MetaFilter posts tagged with nootropics

Society upto speed?

daksya — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 23:59:15 -0800

Towards responsible use of cognitive-enhancing drugs by the healthy - a commentary in Nature that says, "we call for a presumption that mentally competent adults should be able to engage in cognitive enhancement using drugs". Farkesque debate here. Some earlier related FPPs: "By their drugs shall ye know them." Nootropics ("smart" drugs)

Gotta get up, gotta get up, gotta get up

deusdiabolus — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:50:57 -0800

All hail the energy drink! Potentially dating back as far as early 1900s Scotland, the energy drink has evolved from a nasty-tasting "health tonic" into a brightly-colored and supercharged fuel for body and/or mind. The phenomena gained speed with the advent of "classics" such as Jolt Cola and later Red Bull - and many current formulas do not stray from the high caffeine and B-vitamin formula. (And, of course, there is the other appeal of the energy drink...) However, newer energy drinks are taking a more health-conscious and organic approach, such as the all natural Guru Energy and Brain Toniq (neither of which contain sugar, fructose or artificial sweeteners). I am personally hoping for a Piracetam-based drink...

How else are we supposed to grade all these papers?

anotherpanacea — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 19:42:51 -0800

"By their drugs shall ye know them." I always thought that nootropics would change the face of the academy, but it turns out scholars are getting high on Adderall. Is that so bad? Well, it's an addictive amphetamine, and it's supposedly cheating when students to take advantage of chemical assistance. Plus, boredom is good for you. From the NYTimes article:

“I’m talking about being able to take on twice the responsibility, work twice as fast, write more effectively, manage better, be more attentive, devise better and more creative strategies.”

Is it cheating if it helps us cure cancer?

Big heads wobbling on wee necks?....

troutfishing — Fri, 05 Mar 2004 10:11:01 -0800

Nootropics ("smart" drugs) - all wish to be smarter, correct ? And - while exercise, nutrition, learning, travel, and social interaction (the last 3 via release of neurotrophins) effectively do this, Nootropic drugs have been researched since the 1950's and have been shown to cause at least short term cognitive function enhancement. Piracetam, the first of this drugs, shows promise in the treatment of Alzheimer's and Attention deficit Disorder. Alas, as with poor little Algernon, the effect seems temporary. Nootropics can be a little difficult to acquire in the US. Beer is not a nootropic, but sex on the other hand.....