The Simple Nootropic Framework For Enhanced Focus & Deep Work.
Plus my three favorite nootropic stacks.
Nootropics are compounds that can reliably enhance cognition (memory, focus, learning, reaction time, etc.). They typically target neurotransmitter activity and can work extremely well to increase your overall work output.
I’m a new dad working a traditional 9-5 while creating health content on the side, so productivity is a top priority. I wanted to share the framework that I use when building a nootropic stack that has been VERY effective.
First, as always, you need to dial in the fundamentals. You can craft the perfect nootropic blend but none of it matters if you’re not sleeping optimally, managing stress, protecting your circadian rhythm, etc. As I mentioned in the ultimate productivity protocol, good health lays the foundation for focus and output.
Now, there’s a simple framework I use when crafting a nootropic “brew”:
One dopaminergic compound, one cholinergic compound, and one GABAergic compound.
This is something my friend Jack Schroder has mentioned in his community and I’ve found it works really well at optimizing neurochemistry for deeper work and easier access to flow state. You can certainly get more advanced than this, but I’ve found this framework keeps things simple while still being very effective in enhancing my mental capacity.
Why it works:
Dopamine engages motivation, pursuit, and pleasure with completing tasks. You need to be engaged with your work to enter flow, and that relies on healthy dopamine signaling.
Acetylcholine sharpens mental acuity, increasing focus, detail orientation, and precision. It’s what helps you think clearly and sharpens your actual performance in said task.
Lastly, GABA smooths out the mental stimulation with mild inhibitory effects. It helps you work like a lion, not a squirrel.
The combination of the three result in deep, sharp, yet calm focus. The perfect mental state for getting sh*t done.
The productivity protocol lays out a long list of compounds you can use and the mechanisms they target (ex: increasing synthesis vs. inhibiting breakdown vs. improving receptor density/sensitivity…). Use that list to experiment with your own blends and ratios.
In the meantime, here are the three stacks that I use to reliably supercharge my productivity:
Coffee (1c) + Alpha GPC (600mg) + L-Theanine (200mg)
Warning: this one will rocket you violently into flow state. Coffee is both a MAO inhibitor and an adenosine antagonist, slowing dopamine breakdown while increasing release. Alpha GPC easily crosses the blood brain barrier where it donates choline for acetylcholine synthesis. Lastly, L-Theanine is a GABAa agonist, offering slight inhibitory effects to prevent jitters and scatter brain.
Oolong + Sencha Green + Gingko Biloba + Gotu Kola
Oolong and sencha green tea are dopaminergic, increasing dopamine release directly while disinhibiting dopamine via adenosine antagonism. They also inhibit MAO, though more mildly than coffee, and contain trace amounts of L-Theanine for mild inhibitory effects. Gingko biloba is a ChAT modulator, enhancing acetylcholine synthesis and release. Lastly, gotu kola demonstrates both cholinergic and GABAergic effects, increasing ChAT activity, protecting cholinergic neurons, and mildly inhibiting AChE to slow ACh breakdown. It also directly enhances GABA levels as a positive allosteric modulator of GABAa.
I combine these in loose leaf form with 1 part oolong, 1 part sencha, 1 part gingko, and 0.5 part gotu kola. Steeping 2 tsp at a time yields the greatest benefits.
Troscriptions Blue Cannatine
The Blue Cannatine product by Troscriptions contains caffeine, nicotine (strong dopaminergic and cholinergic), methylene blue (MAO inhibitor & mitochondrial upregulator), and CBD (GABAergic). It’s a nice formulation for smooth sustained focus with buccal (cheek) delivery for better absorption. In my experience, the effects are much more mild than the first two but still noticeable. I use this much less frequently.
It’s important not to over-rely on nootropic compounds and blends so your neurochemistry doesn’t become desensitized to the effects. I use the first two stacks 1-3 times per week and Blue Cannatine maybe once a month. If you have a known issue with neurotransmitter balance (i.e ADHD, history of SSRIs, low dopamine), it’s best to avoid altogether.
Build up a solid foundation and system for focus (use the productivity protocol) first, then add these to take it to the next level.
Godspeed!