Smart drugs, also called nootropics, are known to enhance your brainpower. They are designed to boost your cognition, memory, learning, concentration, motivation, and alertness. Nowadays, people have been relying on smart drugs to gain an edge over their academics and work.

The word nootropic is derived from the Greek words “nous” and “trepein,” which means “to bend or turn your mind.” Corneliu Giurgea, who was a Romanian psychologist and chemist, coined the term nootropic in 1972. He synthesized Piracetam, a nootropic agent, in 1964.

Generally, nootropics belong to synthetic compounds, dietary supplements, and prescription drugs. However, it is now referred to as any natural or synthetic substance that can potentially help boost brain function and cognition.

There are numerous over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription smart drugs available widely online or in stores, which are known to boost cognition, memory, creativity, and other important brain function. It has also been found that these drugs improve your decision-making abilities.

Although the exact mechanism of action of smart drugs is unknown, it is presumed that they work by improving the secretion of certain neurotransmitters, or brain chemicals, which are associated with cognition, learning, memory, concentration, and motivation.

More and more people have been using nootropics to give a boost to their cognition, gaining an edge at their work and life. In fact, many people have experienced positive effects of smart drugs, especially modafinil (Provigil), armodafinil (Nuvigil), and piracetam.

Drugs like modafinil and armodafinil have also been advised to patients with excessive daytime sleepiness caused by obstructive sleep apnea and narcolepsy. These drugs have wakefulness-promoting effects, keeping the users active and alert during the day. It has been found that many professionals are using these smart drugs to be attentive and focused at their workplace.

In the United States, experts have found that many students are using modafinil and armodafinil off-label to perform well in studies – thanks to the drugs’ wakefulness-promoting properties. However, it is important to note that modafinil and armodafinil are prescription smart drugs, which are to be used under the supervision of a doctor.

Many people, especially students, have also been found to use attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) drugs such as amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall) and methylphenidate (Ritalin) because of their ‘concentration-strengthening’ effects. Adderall and Ritalin are also classified under smart drugs.

Some smart drugs are sold as OTC supplements, which are a mixture of essential vitamins, fats, phytochemicals, and antioxidants.

The global smart drugs market is predicted to grow from $2 billion in 2015 to $11 billion by 2024. The global nootropic industry is expected to grow even bigger due to rising demands, especially in the United States.

Undeniably, there are a number of promising prescription smart drugs in the market, but currently, their studies seem to have mixed results. With nootropics, you may give a temporary boost to your brain, but like many synthetic drugs, smart drugs do carry a few potential side effects. So be careful and seek medical advice before using one.