Many of these drugs are now being used for purposes other
than what they were originally intended
(i.e., to fight Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s diseases) and at times,
therein lies the rub. Surprisingly, a few are commonplace in our daily life;
one is probably already in your kitchen cupboard. Nonetheless, the majority
of the pharmaceuticals mentioned here are serious business, and it is highly
advised that they are only taken with your physician’s supervision and advice.
Problem is, many physicians aren’t familiar with some of the new cutting edge
uses of these medications. If your own doctor does not know or condone of Smart
Drugs, ask him or her for references, or call some local physicians for the same.
Doctors acquainted with nootropics can also be found from the source list at the
Cognitive Enhancement Research Institute (CERI), P.O. Box 4029-2014, Menlo Park,
CA 94026-4029, or at their website at www.ceri.com. There you will find not only
a wealth of further information on most Smart Drugs, but links to other smart drug
sites as well. The folks who run CERI are also responsible for the CERI Newsletter,
and the highly informative books Smart Drugs and Nutrients and Smart Drugs II. Many
thanks to them and their resources in researching parts of this compendium.
Please keep in mind, too, that few of the substances mentioned here are readily
available in the United States without a doctor’s prescription. These drugs in particular,
though available in Mexico and from overseas pharmaceutical mail-order firms, are the ones
you should most consult a physician before taking.
Here’s a current round-up of some of the most popular Smart Drugs, their claims, and their drawbacks.
ADRAFINIL (Brand Name: Olmifon)
CAFFEINE
CENTROPHENOXINE (Brand name: Lucidril)
DEPRENYL (Brand Names: Eldepryl, Jumex)
DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)
DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol Bitartrate)
HYDERGINE
PIRACETAM (NOOTROPIL)
PHENYTOIN (Brand name: Dilantin)
For more information on Mindworks click here
The official medical name is "nootropics"
(derived from a Greek word meaning "acting on the mind").
Others refer to them as "Cerebroactive Compounds." But the colloquial
term is "Smart Drugs" or "Cognitive Enhancement" substances which claim
to do everything from perk up your day, to increase your creative
potential, and even, in some cases, extend your lifespan.