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Brain and mind enhancement drugs also known as nootropic drugs or smart drugs are supplements made to help enhance brain and mind functions. They are regularly becoming a popular way to give your mind the needed extra boost. There may be other ways that could be used to enhance brain function, but using nootropics reduces the risks of addiction and side effects significantly. We outline a list of five nootropics that could be used to improve cognitive function.

·       Modafinil (Provigil)

Although modafinil has been approved by the FDA to be used for the treatment of narcolepsy, some people living without the condition used it to stay more alert, increase reaction time and improve motivation. Modafinil is often used too by people who do not have narcolepsy to enhance mental function.

Some simple studies have revealed that people using modafinil have shown improved working memory and planning. They also show better spatial planning, visual pattern recognition and increased reaction time. Even other complex assessments showed that modafinil may cause attention enhancement, increased executive learning and functions without hampering the mood of the user.

One thing you must know however is that the use of modafinil may cause reduced plasticity and even harm memory in brains of young ones. This side effect is also caused by Ritalin.

·       Noopept

Noopept has been said to enhances learning skills, memory retention and to also increase focus.

Studies done in mice a while back have shown that Noopept may enhance cognitive functions particularly spatial reasoning when it is related to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease. It is important to have in mind that Noopept was developed to treat cognitive decline related to aging although it remains unregulated in the UK, US and some other countries.

·       Omega-3 EPA and DHA

Omega 3 supplements have been said to improve concentration, reduce stress and enhance reaction time. Most of these omega 3 supplements are made from fish oils containing both DHA and EPA fatty acids. While everyone may be able to benefit straight from dietary sources of essential fatty acids, it is also important to supplement the intake particularly for people with heart diseases. Research is still not conclusive as to whether or not there is enough evidence of the effects omega 3 supplementation. Possible side effects that the fish oils used in making these omega 3 supplements contain DHA that may cause belching, loose stools, fishy taste and nosebleeds.

·       Piracetam

The Piracetam is believed to hell enhance memory, concentration, and learning by improving the flow of blood to the brain. It is also a member of the "racetrack" family of nootropic drugs.

It has been found to help in reducing twitching of the body in myoclonus epilepsy which is a rare disorder that has been studied a little. There are also mixed results concerning the studies conducted on whether Piracetam may enhance memory in test subjects that have cognitive impairment. But a lot of them show from a research of racetem drugs that Piracetam was helpful in enhancing cognition in people who had been victims of brain injury problems stroke. Its effects in reducing anxiety and in the treatment of depression was more noticeable.

Piracetam may cause allergic reactions, some balance and coordination problems, anxiety, nervousness and some other side effects. However, it is in a few cases these may happen.

·       Tyrosine

Brain hackers use Tyrosine to enhance alertness, memory, focus and creativity in solving problems. Studies conducted by the military suggest that tyrosine may improve focus, memory and alertness in patients who are healthy under the intense stress of military conditioning. While a working memory may be hampered in cold conditions, using a tyrosine supplement is believed to buffer the effect. Some side effects of tyrosine may include heartburn, nausea, joint pain, fatigue and headaches.