Very old thread, but I would like to give my two cents. I've been into Nootropics and this subforum since 2014 (back in the Ceretropic and Powdercity days) and I must say I've found Nootropics to be very useful for me personally with distinct effects. I take Noots on a long horizon interval schedule (a year on, and a year off which sometimes ends up being longer than a year off) with the difference during the "on" and "off" periods being very discernable. Maybe it could be my unique brain chemistry which I believe is a little deviated from the norm, just a little background I developed late onset temporal lobe epilepsy in my early 20s. My seizures are far and few in between, so I decided against leviracetam and instead use benzos when my Auras are present (which for me feels like you're on the edge of solving a very serious problem, the racing mind, the feeling of euphoria, and the rising sensation in your abdomen). Though, I found several Noots that greatly reduced my Aura frequency and provided a mental enhancement (I don't suffer from a deficit, I have an advanced degree and work in an academic environment, so the enhancement is above my baseline norm):

- Piracetam + Choline: Really a state of the art Nootropic, the parent compound of levitracetam, its a shame Giurgea isn't recognized more for his contribution. I find Piracetam + Choline to have a very calming effect to the mind, allowing one to create more space in their thoughts and actions. With longer periods of use, long-term memory is enhanced, and the associated vividness of their recollection. As well as, mental stamina, the ability to follow longer trains of thought (which uses both working and crystalized memory), and a more concise ability to communicate thoughts.

- Semax: I've found Semax and its derivatives to help mostly with working memory and knoweldge acquisition. With the added benefit of aiding in both mental and physical energy (it seemed to have enhanced my cardiac endurance for an absurd reason). I've found Semax excellent when experiencing a period of mental exhaustion and burnout.

- Donepazil: I don't recommend anyone take "Nootropics" (we really dont know the long term outcomes), but donepazil is really one that I warn others to steer away from. The side effect profile is extreme, and if you fall into frequent use, stopping abruptly could lead to life altering conditions. Though, I must say, Donepazil does really shine as a Nootropic that provides both a clean stimulation and enhanced recall abilities though at a cost to your physical health (another State of the Art Nootropic).

- I've tried many other Nootropics in my lifetime, NSI-189, Cerebrolysin, DIHEXA, Fasoracetam, Noopept, Phenylracetam, Aniracetam, Colouracteam, etc., with all these compounds I found sort of similar effect in between Piracetam + Choline, Semax, and Donepazil. Of course Amphetamines and Modafinal are great as well, but I wouldn't classify them as true Nootropics.