A beginner’s guide to using ‘smart drugs’

“Smart drugs,” also known as nootropics, are drugs and supplements that purport to boost creativity, memory, concentration and motivation. The pursuit of productivity by “hacking” one’s health is happening everywhere, but perhaps most notably in Silicon Valley where many of Dr. Molly Maloof’s patients live and work. Maloof, as seen in the documentary Channel film Smart Drugs , is a physician who specializes in helping professionals from engineers to start-up founders biohack safely. Here, she answers some of the most common questions about cognitive supplements. Who is using smart drugs and other cognitive enhancers? Molly Maloof: It seems to be mostly people in their twenties and thirties. I started using nootropics in high school. Why are they choosing to do this? MM: People are always looking for new ways to boost performance and gain a competitive edge. Nootropics have gotten a lot of buzz, and they’re generally easy to obtain. Why are they so accessible now? MM: The ease of ordering off the internet — and the amount of education available online. What’s changed to spur the trend toward nootropics? MM: Tons of sellers. The dark web. What’s the biggest myth about cognitive supplements and smart drugs? MM: That they somehow work better than consistently doing the basics like exercising, [focusing on] nutrition, sleeping and reducing stress. What are the biggest dangers people need to be aware of? MM: Quality control is almost nonexistent; it’s super easy to get bad stuff with all sorts of additives that could be harmful or get something that isn’t even what it says it is. Before you take any particular drug or dietary supplement, you should consult with a doctor and do thorough independent research. Who should not be experimenting with smart drugs? MM: Anyone with a serious psychiatric disorder or a history […]

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