Buy Nootropics in the UK | The #1 A-Z Guide
Curious about nootropics in the UK these days? Then you’re in the perfect place, mate!
Many citizens and ex-pats in the United Kingdom have been curious about nootropics and smart drugs as of late. Why? Because the allure of popping a pill and enhancing your mental capabilities is enticing.
In this guide, I’m going to breakdown everything you must know about nootropics and smart drugs in the UK. From legalities to prescriptions to the best nootropics… and where to buy them.
P.S: This is the top-rated over-the-counter nootropic in the UK.
For those looking for a quick nootropic recommendation, just click that link above. If you’re looking for an in-depth guide that breaks down everything you’d ever need to know about smart drugs in the United Kingdom, then keep on reading this bad boy.
Table of Contents
I am not a doctor, nor am I a lawyer. The information below is not advice. It’s simply entertainment. Always consult a medical professional before consuming any supplements, nootropics, and/or prescription drugs. Please read my full disclaimer too.
What are Nootropics?
If you’re searching for information on nootropics, then I have to imagine you already know what these miracle supplements are.
But if not, let me break it down for you…
Nootropics are a class of chemicals, supplements, smart drugs, and/or prescription drugs designed to enhance the mind and improve your mental faculties in some way [1].
Essentially, these products offer cognitive benefits in one way or another to users [2].
The movie “Limitless” was based upon an over-hyped version of a nootropic. Some smart drug that helped the main character go from zero to hero in a matter of weeks.
Nootropics work… but not that well ;(
Each and every nootropic supplement offers a slightly different array of cognitive benefits, but there’s a lot of overlap. Common cognitive benefits smart drugs offer include:
- Enhanced overall cognition
- Improved brainpower
- Increased ability to focus
- Inability to feel fatigue
- Improved memory retention
- Increased productivity
- Better attention span
- Improved overall mood
Basically, the best nootropics in the UK allow you to stay focused for longer, get more done, and actually enjoy the process. Damn good benefits if you ask me.
Some claim nootropics where invented in 1972 when scientists first realized the massive cognitive benefits of Piracetam [3].
However, many are of the opinion that coffee, caffeine, and even nicotine can be considered nootropics in some way—as these products offer brain-boosting benefits.
Thus…
Humans have been using “nootropics” and some form of “smart drugs” for centuries. Enhancing the mind is nothing new, it’s the nootropic products we’re using to do the enhancing that’s changed.
Nootropics Side Effects and Safety
Before you dive too deep into the nootropic world, let’s take a step back and talk about a few of the downsides to nootropic use.
Nootropics offer insane cognitive benefits to all users, but there are a few side effects you’ll have to look out for too.
I should say right off the bat, that virtually all nootropics are considered 100% safe. Caffeine you already know is safe. But even the majority of prescription medications are considered safe by researchers.
For example, Modafinil has been called, “a safe smart drug” by researchers at Oxford University [4, 5]. Similarly, research on Alpha Brain, another nootropic, found that 91% of users reported absolutely no side effects. Of those that did have side effects, none reported serious side effects [6, 7].
So what are nootropic side effects? Here are a few common issues [8]:
- Insomnia: If you take nootropics in the afternoon or evening, you may find it difficult to fall asleep. Make sure to take smart drugs in the morning—unless you want to pull an all-nighter.
- Headaches: Some users report headaches of varying degrees when taking nootropics. This side effect is rare but is something to consider. I’ve found staying hydrated and not “mega-dosing” usually eliminates any headache concerns.
- Nausea: The most common nootropic side effect tends to be nausea, stomach pains, and diarrhea. This is generally due to forgetting to eat food or drink enough water when taking nootropics. Modafinil often causes minor nausea the following morning, whereas this isn’t common with Mind Lab Pro.
- High Blood Pressure: If you have any blood pressure issues, you should consult with a medical professional before taking nootropics. While smart drugs generally do not cause high blood pressure, they could cause issues for individuals already suffering from the ailment.
These nootropic side effects tend to be the most common. However, many users experience little to no side effects when taking Mind Lab Pro and even Modafinil [4, 6].
If you have concerns about side effects, start taking nootropics at a smaller dosage to start and then scale things upward. This will allow you to gauge if you’re personally having any issues.
Overall, most individuals find nootropic side effects to be a minor concern… and the massive cognitive benefits tend to far outweigh the minor side effects.
Are Nootropics Legal in the UK?
That’s a bit of a complicated question, mate. Each substance is regulated differently.
But the gist of it is this…
Yes, most nootropics are 100% legal in the UK these days.
In fact, I’d venture to say that ZERO individuals in the United Kingdom have had a legal issue involving personal nootropics usage.
Here’s why:
Many of the best nootropics in the country can be purchased over-the-counter. In other words, they’re 100% legal products, containing no illegal ingredients and/or chemicals. You don’t need a prescription to get your hands on these smart drugs. You can simply order them online or walk into a health/supplement store and buy them. No issues! I’m talking products like Mind Lab Pro and Phenibut.
However, a few of the best nootropics in the United Kingdom are also classified as prescription drugs. I’m talking products like Modafinil in the UK and even Armodafinil.
These supplements were originally pharmaceutical drugs that now classify as nootropics, as well. As such, it’s a little bit more difficult to get your hands on these smart drugs.
However, it’s not impossible. Nor is it 100% illegal either. Prescription smart drugs tend to fall in a legal “grey area” so to speak. This means you personally run zero legal risks when buying this nootropic online, but purchasing them is technically frowned upon from a legal perspective. This is due to the:
UK Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
See, possession of a prescription-only-medication (POM), which Modafinil and Armodafinil technically are, is only illegal in the United Kingdom if the pharmaceutical drug is the on UK Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 [9]. Currently, Modafinil is not on this list. As such, possession of Modafinil is not considered a punishable offense.
This means you can buy Modafinil online while living in the United Kingdom without worry. Worst case scenario it gets confiscated by customs and you get a full refund—but even that is rare!
TL:DR – Nootropics are 100% legal in the United Kingdom. You’re free to test and try out as many smart drugs as you like. Cognitive enhancement and increased productivity await!
Top 3 Legal Nootropics in the UK
Now that we’ve got all the basics out of the way, let’s get into ‘bangers and mash’ of this here guide.
It’s time to talk about the absolute best nootropics in the UK and where you can buy them online. If that’s what you need to succeed, then keep on reading below.
Here are my favorite legal smart drugs in 2022:
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Mind Lab Pro
As of today, Mind Lab Pro is the premier over-the-counter nootropic available to mankind—in the United Kingdom and elsewhere!
This all-natural smart drug is potent, powerful, and offers an impressive brain boost. Oh, and it’s 110% legal in the UK. When taking Mind Lab Pro, I find myself crushing work for 6-9+ hours. Focused, engaged, in a great mood, etc. The stuff just works!
But it’s not Modafinil. You won’t get 12-15++ hours of enhanced brainpower with this smart drug. However, 6-9+ hours more than gets the job done on a regular workday.
With Mind Lab Pro, you’ll find incredible focus and cognition—due to the 11 brain-boosting ingredients found within. These ingredients, including Bacopa Monnieri [10] and Lion’s Mane Mushroom [11] work together to offer benefits like:
- Enhanced memory retention
- Increased motivation
- Improved mood
- High energy levels
- Insane focus
- Brain neuroprotection benefits
However…
These aren’t the only reasons I’m a huge fan of Mind Lab Pro. In fact, there’s another specific reason I’ve perfer this over-the-counter smart drug. What’s that?
The CREATIVE benefits.
Mind Lab Pro ensures enhanced focus and memory retention like a great nootropic should, but the supplement does so much more. It’s the ideal nootropic when you want to tap the creative side of your brain… when you want new ideas to just flow.
With Mind Lab Pro, you’ll find heightened cognition and intense focus—along with an impressive creative boost.
Highly, highly recommended.
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Qualia Mind
Qualia Mind is another of my favorites right now.
Qualia Mind, like Mind Lab Pro, is a very potent mental performance enhancer. It results in an impressive focus, concentration, and energy.
One of the best things about Qualia though is that, unlike a lot of other nootropics, it’s not just a stimulant. It’s very common for the less legitimate companies to just pump their nootropics full of caffeine because, well…caffeine is cheap.
The problem is that then the nootropic is 90% stimulants and you just feel jittery. You might have lots of energy, but you can’t control it.
Qualia is different. While I do feel energetic, it’s super focused energy. It’s like driving a Lambo: sure, you’ve got tons of power. But you can also steer really well.
The other thing I noticed, like Mind Lab Pro, is that Qualia is an extremely good nootropic for creativity. It’s like having idea after idea coupled with the energy and focus to act on it. I’ve said Modafinil is my favorite smart drug, but Modafinil is not good for being creative. It’s great for powering through a to-do list, but not writing a novel.
If you want that creative, productive energy, Qualia Mind is for you.
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Flmodafinil
Flmodafinil is the new kid on the block in the nootropic world, so there’s not a lot of research on it yet. We’re just starting to get a sense of what it can do.
But what we do know is that it’s a lot like Modafinil. That’s because their chemical structures are very similar [12].
My experience was great. It had a lot of the benefits of Modafinil, it just didn’t last as long. I noticed my focus, productivity, and concentration were heightened. It didn’t last as long as Modafinil, but I still maintained that focus for about 8-10 hours. It was great.
Other users seem to also be having some really positive experiences. According to a user of Flmodafinil on Reddit:
“Wow. It didn’t disappoint. Took it just before lunchtime today and I’ve had the most productive day ever. Smashed through my work, did some house chores, went to the gym. Literally felt invincible! Wish I stumbled across it sooner!”
So I think this is going to be a major up-and-comer.
The other reason this one’s great? There’s no complicated legalities around this guy. It’s totally legal to buy and sell in the UK without a prescription.
The World’s Best Nootropic…
There’s a reason people call Modafinil the ‘King’ of nootropics these days.
It’s because this smart drug is the most potent and powerful smart drug on the market. For any CEO, student, or hustler in the UK looking to achieve more, Modafinil will help. Modafinil offers a ton of cognitive benefits, like most of the nootropics I’ll be listing here today, but the key with Modafinil is…
Modafinil is stronger than just about any other smart drug available!
See, Modafinil offers insane cognitive benefits like [4, 5, 13, 14, 15]:
- 12-15+ hours of hyper-focus
- Heightened cognition
- Enhanced mood
- Improved memory retention
- More motivation and drive
- Impressive energy levels
There’s no doubt about it—Modafinil is currently the most popular smart drug in the world. Because Modafinil just works, mate. If you’re looking for the strongest nootropic available to the public, then Modafinil is what you want and need to succeed.
Highly recommended.
Is Modafinil Legal in the UK?
As I said, sort of. It depends on what you’re doing with it.
Modafinil is a prescription medication in the UK. That means:
- It’s not legal for pharmacies to sell it to people unless they have a prescription.
- There are rules about who can give a prescription for it (only doctors) and the conditions it can be prescribed for (usually sleep disorders).
- Manufacturers in the UK can’t sell it directly to the public.
- There are rules about how it’s advertised.
- Sellers in the UK need a license.
Basically, it’s not legal for a store to just start selling it to the public.
But you can legally buy it online. That’s because the sellers are located in countries where it is legal to sell without a prescription.
And you can use it legally. That’s because it’s not a controlled substance in the UK.
So is it legal for you to create a business selling modafinil in a corner shop or to your friends on campus? No. Don’t do that.
But it’s absolutely legal for you to buy it online, possess it, and use it.
Top “Social” Nootropic
The four nootropics I mentioned above are absolutely ideal when looking to enhance the mind and increase productivity. Mind Lab Pro, Qualia Mind, Flmodafinil, and Modafinil are designed to help you get more done, make more money, or get better grades.
However, those products don’t do much in social situations. If you’re looking to feel better while interacting with friends, family, and even strangers…
Then you need a “social” nootropic, not a smart drug. In these cases, let me introduce you to Phenibut.
Phenibut is the premier social nootropic on the market. Ideal for people who work in face-to-face or phone sales jobs, along with anyone who wants to climb the corporate ladder or make more friends outside of work.
Personally, I love taking Phenibut on nights I want to go to the bar but lifted weights that day. I don’t want to drink a bunch of beers and lose my gains, but I still want to have fun.
So I take Phenibut and find incredible benefits like [16]:
- Reduces and removes anxiety
- Induces a relaxing, flow-state
- Enhances the mood
- Offers creative benefits, with a eutrophic feeling
- Ideal to remove alcohol dependence
Basically, you can take Phenibut in any social situation and see massive benefits. It’s the world’s only “social” nootropic—not named booze.
Highly recommended testing Phenibut if talking to people is part of how you make money… or you just want to be more social when going out at night.
Is Phenibut Legal in the UK?
Yep!
While Phenibut is a prescription medication in some countries, in most countries it’s sold as a dietary supplement. Because it’s an amino acid, it’s basically a protein. So it’s controlled and regulated like other protein supplements.
While it’s illegal to produce Phenibut in the UK, Phenibut is completely legal to order it from other countries and use it.
Again, it’s not a controlled substance. So you’re all clear.
Best “Budget” Smart Drug?
Mind Lab Pro and Qualia are both not cheap. And even Modafinil isn’t cheap unless you’re buying a pretty decent amount. For individuals looking to simply test out nootropics for cheap, never fear.
I’ve found the best budget smart drug: Adrafinil
Adrafinil is an interesting smart drug for a few reasons. First, this nootropic is 110% legal to purchase over-the-counter in the UK. You’ll easily be able to get your hands on it.
Plus, Adrafinil actually offers Modafinil-like effects. This is because the nootropic converts to Modafinil once ingested [17]. As such, the smart drug certainly offers some impressive cognitive benefits. However, Adrafinil effects aren’t exactly like Modafinil.
I’d call Adrafinil a “light” version of Modafinil because most users find 6-9+ hours of cognitive enhancement and improved focus. It’s simply not as potent as Modafinil, or even as powerful as Mind Lab Pro. That’s just not how this stuff operates.
However…
I included Adrafinil on this list because it’s quite cheap! You can get Adrafinil at great pricing, which makes this smart drug truly ideal for anyone on a budget.
Nootropics UK | Verdict
Whew! That was a lot there.
But it’s everything you’d need to know about nootropics UK.
We covered legalities, prescriptions, side effects, benefits, and of course — the best nootropics in 2022.
P.S: Click here to order my top-rated nootropic in the United Kingdom!
Resources
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- Albertson, T. E., Chenoweth, J., Colby, D., & Sutter, M. E. (2016). The changing drug culture: use and misuse of cognition-enhancing drugs. FP essentials, 441, 25-29.
- Brody, B. (n.d.). What are nootropics? WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/features/nootropics-smart-drugs-overview#1
- Battleday, R. M., & Brem, A. K. (2015). Modafinil for cognitive neuroenhancement in healthy non-sleep-deprived subjects: a systematic review. European Neuropsychopharmacology, 25(11), 1865-1881.
- Thomson, H., (2015). Narcolepsy medication modafinil is world’s first safe ‘smart drug’. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/aug/20/narcolepsy-medication-modafinil-worlds-first-safe-smart-drug
- Solomon, T. M., Leech, J., deBros, G. B., Murphy, C. A., Budson, A. E., Vassey, E. A., & Solomon, P. R. (2016). A randomized, double‐blind, placebo controlled, parallel group, efficacy study of alpha BRAIN® administered orally. Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental, 31(2), 135-143.
- Soloman, T. M., Budson, A. E., deBros, G. B., Murphy, C. A., Vassey, E., & Soloman, P. R. (n.d.). A Proof of Concept for a Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo Controlled, Parallel Group, Efficacy Study of Alpha Brain(TM) Administered Orally [poster]. https://www.onnit.com/files/Onnit_AlphaBrain_Clinical.pdf
- Medical News Today. (n.d.). What are nootropics (smart drugs)? https://www.onnit.com/files/Onnit_AlphaBrain_Clinical.pdf
- Government of the United Kingdom. (1971). Misuse of Drugs Act. http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1971/38/contents
- Vollala, V. R., Upadhya, S., & Nayak, S. (2011). Enhancement of basolateral amygdaloid neuronal dendritic arborization following Bacopa monniera extract treatment in adult rats. Clinics, 66(4), 663-671.
- Nagano, M., Shimizu, K., Kondo, R., Hayashi, C., Sato, D., Kitagawa, K., & Ohnuki, K. (2010). Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake. Biomedical Research, 31(4), 231-237.
- Cao, J., Prisinzano, T. E., Okunola, O. M., Kopajtic, T., Shook, M., Katz, J. L., & Newman, A. H. (2011). SARs at the monoamine transporters for a novel series of modafinil analogues. ACS medicinal chemistry letters, 2(1), 48-52.
- Müller, U., Rowe, J. B., Rittman, T., Lewis, C., Robbins, T. W., & Sahakian, B. J. (2013). Effects of modafinil on non-verbal cognition, task enjoyment and creative thinking in healthy volunteers. Neuropharmacology, 64, 490-495.
- Ballon, J. S., & Feifel, D. (2006). A systematic review of modafinil: potential clinical uses and mechanisms of action. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 67(4), 554-566.
- Lapin, I. (2001). Phenibut (β‐phenyl‐GABA): A tranquilizer and nootropic drug. CNS drug reviews, 7(4), 471-481.
- Pub Chem (2020). Adrafinil. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/adrafinil#section=Depositor-Supplied-Synonyms
