As more individuals seek holistic and natural alternatives to boost their health, the allure of nootropics like Lion's Mane and Chaga mushrooms continues to grow. For thousands of years, these natural compounds have been prized for their properties and curing potential. Yet, in the face of modern science, their mechanisms of action remain enigmatic and under observation.
Recent studies continue to delve into these intriguing nootropics, seeking to unravel how they interact with each other, and their influence on human physiology. A question that often emerges for those adopting a nootropic regimen is whether it can be safely combined with alcohol. Will drinking alcohol interfere with the benefits offered by common nootropics products? Let's explore this question in more detail.
Nootropics & Alcohol Cheat-sheet
Scientific and medical information on interactions between nootropics and alcohol is constantly evolving and being updated. Just because there is no safety information on using alcohol with a particular nootropic doesn't mean it's safe.
Alcohol is a dangerous drug and should always be treated with care and respect. "Nootropics" is a broad term, including a wide-range of substances, and their interactions with alcohol are also very wide-ranging.
While nootropics are usually safe, alcohol is a poison which can disrupt all of the body's systems and its ability to metabolise nootropics. The information provided below is not medical advice, it is simply the most up-to-date information, provided for educational purposes:
| Nootropic | Believed to be safe with alcohol? | Risks |
| 5-HTP | Yes | Very small increased risk of serotonin syndrome. Depressive interactions. |
| Choline Bitartrate | Yes, in moderation | Unknown, caution advised. Generally well tolerated as a dietary supplement. |
| Acetyl-L-Carnitine | Possibly | Increased alcohol tolerance. |
| Adrafinil | No | Increased risk of liver damage. High risk. |
| Alpha GPC | Yes, in moderation | Unknown, caution advised |
| Alpha-Lipoic Acid | Yes, in moderation | Unknown, caution advised |
| Aniracetam | No | Increased sedation. High risk. |
| Ashwagandha | No | Increased sedation and liver stress. |
| Bacopa Monnieri | Possibly | May increase sedation |
| Biotin | Yes | No known risks |
| Caffeine | Yes, in moderation | Minor potential for dehydration |
| CBD | Yes | No known risks |
| Centrophenoxine | No | Increased sedation, potential liver damage |
| Citicoline | Possibly | Unknown, caution advised |
| CoQ10 | Yes | No known risks |
| Creatine | Yes | Dehydration, if not adequately hydrated |
| DHA | Yes | No known risks |
| DMAE | No | Increased risk of liver damage |
| GABA | No | Increased sedation, potentiated alcohol effects |
| Ginkgo Biloba | Possibly | Increased risk of bleeding and low-blood pressure. |
| Ginseng | Possibly | Possible increased intoxication, liver damage |
| Gotu Kola | No | Potential liver damage, increased sedation |
| Huperzine A | No | Potential liver damage, unknown interactions |
| L-Theanine | Yes, in moderation | May increase sedation. |
| Lion's Mane | Yes, in moderation | Unknown, caution advised. |
| Modafinil | No | Increased risk of liver damage. Enables over-consumption of alcohol. |
| N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) | Yes, in moderation | Unknown, caution advised. |
| Niacin | Yes | No known risks |
| Nicotine | Yes, in moderation | Increased intoxication, addiction risk. |
| Noopept | No | Increased sedation, potential liver damage. |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Yes | No known risks |
| Oxiracetam | No | Increased sedation, potential liver damage. |
| Phenibut | No | Greatly increased sedation. Very high risk. |
| Phenylpiracetam | No | Increased sedation, potential liver damage. |
| Phosphatidylserine | Yes | No known risks. |
| Picamilon | No | Increased sedation, potentiated alcohol effects. |
| Piracetam | No | Increased sedation, potential liver damage. |
| Pramiracetam | No | Increased sedation, potential liver damage. |
| PRL-8-53 | No definitive research | Unknown, caution advised |
| Rhodiola Rosea | Possibly | May increase sedation |
| St John's Wort | No | Increased risk of serotonin syndrome and liver stress. |
| Sulbutiamine | No | May increase sedation, potential liver stress/damage. |
| Taurine | Yes, in moderation | May increase sedation. May increase extracellular dopamine. |
| Uridine | Possibly | Unknown, caution advised |
| Vinpocetine | No | Possible increased risk of bleeding |
| Vitamin B12 | Yes | No known risks when consumed in moderation. |
| Vitamin B6 | Yes | No known risks when consumed in moderation. |
| Vitamin D | Yes | No known risks when consumed in moderation. |
| Yohimbine | No | Great risk for increased heart rate and hypertension |
| Zinc | Yes | No known risks when consumed in moderation. |
*Please note this is not medical advice. Always seek a relevant medical professional if you are unsure or worried about nootropic or alcohol safety.
Understanding Nootropics
Nootropics are naturally occurring compounds with potential to improve our cognitive and physical wellbeing. These substances have been silently playing a role in our everyday life. A cup of coffee or a piece of chocolate, for instance, contains caffeine – a well-known nootropic. Nicotine, another nootropic, is found in vaping juice and tobacco leaves.
There's a diverse array of nootropics that we regularly consume as part of our diet or as supplements, including omega oil, zinc, and St. John’s Wort. The nootropics market is a rapidly expanding industry, with projections indicating a valuation of USD 29.24 billion by 2028, demonstrating their growing popularity and widespread acceptance.
Nootropics have been found useful in several ways, including:
- Enhancing focus and concentration
- Providing relief from pain and discomfort
- Aiding digestion
- Reducing anxiety, stress, and depression
- Improving sleep quality
- And many more...
However, it's vital to note that nootropics are not one-size-fits-all. Each offers unique benefits, from pain relief to cognitive enhancement, so choosing the right nootropic and the appropriate dosage is crucial.
Can Nootropics Be Taken With Alcohol?
Alcohol is deeply ingrained in our societal fabric. Whether it's a glass of wine at dinner or a pint after work, alcohol is a common indulgence. If you're considering nootropics for a health concern, you may wonder whether alcohol could interfere with their efficacy.
Alcohol, has limited health benefits as well as risks. In moderate quantities, it may reduce the risk of ischaemic stroke, diabetes, and heart disease due to its natural blood-thinning properties. However, chronic, excessive consumption could potentially trigger these conditions.
The list of alcohol-related health risks is extensive, including high blood pressure, dementia, heart attack, obesity, depression, liver disease, cancer, injury, and suicide. Additionally, alcohol suppresses the nervous system, damages cells, exacerbates anxiety, and disrupts neuron activity, leading to cognitive decline.
Therefore, when considering nootropics and alcohol, it becomes apparent that alcohol could potentially undermine the benefits of nootropics. Alcohol’s wide-reaching effects on every organ, neuron pathway, and cognitive process could counteract the intended enhancements of nootropics. For instance, if you are taking Lion's Mane Mushroom for improved cognition, reduced anxiety, and better sleep, alcohol could negate these benefits. Therefore, it's advisable to abstain from alcohol while on a nootropic regimen.
However, if you wish to enjoy an occasional drink while on nootropics, smart timing of your dosages might be a solution. Consuming a nootropic in the morning could potentially allow you to reap its benefits throughout the day, and enjoy a moderate drink in the evening.
Administering Nootropics
Nootropics are typically consumed orally as a supplement. Take Reishi Mushroom, for instance. It can be ingested as a capsule, incorporated as a powder in a meal, or brewed into a tea.
While dosages vary for each nootropic, adhering to the recommended dosage on the label and purchasing from reputable sellers is of paramount importance. Nootropics, though natural, can have potent biological effects on the body and brain. An overdose can have adverse effects, while an underdose or sub-potent product may fail to yield any discernible effects.
Nootropics We Sell
We have many different nootropics at JM Wholesale. You can enjoy a range of mushrooms for better brain and body health, as well as CBD infused products, powders, supplements and breakfast bars.
If you are selling nootropics at your shop, you should stock a nice range that caters to different health needs. This might include Reishi Mushroom or Chaga Mushroom, or one of the many others we supply.
Got questions? We are happy to help. Give us a call or send us an email and we will get back to you as soon as we can.