug, it is worth noting that there’s limited research on it. Consult your healthcare provider before starting treatment with this product or any other nootropic.

Coluracetam

Coluracetam is a “smart drug” widely believed to improve memory, increase focus and alertness, boost memory retention ability, and enhance mental processing speed. It was originally studied in Japan in the 90s to determine its effectiveness in treating Alzheimer’s. However, no paper on the studies was published.

Although the product has over time amassed many positive reviews from people who’ve used it, it is advisable to steer clear of it unless advised otherwise by a doctor. The fact that the company behind its development halted its operations should be enough reason to discontinue using this product [14].

In case you’re wondering why this product is on this list, it is to provide clinical information for our readers who may already be taking it, as well as those who plan on taking it.

More Ingredients to Look For

At this point, it is worth noting that there are certain dietary supplements or other substances that aren’t nootropics in themselves but contain a number of them. Coffee is a good example; it contains caffeine, which is a nootropic, perhaps one of the most commonly used ones, but it isn’t marketed as a “smart drug.” Consequently, there are a host of other ingredients that are known for aiding cognition.

If you aren’t cut out for actual “smart drugs,” like those listed earlier, you can search and rely on products that contain nootropic ingredients. These products are equally capable of gradually boosting creativity and imagination.

So, here are some of the ingredients to look out for.

GABA

GABA, the acronym for gamma-aminobutyric acid, is an amino acid that occurs naturally in the brain. The brain level of this neurotransmitter at any point in time has been found to influence mood, mental state, and overall well-being.

Low GABA levels have been linked to anxiety, insomnia, and mood disorders like depression. Thus, topping up by taking GABA-based supplements can help the brain and body relax, ultimately making us achieve quality sleep and a healthy feeling overall [15]. Subsequently, creativity and better imagination naturally set in due to the relaxed state of the body.

As with every other nootropic product, it is advisable to take GABA supplements exactly as recommended by the manufacturer or a healthcare provider. Note that using it more often than required can raise the GABA levels in the brain beyond the threshold, and this may cause excessive daytime sleepiness [16].

L-Theanine

L-theanine is a naturally occurring amino acid used in a majority of “smart drugs” for its cognitive-enhancing effects. It is typically found in some mushrooms, green and black tea and is responsible for the stimulating effects of products or drinks that contain it [17].

One study showed that taking roughly 2 cups of black tea (about 50 mg of this organic molecule) can increase alpha waves in the brain, which has been found to boost creativity [18]. Several other studies have indicated that 200 mg of it produces a calming effect without causing energy crashes or drowsiness when its effects wear off [19].

You can’t possibly go wrong taking supplements that contain this amino acid, but that’s if you use it correctly anyway.

Bacopa Monnieri

Like L-theanine, Bacopa monnieri is a popular cognitive-enhancing ingredient commonly used in many nootropic products. It is an ancient herb that has been used for many years to enhance cognitive function, reduce stress and anxiety.

People who’ve used this remedy report getting better sleep and noticing an improvement in creativity and concentration. But besides reviews from users, several studies have suggested that supplements containing Bacopa monnieri can help to boost memory retention ability, reduce reaction time, and improve mental processing speed [20][21].

With user reviews and scientific evidence, there’s no doubt that this ingredient can help improve creativity and imagination. However, like every other medication, herb, or supplement, Bacopa monnieri isn’t without side effects, especially when used for the first time. But they are mild and typically go away without any treatment.

Consult your doctor before taking any supplement or prescription medication.

Phosphatidylserine (PS)

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a chemical that occurs naturally in the human body and is relevant in the maintenance of cellular function, especially in the brain. It is often used for treating mental decline in seniors, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. Several studies have equally indicated that this chemical might be able to enhance brainpower. However, people who’ve used supplements that contain it report experiencing a remarkable improvement in memory retention, mood, and their ability to concentrate [22][23].

So when next you walk into a store or are doing your regular online shopping for nootropic supplements, GABA, L-theanine, Bacopa monnieri, and phosphatidylserine are ingredients worth looking out for.

Side Effects & Safety of These Drugs

Nootropics are known to work by tweaking the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. Ordinarily, any drug capable of making such changes in the body is bound to have side effects. Fortunately, the side effects associated with “good nootropics” are typically mild, occurring mostly when the drug is first taken. More often than not, they fade away within a few hours without any treatment.

*We’ve used the term “good nootropics” to refer to high-quality pharmaceutical or over-the-counter nootropics that are tested and trusted.

Note that both prescription and over-the-counter “smart drugs” have similar negative after-effects. However, some of them pose a lower risk.

Here are the side effects that can result from using these drugs [24]:

• fast heartbeat;
• insomnia;
• addiction;
• blurry vision;
• hypertension.

It is worth noting that more serious negative reactions may occur if the drugs are abused or aren’t used correctly.

Considering safety, “good nootropics” hardly ever cause serious side effects. For example, prescription meds like modafinil and armodafinil have been around for a long time and are tested and trusted. They have been used by thousands of people from different parts of the world, and the reviews from a majority of them are positive. There are also lots of published research papers on modafinil that indicate its safety, tolerability, and low potential for abuse when used by individuals looking to stay awake, work late, or enhance their cognitive reactions [25].

Today, many people around the world use “smart drugs” to boost their productivity at work or in school, and you too can. However, do well to get them from a reputable source so you can rest assured they’re legit and safe.

Who Are the Best Generic Modafinil Sellers?

Modafinil is one of the most popular prescription nootropics used by “smart drug” enthusiasts, thanks to its safety, limited adverse effects, and low potential for abuse. Subsequently, it is very easy to come by in local pharmacies and online drugstores.

Most people (especially those looking to take it for its off-label use) prefer buying it online because of the associated ease since it is a prescription-only medication. Although there are countless e-drugstores one can simply buy from, it is advisable to patronize only reliable and trustworthy vendors that guarantee the delivery of high-quality generic modafinil pills quickly.

Some qualities that suggest that a pharmacy is good may include the fact that it takes customer service very seriously, has a genuine refund policy, deals with reputable manufacturers, and has many positive reviews on legit review platforms like Yotpo, Trustpilot, among others.

We understand that searching to tick these boxes to settle with a modafinil supplier can be a tad challenging, so we’ve listed some vendors we’ve vetted, which are found to meet the requirements. They are BuyModafinilOnline.com, ModafinilXL.com, FoxDose.com, HighStreetPharma.com, and ModaPharma.org. These vendors have different offers and sell generic modafinil at varying prices, but you can check them out to find which one floats your boat.

Final Thoughts: Top Nootropics for Creativity

Today, there are countless nootropics on the market that claim to boost creativity & imagination. While it’s true that many of them actually can (there is scientific evidence and lots of reviews from people who use them), it is important to understand that NOT all of them work.

What we’ve done for you in this article is organized the best nootropics for creativity based on scientific proof and reviews from very many “smart drug” enthusiasts. Sure, they’re still a lot to choose from, but at least they’re safe. At this point, it is important to understand that not everyone responds to a select nootropic the same way. Many people have to try a couple of products before finding the one that provides them with the best results with minimal risk of side effects.

If you aren’t sure what will work best for you, one of the best products you can start with is modafinil. It is so well-tolerated and safe that researchers at Oxford and Harvard universities have termed it “the world’s first safe ‘smart drug.’” Some people get the best results (in terms of quicker onset of effects and effectiveness) by stacking two or more nootropics, but this can lead to severe adverse effects if not done properly. If you’d like to learn more about this, you can check back for our post about the best nootropic stack for creativity.

Note: Not all of these nootropics are supported or recommended by healthcare providers. Do well to consult your doctor before taking any of them.

References

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18. Effect of Green Tea Phytochemicals on Mood and Cognition. By Christina Dietz and Matthijs Dekker. Retrieved: July 1, 2021. Pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
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20. The Cognitive-Enhancing Effects of Bacopa Monnieri: A Systematic Review of Randomized, Controlled Human Clinical Trials. By Matthew P. Pase, James Kean, et al. Retrieved: July 1, 2021. Pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
21. Phosphatidylserine: Uses and Risks. Medically reviewed by Christine Mikstas, RD, LD. Retrieved: July 1, 2021. Webmd.com.
22. Phosphatidylserine: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, and Precautions. Retrieved: July 1, 2021. Webmd.com.
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