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Sheridan is a writer from Hamilton, Ontario. She has a passion for writing about what she loves and learning new things along the way. Her topics of expertise include skincare and beauty, home decor, and DIYing.

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About Thesis Nootropics

Hands up if you guzzle five coffees a day to stay awake, have tried all the supplements in the book desperate to improve your headspace, and aren’t interested in prescribed medications. Designed to increase focus , Thesis nootropics might be for you. 

Thesis offers a customized blend of ingredients designed to optimize your cognitive function , with personalized details that tackle your specific needs. Nootropics boost brain performance in the same way a stimulant would, without the common negative effects. 

A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that nootropics may help improve cognitive function in people with Alzheimer’s disease.

Interested in finding out more about the brand and how it works? Leaf through our Thesis Nootropics review. We’ll be your guide through the company and the process, as well as details on the treatments, highlights from customer reviews, answers to important FAQs, and more, to help you decide if it’s worth the try.

Pros and Cons

• Multiple cognitive benefits: Thesis Nootropics offers a variety of blends that cater to multiple aspects of cognitive function.
• Long-term effects: On top of short term benefits for daily life, Thesis nootropics ingredients are designed to impact the brain in the long-term.
• Personalized recommendations: Thesis Nootropics makes personalized recommendations based on your goals and unique brain chemistry.
• Potential side effects: The most common side effects to watch out for when you start taking Thesis Nootropics include heartburn, headaches, confusion, dizziness, loss of appetite, and digestive issues.
• Need to stop taking if issues arise: If you experience a headache or an upset stomach that won’t go away while taking their nootropics, Thesis recommends that you stop taking them.

What is Thesis Nootropics?

Nootropics are nutrient compounds and substances that are known to improve brain performance , such as caffeine and creatine. They help with issues that affect motivation, creativity, mood, memory, focus, and cognitive processing.

Nootropics are the ideal addition to an already healthy lifestyle that consists of exercise, proper nutrition, and enjoyable activities.  Thesis nootropics are carefully formulated to target specific needs, ranging from energy to creativity. The brand focuses on safety, ensuring that all supplements adhere to FDA guidelines and go through multiple clinical trials. 

How Thesis Nootropics Works

With all that being said, you may be wondering how Thesis provides users with an option that is specific to their needs. Fortunately, the process is simple and hassle free. Here’s how it works:

• Take the Thesis nootropics quiz
• Answer questions about your basic information
• Receive personalized recommendations 
• Get your starter kit for $120 , or $79 monthly when you subscribe 

After that, you’ll select one formula to take each week, taking one day off in between each different option. You’ll also track your results in the daily journal over the month to see how they affect your daily life. 

From there, it operates as a subscription service. Users will be able to optimize their next shipment by telling the brand which formulas worked best.

If you don’t like any of the blends in your box, let the company know and they’ll switch it for something that’s a better fit for your lifestyle, genetics, and goals.

Thesis Nootropics Ingredients

Thesis Nootropics is a brand that offers personalized nootropics designed to enhance cognitive function and overall brain health. Their blends contain a variety of ingredients that are carefully chosen for their cognitive-boosting properties. Here are some of the key ingredients in Thesis Nootropics:

• Cognizin (Citicoline) : Cognizin is a type of choline that is known for its ability to enhance cognitive function, including memory and focus.
• L-Theanine : L-Theanine is an amino acid that is found in green tea, and is known for its ability to promote relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety.
• Lion’s Mane Mushroom : Lion’s Mane Mushroom is a type of medicinal mushroom that is believed to have cognitive-boosting properties, including improved memory and focus.
• Rhodiola Rosea : Rhodiola Rosea is an adaptogenic herb that is known for its ability to reduce stress and fatigue, and improve mental clarity and cognitive function.
• Ashwagandha : Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that is known for its ability to reduce stress and anxiety, and improve memory and cognitive function.
• Phosphatidylserine : Phosphatidylserine is a type of phospholipid that is found in high concentrations in the brain, and is believed to support cognitive function, including memory and focus³
• Alpha-GPC : Alpha-GPC is a type of choline that is known for its ability to enhance cognitive function, including memory and focus.
• TAU (uridine): TAU is a blend of uridine, choline, and DHA, which is believed to support brain health and cognitive function.
• Artichoke extract : Artichoke extract is believed to enhance cognitive function by increasing levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that is important for memory and learning.
• Dynamine : Dynamine is a type of alkaloid that is believed to enhance cognitive function by increasing levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is important for mood and motivation.

Overall, the ingredients in Thesis Nootropics are carefully chosen for their cognitive-boosting properties, and are designed to work together to enhance overall brain health and cognitive function.

Thesis Nootropics Health Benefits

Thesis Nootropics is a brand that offers personalized nootropics designed to enhance cognitive function and overall brain health. Their blends contain a variety of ingredients that are carefully chosen for their cognitive-boosting properties, and offer numerous health benefits. Here are some of the health benefits of Thesis Nootropics:

• Increased cognitive energy : One of the key benefits of Thesis Nootropics is increased cognitive energy, which can help improve productivity, mental alertness, and motivation, as it contains cognizin .
• Enhanced mental clarity : Another benefit of Thesis Nootropics is enhanced mental clarity,given from Lion’s Mane Mushroom which can help reduce brain fog and improve focus.
• Improved memory and learning abilities : Thesis Nootropics contains ingredients that are believed to improve memory and learning abilities, like Phosphatidylserine , which can help users retain information more effectively.
• Elevated mood : Thesis Nootropics may help elevate mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, thanks to ingredients like L-Theanine and Ashwagandha .
• Lowered stress levels : The adaptogenic herbs in Thesis Nootropics, such as Rhodiola Rosea and Ashwagandha , are known for their ability to lower stress levels and promote relaxation.
• Boosted focus : Thesis Nootropics contains ingredients like Alpha-GPC and Artichoke extract , which are believed to boost focus and concentration.

While Thesis Nootropics offers numerous health benefits, it’s important to note that the long-term effects of nootropics are not yet fully understood and more research is needed.

3 Thesis Nootropics Bestsellers

Thesis energy review.

If you’re constantly struggling to keep up with the demands of your busy life, it might be time to try a natural energy booster like Thesis Energy. This powerful nootropic blend is specifically designed to increase energy, overcome fatigue, and build mental stamina.

Thesis Energy is caffeine-free, making it a great option for those who are sensitive to caffeine or looking for a natural alternative to traditional energy drinks. The Energy formulation is designed to help improve focus and mental clarity, increase cognitive energy, and reduce fatigue. Whether you’re facing a busy day at work, recovering after a night of poor sleep, or gearing up for an intense workout, Thesis Energy can help you power through.

Each ingredient in Thesis Energy is carefully chosen for its energy-boosting properties. The specific ingredients can vary depending on your needs, but they work together to help increase energy, improve mental clarity, and reduce fatigue.

To get the most out of Thesis Energy, take it every morning on an empty stomach. You can also take it again after lunch if you need an extra boost. It’s designed to help you tackle busy, hectic days, recover from poor sleep, and power through intense workouts.

If you’re tired of relying on coffee and energy drinks to get through the day, it might be time to give Thesis Energy a try. Check availability and start boosting your energy naturally today!

Thesis Creativity

If you’re someone who struggles with creativity or finds yourself feeling stuck in your creative endeavors, Thesis Creativity may be worth considering. This nootropic supplement is designed to help spark inspiration, enhance verbal fluency, and boost confidence in your own great ideas.

So what’s in Thesis Creativity? The ingredients may vary depending on your specific needs, but these ingredients work together to support stress management, memory function, mood regulation, and energy production.

By supporting stress management, memory function, and mood regulation, Thesis Creativity can help free up mental space for more creative thinking. Additionally, the caffeine and L-theanine combo can provide a boost of energy and focus without the jitters and crash that can come with caffeine alone.

To get the most out of Thesis Creativity, it is recommended to take it every morning on an empty stomach and again after lunch if you need an extra boost. This nootropic blend is particularly helpful for brainstorming and creative thinking, writing and creative projects, and public speaking and social situations.

As with any nootropic supplement, it’s important to note that the long-term effects of Thesis Creativity are not yet fully understood and more research is needed. It’s always a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional before adding any new supplements to your routine.

In summary, if you’re looking for a little extra help in the creativity department, Thesis Creativity may be a valuable addition to your nootropic lineup. Its unique blend of ingredients can help support mental clarity, mood regulation, and energy production, making it a valuable tool for any creative individual.

Thesis Logic

If you’ve been having trouble with your memory lately, such as forgetting what you had for lunch yesterday or struggling to recall common words, then Thesis Logic may be just what you need. This formula is designed to help enhance your processing speed, boost your memory, and deepen your thinking.

Thesis Logic is caffeine-free, making it a great option for those who are sensitive to caffeine. The formula is ideal for use during deep, focused work, complex problem-solving, research projects, and completing tedious tasks.

Taking Thesis Logic is easy – simply take it every morning on an empty stomach, and take it again after lunch if you need an extra boost. By incorporating Thesis Logic into your daily routine, you may notice improvements in your cognitive function and overall mental performance.

Who Is Thesis Nootropics For? 

Thesis nootropics are designed for a number of different specific needs, including anyone who wants to focus better, have more energy, and maintain mental clarity. All in all, the products are specifically formulated to improve day to day life and target your specific needs .

Thesis Nootropics Side Effects

While Thesis nootropics are designed to enhance cognitive performance and provide a range of benefits, it’s important to be aware of the potential side effects that can occur. As with any supplement, individual reactions can vary, and some people may experience side effects while others may not.

Some of the potential side effects of Thesis nootropics include:

• Insomnia : Some nootropics contain caffeine or other stimulants that can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
• Blurry vision : Certain nootropics, such as those containing alpha GPC, have been linked to temporary blurry vision.
• High blood pressure : Stimulant-based nootropics can increase blood pressure, which can be dangerous for people with hypertension or other heart conditions.
• Fast heart rate : Similarly, stimulants can also increase heart rate, leading to palpitations or a rapid pulse.
• Circulation problem s: Certain nootropics, such as vinpocetine, can affect blood flow and circulation, leading to issues like dizziness, nausea, or headaches.
• Addiction : Some nootropics, such as those containing racetams, have been associated with the potential for addiction or dependence if used long-term.

It’s important to remember that not all nootropics will produce these side effects, and the severity of any reactions will depend on individual factors such as dosage, duration of use, and underlying health conditions. However, it’s always wise to discuss any potential risks with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

Additionally, it’s important to follow dosage instructions carefully and not to exceed recommended amounts, as this can increase the risk of side effects. By being mindful of potential risks and using nootropics responsibly, users can reap the benefits of these supplements without experiencing adverse effects.

Thesis Nootropics Reviews: What Do Customers Think?

At this point in our Thesis nootropics review, it’s time to turn to what customers are saying. So, we sourced testimonials from the brand’s website, Reddit, and ZenMasterWellness. And spoiler alert, the Thesis nootropics reviews we came across have nothing but good things to say.

On takethesis.com , the brand earns 4.4/5 stars out of 7,956 reviews. One patron describes their particular blend as the perfect alternative to prescription meds :

“ I have been off stimulants for months now and these formulas are far superior. My husband and daughter both noticed the change and said I have been more productive, focused, less anxious, and more “thinking outside the box”. I have tried for years to get off stims and nothing would work .”

On Reddit, many reviewers share similar sentiments about how effective the products are. One buyer shares that they tried tons of different nootropics on the market, and Thesis stands out amongst the crowd . 

On ZenMasterWellness, one reviewer states that their blend provided the exact results they were looking for :

“ They offer notable improvements to how well I’m able to focus, stay on task, and grind when it’s time to grind. In practice, this usually looks like a clearer mind and an improved ability to just… chill. With the Clarity and Creativity blends, in particular, I just feel leveled out .”

Backed by clinical trials and real customer experiences, Thesis stands out in the world of nootropics and supplements. The personalized selections prove effective, while the quality ingredients live up to expectations. 

Is Thesis Nootropics Legit?

If you’re wondering if this brand offers products that are too good to be true, this Thesis nootropics review is here to say that it is the real deal .

The brand is backed by numerous clinical trials, which highlight how 86% of customers reported improvements in a wide range of cognitive challenges, while 89% noticed an improvement in their ability to reduce stress and maintain energy.

Is Thesis Nootropics Worth It?

Thesis is an appealing choice in the world of nootropics because it provides a completely customized selection based on your needs and goals. Plus, the ingredients are potent and ensure the best effects—and you only end up paying for the benefits you actually need.

With that in mind, this Thesis nootropics review deems the brand worth the try.

Alternatives

Here are some alternatives to Thesis Nootropics that you might find interesting:

• Mind Lab Pro – This nootropic supplement is designed to improve cognitive function and mental performance. It contains 11 ingredients that work together to enhance memory, focus, and overall brain health.
• Thorne Supplements : If you’re looking for high-quality, science-based supplements, Thorne is a great choice. Their products are designed with the latest research in mind and are rigorously tested for quality and purity. Some of their popular offerings include multivitamins, protein powders, and omega-3 supplements.
• WeAreFeel Supplements : WeAreFeel is a supplement brand that offers a variety of products designed to support different aspects of your health. Their supplements are vegan-friendly and free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Some of their popular offerings include multivitamins, probiotics, and omega-3 supplements.
• Neuro Gum : If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to boost your focus and energy levels, Neuro Gum is a great option. This gum is infused with caffeine and other natural ingredients that can help improve mental clarity and alertness. Plus, it’s sugar-free and comes in a variety of delicious flavors.
• Neuriva Plus : Neuriva Plus is a brain supplement that’s designed to improve memory, focus, and cognitive performance. It contains a blend of natural ingredients, including coffee fruit extract and phosphatidylserine, that have been shown to support brain health. If you’re looking for a natural way to boost your cognitive function, Neuriva Plus is worth considering.

Thesis Nootropics Promotions & Discounts 

There aren’t currently any Thesis promos or discounts available. That being said, if you subscribe for recurring shipments of your recommended products, you’ll save $40 monthly .

Where to Buy Thesis Nootropics

At the time of this Thesis nootropics review, the products are exclusively available on the brand’s website, takethesis.com .

Is Thesis Nootropics vegan?  

Thesis nootropics are made with only vegan ingredients . That being said, while the brand has taken precautions to protect against cross contamination, the products are not certified vegan.

Is Thesis Nootropics gluten-free? 

On top of being vegan, Thesis products are made without gluten, eggs, or nuts . Again, while the brand strives to protect users against cross contamination, the products are not certified gluten free. 

What is Thesis Nootropics’ Shipping Policy?

If you’re anxiously awaiting your order from this Thesis nootropics review, you’ll be happy to hear that the company offers speedy shipping, sending orders out within 1 business day. After that, packages should arrive within only 1-3 business days . Costs are calculated at checkout.

At this time, Thesis is not able to offer international shipping. This Thesis nootropics review recommends following the brand on social media and signing up for the newsletter to stay up to date with shipping policies. 

What is Thesis Nootropics’ Return Policy?

If you find that your Thesis formula isn’t working out, the company requests that you contact them to make changes and adjustments to ensure you are able to receive the proper help.

If you would still like to make a return, follow these simple steps for a refund:

• Submit your refund request
• Ship the items back within 30 days of the original delivery
• Send an email with your tracking number to the brand
• Return any remaining product in their original packaging to: 

Thesis Returns 902 Broadway

6th Floor New York, NY 

Once your return has been received, a refund will be processed and email confirmation will be sent. It’s also important to note that the brand can only refund one month’s supply per customer and return shipping is the customer’s responsibility. 

How to Contact Thesis Nootropics

We hope you enjoyed this Thesis nootropics review! If you have any further questions about the brand or its products, you can contact them using the following methods:

• Call 1 (646) 647-3599
• Email [email protected]

902 Broadway Floor 6 New York, NY 10010

If you’re looking for other ways to boost your productivity via supplements, check out these other brands we’ve reviewed:

Thorne Supplements Review

WeAreFeel Supplements Review

Neuro Gum Review

Neuriva Plus Review

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Thesis Nootropics Review

Thesis has a range of targeted nootropics you can combine to optimize your results. our team will help you decide which ones are right for you..

Daniel is a senior editor and writer at Innerbody Research. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in writing, he attended post-graduate studies at George Mason University and pursued a career in nutritional science.

Dr. Segar is a cardiology fellow at the Texas Heart Institute and a member of Innerbody Research's Medical Review Board.

In this Review

Nootropics in general offer the potential to improve cognitive abilities and regulate mood without the need for a prescription. And while more research is necessary, current data suggests that they consist of ingredients that are generally safe and effective for healthy adults. 35 However, Thesis isn’t the only provider of high-quality nootropics, nor do they offer especially low prices. In this review, we'll compare and contrast Thesis’ six formulas and see how they stack up against a growing field of competitors.

Our Findings

Despite the somewhat high price, we recommend Thesis to anyone looking for a nootropic subscription that can be tailored to their specific needs. The formulas from Thesis provide tangible benefits with minimal ingredients, and each formula is available with or without caffeine. Thesis also offers stellar customer service and delivers their product in individually packed doses you can take just about anywhere.

• You can feel most results within an hour
• Products are third-party-tested for purity
• All options available without stimulants
• Outstanding phone support
• Subscriptions include complimentary wellness coaching
• Free shipping on all orders
• Use code INNERBODY for 10% off your first order
• Somewhat more expensive than competitors
• Up to four large pills per dose

GREAT PICKS FROM THESIS

Special Offer: Take 10% OFF with code INNERBODY

Why you should trust us

Over the past two decades, Innerbody Research has helped tens of millions of readers make more informed decisions about staying healthy and living healthier lifestyles. As nootropics have become more important players in the supplements landscape, we’ve taken a serious look at the key players to see which ones are worthwhile.

Thesis exists in a class of nootropics that combines multiple nootropic ingredients to achieve specific goals. We’ve spent hundreds of hours researching and testing various nootropics, including both individual ingredients and combinations like Thesis offers. In researching Thesis and their competitors, our team has read more than 100 clinical studies examining the efficacy and safety of nootropic ingredients, and we’ve combined all of that knowledge with our experiences to create this review.

If you're curious about our team's experience using Thesis nootropics and wondering how the products will arrive at your door, we made this handy, 5-minute video summarizing those details:

Additionally, like all health-related content on this website, this review was thoroughly vetted by one or more members of our Medical Review Board for accuracy.

How we evaluated Thesis

To evaluate Thesis, we examined the extensive research available on each ingredient the company uses and compared them to a growing marketplace of nootropics, many of which our testing team has tried over the past few years. Specifically, we assessed how effectively Thesis' formulas work, as well as their safety, cost, and the convenience of acquiring and taking them.

Ultimately, we found Thesis to be one of the more reliable companies in terms of product quality and customer care, even if they are among the more expensive nootropic brands. For any nootropic, you’re looking to create a noticeable effect in brain performance, and altering anything to do with that sensitive chemistry likely warrants a fair investment. The bargain bin is not typically where you want to shop for mind-enhancing substances.

We’ll get into a more direct comparison between Thesis and their competitors a little later, and you’ll see that the balance between their price and overall value is quite reasonable. For now, let’s look at each criterion in more detail.

Effectiveness

Nootropic companies have a plethora of ingredients at their fingertips when they formulate their products. Some companies take a modern approach, focusing on the latest research into established Western medicines. Others look to the past, where ancient Chinese and Ayurvedic practices employed various botanicals to achieve cognitive effects. The best companies combine these approaches, using potentially beneficial ingredients that science supports.

Thesis takes this combined approach, employing just under three dozen ingredients from amino acids to ancient herbs across their six products. The company scores highly in effectiveness thanks to the ingredients they choose and the doses they offer for each, making it likely that you can notice their combined effects.

Individual results will vary due to everything from sleep patterns to diet, but most people should find benefits in at least one of Thesis' six formulas. Caffeinated formulas generally have more pronounced effects than stimulant-free versions, but the value of Thesis offering every formula with or without stimulants cannot be overstated.

One minor knock against Thesis is that, unlike some of their competitors, Thesis does not have a nootropic blend designed for improved sleep. Better sleep supports cognition and mood, so some companies offer formulas designed specifically for sleep promotion with ingredients like melatonin. That said, some of Thesis’ formulas contain lion’s mane or Zembrin (a branded form of Sceletium tortuosum that’s been shown to reduce anxiety and promote sleep). 2 3 And the amount of Zembrin used in Thesis’ Creativity and Confidence blends is the exact same amount used in these successful studies — 25mg.

Good nootropics are, unfortunately, a bit expensive. You can find less expensive options than Thesis, but their $79 monthly rate is right in the middle of what the market demands. You could also argue that the ingredient quality, customization options, and overall efficacy Thesis offers make it a superior value to many less expensive alternatives. Still, the price remains a sticking point for some.

Let's compare the monthly and per-dose costs with some of Thesis' closest competition. The prices below reflect subscription savings where available.

Three of the seven competitors included in the chart above are more expensive than Thesis, and another three are no more than $15 less expensive, revealing their generally average cost. Focus Factor — consistently our top budget pick among nootropics — costs much less than others in the field and includes many ingredients with associated clinical research. The downside is that increasing the number of ingredients (even when they seem to work) increases the odds of an adverse reaction.

TruBrain is the only company that truly compares to Thesis from a quality and variety standpoint. Other companies offer only one or two formulas, whereas Thesis and TruBrain each offer several more targeted products. TruBrain allows you to spend just $69 on your first jar when you subscribe — $10 less than Thesis — but that price shoots up to $119 every month after that, making Thesis the superior value.

When we consider the safety of any supplement, we look at available research into individual ingredients and compare those dosages with what the supplement offers. Whenever possible, we also test the product ourselves to observe its effects on us. Additionally, we look for safety standards in manufacturing that can provide added peace of mind, like third-party testing and compliance with the FDA’s Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

Thesis manufactures their products in GMP-compliant facilities and has third-party testing performed to assess the purity of each ingredient and formula. And the clinical research involving the lion's share of their ingredients reveals minimal risk profiles with few to no adverse effects reported. That said, ashwagandha isn’t safe for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, and it can stimulate thyroid activity, so anyone with thyroid concerns (hyper- or hypothyroidism) or on medication to regulate thyroid function should be careful. 36 37

Thesis also limits their formulas to a handful of ingredients, which reduces the likelihood that any one of them would cause an adverse reaction. This is pretty typical of nootropics in Thesis’ class, but less expensive nootropics might try to convince you of their value by stuffing a single blend with several dozen components. That might increase the chances you feel some positive effect, but the side effect risk goes up by the same token.

Convenience

Our convenience rating considers various aspects of a user's experience. It usually starts with the quality of a product's website design and whether or not its pages are easy to navigate. We also consider the presence of subscription systems that make reordering easier and money-back guarantees that protect your investment. A company's customer service is another vital aspect of convenience, especially if you need questions answered. The quality of an FAQ section, the availability of representatives via chat or phone call, and the responsiveness to email inquiries all play a part here.

Our convenience rating is also informed by the steps required to actually take the product. Nootropics often consist of large capsules, and doses can contain anywhere from 1-7 capsules, which is awful for anyone with difficulty taking pills. Smaller capsules, fewer capsules per dose, and simple dosing schedules are ideal. Thesis’ capsule count varies per formula, ranging from 2-4 mid-size capsules you can take 30 minutes before you might want or need their effects.

To summarize some important aspects of nootropic company convenience, let's look at which companies have large capsule counts, good money-back guarantees, and subscription systems.

Thesis also provides a service that few other companies offer: free consultations with in-house nootropic coaches. These experts can help you figure out the best time to take specific Thesis formulas and guide your experience so you can tell whether or not they're working for you. Follow-up consultations are also free as long as you subscribe to the product.

What are nootropics?

Nootropic is a term most people use to refer to any non-prescription supplement that can boost brainpower. 4 The technical definition is a little more nuanced — encompassing prescription medications like Ritalin and Adderall — but the supplement industry has largely co-opted it to categorize the new class of non-prescription products. The word loosely translates from its Greek origins to mean mind-changing, and the majority of ingredients in a given nootropic seek to alter the brain’s cognitive abilities, as well as its governance of mood and energy.

Most nootropic supplements contain botanical ingredients, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that boast at least some clinical research connecting them with improvements in any of the following:

Compared to their prescription cousins, nootropic supplements aren't particularly strong. Still, limited clinical research indicates a tangible benefit to taking them.

What is Thesis?

Thesis is a supplement company with a focus on nootropics. Their founders each had experiences growing up with what would today be considered learning disabilities, and they credit nootropics for changing their lives. They make six distinct nootropic formulas, each with a specific ingredient profile.

Thesis differentiates themselves from their competitors in several critical ways:

• They offer a starter kit containing a personalized combination of four blends.
• You have the option to remove caffeine by request from any formula.
• They provide some of the best phone support we've ever experienced.
• Their targeted formulas conform to changing needs.

By providing you with a mix of formulas, Thesis gives you the ability to enhance the aspects of your cognitive and emotional life that need it the most on any given day. Maybe you know you have low energy levels on Mondays and Wednesdays, so you can take the Energy formula on those days. Maybe you want to devote your weekends to artistic pursuits. You can use the Creativity blend for that. Or you might find that one of their six blends works well for you in any situation. In that case, you can adjust your order to receive only that formula.

Thesis' customer service — particularly over the phone — is outstanding. While many customers might find chat support more convenient, our testers rarely waited more than a minute to speak to someone, and Thesis employs phone operators who are extraordinarily knowledgeable about the product and nootropics in general. Their email support is fine, and their chat support often redirects to an email inquiry. But that phone support is some of the best our testing team has experienced.

Is Thesis safe?

Most of the ingredients that Thesis uses in their nootropics exhibit minimal side effects in clinical research, so there’s a good chance that Thesis' various formulas will be safe for most people. But Thesis has nearly three dozen ingredients in their catalog, and not all of them will be safe for all users, including those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Of course, the most important thing you can do is talk to your doctor before taking Thesis.

The most common side effects to watch out for when you start taking Thesis nootropics include:

• Loss of appetite
• Digestive issues

Thesis advises discontinuing their nootropics if you experience persistent headaches or an upset stomach.

Some Thesis products may present contraindications with certain prescription medicines. For example, ashwagandha has been shown to normalize thyroid hormone levels in people with hypothyroidism. 5 This has led some to believe that it could conversely cause thyrotoxicity in people with hyperthyroidism, though it’s worth noting that the study in question employed double the highest ashwagandha dose you’ll find in Thesis nootropics — the study used 600mg, and the ashwagandha dose in Thesis’ Creativity is 300mg.

Still, this should make abundantly clear the case for speaking with your doctor prior to taking Thesis. This is especially true considering the lack of research into the specific ingredient combinations you’ll find in Thesis products. There is also very little research looking into the risks of combining nootropic supplements with prescription stimulants such as Ritalin, Adderall, or Vyvanse.

Some side effects, such as jitteriness, can be attributed to the caffeine in Thesis formulas. The fact that you can elect to remove caffeine from any formula expands the company’s reach to anyone with caffeine sensitivities and those who really don’t want to give up their morning cup of coffee. If you want caffeine in your Thesis formula, we recommend trying it without having had any coffee first, so you can see how it affects you.

Insider Tip: If you’re not sure whether to get your formula with or without caffeine, we recommend getting it with caffeine. Thesis isolates the included caffeine in a single capsule separate from other ingredients. Caffeinated formulas cost the same as uncaffeinated ones, and you can always elect not to take the caffeine capsule (the smallest capsule in any formula, containing a white powder).

What are the ingredients in Thesis?

Thesis uses an impressive set of ingredients, many of which have been part of respectable clinical research. Not all of the effects they hope these ingredients provide have been proven with sufficient statistical significance or over multiple studies in different populations, but what we do know strongly suggests efficacy.

Here's a look at several Thesis ingredients that have encouraging research behind them:

Several studies on mice show that dihydrohonokiol-B (DHH-B) has potent anxiolytic effects. 6 That means it may be able to help combat anxiety. However, we can’t say this for sure since there haven’t been any studies conducted on humans yet, so any potential benefits are speculative at this time. 25 Converting the successful dose used in mice (1mg) to the equivalent human amount (4.86 mg) is about half the amount used in Thesis’ Confidence (10mg). 6

In numerous studies, ashwagandha has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. 32 Thesis uses a branded KSM-66 ashwagandha, which has a high standardized count of withanolides — the component of ashwagandha responsible for its positive effects. 33 This ensures both efficacy and consistency from doses that align with those used in successful studies.

While every formula is different, you'll notice that each contains caffeine and L-theanine. The nootropic properties of caffeine are well established. 19 L-theanine — a non-stimulant derived from green tea — has been shown to smooth out the jittery effects of caffeine. You can easily have caffeine removed from any Thesis formula for no extra cost, which is unique in the nootropic market. The L-theanine will remain, as it has its own set of cognitive benefits in addition to its ability to tame caffeine. 20

Saffron offers multiple benefits, including increased levels of dopamine and glutamate, that are dose-dependent. Human studies have also shown positive effects on depression symptoms. Thesis’ Confidence uses 28mg, which is 2mg less than what was used in many of the studies on saffron’s antidepressant effects. However, one study did find success with as little as 15mg. 7

A review of more than 120 scientific articles looking into the cognitive effects of phosphatidylserine concluded that it “safely slows, halts, or reverses biochemical alterations and structural deterioration in nerve cells.” The study goes on to say that it “supports human cognitive functions, including the formation of short-term memory, the consolidation of long-term memory, the ability to create new memories, the ability to retrieve memories, the ability to learn and recall information, the ability to focus attention and concentrate, the ability to reason and solve problems, language skills, and the ability to communicate.” 34

Derived from a South African plant, Zembrin appears to provide cognitive and anti-anxiety effects as demonstrated in clinical studies on human participants that used the same 25mg dose found in Thesis Creativity and Confidence. 8

Synapsa is a patented form of Bacopa extract, a traditional Ayurvedic memory enhancer. Studies on humans resulted in statistically significant improvements in cognitive tests. The study used 150mg twice daily (300mg total), which is only 20mg less than the 320mg used in Thesis’ Logic. 9

7,8 DHF is a small molecular TrkB agonist that can easily cross the blood-brain barrier. It can increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that improves neuroplasticity, learning, and memory. BDNF deficiencies are connected to numerous cognitive ailments as well. However, no human studies have been conducted. 26 In mice, 7,8 DHF appears to enhance spatial memory. When converting the effective dose for mice to humans, Thesis’ Clarity offers roughly 6mg more (about 24mg compared to Thesis’ 30mg). 27

Choline is a precursor to acetylcholine, a powerful neurotransmitter in the peripheral, autonomic, and enteric nervous systems. 10 One study on older adult human participants found that taking 187-399mg per day of choline reduced the risk of low cognitive functioning by nearly 50% compared to an intake under 187mg per day. 28 The CDP choline content in Thesis’ Energy is 300mg.

A 2010 clinical study on 485 older adult (over 55 years old) subjects found that 900mg per day of DHA improved memory and learning in those with age-related cognitive decline. 11 And another study in healthy adults 18-90 years old found that 580mg per day helped improve memory. 29 Unfortunately, the amounts used in many studies to improve cognitive function are quite a bit more than the 200mg (which is DHA and L-lysine combined) found in Thesis’ Logic.

Like choline, Alpha-GPC acts as an effective acetylcholine precursor. Studies also show that supplementation with Alpha-GPC can stave off exercise-induced reductions in choline levels. The effective amount used in the mentioned study is 200mg, which is less than half of what you’ll find in Thesis’ Clarity (500mg). 12

In addition to being an effective treatment for neuropathic pain, agmatine appears to have potent effects as an antidepressant. A five-year safety case report study concluded that there are no long-term side effect risks. Thesis’ Creativity only contains 250mg, which is well below the amount tolerated by study participants (2.67g per day). 13

Research into epicatechin indicates that it can enhance cerebral blood flow, delivering more oxygen to the brain to ensure it operates at its highest efficiency. The most effective dose for cognitive benefits appears to be over 50mg per day, and Thesis’ Clarity contains 278mg. 14

Lion's mane has been shown to increase nerve growth factor and promote neurite outgrowth of specific neural cells. It's a safe and reliable neurotrophic, but studies have debunked claims of neuroprotective properties. 15 A very small study of only 41 participants found that 1.8g of Lion’s mane may reduce stress and improve cognitive performance. 30 Thesis’ Clarity contains 500mg of Lion’s mane.

Hyperphenylalaninemia, a severe deficiency in phenylalanine, results in reduced dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline levels in the brain. 16 It can also alter cerebral myelin and protein synthesis. Supplementing with phenylalanine may provide neuroprotective benefits.

In a 2020 study, phenylalanine was a large component in a mix of seven amino acids that appeared to improve cognitive, psychological, and social functioning in middle-aged and older adults. Effective doses ranged from 0.85g to 1.7g of phenylalanine. A serving of Thesis’ Motivation contains 500mg, a bit under half of the average amount. 31

Examining the six formulas

Thesis has six nootropic formulas in their lineup (even though you can only choose up to four of them per box). Several other nootropic companies like TruBrain and BrainMD boast targeted lineups, as well, but Thesis is the Goldilocks of the bunch. Where BrainMD’s hyper-specific formulas rely on perhaps too few ingredients to make them worthwhile, many of TruBrain’s complex blends lack real specificity. With Thesis, you get targeted effects from numerous ingredients in moderately complex and reasonably priced combinations.

Each Thesis formula has a blend of ingredients that addresses specific needs. Their names give you a pretty big clue as to what the company intends each to do, but a closer look at their ingredients will help you understand how they achieve this.

Their formulas are:

Interestingly, the company thinks of its formulas as working well in pairs. You don't have to utilize them as such, but it's helpful to know how they view their most effective combinations. The following list details their purported combined benefits.

Enhances focus, eliminates brain fog, and lets thoughts flow naturally

Gets you going, keeps you going, and never crashes

Sparks new ideas, inspires extroversion, and revels in openness

You'll usually only take one formula at a time, but these pairs may act synergistically for specific personality types or cognitive needs.

Note that your first shipment of Thesis will contain six individually packed doses for four of these six formulas. Thesis chooses these formulas for you based on the results of an intake questionnaire, but you can make adjustments to that shipment on the customer dashboard before the shipment leaves their warehouse.

Let's take a closer look at each formula as they would appear with caffeine included.

Thesis Clarity

Thesis Clarity relies on 7,8 DHF (dihydroxyflavone), Alpha GPC (glycerylphosphorylcholine), epicatechin, and lion's mane to increase blood flow to the brain and stimulate the production of acetylcholine, a powerful neurotransmitter associated with learning, memory, and attention. It's particularly adept at cutting through brain fog.

Here's a look at Clarity's full ingredients list:

• Alpha GPC: 500mg
• Lion's Mane Mushroom: 500mg
• Camellia sinensis tea leaf: 278mg
• Dihydroxyflavone: 30mg
• Caffeine: 100mg
• L-Theanine: 200mg

One dose of Clarity consists of four capsules for the caffeinated formula and three capsules for the stimulant-free formula.

Thesis Logic

Thesis Logic contains triacetyluridine (TAU), which caters to the health of the entire central nervous system. It also uses phosphatidylserine to help facilitate communication between and protection of brain cells. 17

This is Logic’s complete ingredients list:

• Ginkgo Biloba: 160mg
• Theobromine: 100mg
• Phosphatidylserine: 400mg
• High DHA Algae: 200mg
• Triacetyluridine: 30mg
• Bacopa Monnieri: 320mg

One dose of Logic consists of four capsules for the caffeinated formula and three capsules for the stimulant-free formula.

Thesis Energy

Thesis Energy uses cysteine and tyrosine alongside caffeine to deliver a steady energy supply. It also includes TeaCrine, a branded form of theacrine, which partners with caffeine to affect adenosine signaling and prevent fatigue.

Here’s a full list of Energy’s ingredients:

• Citicoline: 300mg
• Mango leaf: 300mg
• Theacrine: 100mg
• N-Acetyl cysteine: 500mg
• Indian trumpet tree: 100mg
• N-Acetyl L-tyrosine: 300mg

One dose of Energy consists of three capsules for the caffeinated formula and two capsules for the stimulant-free formula.

Thesis Motivation

Blood flow and cellular function are at the core of Thesis Motivation . It employs artichoke extract, forskolin, and B12 to achieve these goals, with a healthy dose of phenylalanine for added focus and motivation.

Here's Motivation's full ingredients list:

• L-Phenylalanine: 500mg
• Methylliberine: 100mg
• Vitamin B12: 1000mcg
• Forskolin: 250mg
• Artichoke: 450mg

One dose of Motivation consists of three capsules for the caffeinated formula and two capsules for the stimulant-free formula.

Thesis Creativity

Thesis Creativity aims to realign you with your inspiration by removing barriers caused by stress, anxiety, and depression. It contains ingredients with powerful anxiolytic properties and 5-HT reuptake inhibition.

Here's a look at Creativity’s ingredients list:

• Alpha GPC: 150mg
• Agmatine sulfate: 250mg
• Panax ginseng: 200mg
• Ashwagandha root: 300mg
• Sceletium tortuosum : 25mg

One dose of Creativity consists of three capsules for the caffeinated formula and two capsules for the stimulant-free formula.

Thesis Confidence

Confidence is designed to work hand-in-hand with Creativity, using saffron and DHH-B from magnolia bark to increase dopamine levels and decrease anxiety. One fascinating ingredient in this formula is sage extract, which one 2021 study showed can help with various memory tasks, including name and face recognition. 18 It’s worth noting, though, that this study employed a 600mg dose compared to Thesis’ 333mg dose.

Here is Confidence's complete ingredients list:

• Saffron: 28mg
• Magnesium bisglycinate: 500mg
• Sage: 333mg
• Magnolia Bark: 10mg
• Ashwagandha leaf & root: 120mg

One dose of Confidence consists of three capsules for the caffeinated formula and two capsules for the stimulant-free formula.

Our Thesis testing results

Our testing team has tried every Thesis formula (with and without caffeine) to determine their short- and long-term efficacy, at least at an anecdotal level. Here’s a quick summary of our experiences:

Clarity provided our testers with a combined sense of focus and mental ease, though we mostly found that it worked best from its second day forward. The very first dose is mildly effective, but it served us better as a loading dose. We had no crash from either caffeinated or uncaffeinated formulas.

Our testers found that Logic provided a similar experience as Clarity, increasing focus and mental acuity, but the caffeinated formula caused a crash in two of our testers. By excluding the caffeine, that crash can be avoided, though that comes at the expense of some efficacy.

We were very curious about how this formula would perform without the caffeine. Our testers had a noticeable increase in energy without jitteriness about one hour after taking Energy. The caffeinated version caused the worst crash of all the formulas, but we were pleased to find that the formula without caffeine still provided noticeable energy increases without a crash.

Our testers are generally a pretty motivated bunch, so we might not have been the best group to evaluate this particular formula. The testers who felt an uptick in a sense of motivation described it more like a feeling of being able to follow through on tasks with less distraction and completion anxiety.

Creativity, like Clarity, seemed to work better for our testers on its second and third days than on its first. Testers generally described a sensation similar to Motivation but without the feeling of being “on rails,” as one tester put it. It seems to allow for more curiosity and exploration, though not necessarily as much follow-through.

This is Thesis’ newest formula, so fewer of our testers have tried it. Among those who have, one tester with a mild case of social anxiety described feeling a bit more relaxed among groups of people. Testers preferred this formula without caffeine.

Thesis pricing, shipping, and returns

Thesis keeps their price structure decidedly simple. This is refreshing, considering the range of nootropics they offer. You don't have to worry about one formula costing you more than another. However, Thesis doesn't make a non-subscription approach economically feasible.

Every Thesis shipment — including the starter pack — consists of four small boxes, each containing six doses of a single formula. That’s 24 doses/month.

Here's how it works:

• Any one-time purchase of a one-month supply, including the starter kit, costs $119.
• When you subscribe, that monthly cost is only $79.
• You can take an extra 10% off your first order with the coupon code INNERBODY

Subscriptions require an account with Thesis, which gives you access to a well-designed customer dashboard. This is where you can easily make formula adjustments, alter your shipping schedule, or cancel your subscription entirely.

Shipping from Thesis is free in the U.S., and the company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. In our testing experience, we attempted a return on a second shipment into the subscription. While it isn’t the company’s policy to do so, they refunded our money and let us keep the product. This is similar to some other “Keep it” guarantees we’ve seen from competitors, and we appreciated it.

Getting started with Thesis Nootropics

Thesis' website is easy to navigate, but it is inconvenient that you must complete the signup questionnaire before accessing formula-specific pages. There are ways around this — like direct searching or just knowing the formula URLs — but we think reviewing formulas should be a little easier when you first get to the site. And you won’t be able to place an order for anything until you complete the questionnaire.

The user interface for managing your subscription is exceptionally intuitive. You can quickly adjust your formula combinations, specifying whether or not you want specific formulas to contain caffeine.

Setting up a subscription with Thesis is a straightforward process. Here are the basic steps:

• Take the Thesis quiz . This will create a starter kit specific to your results. (You can also build a box from scratch if you know which formulas you want to try.)
• Order your starter kit. We recommend going with the kit Thesis creates after your quiz, but if you change your mind, you can use the customer portal after placing your order to make any changes to the formula combination before it ships.
• Set up a coaching consultation. This is an optional step, but we recommend it and encourage you to have your first consultation before your kit arrives.
• Take your nootropics as needed. Most people can experience some of Thesis nootropics' benefits within a few hours of ingestion. Some ingredients and formulas may take a few days to produce results.
• Refine your order. As you near the end of your first month, you can head over to the Thesis website and customize your next order to include the formula or formulas you like most.
• Set up follow-up consultations as needed. These will help you refine your future orders and maximize your results.

When you subscribe to the starter kit, you will continue receiving that kit every month until you customize your order. Thesis divides their boxes into four six-dose supplies, and you can mix and match those supplies to suit your needs. For example, you could boost energy on the weekdays and creativity on the weekends by getting a one-month supply with 18 servings of Energy in three packages and six servings of Creativity in a single package.

Personalized insights and coaching

When you take the quiz on the Thesis website, you'll get personalized insights comparing your results to other quiz-takers and a data set developed from nearly 500 scientific studies. The parameters in your results cover don’t completely line up with their formulas, but they include:

These results inform the system to make recommendations for your starter kit. After you order, you can set up a consultation with a Thesis coach. These consultations are free, and you can have as many follow-up sessions as you like. Other companies have apps or online resources like blogs or courses to help you on your nootropic journey, but Thesis’ personalized coaching offers a unique approach and execution.

Consultation calls last around 15 minutes, though some of our testers had their sessions go longer as their coaches' schedules allowed. We received best practices information about taking nootropics that covered dose timing, formula application, and more. Some of our testers also received diet and exercise advice that coincided with their formulas.

Alternatives to Thesis

There are generally two tiers of products in the nootropics landscape. The lower tier consists of products that cost between $20 and $40. Many of these nootropics contain proprietary blends that obscure the exact quantities of ingredients, presumably so companies can use more of the least expensive components. Some companies in this tier disclose their ingredient quantities but may not source them from the highest quality suppliers or perform third-party testing of any kind.

Top brands in this tier include:

• Onnit Alpha BRAIN
• Moon Juice Brain Dust
• Focus Factor

The second tier — where you'll find Thesis — consists of more expensive nootropics that spell their contents out clearly, use high-quality ingredients, and often perform third-party testing to ensure safety and potency. Top brands in this tier include:

• Qualia Mind

Hunter Focus

We have a comprehensive breakdown of our top nootropics , but here's a concise breakdown of Thesis' most comparable competition.

TruBrain offers one of the widest varieties of nootropics of any company — one of the few catalogs that rivals the variety Thesis offers. They also have some novel and beneficial delivery methods for their nootropic ingredients. Those include energy bars and liquid shots that are outstanding for anyone with difficulty swallowing pills.

TruBrain offers their nootropics in a targeted fashion, not unlike what you get from Thesis. They formerly offered their targeted blends in shot form only, but now you can get any of these targeted blends in capsule or liquid shot form. The shots come in small 1oz pouches that make them easy to take anywhere.

TruBrain's targeted blends include:

This is TruBrain's original blend. It contains seven nootropics, including Noopept, a branded form of N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester. This blend is caffeine-free.

The Strong blend is identical to the Medium formulation in contents and doses, but it also contains 100mg of caffeine.

The Extra Strong formula builds on the Strong blend by adding 150mg of adrafinil (2-(diphenylmethyl)sulfinyl-N-hydroxyacetamide). 21 This wakefulness-promoting substance may also help with weight loss and athletic performance.

TruBrain's Sleep formula contains just four nootropic ingredients: GABA, melatonin, 5-HTP, and a blend that TruBrain calls "functional oils."

Mellow is identical to the medium strength formula, but it adds the functional oil combination used in Sleep.

This formula contains Lion's mane, a mushroom that may promote neural growth , though human studies are necessary to determine if this is true. 22 Its other nootropic ingredients are rhodiola, guayusa, and rosehips.

A 30-day supply of TruBrain nootropic shots costs $89. That's $10 more than the subscription cost for a one-month supply of Thesis. Some of their shots contain caffeine, and others don't. If it already contains caffeine, there's no way to alter a TruBrain formula to be stimulant-free.

The first month of TruBrain capsules costs a bit less, coming in at $69. After your first month, however, the price goes up to $119. That makes Thesis the better value, but if you want the best possible nootropics for sleep support, it might be worth the extra money to check out TruBrain.

Qualia Mind is a brand under the Neurohacker Collective, a company that offers several products to address things like sleep quality, skin health, and vision. They have three nootropics available:

• Qualia Mind Caffeine-Free
• Qualia Mind Focus

Their original blend is comprehensive, consisting of nearly 30 ingredients in high doses. That means it's liable to provide you with noticeable effects. It also means you might not know which of those effects are coming from which ingredients, and some of the less beneficial components in your body may also have side effects you'd rather avoid.

The caffeine-free version is identical to the original formula but leaves the caffeine out. Qualia Focus is a more streamlined offering with only seven nootropic ingredients, including caffeine, L-theanine, and L-ornithine. 23

Initial shipments from Qualia Mind are significantly discounted, but after the first month, the price makes theirs one of the most expensive nootropics we've tested. For example, the first month of a subscription to Qualia Mind costs just $39. After that, it costs $139/month. And a one-time purchase is $159.

One inconvenient aspect of Qualia Mind is that a single dose consists of seven capsules, which can get tiresome even for people who don't have trouble swallowing pills. On the bright side, Qualia's 100-day money-back guarantee allows you to try it for a little over three months to determine if you can handle that kind of daily dosing.

Hunter Focus is one of three supplements in the Hunter stack alongside the company's Test and Burn supplements. The stack is intended for male use — Test is a testosterone supplement — but Focus and Burn are suitable for men and women.

Like Qualia Mind, Focus has a long list of ingredients in generous doses. In fact, one serving of Hunter Focus is like taking all six of Thesis' formulas at once. That said, the serving itself is difficult to swallow, as it consists of six large pills.

Another knock on Hunter is that they don't offer a subscription system. That means you can't get an extra discount, and you must remember to reorder when you're running low (theoretically, a nootropic like this should boost your memory). There's also no money-back guarantee to speak of, only a return policy with a relatively short window that only applies to unopened products.

One bottle of Hunter Focus costs $90, and shipping is $8.95 unless you buy more than one bottle at a time. The company will throw a fourth in for free if you buy three bottles at once. That's the only way to get any savings through Hunter.

Individual nootropic components

Many companies offer combinations of nootropic ingredients to perform specific brain-related tasks or even provide globally positive cognitive benefits. However, the scientific research behind most of these ingredients almost always includes just one rather than a combination. Some people prefer to try one at a time to minimize the potential for side effects and determine if one particular ingredient works for them. A few companies offer single-ingredient nootropic supplements for this specific purpose.

Our favorite company dealing in individual nootropic components is Nootropics Depot. They offer a wide variety of single-ingredient supplements and a few targeted blends. The prices are generally fair, with an average range running from $16-$70. A 30-day money-back guarantee covers every purchase, and you get free shipping on orders over $50.

Nootropics FAQ

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Specific nootropics affect different parts of the brain in their own ways. Some — like caffeine — reduce fatigue by blocking adenosine receptors, while others act to protect neural connections that are already present while possibly contributing to new neural growth. 24 Some also mitigate depression and anxiety, which frees up the brain to perform at its best.

Are nootropics safe?

The safety of a nootropic depends on the specific ingredients involved. Many are perfectly safe in the doses commonly employed by nootropic companies, but some can cause reactions like increased heart rate, gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, and even tremors. The smartest thing to do is to talk to your doctor before introducing any new supplement to your regimen.

Do nootropics really work?

Many nootropic supplements are noticeably effective — caffeine is a great example. Efficacy varies depending on the specific component or combination. Fortunately, a lot of companies offer money-back guarantees, so you can try their products to see if they work for you without much financial risk.

Will nootropics make me smarter?

Nootropics won't necessarily make you smarter, but many can increase your alertness, improve short-term recall, and promote neural growth and protection. That creates a great environment for learning if you apply yourself while using nootropics, and many ingredients can help you with the motivation it takes to do so.

How do you pronounce nootropics?

The 'noo' in nootropics comes from the Greek nous , which philosophers use to mean mind or intelligence. The 'tropic' in nootropic comes from the Greek tropikos , which relates to turning or changing. So, nootropic roughly translates to mind-changing. You pronounce the 'noo' like 'new' and the 'tropic' with a long O sound, like 'toe pick.'

Innerbody uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Mayo Clinic. (2022). Memory lapses: Normal aging or something more? Mayo Clinic Press.

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Thesis Nootropics Review 2024: Honest Thoughts + Am I Still Buying?

• Last updated: March 19, 2024

About Dr. Steve Kim, MD

Physician Advisor

After using Thesis nootropics for more than a year, for me, the higher price point is definitely worth it for the cognitive benefits I’ve experienced. Specifically, I’ve noticed that I am not feeling overwhelmed as often as I was prior, and I am able to focus and complete tasks with more ease.

Thesis Overview

• Price:  $119 for one-time purchase or $79 with subscription
• Helps With:  Cognitive function, including motivation, memory, focus, and more
• Side Effects:  Headache, stomachache, and more
• Safety: Made with ingredients that are Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA or have passed Phase III clinical trials
• Dietary Information:  Vegan, and made without gluten, eggs, and nuts

Thesis offers a variety of  nootropics, also called “smart drugs,” which are medicinal substances that improve cognitive function, specifically memory, thinking, and learning. While some prescription nootropics are FDA-approved, Thesis is not regulated by the FDA and is available over-the-counter (OTC). However, their ingredients are third-party tested and they only use ingredients that are either Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA or have passed through Phase III clinical trials. 

I’ve been taking Thesis for over a year now, about six times a week, and I’ve noticed some significant improvements in terms of how often I feel overwhelmed, as well as my ability to focus and stay on task. While I know Thesis won’t work well for everyone, these nootropics agree well with me and I’ll continue using them to help boost my productivity, focus, and more. 

In this article, I’ll delve into my experience using Thesis nootropics, as well as discuss their potential benefits, side effects, and more.

• Custom blends
• Personal coaching / support by nootropic experts
• No proprietary blends (AKA no hidden ingredients!)
• Caffeinated or noncaffeinated formulas
• Effective ingredients
• No free trials
• Relatively high monthly cost

My Experience Taking Thesis Nootropics

I’ve been loving Thesis since I started using their products, specifically the Clarity, Creativity, Logic, and Energy blends, over a year ago. While there’s no nootropic that’ll offer you the same potency you’d get from Adderall, or other prescription stimulant medications, I’ve found Thesis to work surprisingly well for my needs.

When using them 6 times a week, they have offered notable improvements in how well I’m able to focus and stay on task. In practice, this usually looks like a clearer mind and an improved ability to maintain a relaxed state of mind while completing various tasks. As someone who feels overwhelmed fairly often, this is a welcomed change of pace.

With their Clarity and Creativity blends, in particular, I just feel leveled out. I’m able to sit down and work, without feeling like I’m just hopped up on too much caffeine, a feeling that really makes me uncomfortable. 

In the world of nootropics, where certain products don’t seem noticeable whatsoever, it cannot be overstated just how awesome my experience with Thesis has been.

Benefits of Thesis

As a customer, you’ll have the opportunity to speak with their coaches at any time. I have reached out on a few occasions, just to talk about the fascinating world of nootropics. In particular, I have had amazing conversations with one of their neurologists, Cindy. It truly is nice to speak with other individuals who are as fascinated with the science behind nootropics as I am.

Another aspect of Thesis that I really respect is that they clearly publish not only which ingredients they include, but also the exact amounts of each ingredient. This matters because it allows consumers to actually cross-check the research behind the ingredients/dosages, an unfortunate rarity in the supplement space.

•  6 custom blends, each with unique effects that may work well for many individuals
• Personal coaching/support from nootropic experts
• No proprietary blends (hidden ingredients)
• Caffeinated or non-caffeinated formulas
• Effective ingredients that are backed by science and are third-party tested
• Available OTC
• Not FDA-approved
• Relatively high monthly price, which may not work for everyone

How Does Thesis Work?

You’ll start by filling out a questionnaire on their website, which should only take a few minutes. Once you’re done with the survey, Thesis’ algorithm will run through its millions of data points to predict which of their blends may work best for you. 

Once you place your order, either as a one-time purchase or as a subscription, you’ll be shipped your blends.

Per the instructions, you’ll begin taking your blends and note how you feel in the included daily journal. This will help your track whether your blends are the right fit for your needs or if they need to be adjusted. You’ll also be able to speak with one of their coaches at any time for additional support. 

Related reading: Stasis Supplement Review – Our Research, Testing, and Impressions

Thesis vs. Alternatives

 We’ve created this comparison table to pit Thesis up against Onnit and Mind Lab Pro , two other popular nootropic brands.

Thesis Nootropics Side Effects

The ingredients in Thesis may lead to side effects in some individuals, including: 

• Stomachache
• Signs of an allergic reaction

If you experience any prolonged discomfort, stop taking Thesis and reach out to your healthcare provider. Seek urgent medical care if you experience serious symptoms of an allergic reaction.

The Verdict: Are Thesis Nootropics Worth It?

Thesis offers a complete toolkit of nootropics that are tailored to your needs, in addition to ongoing expert support. Unlike other nootropics, which may include unnecessary or hidden ingredients, Thesis only offers what you need with their six unique blends that focus on supporting logic, energy, creativity, clarity, motivation, and confidence. Once you find the blend or blends that work for you, you can opt into a subscription and save on costs. 

While the monthly cost may be on the higher side, the ability to select only the blends you need, instead of opting for a nootropic that may include ingredients that are unnecessary for your particular needs, is definitely a major benefit of opting for this provider over others.

Keep in mind that Thesis will not feel as potent as prescription stimulant medication and that certain blends may lead to side effects, like gastrointestinal problems or headaches, in some. It’s always best to speak with your healthcare provider prior to trying Thesis to ensure that it is safe for you to do so.

Thesis will not be as potent as Adderall, a prescription medication. However,  Thesis , a type of nootropic or “smart drug,” may work well for some individuals in boosting cognitive function, focus, and more. 

Some nootropics can be used every day. However, it’s best to follow the specific’s products instructions, as well as speak to your healthcare provider about safe use.

Thesis  may be safe for some individuals to use. According to the company, they only use ingredients that are either classified as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA or that havve passed through Phase III clinical trials. However, it’s always best to speak with your healthcare provider prior to trying Thesis to ensure that it is safe for you to use.

Thesis does not offer free samples, however, they do offer a no-questions-asked refund. 

Thesis offer caffeinated and caffeine-free formulas.

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What Is Thesis?

How does it work, thesis nootropics benefits, thesis blend breakdown, thesis energy benefits, clarity benefits, motivation benefits, logic benefits, creativity benefits, side effects, who should take it, who shouldn't take it, where can you buy it, other user reviews, how does thesis compare to other supplements, our verdict on thesis nootropics.

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• ThesIs Nootropics Review

Thesis Nootropics Review (2024) Is It Worth The Hype?

As a fitness coach, I've seen the impact of high-quality nootropic supplements on motivation and concentration during workouts.

Teaming up with my dietitian and 12 clients, we documented the significant cognitive benefits and general effects of Thesis over a period of four weeks.

Does it genuinely fulfill its promise of enhancing your mental performance and focus?

Before trying out the supplement, keep reading and find out if it's right for your mental wellness needs.

Thesis is a stack of supplements that aims to improve cognitive function, mental stamina, mood, and overall mental energy levels.

Thesis nootropics' energy formula claims to boost energy levels while catering to individuals following a certified gluten-free diet, promoting positive habits and supporting nerve health.

What's particularly interesting about purchasing this stack is the Thesis algorithm.

It’s a set of questions that assess your personal needs to create a bespoke starter kit.

More on this shortly.

As a result, you get a recommendation from a couple of their products to provide personalized blends for nootropics.

Let’s learn more about how Thesis supplements work with your brain health.

Thesis Nootropics

The Thesis experience begins with a questionnaire to assess your needs and goals, like improved physical and mental energy.

Based on your responses, the algorithm will recommend different Thesis blends to help you achieve your goals.

After going through the quiz, you get a recommended Thesis starter kit.

The five different products Thesis then recommends claim to work similarly to smart drugs by boosting your cognitive function and mood.

But unlike prescription medications, Thesis uses natural ingredients like vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and herbs.

“Nootropics, a greek word meaning 'Towards the Mind', are compounds that are both (1) neurologically active and (2) directly or indirectly enhance cognitive potential via increased capabilities (ie. reflexes), state of well-being, or learning potential.” - Kamal Patel, MPH, MBA at Examine.com

Once you are a Thesis customer, you can also set up a meeting with a Thesis coach to review your stack and the effects you are looking for and experiencing.

But does that make Thesis legit?

Let’s see what our detailed clinical research reveals.

The first thing that we got our testing team to do is to go through a full week of keeping an hourly journal to self-evaluate their mood, concentration, and cognitive function.

Then we put them through three weeks of taking their Thesis recommended stack and got them all to keep their hourly journaling going.

The first thing we noted was that the energy blend and creativity formula seemed to give our clients a good boost in brain performance.

And the folks that took the motivation blend a few hours before heading to the gym also found they were more focused on their workouts.

However, the majority of our test group highlighted that the effects seemed to wear off after about 4–5 hours.

We also noted that the logic formula didn’t provide a huge benefit, which could be down to a lack of a proven formula.

We also found that the Thesis nootropics cost can mount up if you want to stack a few of them.

• Allows you to combine different product formulas for personal goals
• Provides support from coaches to help you refine your stack
• Positive impacts on mood and concentration levels
• Some of the ingredients are not supported by reliable clinical trials
• You may need to swallow quite a few capsules, depending on your particular blend

Thesis Nootropics offers a unique blend of ingredients that target thesis energy, thesis creativity, cellular function, and even skin health, making it a notable contender in the supplement industry.

For this part of the Thesis supplements review, I got my dietitian to help out and analyze the Thesis formula for each of the products.

We also tested the effects with 12 clients to see whether the marketing hype lives up to expectations.

Let's have a more detailed look at the features and benefits of each blend.

The idea behind Thesis Energy is to help people clear brain fog and feel more mentally energized.

To verify this, we paid close attention to the journal entries our testing team made in the afternoons. This is typically when people feel a slump.

What we found was that folks who took this supplement after lunch gained some mental clarity.

But it seems like the effect wears off after about four hours, so you don’t gain an all-day effect like with other nootropics.

Key Ingredients:

• Choline: According to PubMed, this mineral may boost memory function and verbal fluency [ 1 ].
• L-Theanine: A controlled trial posted in Nutritional Neurosciences suggests that this amino acid can work well with caffeine to increase alertness without causing jitters [ 2 ].
• Caffeine: This stimulant can boost alertness, but you can get this from a morning coffee, so I’m not overly impressed that it’s added here [ 3 ].

Thesis Clarity is another product that aims to improve neural communication and allow you to think more clearly and effectively.

Thesis Nootropics' clarity formula provides an extra boost of cognitive performance, targeting stress response reduction and improving sleep quality, all while delivering a healthy dose for enhanced mental clarity and improved ability.

We did note in our testing review that there seems to be an improvement in mental function for several hours after taking it.

But this also seemed to happen more with those testers who took the clarity and energy formula.

• 7,8-DHF: Studies have shown that Dihydroxyflavone can cross the blood-brain barrier and act as a neuroprotective ingredient [ 4 ].
• Alpha GPC: This is an ingredient that has been shown to protect against neurological decline [ 5 ].
• Lion’s Mane: This mushroom is common in nootropics and has been shown to improve mental performance and creativity [ 6 ].

A large part of improving mental health comes down to how focused and motivated you are with daily tasks. Our clients who tested the Thesis Motivation noted that it seemed to help them remain more motivated during workouts.

But this doesn’t seem to happen if you take it in the morning and go to the gym later in the day. So you’d need to get your timing right.

• L-Phenylalanine: Research has shown that this ingredient can help with signs of depression and improve overall mood [ 7 ].
• Dynamine: Also known as Methylliberine, studies have highlighted that it can impact your mental well-being when combined with caffeine [ 8 ].
• Forskolin: The interesting thing about this herbal ingredient is that it can improve blood flow to the brain for better focus and motivation [ 9 ].

For this product, we looked at what our clients noted in their journals when they were at work or studying. While they did find a boost in focus, none of them noted that it helped improve verbal fluency or problem-solving skills.

• Ginkgo Biloba: This is a common ingredient in traditional medicine, but modern clinical trials have shown that it can help brain health through improved blood flow and anti-inflammatory properties [ 10 ].
• Ashwagandha: This herb can have a direct impact on stress and memory, allowing you to think clearly and effectively [ 11 ].
• Saffron: It’s the most expensive herb in the world, and studies have linked it to improved stress, mood, and cognitive capacity [ 12 ].

A few of our clients tried the creativity blends, but this is one of the products where most of them didn’t report any significant improvements.

Combinations with other products above did positively impact mood and stress, but we couldn’t find any comments where our clients highlighted that they felt more creative in their work or any other creatively demanding context.

• Agmatine: This amino acid doesn’t just boost cognitive performance but may also help to protect brain cells against oxidative stress [ 13 ].
• Zembrin: Research has shown that this herb can impact both stress and anxiety, but there’s no specific evidence that it can help with creativity [ 14 ].
• Ginseng: This is a common ingredient in diet supplements as it can improve blood sugar levels, but that wouldn’t directly influence creativity [ 15 ].

We also asked all of our clients to provide any feedback they had on side effects related to the nootropic blends.

Overall, the majority of people found that it didn't cause any major issues.

We only noted that one person had a bit of a rash, which could have been a result of an allergic reaction to one of the ingredients.

We also found that it’s best not to take these capsules on an empty stomach. Ideally, take them within 20 minutes of eating a meal to avoid stomach upset.

Based on my personal experience, people who want to achieve a moderate boost in brain function may want to take nootropic supplements.

You would need to experiment with the timing as these capsules don’t provide effects for the entire day. But after about a week, you should be in a position to spread out the capsules for maximum effect.

You can also contact a coach directly for advice on timing. It's especially important when you have no prior experience in taking these supplements. However, a good starting point is to take the minimum and adjust from there.

Based on our own experience, people with high blood pressure or neurological diseases shouldn’t take Thesis natural nootropics to enhance cognitive function.

In such cases, it’s best to have a doctor review your detailed medical history and the nootropic ingredients for any potential side effects.

Our testing team didn’t note any improvements whatsoever, and when we specifically asked them after the trial, none of them said they saw a noticeable difference.

You can buy Thesis Nootropics directly from the company website.

We generally recommend avoiding third-party retailers to ensure that you always get the real product, so this is a positive highlight.

We placed two orders, and the package arrived within four days, which is about average for nootropic supplement companies.

One thing to point out on the Thesis supplements shipping policy is that currently, the company doesn’t offer international shipping.

We also had a look for other nootropic reviews online to see what users were saying.

“It gave me more energy. I have struggled with low energy and I felt like my old self again. I could get up & get things done.” - Laurie C., taketheseis.com

“After 1 month of using Energy, Creativity, Clarity and Logic pack, I do not note any difference in mindset. I opted for the non-caffeinated blends as I am not a big caffeine person to begin with so a caffeinated blend might show some improvement.” - Beefnug, Reddit

“I have been continuously nauseated every day using thesis packets. I have given it a week and a half and cannot handle the negative side effects. Disappointed.” - AdGroundbreaking5162, Reddit

Our Thesis scientific research suggests that it doesn’t compare well to our testing of three other products for improving cognitive function.

First of all, we looked at the results we have for Mind Lab Pro .

The one thing that stands out the most is that it seems to be effective for many more hours than Thesis, so the timing doesn’t become an issue.

The second one we compared is Onnit Alpha Brain . This nootropic supplement seems to provide a lot more focus and motivation, especially while you’re at the gym.

Compared to Gorilla Mind Smooth , Thesis doesn’t have the same effect on boosting energy and reducing stress.

Related Articles:

• Avantera Elevate Review
• Best Nootropics For Men
• Best Nootropics For Women

Is It Safe To Take Thesis Nootropics Every Day?

Yes, it is safe to take Thesis Nootropics every day. We found Thesis to be generally easy to process, but you need to look out for allergies to any of the ingredients. A good way to do this is to ask your physician for advice since they will know whether these ingredients are good for your health.

Does Thesis Nootropics Contain Banned Ingredients?

No, Thesis Nootropics doesn’t contain any banned ingredients. All of the ingredients are based on minerals, amino acids, and herbs that won’t cause a positive drug test result.

Based on our feedback from a nutritionist and the test results with 12 clients, we don't recommend Thesis.

Not only do its effects wear off after a few hours, which makes timing your intake a problem, but it also burns a hole in your pocket for just a stack of three or four products.

Instead, I highly recommend one of the best nootropic brands we have tested so far: Mind Lab Pro .

Our results show that its effects last for most of the day and provide great clarity, energy, focus, and concentration, making it a favorite among clients of all age groups.

We Recommend This Instead

Mind Lab Pro

• Great combination of herbs and amino acids that work as a cognitive enhancer
• Added B vitamins to support red blood cell production and boosted energy levels
• Great feedback from users that it can help with relieving anxiety
• Get the BEST PRICE until the end of April
• The capsules are not the smallest ones to swallow

About The Author

James Cunningham is an author and dietary supplement connoisseur with a solid academic foundation, holding a BSc in Sport & Exercise Science from the University of Hertfordshire. Specializing in Performance Psychology, his expertise is backed by both rigorous study and practical experience.

As an author, James is committed to guiding his readers towards optimal health and performance, providing actionable insights and strategies through his writings.

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Thesis Nootropics Helped Me Ditch My 3-Coffee-A-Day Habit

Here's what to know about the personalized supplement brand.

As someone who pours herself a tall glass of iced coffee three times a day — and sometimes even more, oops — I figured it wouldn’t hurt to look into other ways to boost my energy and focus. Of course, I also try to get enough sleep, water, and exercise, too. But I was also down to try a few supplements from Thesis, a nootropics company that aims to make you feel more productive with its plant-based blends.

If you’re not familiar, nootropics are similar to adaptogens in that they’re a class of functional plants that are buzzy in the wellness world. But nootropics — which include ingredients like ashwagandha , L-theanine , choline , and functional mushrooms — are more focused on activating different parts of your brain to support motivation, mood, memory, and cognitive processing . That’s why they’re sometimes called smart drugs or cognitive enhancers — and thus have a different role to play than everyday vitamins.

At Thesis, you’re hooked up with a kit of personalized vitamins , adaptogens , and nootropics that are meant to help support you in accomplishing your goals and feeling more energized and productive. I tried them out for a month and I have some thoughts. Here’s what it was like to try Thesis, in case you’re also a coffee fiend who could use a little more focus and energy.

• Price: $79/monthly subscription
• Best for: Energy, focus
• My rating: 4/5
• What we like: Personalized supplements, supportive coaches
• What we don't like: Can seem pricey, you have to be ready for some trial and error

What Is Thesis?

To get started, you’ll first take a quiz on the Thesis website that asks you about how you feel on a day-to-day basis, how much coffee you drink, what your energy levels are like, and how much you sleep (among other lifestyle questions) so that it can determine the best supplements for you. It’ll then send you a starter kit with six different supplement blends targeted for each issue you might be experiencing. From there, it’s up to you to decide which ones you want to continue using. It works like a process of elimination — you experiment by taking each supplement for six days to see whether or not it feels effective.

The Thesis line features eight different supplement blends: Creativity, Focus, Motivation, Clarity, Energy, Motivation, Confidence, and Logic. Though the brand notes it would love to formulate one pill that works for everyone, brain chemistry is so complex, so it decided it’s better to take the long route and have customers try multiple supplements in order to find the best fit for their noggin. That’s why Thesis also puts you in contact with a wellness coach, so you can chat and ask questions with an expert along the way.

How Do Nootropics Work?

Nootropics are meant to allow your brain to do its thing, only faster and with more efficiency. So, instead of slogging away at your desk with brain fog , you might notice that you feel perkier, extra organized, and more on-point than you normally do as you continue taking the supplements.

Some of the blends contain the nootropic acetylcholine , which is a neurotransmitter from the essential nutrient choline known for memory, learning, and healthy brain function . There are also plenty of amino acids, vitamins, and plant-based adaptogens in each packet to fight off fatigue and stress while protecting your brain from toxins so it’s easier to take in info — and actually remember what you learned. Other staple nootropics include ginkgo biloba , certain kinds of mushrooms, and caffeine, each of which plays a unique function in your cognitive function.

My Experience

When I took the Thesis quiz , I said that I wanted to improve my energy, focus, and mood. A few days later, I received my starter kit, which contained Clarity , Confidence , Motivation , and Logic all laid out in cute little boxes. You’re supposed to pick one — each box contains six sachets full of pills — and take a packet a day for six days. I was immediately drawn to Clarity, a supplement combo that’s supposed to help with high-pressure situations, concentration, and tasks that require focus and attention. It has Lion’s Mane extract (a mushroom), caffeine, L-theanine , and a few other ingredients meant to support a calm, focused flow. The idea is to take the supplements in the morning so they kick in before you start your day, and most of the effects are said to last from four to six hours.

I’d been taking Clarity for a few days when I had a phone call with Cindy Yan , a Thesis wellness coach and nootropics expert. We chatted about my usual routine, how I’d been feeling, and any questions I had about the process. When I said I felt a slight uptick in focus, but nothing too dramatic, Yan told me the first couple days are called the “loading phase” which is when the nutrients work their way into your body. If you don’t feel anything after that point, it’s a sign the supplement isn’t necessary or right for your neurochemistry. If you do like how you feel, it’s a keeper.

As we chatted about my routine, Yan realized I’d benefit from Creativity, an ashwagandha-based supplement meant for brainstorming and public speaking, so that I could feel like a rockstar at work. I also told her that I tend to crave a nap around 3 p.m., so she suggested the Energy supplement made with choline and mango leaf extract , which you can take every day or on extra-busy days, before a workout , or whenever you want to feel alert.

Talking to a coach as I tested the supplements was a true perk. While the quiz got me started with some great options, having access to Yan helped me hone in on what I truly needed.

Yan suggested I log how I felt every day as I took each supplement so I could keep track of any noticeable differences. A week in, I looked at the scribbles in my notebook and noticed that I did seem more productive during the six days I took Clarity. I wasn’t launching rockets to the moon, but I was getting through my emails and typing away like a woman on fire.

The next supplement on my agenda was Energy, a blend meant for busy days, intense workouts, and staying alert thanks to its mango leaf, theacrine , caffeine, and n-acetyl cysteine — and this is the one that gave me the most benefit. Yan was right on the money. She said I could take it in the morning and/or right after lunch to nip my afternoon slump in the bud, and it truly worked — no fourth mid-day coffee for me.

The more I took Energy, the less I felt like I needed to unhinge my jaw and dump as much cold brew into my face as possible. I found myself drinking a sensible cup or two in the morning, and that was that. Thesis says you can feel the effects of the supplements in as little as 30 minutes or it can take up to five days for all the benefits to sink in as your body and brain adjust. For me, though, Energy kicked in pretty quickly.

The Bottom Line

Typically, Thesis users land on two or three supplements for their regimen. After the month-long trial phase, you can order just the ones you want and forget about the rest. Personally, I’m sold on Energy and can see myself hanging onto Clarity, too.

Thesis seems to have figured things out in the nootropic supplement realm. While the boxes seem pricey, it isn’t so bad when you think about buying each supplement on your own individually — and the fact that you get a wellness coach, too.

TL;DR: I’d recommend it for anyone who feels fatigued, unproductive, or unfocused, or for folks who rely on caffeine to get through the day, like me. You might just find that there’s a better way.

Studies referenced:

Baba, Y. (2021). Effects of l-Theanine on Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged and Older Subjects: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study. J Med Food. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2020.4803. Epub 2021 Mar 22.

Coqueiro, AY. (2019). Glutamine as an Anti-Fatigue Amino Acid in Sports Nutrition. Nutrients. doi: 10.3390/nu11040863.

Gelabert-Rebato, M. (2019). A Single Dose of The Mango Leaf Extract Zynamite ® in Combination with Quercetin Enhances Peak Power Output During Repeated Sprint Exercise in Men and Women. Nutrients. 2019 Oct 28;11(11):2592. doi: 10.3390/nu11112592.

Lai, PL. (2013). Neurotrophic properties of the Lion's mane medicinal mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) from Malaysia. Int J Med Mushrooms. doi: 10.1615/intjmedmushr.v15.i6.30.

Malík, M, Tlustoš P. Nootropics as Cognitive Enhancers: Types, Dosage and Side Effects of Smart Drugs. Nutrients. 2022 Aug 17;14(16):3367. doi: 10.3390/nu14163367. PMID: 36014874; PMCID: PMC9415189.

Mokhtari, V. (2017). A Review on Various Uses of N-Acetyl Cysteine. Cell J. doi: 10.22074/cellj.2016.4872.

Penry, JT. (2008). Choline: an important micronutrient for maximal endurance-exercise performance? Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. doi: 10.1123/ijsnem.18.2.191.

Sam, C. (2022). Physiology, Acetylcholine. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan–. PMID: 32491757.

Silberstein, R. B. (2010). Examining Brain-Cognition Effects of Ginkgo Biloba Extract: Brain Activation in the Left Temporal and Left Prefrontal Cortex in an Object Working Memory Task. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : ECAM , 2011 . https://doi.org/10.1155/2011/164139

Suliman, NA. (2016). Establishing Natural Nootropics: Recent Molecular Enhancement Influenced by Natural Nootropic. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. doi: 10.1155/2016/4391375.

Todorova, V. (2021). Plant Adaptogens-History and Future Perspectives. Nutrients. doi: 10.3390/nu13082861.

Wiedeman, AM. (2018). Dietary Choline Intake: Current State of Knowledge Across the Life Cycle. Nutrients. doi: 10.3390/nu10101513.

Thesis Nootropic Review - Do Personalized Nootropics Work? I Found Out.

O dds are if you hadn’t heard about nootropics before the early 2010s, you’ve heard about them now. Nootropics burst onto the scene around that time, and they’ve been trending ever since. Why? Well, with bold claims of making you feel more focused, calmer, and even smarter , it’s no wonder that these unique supplements have been catching people’s attention. Especially after the toll of the pandemic on all of our mental wellbeing…

If you’re dealing with brain fog, fatigue, and poor productivity, nootropics probably sound enticing. But, finding natural, effective, no-nonsense nootropics in today’s crowded wellness market can seem like a steep order. 

That’s where Thesis comes in. Takethesis.com is an online brand that’s been a leader in personalized nootropics for years. With all-natural supplement blends that they claim are rooted in science, Thesis promises to bring a new meaning to the term “smart drugs”. 

But as someone who’s always reserved a healthy level of skepticism around the efficacy of supplements in general, I decided to try Thesis nootropics firsthand to see what the hype was all about. In this review, I’ll share my experience with Thesis, including my honest reaction after taking their formulas for greater focus, confidence, logic, and more.

Curious if Thesis can introduce you to the valuable world of nootropics, without the BS? Keep reading to learn what’s inside Thesis ‘ supplements and whether or not their nootropic blends had any effect on my brain.

What are nootropics?

Any natural or synthetic substance that can positively affect cognition, focus, memory, and other mental faculties, and sometimes your mood, is considered a nootropic.

Prescription stimulants like Adderall for ADHD are included as well. And while prescription drugs work for many, they typically exhibit a high instance of unwanted side effects. Natural remedies that boost mental performance, including organic supplements and dietary changes, are generally more sustainable over the long term. In fact, many ADHD patients first discover nootropics after seeking healthier alternatives to Adderall and other pharmaceuticals.

Read our full comparison of nootropics vs Adderall for more details on the key differences.

Source: Thesis

How long have nootropics been around?

The use of nootropics first became widespread in the 70s, when  Piracetam first became widely known as a treatment for motion sickness, then later was found to boost cognitive performance. This spurred more of an effort toward discovering and developing more nootropics . It’s since become a thriving market, especially after the global pandemic wreaked havoc on mental health and left many with persistent brain fog. Today, the internet is awash with countless brain-boosting products available to consumers without prescription, and most don’t have FDA approval or much clinical data to support their claims.

While we love having options, the wide range of (unproven) nootropic supplements available today makes it hard to know which could work for you. There are dozens of brands, each offering various different nootropic blends, all claiming to be the best in class. Should you really be expected to try them all?

Thesis is on a mission to solve this conundrum. The company emerged to not only offer great quality and transparency around their blends, but also to recognize patients’ need for personalized recommendations from experts.

Let’s dive in to see what nootropics Thesis offers, and how the support they offer differs from typical supplement companies.

What are Thesis nootropics?

Thesis (rebranded from FindMyFormula.com) is a longstanding nootropics company with an impressive customer base of over 500,000 users. Having been in the space for years, Thesis has developed a comprehensive data set of nootropics research that dwarfs those of their competitors. I found this data-driven pitch compelling, and thus decided that I’d give Thesis a shot as my first foray into the world of nootropics in general.

1. How Thesis works

To get started, complete Thesis’ online questionnaire . They only ask for basic info – you don’t have to share specific lab tests or detailed medical history. Next, the Thesis algorithm will process your answers to recommend one or more nootropic blends best suited to your needs, which will be shipped to your house within 1-3 business days. 

Thesis recommends you sample their nootropic blends for a month before selecting ones that you believe work the best for you. Of course, you don’t have to stick with just one – and many Thesis customers opt to continue taking two or more blends for varied nootropic benefits as desired. Customer’s purchase data then funnels back to bolster Thesis’s algorithm, further strengthening the reliability of its recommendation engine. Pretty cool, I must admit.

2. What makes Thesis unique

Thesis’ personalized nootropic recommendation algorithm, paired with the ability to try out four unique nootropic blends before selecting your go-to formula, is what defines the Thesis process. They spare you from the difficult, time-intensive testing of individual nootropics on your own, which could easily take months (and cost a serious amount of $). By first paring down your options to the supplements that are most likely to work for you, Thesis takes the legwork out of trying nootropics. 

Plus, when you become a Thesis customer, you’ll also get access to a nootropics expert. This coach is available for consultation at any time to help you optimize your nootropics routine so that you get the most out of these specialized supplements. This includes keeping track of your progress, as well as answering any and all questions you may have about the science supporting each ingredient.

What’s inside Thesis’s unique nootropic blends?

At this point, you’re probably wondering what nootropic blends Thesis has to offer, and what secret sauce ingredients lie within. Thesis currently has six different formulations, each designed to target specific needs:

After filling out Thesis’ online questionnaire, I was recommended all but their Creativity blend . Below, I’ll outline the key nootropic ingredients inside each, as well as review my own personal experience in experimenting with them for the first time.

Energy formula Ingedients

Thesis’ Energy formula is designed to boost energy, fight fatigue, and improve mental stamina. Its ingredients include:

• Choline, for learning and memory
• NAC, for detoxification
• NALT, to support nerve cell communication
• Sabroxy®, for a dopamine boost and heightened memory
• TeaCrine®, for improved motivation, energy, and cognitive function
• Zynamite®, for mental and physical energy
• Caffeine, for energy and alertness
• L-Theanine, for an improved stress response

Review of Thesis energy – did it work for me?

Keep in mind that the power of placebo is well documented, as is the tremendous bias in self-reporting of any kind. These two factors, in combination with the day-to-day choppiness of life in general, make it hard to objectively determine how well supplements of any kind work for a given individual, much less the general population at large. 

That said, putting those caveats aside for sec, I took Thesis’ energy blend for 6 days straight, and I definitely felt more ALERT. The results were noticeable and fairly instant – I felt more alive and energetic within the first hour of taking the four recommended pills , and the feeling generally continued late into the afternoon. 

Fearful that my morning cup of coffee might overshadow or confound the nootropic’s effects, my routine was to take Thesis’ energy formula first thing in the morning with just a glass of water. It could just be the pill’s healthy dose of caffeine (or again, perhaps just placebo?), but regardless, I no longer craved coffee. Thesis’ Energy nootropics jolted me to full attention and kept my energy high for hours. If you’re looking for a caffeine replacement, or perhaps just an extra boost after a night of poor sleep, I definitely recommend Thesis’ blend for higher energy. Here’s what they pills look like up close:

The one downside? I ended up trying Thesis Energy with coffee one morning and felt pretty jittery. Of course, caffeine (and nootropics!) affect everyone differently, so if you’re eager to give these a shot, try them with and without your normal dose of coffee or tea to see how you feel. For me, I only needed one, not both, but it’s worth testing to find out what works for you!

Clarity formula ingredients

Do you find yourself often feeling foggy or forgetful? If so, Thesis’s Clarity formula may be worth a try. Formulated for increased focus and attention span, the Clarity nootropics are designed to help you more easily enter a flow state. 

What ingredients are inside Thesis’ Clarity? Their unique formula contains:

• 7,8-DHF, for neural communication, neurogenesis, and neuroprotection
• Alpha GPC, for memory, neurogenesis, and neuroprotection
• Epicatechin, for improved mood, blood flow, and neuroprotection
• Lion’s Mane, for improved memory consolidation and neuroprotection
• L-Theanine, for a better response to stress

Review of Thesis clarity – my personal experience

In my next phase of experimentation with Thesis nootropics, I decided to sample the Clarity blend for 6 days straight. Note that these six days did not overlap with days I took other nootropics, as I wanted to document my reaction to their blends independently, rather than seeing how I felt taking all of them together at once.

Although the benefits of Thesis’ Clarity blend were admittedly less immediate and noticeable than those I experienced with their Energy blend, I can honestly report that on the days I took Clarity, I found it easy to maintain a state of mental flow for longer . I generally don’t struggle to enter flow and engage deeply with my work, and this remained true while taking Thesis Clarity. What was different for me, however, was the duration of my flow, and I did my best to document these benefits closely through journaling.

To try and make my process as scientific as possible, at lunch each day I recorded how long I was able to stay focused that AM, and then again at dinner, noting how long I had been able to focus in that afternoon. Upon comparing my notes from the week I took Clarity vs the week I didn’t take anything at all, some clear benefits emerged. Overall, I was able to stay in a state of flow for ~35% longer with Thesis Clarity , although I’d be careful not to assume similar results too broadly for a couple of key reasons.

For one, placebo could very much be to blame given that I wanted to be more focused, and thus that desire alone could be to blame for my positive results. There’s also a small sample bias. Having only taken Clarity for one week, my self-reported data is a long way from “scientific significance”. 

That said, nootropics and supplements are all about how you feel, and the end conclusion remains the same: I felt focused for longer when taking Thesis’ recommended blend for Clarity. If you find yourself being overly fidgety, forgetful, or disengaged at work, I recommend you give Thesis Clarity a shot.

Motivation formula ingredients

The Motivation formula is intended to boost willpower and productivity while reducing procrastination. This formula from Thesis includes the following nootropic ingredients:

• Artichoke extract, for stress management and circulation
• Dynamine®, for crash-free energy and a mood boost
• Forskolin, for improved cognitive function
• L-Phenylalanine, for mood, attention, and motivation
• B12, for energy and nerve wellness
• Theanine, for an improved stress response

Review of Thesis Motivation – does it actually work?

Although I consider myself highly motivated, we all have days when we feel kind of “meh”. Rather than sampling Thesis’ Motivation nootropic every day for six days in a row, as I had with other blends, I instead opted to only experiment with them on days I woke up feeling noticeably uninspired. Interestingly, but perhaps not so surprisingly, these mostly fell on Mondays, although I felt less inclined to face my responsibilities on other days as well.

So, on these days of lower motivation when I took Thesis’ recommended Motivation nootropics, how did they make me feel? Honestly, I’m not sure. When reviewing my journal entries, I don’t notice any strong signs that the Thesis’ Motivation nootropics helped me significantly. It’s possible they acted in more subtle or slower ways because, by the afternoon, my notes indicate that I always felt fully engaged and motivated with whatever I was doing. But I must admit, I felt no sudden rush of motivation or anything super perceptible about Thesis’ nootropics for Motivation.

This may be because I didn’t adequately measure my personal motivation level while journaling. It could also be that on cherry-picking days I felt less motivated and heavily on biased my experience. For instance, I wonder if my results would have been more pronounced if I took Motivation consistently every day? Ultimately, I should probably test Thesis’ Motivation blend more before drawing any hard conclusions. And again, it’s worth noting that everyone’s body is quite different. While I don’t struggle with day-to-day motivation, others clearly do, and thus might see more noticeable results than I did.

Creativity formula ingedients

Thesis’s Creativity formula is designed to spark inspiration, improve verbal fluency, and provide a boost of confidence. It contains:

• Agmatine, for stress management
• Alpha GPC, support for memory, neuroprotection, and neurogenesis
• Ginseng, for learning and memory
• Ashwagandha, to promote calm in stressful settings
• Zembrin®, for mood regulation and blood flow to the brain
• Caffeine, for energy

My review of thesis creativity

Unfortunately, Thesis didn’t recommend this formula to me, so I can’t comment on its efficacy. That said, it’s one of Thesis’ most popular formulations, and thus seems to work for thousands of happy customers. I’ll update this section when I have a chance to try it first-hand.

Confidence formula ingredients

Confidence is the newest nootropic blend from Thesis. It contains ingredients to target stress and insecurities while fostering a sense of self-assurance. The idea behind the Confidence blend is that it will help users to feel more sure of themselves and stay in the present.

The Confidence nootropic ingredients include:

• Magnesium L-threonate

Ashwagandha

Review of thesis confidence – does it work.

Even the most self-assured among us crave more confidence. That’s because it’s attractive and infectious. As Thesis’ newest nootropic blend, Confidence is recommended for “high-pressure situations” when you want to “expand your comfort zone”, so I decided to reserve mine for situations in which I was meeting new people, which often, for me, means anticipatory social anxiety.

Recording how I felt two hours before leaving to meet new folks (both for business and pleasure), and then comparing that to my notes from just one hour before each meeting, a clear pattern emerged. In all cases, I reported feeling more relaxed and ready for new encounters after taking Thesis nootropics .

Absent any supplements whatsoever, my typical levels of social anxiety generally increase steadily up until the moment I see people. Generally, I turn to meditation to try to remedy that in the short term. However, that didn’t appear to be the case the 6 times I sampled Thesis’ confidence formula, although it’s unclear why. Perhaps it’s a placebo effect. But in any event, I was encouraged to keep trying Thesis Confidence nootropics before performative moments of all kinds.

Do Thesis nootropics really work?

I didn’t expect any nootropics to have a significant perceptible impact on my mood or cognition, yet 3 of the 4 blends that I tried brought real benefits. In case you missed it, I chronicled my experience trying various nootropic blends from Thesis above. Overall, I have to say I was pretty impressed with their results. 

For me, Thesis’ Energy and Confidence blends worked the best. Clarity also helped me maintain flow for longer during the workday, but I didn’t notice any strong effects from their Motivation supplements. Of course, I don’t know for sure that the nootropics are directly responsible for the benefits I perceived after trialing each variety 6 times. It could have just been placebo effect or some other internal bias altering my perception of reality. But honestly, does it really matter? The effects were very positive, and for the most part, perceptible, too. That’s a win-win!

That said, everyone responds differently to nutrients, which explains why you should maintain a healthy dose of skepticism about how well nootropic blends might work for you. How can something as simple as an herb really make you feel happier, more focused, and more productive? You won’t know unless you try them for yourself and pay close attention to how you feel.

Since my initial exploration, several members of my team have tried Thesis nootropics as well. While we all agree that you likely won’t feel as stark of a mental difference from all natural nootropics as you would with synthetic prescription drugs, but we all experienced a noticeable, positive effect on mood, memory, energy, and focus. This corroborating evidence – albeit self-reported – reassured me that perhaps my experience wasn’t all placebo after all.

What’s it like to talk to a Thesis nootropic coach?

After trying Thesis supplements, I was eager to chat with their team of expert nootropic coaches to discuss my experience. Naturally, I wanted to know if what I felt was “normal”, as well as how to further optimize the benefits I felt by making adjustments. I know there are lots of telehealth platforms on the market and having a coach with the knowledge of something that I knew less about made me much more comfortable.

I was able to schedule a call within just a few days and chatted with someone named Cindy with a degree in neurobiology. She was able to explain how the various nootropics I had tried likely contributed to my experience and offered a few recommendations around what to try next given my individual results.

Ultimately, I not only enjoyed the conversation but felt like I had clear next steps. It was reassuring to know I could get advice again at any time in the future. This is an amazingly personal feature that makes Thesis stand out against other nootropic brands.

What active ingredients does Thesis include in their compounds?

Each ingredient included in Thesis’s formulations is backed by science, which you can find right on their website. There are ways to test for any deficiencies  that you might have, which can also help you decide which supplements would benefit you. Here’s an overview:

Synapsa® (Bacopa monnieri plant)

Bacopa has been shown to boost memory recall and be neuroprotective. 

TAU (uridine)

The body uses uridine to create choline (a cognitive enhancer), construct nerve cell membranes, and help prevent neuron damage. 

7,8-DHF (dihydroxyflavone)

Studies indicate that 7,8-DHF can help protect against brain damage and neurological decline. 

Choline supports nerve health, cerebral metabolism, and the function of neurotransmitters. It also has been shown to have neuroprotective benefits, preserving the health of your brain. 

When it’s taken regularly, DHA has been shown to boost memory and reaction time. 

Ashwagandha root helps regulate the body’s response to cortisol, the “ stress hormone”. 

The active components of GS15-4 Panax Ginseng have been found to boost memory formation and learning. 

NALT (N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine)

NALT can increase alertness, energy, and cognitive function . 

Artichoke extract

Artichoke extract is rich in antioxidants that can boost your overall bodily function and offer protection against stress and toxins. 

NAC boosts levels of glutathione, which can reduce oxidative stress and help naturally detoxify the body. 

Methylcobalamin, a form of vitamin B12, is used in Thesis supplements to improve nerve health and energy levels. 

Lion’s Mane mushrooms

Lion’s Mane mushrooms can enhance your mood and quality of sleep while reducing stress levels.

There are a total of 28 ingredients found in Thesis nootropic blends . Others not listed above include alpha GPC, Zembrin®, phosphatidylserine, forskolin, Sabroxy®, TeaCrine®, agmatine, epicatechin, alpha GPC, Dynamine®, L-theanine, Zynamite®, L-Phenylalanine, theobromine, ginkgo Biloba, and caffeine. 

How much do Thesis nootropics cost?

For a one-time purchase, Thesis costs $119 for a one-month supply . This isn’t the most economical way to try their nootropics, though. Instead, we’d recommend signing up for a subscription , which costs $79 for a one-month supply, and will force you to properly test Thesis over a longer period for more credible results.

Thesis offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, which eliminates the risk of trying them out. If you’re not sold after a month, you can simply get your investment back – no questions asked. 

Thesis alternatives: How does Thesis compare to other nootropic brands?

Of course, Thesis is far from the only nootropic company in town. How does it stack up vs alternatives? Take a look for yourself:

Thesis Nootropic reviews: What are customers saying?

Before diving into nootropics with Thesis, we knew that you’d want to read what other customers are praising or complaining about in their reviews. Here’s what we found online:

Source: Facebook

Source: Reddit

The verdict: Are Thesis nootropics legit?

Armed with all of the information, including my own personal journey trying their nootropics for the first time, and a comparison of Thesis vs other popular alternatives… should you give Thesis a shot?

While Thesis is pricier than its competitors, we believe that their personalized approach is ultimately worth it for the value. For one, Thesis offers you access to an expert nootropics coach, who can seriously enhance your experience with the supplements and guide you on your journey to optimal mental performance.

Additionally, Thesis has done the heavy lifting of finding legitimate ingredients that are backed by reputable science and are more transparent with their ingredients and dosage than other brands. If we’re comparing to taking it upon yourself to test out individual nootropics on your own, Thesis will save you a ton of time.

Plus, the company’s unique blends pair ingredients that complement each other, and you won’t find these formulations anywhere else. They are custom formulas based on your individual needs, and you can try them for 30 days risk-free thanks to their money-back guarantee.

When push comes to shove, we’d recommend Thesis to anyone who’s interested in testing nootropics for the first time and doesn’t know where to start, as well as more experienced wellness enthusiasts looking to make nootropics a regular part of their self-care routine. For greater focus, energy, motivation, and a major mood boost, nootropics from Thesis worked for me, and with thousands of happy customers, it’s reasonable to assume their blends can work wonders for anyone willing to experiment under the guidance of one of their coaches. Of course, you’ll never know unless you try it out for yourself. Just don’t forget to use our promo code FINVSFIN for 10% off at checkout.

Remember to always consult with your doctor before starting a new supplement to ensure it’s right for you.

Have you tried out nootropics? Let us know about your experience and result in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

For a one-time purchase, Thesis costs $119 for a  one-month supply . This isn’t the most economical way to try their nootropics, though. Instead, we’d recommend signing up for a  subscription , which costs $79 for a one-month supply, and will force you to properly test Thesis over a longer period for more credible results.

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Home Lifestyle Curious About Brain Optimization? Thesis Nootropics May Be Your In

Curious About Brain Optimization? Thesis Nootropics May Be Your In

• By Will Price & Rebekah Harding
• January 2, 2024

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E ver feel like you have the ability but not the willpower or inspiration to excel at your job? Or maybe you’re stuck in a creative rut and are struggling to get yourself out. Thesis , a nootropics company, wants you to stop being so hard on yourself.

Nootropics are the buzzy brain-boosting substances of the moment, and Thesis attempts to match people to different nootropic blends designed for certain needs—creativity, confidence, energy, clarity, logic, and so on. But can you really summon the powers of creativity on demand from a pill? Myself, and fellow Edge writer Rebekah Harding, tried Thesis for three months to find out. Here’s what you need to know. 

Why You Should Trust Us

Hone Health is a team of health-obsessed journalists, editors, fitness junkies, medical reviewers, and product testers. The two authors of this review, Rebekah Harding and Will Price, spent months taking Thesis’ nootropics blends and logging how we felt. We’ve reported on the ingredients Thesis incorporates in its nootropic blends extensively, such as ashwagandha , Alpha-GPC , Lion’s mane , and more.

For this review, we opted to review the product and service independently, as nootropics do not all affect people in the same way. Here’s what we found. 

What Is Thesis?

Thesis’s thesis (sorry, I had to) is that you are capable of more. But as co-founder and CEO Dan Freed says on the back of the box the pills come in, “…people thought I was lazy, stupid, or unmotivated. I knew there was more in me.” Freed and his brand propose that the solution to this conundrum many of us face may be nootropics, which are substances that aim to improve cognitive performance. 

New users are funneled through a quiz that determines the best nootropic blends for them—each named for the feeling they’re meant to evoke, e.g. confidence, clarity, creativity. Boxes come with four blends, each of which should last one week, with auto-renewing deliveries shipping at $79 a month. (Note: you can buy Thesis for just one month, but it will cost $119). 

You’re meant to take notes on how each blend makes you feel and, after you’ve completed your first box, adjust which blends you receive going forward.

What are nootropics?

Nootropics are medicinal substances (some pharmaceutical, some natural) that take aim at improving brain performance—memory, creativity, motivation, mood, as well as anxiety reduction and sleep improvement.

While many have heard of popular pharmaceutical nootropics like Modafinil, Adderall, and Ritalin, most over-the-counter nootropic supplements—like Thesis—are formulated largely with herbs, vitamins, minerals, and other natural compounds that are known to benefit the brain.

Thesis ingredients

Each Thesis blend contains different ingredients, many of which are supported by solid research. Here are a handful. 

Lion’s mane: Mushrooms that contain hericenones and erinacines, which can stimulate nerve growth and may offer potential cognitive benefits ( 1 ). In addition to thinking capacity, these mushrooms may lower the risk of age-related brain diseases, like Alzheimer’s disease ( 2 ).

Alpha-GPC: May increase your levels of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, which facilitates memory and learning, and plays an important role in cognitive function ( 3 ). 

L-Theanine: An amino acid that can positively affect mood. Studies have found L-theanine may be a beneficial nootropic for mood and mental health. It may also help ease anxiety and stress levels ( 4 ).  

Ashwagandha: An ancient herb taken for thousands of years, ashwagandha is an adaptogen that has been found to reduce cortisol —stress—levels in humans, which can have a number of powerful knock-on effects on the brain ( 5 ). 

DHA (Omega-3): This omega-3 fatty acid plays a role in supporting cognitive function and promoting growth and maintenance of brain cells . Research suggests that DHA may improve memory, learning, and overall cognitive performance ( 6 ). 

Synapsa: This patented extract of Water Hyssop boasts nootropic benefits such as enhanced memory and cognitive function ( 7 ). Research shows that taking Synapsa regularly may improve your information processing speed, increase your attention span and enhance your memory ( 8 ).

Ginkgo Biloba: Ginkgo Biloba has antioxidant properties, which are associated with cerebral blood flow and neuroprotection ( 9 ). Studies suggest that this nootropic may boost memory, mental clarity, and overall cognitive function ( 10 ).

Theacrine: This natural plant compound acts as a mild stimulant, without the tolerance build-up and jitters associated with caffeine ( 11 ). Theacrine may boost energy, mental clarity, and focus.

What’s Good About Thesis Nootropics?

Personalized recommendations.

There are a lot of folks interested in nootropics. Google reports something like 100,000 monthly searches for the term each month. The issue many have is simple: nootropics aren’t easy. 

It’s not easy to know what companies are selling legitimate products and which are pushing low-grade stuff. It’s not easy to get a handle on what the many, many different nootropics are meant to do. Sometimes it’s not easy to know if the good week you just had was thanks to a nootropic you just took, or the absence of some stressor you forgot about. Then there’s dosage, doctors, and the way in which these substances play off each other to worry about. 

Getting your foot in the door with nootropics is a challenging task. Thesis’s approach is designed to simplify this, and it largely works.

The personalization is somewhat limited, in that the blends themselves cannot be changed, but the blends you receive can. Interested customers are prompted to complete a simple questionnaire that asks about physical traits as well as your goals in taking nootropics. You’re then given a “Starter Kit” that includes four different blends suited to what you’re after. 

High-quality ingredients

The more you delve into nootropics, the more you realize there are, broadly, two classes of company: the legit class and the not-so-legit class. Thesis, by our account, is the former. The company’s products are products in FDA-approved cGMP facilities, which ensures the manufacturing of the product is sound. More importantly, though, and this will sound humorous if you’ve never shopped for nootropics, Thesis actually tells you what’s in its blends. 

Thesis is not the only company selling nootropic blends as a shortcut for people not interested in doing months of research. There are a great many companies that don’t specify ingredients (“focus blend”) or, more commonly, aren’t clear on dosage of each individual nootropic.

Thesis’s nutrition label is crystal clear on what’s inside each serving of its nootropic blend.

Excellent customer service

When launching oneself into a health category one doesn’t know much about, having a friend can be helpful and reassuring. Thesis’s customer support service—available via email or phone—is the weird science friend you need. 

I pestered them numerous times and each issue was responded to and resolved within 24 hours every time. The first time I called. Is there a way to remove the caffeine from the blends (there’s 100mg, or a cup of coffee’s worth in each pack)? You can request non-caffeinated blends on your next order, but for the time being simply don’t take the white pill in the daily dose packet. My email questions were answered with similar speed as well. 

There’s also Thesis’s coaching feature, which is effectively customer service for questions about your specific blends, how the blends make you feel, and so on. When I called into it I mentioned that some of the blends made me slightly antsy, some made me feel great, and others seemed to have no effect at all. Not only is this common, it’s expected: these substances do not affect us all in the same way, so there is a necessary trial period to get through. 

Having a source of reassurance when trying something new to improve our health makes the process more comfortable. 

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What’s not good about thesis nootropics, not for everybody.

As previously mentioned, not all blends will work for you. Several reviews online suggest there are people for which none of them will work. My fellow reviewer and I each found one or two blends that worked especially well, some blends that didn’t seem to have any effect at all, and others that caused some minor anxiety. 

This is sort of the rub with nootropics. Different people will be hit different by different nootropics ; and even then there is the matter of dosage and duration, as most research suggests there is bedding-in period associated with nootropic effectiveness ( 12 ).

So is this a con for Thesis or for nootropic supplementation more generally? It’s a little of both, but more so a hurdle with the wider world of nootropics.

If you’re already waist deep in nootropics as a hobby or interest area, you can likely build your own nootropic stacks for cheaper than what Thesis offers.

Thesis costs $79 a month, or $3.29 per serving, once you’ve set up your account for automatic renewal. This is, unsurprisingly, on the middle-higher end of the nootropic blend market. 

Budget brands like Focus Factor come in at less than a dollar per serving. Mind Lab Pro , a brand closer to Thesis’s efficacy and quality, goes for about $2.10 per serving. The popular NooCube blend is also about $2.15 per serving. 

It should be said that I’m obviously comparing apples to oranges here. Each of these blends are made of up different stuff. Each of these companies is selling to a different customer. It could be argued that Thesis’s hyper responsive customer service and task-focused personalization model makes the $79 a month bill a fair deal. That said, the price doesn’t pull you in quite like the promise the rest of the product provides. 

What It’s Like to Take Thesis Nootropics

Tester #1 info : Female, 23 years old Reason for taking : diagnosed ADHD, brain fog, difficulty concentrating, anxiety Blends taken : Confidence, Motivation, Energy, Clarity

When I was diagnosed with ADHD in 2016, everything clicked. I’ve struggled with brain fog, task paralysis, and extreme difficulty concentrating for as long as I can remember. But all I have to show for my diagnosis is a raging caffeine addiction, two failed tries at taking prescription stimulant medication, and an ever-changing-never-working supplement stack.

As a neurodivergent person, the idea of nootropics—supplements that may improve cognitive performance—is intriguing to me. The idea of spending hours researching different blends and stand alone supplements, however, is not. That’s where Thesis comes in. 

To order your four-blend starter kit, Thesis kicks things off with a quick 25-question quiz. The questions were quick and multiple choice, and didn’t take more than a couple of minutes. (As a company that markets to ADHD-ers, I have to say they know their audience.) The quiz covers questions like how much sleep you clock in each night, your typical mood, and your procrastination habits—and a memory test at the end that I won’t spoil. At the end, you plug in an email and receive a customized recommendation based on your goals and struggles. 

I’m ultra-productive, but I have extreme anxiety and frequent brain fog depending on the state of my hormones. Thesis recommended four blends—Confidence, Motivation, Energy, and Clarity—to boost my mental health, promote relaxation, and fight off brain fog. 

I took each blend for six days each—as directed—with one day in between to reset.

Week one I opted for Confidence—a blend that includes saffron, ashwagandha, sage, and magnesium—which oddly produced the opposite of its intended effect. Two days in, I ditched the separate, white caffeine pill in the packet, but that only alleviated my anxiety slightly. Week two, I took Motivation—which contains artichoke extract, vitamin B12, methylliberine, and L-theanine. I enjoyed this blend the most, and felt like my mood and concentration got a decent boost. Weeks 3 and 4 I took Energy (mango leaf extract, theacrine, citicoline, and more) and Clarity (Lion’s Mane, L-theanine, and more) respectively. I noticed no changes these weeks.

Overall, I think Thesis is worth a shot for the nootropic-curious. Especially if you don’t have the time or patience to research these trendy supplements. However, I don’t think I’ll be stocking up on any of their blends any time soon.

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Tester #2 info : Male, 30 years old Reason for taking : brain fog, unfocused, spark creativity Blends taken : Clarity, Logic, Creativity, Energy

I’ve not been evaluated for or diagnosed with any neurological or neurodevelopmental matters, but I have struggled to train my mind’s gaze on one thing for long periods of time for as long as I can remember. Call it brain fog or something else, it’s been a persistent issue of mine going back to my high school and college years, where I’d substitute just about any distraction available to me instead of something that would require real attention.

A Thesis ad on Instagram suggested this issue may not be my own failing (a source of great personal anxiety), but perhaps something that could be fixed with nootropics. I’m willing to believe most anything that suggests my failings are not my failings, so I ordered my personalized starter kit. 

My kit came with the Clarity, Logic, Creativity, and Energy blends. I quickly eliminated Clarity and Logic from the rotation, and both seemed to trigger a mix of uncomfortable headaches and anxiety (a quick browse of the internet suggests this isn’t an uncommon reaction to these specific blends). Energy, while effective, wasn’t the most useful to me, someone who doesn’t struggle as much with alertness. 

Creativity was different, though. During the second month of testing, once I’d taken Creativity for a few weeks straight (remember there is a bedding-in period!), things started to click. I started to feel the gears turning a bit more in brainstorm meetings at work, and I could think more deeply about how I could build a workout plan for a friend.

That’s how I would describe the feeling: a noticeable but slight improvement in my ability to untangle a problem of some kind. It wasn’t as though the shackles of my brand were removed and I launched a Fortune 500 company which, thankfully, Thesis does not suggest in any of its marketing materials. 

I’ve taken the Creativity tablets for a few months now and find them to be good value for the money, for me. For those curious about nootropics, I think of Thesis as the ideal first stop. Once you figure out what works for your brain and needs, you might seek out other solutions. 

The Bottom Line

Thesis nootropics are probably the best way to get into nootropics without having to do loads of research. The brand isn’t the cheapest out there, but the product is quality and the customer service is excellent. 

1. Lai, Puei-Lene et al (2013). Neurotrophic properties of the Lion’s mane medicinal mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) from Malaysia. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24266378/

2. skubel tomasz et al (2022). therapeutic potential of lion’s mane (hericium erinaceus) in neurological and cognitive disorders – a review of the literature. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/363300485_therapeutic_potential_of_lion, 3. ham, juhee et al (2018). cholinergic modulation of the hippocampal region and memory function. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc5645066/, 4. williams, jackson l. et al (2019). the effects of green tea amino acid l-theanine consumption on the ability to manage stress and anxiety levels: a systematic review. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31758301/, 5. lopresti, adrian l. et al (2019). an investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (withania somnifera) extract. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc6750292/, 6. yurko-mauro, karin et al (2015). docosahexaenoic acid and adult memory: a systematic review and meta-analysis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc4364972/, 7. downey, luke a. et al (2012). an acute, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study of 320 mg and 640 mg doses of a special extract of bacopa monnieri (cdri 08) on sustained cognitive performance. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23281132/, 8. kumar, navneet et al (2016). efficacy of standardized extract of bacopa monnieri (bacognize®) on cognitive functions of medical students: a six-week, randomized placebo-controlled trial. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc5075615/, 9. mashayekhu, ameneh et al (2012). effects of ginkgo biloba on cerebral blood flow assessed by quantitative mr perfusion imaging: a pilot study. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc3163160/, 10. ge, wei et al (2021). ginkgo biloba extract improves cognitive function and increases neurogenesis by reducing aβ pathology in 5×fad mice. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc8014356/, 11. bello, marissa l. et al (2019). the effects of teacrine® and caffeine on endurance and cognitive performance during a simulated match in high-level soccer players. https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12970-019-0287-6, 12. malik, matej et al (2022). nootropics as cognitive enhancers: types, dosage and side effects of smart drugs. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc9415189/, more hands-on reviews.

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Thesis Review: Are Personalized Nootropics Legit?

Calloway Cook Calloway Cook is the President of Illuminate Labs and has reviewed over 1,000 clinical trials. See full bio . , Author | Taylor Graber MD Taylor Graber is a Medical Doctor (MD) and a practicing anaesthesiologist. He's also an entrepreneur who runs a health and wellness startup. See full bio . , Medical Reviewer Last updated: Nov 05, 2023

Calloway Cook Calloway Cook is the President of Illuminate Labs and has reviewed over 1,000 clinical trials. See full bio . , Author

Taylor Graber MD Taylor Graber is a Medical Doctor (MD) and a practicing anaesthesiologist. He's also an entrepreneur who runs a health and wellness startup. See full bio . , Medical Reviewer Last updated: Nov 05, 2023

We review published medical research in respected scientific journals to arrive at our conclusions about a product or health topic. This ensures the highest standard of scientific accuracy.

Illuminate Labs has a team of medical experts including doctors and Registered Dietitians who are assigned to review the accuracy of health claims and medical research summaries based on the relevancy of their expertise to the article topic.

The focus of our articles is to share our opinion on the potential efficacy and safety of health trends and products.

T hesis is a wellness brand that sells personalized nootropics. The brand sells supplements with unique names like “Creativity” and “Motivation,” and claims that their individualized products are “based on your unique brain chemistry.”

But is there legitimate research backing personalized nootropics or is this just a marketing spin? Why does the brand ask for so much personal data? Are their supplements well-formulated? And how do real users rate and describe the effects of Thesis?

In this article we’ll answer all of these questions and more as we share our concerns about the marketing practices and health claims of Thesis.

We’ll also analyze the ingredients in one of their formulations based on medical research to give our take on whether or not it's likely to be effective. We’ll share real, unsponsored user reviews of Thesis nootropics including some from individuals with ADHD.

Is the “Personalized” Approach Fake?

The branding around Thesis is of “personalized nootropic formulas,” however this may be entirely untrue.

We submitted test answers into the health intake form of their site, along with a fake email, and after submitting all of this information we were brought to their “Starter Kit” landing page which is accessible at this link .

If you access the above link in a new window, the products suggested are the exact same, which suggests that Thesis is really collecting sensitive customer health data based on the guise of “personalized” supplements, while providing no additional value, which is a highly questionable marketing approach in our opinion.

The concept of “personalized nootropics” doesn’t even make sense, because the manufacturer would have to literally formulate and package them when a customer placed an order, unique to each customer’s order which is highly unlikely. It would make no business sense for a company to formulate millions of unique products and would be logistically impossible.

It appears that Thesis simply recommends some of their supplements to consumers based on their needs, which is not a “personalized nootropic formula,” it’s a personalized recommendation which literally any brand could offer.

This leads us to our second concern about this brand.

Rather than simply selling supplements, they require users to complete a questionnaire which asks a number of sensitive health questions. 

As shown above, the brand requires users to answer questions about their gender identity and their alcoholic intake in their health quiz. What does this have anything to do with nootropics, and why would any user share this data with a random supplement startup?

We would recommend avoiding this brand based on these marketing and data collection practices alone, but in the next section we’ll analyze the formulation of one of their products.

Ingredient Analysis

Thesis’ “Motivation Formula” contains five active ingredients: l-phenylalanine, Dynamine, vitamin B12, forskolin and artichoke extract.

L-phenylalanine is an amino acid that Thesis describes as supporting mood, attention and motivation, however these claims are uncited and we can’t find any medical evidence supporting them. 

Most of the clinical research we found on this ingredient involves obesity, with this clinical trial finding that l-phenylalanine may increase the sense of fullness and decrease calories consumed in overweight individuals, but only at a dose 20x that in Thesis’ supplement.

Dynamine is a trademarked form of methylliberine, which is a chemical compound that can be isolated from coffee beans and tea. Thesis claims that this compound “supports alertness” but this claim is uncited and we can’t find any medical evidence supporting it.

The manufacturer of this ingredient is a company called Compound Solutions, and the company even states on their website that this ingredient is “typically used in combination with caffeine and TeaCrine,” because all three of the clinical trials that the manufacturer cites on their website use Dynamine in combination with either caffeine or TeaCrine.

However, there is no caffeine or TeaCrine in Thesis Motivation.

Vitamin B12 is often included in nootropic formulations, but we’re unsure why. As we referenced in our review of another nootropic supplement called Noocube which also contains this ingredient, we can’t identify any medical evidence that vitamin B12 improves cognitive function in healthy adults without a vitamin B12 deficiency.

Forskolin was shown in an animal study to reduce memory loss, but the lowest dose used was equivalent to over 200% of the human-equivalent dose in Thesis. We can’t identify any clinical trials with human trial participants proving this compound to be an effective nootropic.

Artichoke extract is the final active ingredient, and Thesis claims that this ingredient “supports blood flow and promotes stress management.” These claims are uncited and we’re unclear on why this ingredient would be included in a nootropic formula, as even the stated health claims do not reference an explicit improvement in cognitive function.

Thesis fails to publish inactive ingredients for Motivation, which is an important consumer safety concern.

Overall we do not consider Thesis Motivation likely to be effective for improving cognitive function or productivity as we are unable to identify a single active ingredient that we would consider effective at the given dose, based on a review of clinical studies.

We do not recommend this supplement or brand, and consider this product to be one of the worst nootropic formulations that we’ve reviewed on Illuminate Health. Most nootropic supplements we review at least contain one effectively-dosed active ingredient.

We Tried Thesis Ourselves

One of our product testers named Matt Donnelly tested Thesis. Here's his experience:

I spent the month trying out the starter pack, which included CLARITY, MOTIVATION, LOGIC, and MOTIVATION.

Of the four, the only one that seemed to have any positive effect was LOGIC. It's good for “Research projects” and “Complex problem-solving” according to the packaging.

I was hoping for good results because I had been sidetracked from creative projects. It seemed like this one may have contributed to more focus overall and focused attention.

On some days I got very tired a few hours after taking the capsules, and needed to lie down in the afternoon.

There are three or four pills in each packet. It seemed to me like a lot to consume on a daily basis, and the pills are large so they could be challenging to swallow.

Overall, I would rate Thesis 3/10 and I wouldn't purchase this product again.

Real, Unsponsored User Review of Thesis

A YouTube creator named “LUKAS YAN” reviewed Thesis nootropics and shared his thoughts on whether or not the supplements improved his physical and mental energy:

Will Thesis Nootropics Cause Side Effects?

Thesis Nootropics do not appear to have been studied in any clinical trials, so it’s impossible to say for certain whether or not they’re likely to cause side effects. However, we can make an educated guess based on their formulations.

Most of the active ingredients in Thesis supplements appear to be safe and well-studied. We don’t have access to the full set of the brand’s supplements because instead of transparently posting all product pages they rely on the “individualized” marketing.

Our concern in regard to side effects is that the brand fails to clearly publish inactive ingredient information, and some inactive ingredients can cause side effects.

We hope that in the future Thesis publishes inactive ingredients in the same section where active ingredients are published for each supplement they sell. This is important for consumer safety.

Our Clean Nootropic Picks

There are compounds which have been shown in medical studies to be effective for cognitive enhancement and memory support.

MCT oil  is a food supplement derived from coconut oil that  improved memory recall by 20% in adults   in a 2022   meta-study .

Bulletproof MCT Oil   is our top MCT oil pick, because its only ingredient is MCT oil derived from coconuts and it has zero additives. It currently retails for   under $16 .

Ginkgo biloba extract  is arguably the most well-studied nootropic supplement apart from caffeine.

A  medical review  published in the  Psychopharmacology  journal  found that ginkgo biloba supplementation improved attention and cognitive performance in healthy, young adults.

Illuminate Labs Ginkgo Biloba Extract   is our supplement which is third-party tested to ensure purity and label accuracy, and retails for   only $15   at a subscription price.

Panax ginseng extract  is another well-studied nootropic supplement. A 2013  clinical trial  found that  ginseng extract caused " overwhelmingly positive effects on neurocognitive function across different cognitive domains."

Illuminate Labs Panax Ginseng Extract   is our supplement which is third-party tested to ensure purity and label accuracy, and retails for   only $15   at a subscription price.

Is Thesis Effective for ADHD?

We don’t recommend using Thesis supplements to treat any specific health condition. There are several TikTok reviews from users with ADHD who tried Thesis supplements.

A TikTok user named “BrigidMarie TV” reviewed the brand here:

@brigid_marietv ADHD med challenge with thesis nootropics has ended. #nootropics #adhd #executivedysfuntion ♬ How`s Your Day - aAp Vision

A TikTok user named “BadKitty” had a less favorable review:

@badkitty7777 #thesisreview #thesis #adhd #anxiety #mentalhealth #scathingreview #trash ♬ original sound - BadKitty

We disagree with the way Thesis markets their products, and we recommend that consumers avoid giving sensitive health data to dietary supplement startups unnecessarily.

The one Thesis supplement that we analyzed based on its active ingredients, called Motivation, was underwhelming. We were unable to identify any effectively-dosed ingredients based on a review of medical research, and the brand fails to clearly publish inactive ingredient information or cite the health claims made about their ingredients.

We do not recommend Thesis supplements although we don’t consider it likely that the supplements will cause side effects.

Some TikTok users with ADHD who tried Thesis supplements had relatively negative feedback.

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Thesis Nootropics Review: Unveiling the Effects on Cognitive Enhancement

Nootropics , often referred to as “smart drugs” or cognitive enhancers, have gained popularity for their potential to improve mental functions such as cognition, memory , intelligence, motivation, attention, and concentration . As an avid researcher in the field of cognitive enhancement , I have come across various products that claim to offer these benefits. Thesis, a company that provides personalized nootropic stacks, presents a unique approach to cognitive enhancement by customizing supplements to match individual needs and goals.

My personal journey with nootropics led me to investigate Thesis Nootropics further. Their promise hinges on the tailoring of their product to the user’s specific cognitive profile. This level of customization is intended to maximize the benefits while minimizing potential side effects. In reviewing Thesis Nootropics, I examined the ingredients used, the science behind them, the efficacy as reported by users, and how they compare to other products in the market.

Key Takeaways

• Thesis provides personalized nootropic stacks to enhance cognitive functions.
• Customization of supplements is designed to optimize benefits and reduce side effects.
• Examining user experiences and comparative analysis is crucial in evaluating Thesis Nootropics.

Understanding Nootropics

Nootropics, often referred to as “smart drugs,” have garnered attention for their potential cognitive benefits . I’ll give you an overview of their history and types, specifically focusing on natural versus synthetic variants.

History and Definition

Nootropics, a term coined in 1972 by psychologist Corneliu E. Giurgea, refer to substances that can improve mental performance. Initially, nootropics were associated with compounds that met very specific criteria that include the enhancement of learning and memory while providing protection to the brain under various conditions. The concept has since expanded to include a variety of nootropic supplements that claim to boost cognitive functions such as memory, creativity, and motivation.

Natural vs. Synthetic

Natural nootropics are compounds found in nature such as herbs and plant extracts that may offer cognitive enhancements. Common examples include:

• Ginkgo Biloba: Often used with an aim to improve memory.
• Panax Ginseng : Sought for its potential to boost brain function.

Conversely, synthetic nootropics are manufactured compounds like racetams and amphetamine derivatives. They include:

• Piracetam: The first synthetic nootropic, designed to aid in memory and learning.
• Modafinil: Prescribed for sleep disorders but often used off-label for its concentration-enhancing effects.

Both types aim to offer cognitive benefits, but their effects and mechanisms can widely differ. Natural nootropics are typically preferred by those seeking milder effects and a more holistic approach, whereas synthetic ones are chosen for their strong, targeted actions.

Thesis Nootropics Specifics

I’ve researched Thesis Nootropics intricately to provide accurate details on their product lineup, the customization process, and the intricacies of their subscription model.

Product Offerings

Thesis Nootropics presents a range of dietary supplements, each targeting specific cognitive functions. Their offerings typically include Thesis Energy , designed to boost stamina and focus , Thesis Clarity , intended to enhance cognitive sharpness, and Thesis Motivation , aimed at increasing users’ drive and productivity. The ingredients in these supplements range from natural extracts to amino acids , all selected for their potential nootropic properties.

• Thesis Energy : Ingredients such as caffeine and L-theanine
• Thesis Clarity : Includes nootropics like Rhodiola Rosea
• Thesis Motivation : Features compounds such as sulbutiamine

Thesis Customization

The cornerstone of Thesis Nootropics is personalization. Upon embarking on their nootropic journey, customers receive a starter kit which allows them to test different ingredients and track their effects. This process is critical in developing personalized blends that match individual cognitive needs and goals. I appreciate that this approach acknowledges biological uniqueness and optimizes supplementation for personal effectiveness.

Subscription Model

Thesis offers their nootropic supplements through a monthly subscription model. After the initial starter kit evaluation phase, customers receive monthly deliveries of their tailored supplements. Subscriptions provide convenience and ensure continuous use for consistent cognitive support. This model necessitates a commitment but also emphasizes regularity in pursuing cognitive enhancement.

• Monthly Deliveries: Ensures a steady supply of personalized nootropic blends
• Subscription Cycles: Typically require a monthly payment with the flexibility to pause or cancel

The focus on specifics ensures that you possess a clear understanding of what Thesis Nootropics brings to the table in terms of products, customization, and purchase options.

Benefits and Efficacy

In evaluating Thesis Nootropics, I’ve found that the primary benefits are centered around enhancing cognitive function and managing mood and stress, both essential for optimal mental performance.

Cognitive Function Enhancement

Energy & Concentration: Users report heightened energy levels, which appear to correlate with an increased ability to focus and maintain concentration. This makes tackling complex tasks somewhat easier.

Memory & Clarity: Memory recall and mental clarity are also areas where Thesis Nootropics shows potential. My review notes improvements in these domains, supporting better retention of information and clearer cognitive processing.

Motivation & Creativity: There’s mention of an uptick in motivation, alongside a conducive environment for creativity. This is pertinent for those requiring innovative thinking in their daily activities.

Mood and Stress Management

Mood Improvement : Regular intake of Thesis Nootropics may lead to a stabilized and improved mood, as suggested by my analysis and user testimonials. This is vital for sustained cognitive performance.

Stress Reduction: Stress levels reportedly see a downward trend with these nootropics. My observations concur, and lower stress is indispensable for reducing cognitive friction and the dreaded brain fog.

Potential Side Effects and Safety

In assessing the side effects and safety of Thesis Nootropics, I focus on the documented experiences of users and the available clinical evidence supporting safety claims.

Common Concerns

Side effects : In my examination, users have reported various side effects that may include headache , anxiety, and jitteriness—typically associated with products containing caffeine . While individual tolerance varies, I have observed these reports to be relatively infrequent.

• Headache : Possible in sensitive individuals or new users.
• Anxiety : Can occur, particularly in formulations with high stimulant content.
• Interactions : As with any supplement, a check for potential interactions with prescription medication is prudent.

Clinical Evidence

Clinical Trials : Thesis Nootropics’ safety profiles are often supported by studies on individual ingredients rather than on the products themselves. Comprehensive, product-specific clinical trials that are peer-reviewed and FDA-recognized remain limited.

• Caffeine : Investigations affirm it’s generally safe in moderate amounts; however, excessive intake can lead to side effects.
• FDA Oversight : Dietary supplements like Thesis Nootropics are not as stringently regulated as prescription medications, hence the FDA does not approve them. However, safety can be inferred from the FDA’s guidelines on individual ingredients.

Comparative Analysis

In this section, I examine how Thesis Nootropics stack up against other prominent brands in the market and assess their value for money.

Thesis vs. Other Brands

Thesis Nootropics stand out due to their personalized approach to cognitive enhancement. Customers complete an assessment that tailors the nootropics stack to their individual needs.

• Mind Lab Pro offers a universal nootropic aiming to target all areas of cognitive function without personalized stacks. It has received acclaim for its comprehensive formula .
• Onnit’s Alpha Brain is another competitor, well-known for celebrity endorsements and a formula that supports memory, focus, and cognitive processing without the need for personalization.

When looking at customer reviews , Thesis seems to have a strong following due to its bespoke service. On the other hand, both Mind Lab Pro and Alpha Brain have amassed numerous reviews praising their effectiveness for a broader audience.

Pros of Thesis: personalized approach, tailored benefits. Cons of Thesis: may be costlier due to customization, less known than other brands.

Pros of Mind Lab Pro: broad-appeal formula, strong market presence. Cons of Mind Lab Pro: lacks personalization, potential overkill of ingredients for some.

Pros of Alpha Brain: popularized by endorsements, focus on cognitive processing. Cons of Alpha Brain: potential variability in individual results, less tailored experience.

Cost-Benefit Consideration

When I consider the price of Thesis, it is generally on the higher side due to the personalized nature of the product. However, my logic dictates that the cost could be justified if the tailored stacks lead to more noticeable improvements in cognitive function.

• Thesis sells their personalized nootropics starting at a certain price point that can go up depending on the customization.
• Mind Lab Pro comes at a set price, positioning itself as a one-size-fits-all solution, potentially more cost-effective for those not seeking personalization.
• Alpha Brain is similar to Mind Lab Pro in pricing but frequently offers deals and discounts which may make it a more attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.

To decide if Thesis is worth it , compare:

• Price: Higher for customization.
• Buy: Direct and through subscriptions for ongoing benefits.
• Reviews: Positive for the personalized approach.
• Comparison: More expensive than some, but the cost is justified for users who value bespoke formulas.

The deciding factor often comes down to whether an individual prefers a personalized approach or a generalized formula that has been traditionally popular in the market.

User Experience and Reviews

In this section, I will provide a detailed look at what consumers and professionals are saying about Thesis Nootropics. I seek to offer a balanced and informed perspective on the real-world impact these supplements have on cognitive performance.

Customer Testimonials

Thesis Nootropics have been met with a broad spectrum of feedback from users who typically emphasize gains in focus, clarity, and energy levels. Below is a curated selection of customer testimonials:

Professional Opinions

In the realm of expert analysis, coaches and neuroscientists have offered their professional outlook on Thesis Nootropics. The consensus is that these supplements provide a tailored approach to cognitive enhancement, by customizing nootropic blends to individual needs.

• Dr. Aiden Smith, Neuroscientist : “Thesis Nootropics offer an innovative approach to cognitive support, backed by scientific research in neurology.”
• Coach Jennifer Lynn , Cognitive Performance Coach: “My clients report clear, sustained focus and improved mental energy when incorporating Thesis into their wellness routine.”

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, I provide answers to some of the most common inquiries regarding Thesis nootropics. I focus on ingredients, comparisons with pharmaceuticals, potential benefits, side effects, user feedback, and top-rated alternatives for cognitive enhancement.

What are the main ingredients in Thesis nootropics and how do they work?

The main ingredients in Thesis nootropics include a range of vitamins, amino acids, and herbal extracts, each serving a specific function. Ingredients like Rhodiola and Bacopa enhance memory and focus, while L-Theanine and caffeine stimulate alertness and cognitive performance.

How do Thesis nootropics compare to Adderall in terms of effects and safety?

While Adderall is a prescription medication primarily used to treat ADHD, Thesis nootropics are over-the-counter supplements aimed at boosting cognitive performance. Adderall contains amphetamine salts, which have a significant impact on neurotransmitters but also carry a higher risk of side effects and dependency. Thesis nootropics offer a milder, non-prescription alternative with a focus on safety and minimal side effects.

Can Thesis nootropics potentially improve attention and focus in individuals with ADHD?

Some users with ADHD may find the ingredients in Thesis nootropics beneficial for improving attention and focus. However, Thesis products are not approved as a treatment for ADHD by the FDA, and individuals with ADHD should consult with a healthcare provider before using these supplements.

What are the reported side effects of taking Thesis nootropics?

The reported side effects of Thesis nootropics tend to be mild and can include jitteriness, stomach upset, or headaches. These are typically dosage-dependent and can often be mitigated by adjusting the intake.

How effective are Thesis nootropics according to user reviews?

User reviews generally suggest that Thesis nootropics are effective for enhancing cognitive functions such as focus, memory, and mental clarity. Effectiveness can vary individually, but many users report noticeable improvements after consistent use.

What nootropic is considered the highest-rated for cognitive enhancement?

While individual experiences may vary, many users and experts consider modafinil to be one of the highest-rated nootropics for cognitive enhancement. It is often praised for its ability to increase wakefulness, focus, and productivity. However, it is important to note that modafinil is a prescription medication and should be used under medical supervision.

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The Best Nootropics Supplements Personalized to Your Brain?

Updated: 01/25/2024

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links , which means Outliyr LLC gets a small commission if you buy (at no cost to you). Thanks for your support!

Your brain is a primary difference between winning a Nobel prize and living a life of mediocrity.

How well it functions isn’t solely a matter of genetics.

Neuroscience research, and overwhelming anecdotal experience, show that we can dramatically upgrade our:

• Mental clarity
• Productivity
• Access to the flow state
• Information processing speed

Welcome to the world of “neurohacking”. Using special ingredients and lifestyle practices to optimize the brains and increase our overall quality of life.

But there’s one glaring issue…

Companies making the best brain-boosting supplements recognize this and customize their formulas to your unique lifestyle.

One such nootropic experience is a “newcomer” (you’ll learn why this isn’t exactly true) called Thesis. You take a short brain assessment, they send you a starter kit, and their complimentary coach helps you hone the perfect brain supplements — customized to you!

This post will thoroughly review of TakeThesis, how it compares to other nootropics companies, and whether this is the last brain supplement you’ll need.

In a hurry?

Use the exclusive Thesis code URBAN to save 10%

Quick & Dirty Intro to Nootropics

These are different from the off-label use of prescription pharmaceuticals like Adderall.

Essentially, nootropics are a special class of ingredients that satisfy ALL the following criteria:

• Safe and non-toxic
• Enhance learning and memory
• Protect against injury
• Boost natural cognitive ability (memory, logic, creativity, focus, etc)

There’s something that makes them even better…

Nootropics upgrade your baseline performance even after you stop taking them . They cause long-term changes to brain structure and function. Almost like training you how to operate at a higher level and forming positive habits.

At the same time, the good ones provide a quick and noticeable pick-me-up. You don’t wonder if they’re working.

The right formulas help you reach your full potential faster and more effectively.

What is Take Thesis Nootropics?

Thesis is the masterpiece of expert brain supplement formulators Dan Freed and Adam Greenfield. This duo began researching nootropics out of personal need. Both struggled with poor cognitive performance. They learned how to balance brain chemistry to maximize performance.

Now they’re sharing their discoveries with the world.

After great success with their original product, Find My Formula (which I reviewed here), they revamped their formulations and process.

While each of us has unique neurochemistries, after working with enough people, they began to spot patterns in which ingredients, the forms of those ingredients, and doses work best. Over the span of years, they’ve amassed a huge dataset:

• 30,000+ users
• 550,000 recommendations made
• 127 ingredients tested

Resulting in 86% of users reporting higher energy levels, better mood, more reliable memory, and greater motivation.

Unsurprisingly, Thesis has garnered a stellar 96% customer satisfaction.

The company also has soul. By donating a portion of each sale to both the Covenant House and The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), they’re evolving the future of brain enhancement and also making it more accessible to the world.

Thesis Nootropics Ingredients

When evaluating any nootropic, you must consider how they source and test ingredients.

The sad truth is that most of the products on the market are WORSE than useless. Contaminated with heavy metals, mycotoxins, pathogens, even adulterated with banned (dangerous) substances.

Thesis puts each ingredient through a rigorous, multi-step ethical, medical, and legal evaluation. Before acquiring and testing the ingredients for safety and purity, every ingredient must be supported as safe and effective by clinical trials.

This team keeps up with the ever-changing regulations.

Since the days of Find My Formula, a lot has changed. Each of their blends has undergone a major overhaul.

One of the common gripes with naturals is that you don’t feel anything.

How Thesis Works

Thesis isn’t your run-of-the-mill supplement company.

They’ve streamlined a process resulting in 86 percent of users finding their neurochemically tuned formulations in less than one month.

This is how to best use Thesis:

• Assess your unique brain
• Establish your baseline
• Begin your Starter Kit
• Notice what works for you and what doesn’t
• Tweak and optimize with complimentary coaching

Your Thesis journey begins with a short survey to understand your basic lifestyle, how your brain functions, and your goals for using nootropics. The entire “quiz” takes just a few minutes. When you finish, their AI finds your “digital twin” to determine which formulations are most likely to work for you.

A few days later, you’ll receive the Thesis Starter Kit in the mail, with the four separate blends best matched to your brain.

I suggest jotting down the way you feel, your challenges, and goals. That way you’ll have something to reference after several weeks of testing. Bonus points for including audio/video in your log.

You’ll follow the directions, testing each product for six days in a row. Then take a break over the weekend, allowing your body to reset. Though you don’t need two days off, I notice better effects when I give my body the extra rest day.

If you’re sensitive, I suggest taking these capsules first thing in the morning.

At any point, you can schedule a call with one of the resident Thesis Nootropics Experts. They’ll help coach you to ensuring the best possible experience and tweak your kit as necessary. Definitely take advantage of the experts, as they’re a key bonus of Thesis !

By the end of the month, you’ll have discovered your favorite blends and the ones that you don’t like. It’s perfectly normal to not like some of them, and your future orders will only include the products you love most.

The Thesis Nootropic Blends for Every Goal

Note that I’ve written about five blends below, but your Starter Kit will only contain four. Once you’ve gone through the Starter Kit, you’ve demoed the blends.

Hopefully, you’ve discovered the ones that work great for you.

For every subsequent order, you get four slots to customize however you prefer. My favorite combo is:

• (2) Clarity

But if I really loved a particular blend, for example, I could just do:

• (4) Creativity

You can request any of the formulations in either of two versions: caffeinated or caffeine-free.

Don’t pay much attention to the names of each. They’re merely general suggestions of the most often reported benefits. It’s entirely possible that you’ll get more clarity from Creativity, or better logical reasoning from Energy.

Let’s examine each of the different blends.

Thesis Energy

I reach for Energy when I get less than 7 hours of sleep, or when I need extra energy to crush a workout and power through a long Monday. It’s also useful for travel days, or when I know I’ll wind up in energy-depleting situations. Others use it to reinforce new healthy habits.

Thesis Energy blend ingredients include:

• Zynamite® – 300mg
• TeaCrine® – 100mg
• Sabroxy® – 100mg
• CDP Choline – 300mg
• N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine – 300mg
• N-Acetyl Cysteine – 500mg
• Optional: Caffeine – 100mg
• Optional: L-Theanine – 200mg

Sabroxy is an ancient Ayurvedic extract that comes from the bark of the Indian trumpet tree. Research suggests it enhances memory, focus, immunomodulation, mood, and even skin health.

From previous experience, I know that I respond well to Zynamite and TeaCrine. The former is an extract of mango leaf, and the latter is a molecular cousin of caffeine that comes from a tea plant, is non-habit forming, and with fewer side effects. Both noticeably increase energy, as expected. As a bonus, I find that these two also lift my mood.

Compared to the previous Energy formula, this iteration is smoother and more refined. Each sachet contains three capsules, and I start feeling effects 15 minutes after swallowing them.

I’ve been a big fan of all the Energy blends I’ve tested so far. It’s constantly ranked in my top 2 favorites due to the pronounced effects. It feels like a more full-body caffeine without the jitters or crash.

Thesis Clarity

As the package insert describes, Clarity supports a calm, focused flow and is great for optimal performance during high-stakes days. Good for presentations, content creation, and non-stimulating concentration.

I’ve found this description to be spot on. The formula has undergone a complete overhaul, featuring two ingredients I haven’t found in other nootropics.

Thesis Clarity blend ingredients include:

• 7,8 Dihydroxyflavone – 30mg
• Camellia Sinesis Extract – 250mg
• Alpha GPC – 250mg
• Epicatechin – 250mg
• Lion’s Mane 8:1 Extract – 500mg

7, 8 Dihydroxyflavone is a man-made flavonoid that can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and mimic the effects of BDNF (dubbed “MiracleGro for the brain”). Camellia Sinesis is the ingredient that earned tea’s reputation as a health drink. It’s a potent source of the relaxing compound l-Theanine. Epicatechin also comes from tea, and it promotes optimal blood flow, mood, and neuroprotection.

A dose of Clarity takes three capsules, and I couldn’t pinpoint the exact time I started feeling it. The effects became more pronounced after approximately one hour.

Don’t expect a huge boost in energy or racing thoughts from this one. Once I released that expectation, I noticed that I felt clear, calm yet alert, steady, and mentally sharp . All without overstimulation. I flowed through my work, easily focusing on each task through completion.

To my surprise, Clarity went from among my least favorite Find My Formula blends, to my Thesis top pick.

I’m confident that this is one of the only nootropics that I can take in the afternoon (or even evening) and still sleep great.

Thesis Creativity

Creativity helps you generate new ideas, think abstractly, and finally bring your dream projects to fruition. It works by quieting overthinking and helping integrate both hemispheres of the brain.

The stack of powerful adaptogenic herbs also makes it an excellent choice for stressful situations, or to relax in social events.

You can rest assured that it contains some of the most researched and scientifically proven herbs on the planet. Ashwagandha and Panax Ginseng are staples in Ayurvedic (Indian) and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Thousands of studies back their use.

Thesis Creativity blend ingredients include:

• KSM-66 Ashwagandha – 300mg
• GS15-4 Panax Ginseng – 200mg
• Zembrin® – 25mg
• Agmatine Sulfate – 250mg
• Alpha GPC – 150mg

The Thesis formulators did a great job here, handpicking the strongest, cleanest, and most bioavailable forms of each ingredient.

Zembrin is one I hadn’t heard of, but am impressed by what I’ve learned. It’s a plant extract known to boost mood, improve workout focus, alleviate nervousness, and enhance complex problem-solving.

Approximately 45 minutes after my three-capsule dose, I noticed myself feeling slightly less reactive to urgent emails and other daily stressors. I could also more easily discern wisdom from my intuition. Each time I followed my instinct, I made the right choice.

I do already regularly take Ashwagandha and Ginseng in my own supplement regimen (which I stopped for this experiment), so it’s likely that my reaction is milder than most.

Thesis Logic

The name summarizes it well. Logic supports rational thinking. Making a popular choice among lawyers, bankers, programmers, scientists, academics, and those looking to boost their analytical abilities.

Though I didn’t get it selected for my Starter Kit, I reached out to their customer service to have it swapped in. As a Data Scientist, I knew that this would fit me well.

I was right. My first experience with the original Find My Formula Logic blend quickly took silver (only behind their original Energy). It hit the sweet spot between energetic stimulation and effortless focus. I went from spec sheet to finished product 35 percent faster than normal.

Thesis Logic blend ingredients include:

• Triacetyluridine – 30mg
• Vegan Omega-3 Lysine complex (EPA + DHA) – 200mg
• Phosphatidylserine – 200mg
• Theobromine – 100mg
• Gingko Biloba – 160mg
• Synapsa® (Bacopa monnieri extract) – 320mg

As its name suggests, Triacetyluridine is a more potent version of the nootropic uridine. It’s known to improve learning, memory, energy, mood, and reduce neuroinflammation.

Theobromine is a mild stimulant related to caffeine naturally occurring in cacao. It increases blood flow, and improves focus.

Those interested in memory enhancement may know Bacopa — one of the greatest ancient memory-enhancing herbs. Gingko is another notable natural herb, known to improve alertness, concentration, focus, and memory.

Phosphatidylserine comes from sunflowers. It gently alleviates stress without drowsiness, improves memory, and increases alertness.

Indeed, the Logic formulation improves working memory, offsets stress, and accelerates learning. On days I reluctantly approached tedious work, the two capsule dose of Logic took the edge off within about 20 minutes.

I’m still experimenting with the latest Logic blend, but so far it stacks up with the original. The new Logic feels slightly weaker, but I greatly prefer the new ingredients.

Thesis Motivation

Motivation comes in a lime-green sachet. It’s Thesis’ take on the classic and original CILTEP nootropic stack.

Motivation bills itself as best for:

• Crushing your TODO list
• Building healthy habits
• Increasing discipline and drive

It’s one of the blends that’s most polarizing. You either love it, or you hate it.

I’ve tested this exact formulation produced by several different companies (including NaturalStacks and Find My Formula), and I’ve had bad experiences every single time.

The predominant effect I notice is a headache (which I never get). I also feel slightly spacey. This time I came prepared and used Semax to pull me out of my CILTEP fog.

But just as many people rave about their Motivation.

Thesis Motivation blend ingredients include:

• Forskolin – 250mg
• Methylcobalamin – 1000mcg
• Dynamine – 100mg
• L-Phenylalanine – 500mg
• Artichoke Extract – 450mg

It’s safe to say that after two days of use, you’ll know which Motivation camp you fall into.

Thesis Confidence

Confidence is a newer Thesis blend that came out in mid-2022 after heavy internal research and development. I’ve been using it for the last few weeks and it’s certainly one of my favorites. Perhaps my top non-stimulating Thesis Formula.

Typical use cases for Confidence include:

• Important situations
• Doing uncomfortable or new things
• Times of leadership
• Stopping overwhelm

My experience with Thesis Confidence has been overwhelmingly positive. Within about 30 minutes, I felt a smooth and definite mood boost. The day seemed to flow easily. I didn’t feel jitters or nervousness before overwise stressful no-agenda meetings.

This one is great for social situations. I’m noticing that I feel more comfortable and bold as a newbie Bachata dancer.

Although it’s not very stimulating, I noticed a slight rush kind of like the effect of finishing a good workout. Increased blood flow and slight flushing paired with relaxation (but certainly not any sedation).

Thesis Confidence blend ingredients include:

• Saffron extract (affron®) – 28mg
• Ashwagandha extract (Shoden®) – 120mg
• Sage extract – 333mg
• Magnesium threonate – 50mg
• Magnolia bark extract (DHH-B) – 10mg

This is an excellent formula. I love the synergy between the ingredients. Plus, many of these (like Saffron) are expensive and commonly faked in supplements. By using the patented versions, we’re assuredly getting the real thing.

How to Use Thesis

When the shipment finally arrives in the mail, you might feel overwhelmed.

Here’s what to expect…

Inside the large box, you’ll find four smaller boxes. Each box contains five sachets. Monday through Saturday mornings, you take one full sachet (2-3 capsules).

I suggest you take notes beforehand on what you wish to get out of the experience. Some popular examples include:

• Spending less time distracted on social media
• Output at your main job
• Progress toward hobbies, projects, or other work
• Starting a new skill, language, or health habit
• Finish work faster

Then, at the end of each day, spend 15-seconds jotting down notes in the provided instruction manual. Trust me, this makes a huge difference. After completing week four, you’ll probably forget which blends you loved, the effects they had, and which ones didn’t work for you.

Some of the ingredients last slightly longer in your system, so I take the entire weekend off to allow my neurochemistry to reset. This also ensures you get the most bang for your buck.

After repeating this process for all four boxes, you’ll have discovered your favorite blends. A Thesis coach can help you customize future orders so you’ll only receive the ones you want!

Tips to Get the Most Out of Thesis Nootropics

Nootropics aren’t cheap.

You can skip this entire section, but these tips will help ensure that you get the most out of your experience.

Caffeine-free . If you’re new to nootropics, start with the non-caffeinated versions. I drink coffee most days. Sometimes two cups. But I always get my nootropics caffeine-free. For several reasons. First, nootropics potentiate caffeine. One coffee can feel like 3. If you’re not used to the combo, going caff-free gives you more control. Caff-free also means that I can take nootropics later in the day. Also, the health benefits of coffee don’t come from caffeine but from the polyphenols, flavonoids, and other phytochemicals. Plus, I just like the taste of coffee.

If you like this kind of thing, join my FREE nootropics mini-course where you’ll learn:

• How professionals choose products
• Tips to feel stronger effects and get more out of your supplements
• Money-saving hacks
• Natural cognitive enhancement technologies
• Latest neuroscience-backed strategies to upgrade your brain

Fill out the info below to get started…

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Thesis Nootropics Questions & Answers

Should i take thesis with caffeine.

I recommend taking Thesis without caffeine to start. Caffeine greatly increases the effects of certain nootropics. For some, this can be too much and lead to panic, headaches, and unease. You can always add coffee and more easily control your caffeine dosage later.

What’s the difference between Thesis and Find My Formula nootropics?

Thesis is the latest generation of Find My Formula nootropics. They’ve refined, upgraded, and revamped every single one of their formulas according to the latest neuroscience research. Find My Formula products are no longer available.

Which Thesis blend is best?

Your ideal Thesis stack depends on your neurochemistry, lifestyle, and goals. People either love or hate their Motivation blend. My favorites (in order) are Clarity, Energy, and then Logic.

How much do Thesis nootropics cost?

Thesis offers two different buying options: one-time, and subscription. One-time purchases cost $119.00 and subscriptions cost $79.00 per month. Use code URBAN and save an extra 15 percent! Thesis backs all purchases with a full 30-day no-questions-asked money-back guarantee.

Thesis Nootropics Review: Boosting Your Brain With Precision Formulas

Ignore those that say you’re stuck with a less-than-optimal brain.

According to the latest neuroscience (and countless personal examples), that’s demonstrably false.

That is if you use the right products.

The most popular nootropics today are:

I’m constantly trying the latest nootropic formulas.

I take most of them for a month and see little benefit.

Thesis is one exception, featuring an impressive array of the highest-quality forms of well-researched ingredients. Drawing from their millions of data points, they’ve come up with unique formulas that give you both a quick boost and long-term benefits .

So that one day, should you choose, you can completely stop supplementing and continue enjoying all the fruits of an upgraded brain.

I personally prefer their Clarity, Energy, and Logic. Each serves a role specific to the type of day I have ahead.

Since the original Find My Formula blends, I’m impressed with their improvements. They’ve moved away from some of the man-made ingredients and embraced natural (but effective) bioharmonizing compounds.

As of January 2022, Thesis has amassed a 4.5+ star rating on 7,411 ratings.

Try it yourself with the exclusive Outliyr discount:

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To the long-term Formula users — what do you think of the update? Have you enjoyed the new Thesis blends?

Let’s have a discussion in the comments below!

Post Tags: Brain & Cognition , Lifestyle , Nootropics , Review , Supplements

12 thoughts on “The Best Nootropics Supplements Personalized to Your Brain?”

Unfortunately, I can not use any of the samples sent by Thesis. Each packet contained the caffeine equal to a cup of coffee.

What a bummer!

I’m not sure how you do with caffeine, but it also includes l-theanine which is a natural amino acid that really smoothes out the negative effects of caffeine (I won’t use any form of caffeine without it). You might want to reach out to their team about this, but last I heard, one of the pills in each sachet is exclusively caffeine/theanine. I’ve received a few caffeinated boxes, and just threw away the smallest white caffeine/theanine pill.

Or you can reach out to them and they will likely make it right.

Hey, I had the same issue. Fortunately, the caffeine portion comes in its own separate capsule (the white capsule in each packet), so you can choose to leave it out!

Correct. It’s the smaller white one if there are multiple white capsules.

I’ll be honest. I think this is a scam, like snake oil.

Hi Andrew. Not sure what you mean. Have you ever used nootropics? Or botanicals/herbals? What makes you think this is a scam?

This is my first time visiting the website although I’m no stranger to nootropics. I don’t remember where or how I discovered acetyl choline—AGP?—but it was a game changer for me. I’d been taking phosphatidylserine for memory enhancement for at least 2 decades, L-Tyrosine to boost dopamine, PEA, for the same reason. All on my own initiative, as a result of my own independent research. What disturbs me about Thesis is: 1). I suffer from a congenital disease for which there is no cure—Lipedema—and this is allegedly at the root of the fatigue which has blighted my entire life and which I have been attempting to overcome for most of it. The disease afflicts about 10% of women and as one doctor blithely informed me, “you;d be better off with cancer. At least there’s a chance you might recover.” As a result of the quiz I took, Thesis informed me I was in the bottom 4% of applicants and never investigated further. Well, Hello. 2). Quiz had questions about exercise but nothing about diet or meditation, Since I follow functional and integrative Medicine, these gaps disappointed me. I still haven’t made up my mind about becoming a member, but I am grateful to Andrew Huberman for drawing my attention to this range of products.

Hi Jacqueline, sorry about the super slow response here! Glad you’ve found things that work for you. That’s strange. When I took the quiz, they didn’t show percentiles. I agree, diet and meditation are essential. Impossible to overlook really, especially when we’re discussing nutraceuticals. I’ll let them know when I talk to them next.

Update on “the ingredients are not evenly distributed throughout the pills.” I spoke to a Thesis rep this week, and after a detailed conversation regarding the caffeine pills (the small white pill in each caffeine line of products), she clarified that the other pills (not the 100mg of caffeine + 200 mg of L-Theanine small white pill) have the remaining blend evenly distributed between the pills.

Loved your article, how you spelt it out, and agree strongly with the feelings on Clarity being “clear, calm yet alert, steady, and mentally sharp. All without overstimulation.”

Good correction! The caffeine/theanine pill is easy enough to spot.

Thanks for the feedback. Which are your favorite(s)?

Nick, this is an awesome intro to nootropics and Thesis, thank you for breaking this down! I was a Formula customer for years and my favorite blends were Clarity and Creativity. With the new Thesis formulations Energy has been added into my routine! I feel like I have tools at my disposal for any occasion… Creativity is great for social situations or other experiences that would otherwise leave me mentally fatigued, Clarity is great when I have a ton I want to accomplish without interruption, Energy is great when I haven’t had great sleep or need to do more physical stuff. I don’t use it every day, but it’s there when I need a lift. Great read, thanks for the knowledge!

Thanks! How often do you use Thesis? Do you combine it with anything else?

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Nick Urban  is the Founder of Outliyr, an expert Biohacker with 12+ years of experience, a Data Scientist, a Certified CHEK Practitioner, Host of the Mind Body Peak Performance Podcast, and a High-Performance Coach. Click  here  to read how Nick went from struggling pre-diabetic, to collegiate rugby national champion. To send Nick a message, visit his  Contact Page .

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What are the Best Nootropics, and Do They Work? Thesis Nootropics Review: Customized for Your Brain

Editorial team.

March 7, 2023

What do Elon Musk, Ben Carson, Barack Obama, and Tim Ferriss have in common?

They’ve all been rumored to power their days with “nootropics,” or supplements aiming to boost brain function and cognitive performance . 

Until recently, nootropics have managed to stay under the radar as Silicon Valley’s best-kept secret, the fuel of biohackers and the breakfast of power athletes, detailed on blogs and message boards but shuttered from the mainstream’s spotlight. 

As the category explodes with new entrants, more nootropics brands than ever are fighting to win eyeballs and wallet share. We’ve been taking nootropics long before Bradley Cooper’s character popularized a “limitless” pill in 2011, and we’ve tested every notable nootropic ingredient and product on the market.

You may have heard of nootropics if you’re looking for thesis supplements to improve your cognitive function and enhance your own cognitive performance and mental performance from elsewhere. These supplements have gained popularity recently for their potential to improve memory, focus, and overall brain function. However, with so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know which nootropics are truly effective and worth investing in.

That’s where our Thesis Nootropics Review comes in. Our comprehensive review of personalized nootropics is customized to meet the unique needs of your brain, providing expert insights, clinical and scientific research, and analysis on the best nootropic supplement brands and supplements available. From ingredients to dosage recommendations and potential side effects, we cover all the important details of most nootropic supplements to help you decide which nootropics are right for you.

So if you’re ready to take Thesis and unlock your brain’s full potential thesis creativity, read on for our customized Thesis Nootropics Review.

But first, let’s debunk some common myths about nootropics and review our preferred brand. 

According to Nootropicology’s review of Mind Lab Pro , all nootropics products are not made equal; choose wisely.

Table of Contents

Myth: nootropics help you access 100% of your brain., fact: you already use nearly 100% of your brain every day, even when sleeping..

While no magic pill unlocks access to untapped parts of your brain, nootropics are supplements that can impact how your brain functions , with positive effects including boosting your focus, memory, motivation, regulating mood, and mental clarity and energy too.

Myth: Nootropics make you smarter.

Fact: nootropics don’t change your level of intelligence, but they do remove barriers that limit you from maximizing most of your brain chemistry..

What impedes most people from achieving their goals is an inability to have mental energy and focus, thesis motivation, not a lack of intelligence improved ability. Luckily, your levels of focus, mental energy, and motivation are functions of the dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain, which nootropics can easily change. Most people find that once they can sustain their focus, the work they aim to complete is not too hard, and the goals they aim to achieve are well within reach.

Myth: Nootropics aren’t safe because they aren’t FDA approved.

Fact: there is an abundance of low-quality products on the market..

While the FDA doesn’t approve dietary supplements , there are a couple of clear indicators to evaluate the quality of a brand you are considering. First, identify whether the product was produced in a cGMP facility. cGMP refers to the FDA’s Current Good Manufacturing Practice regulations, which ensure proper design, monitoring, and control of a manufacturer’s processes and facilities. 

In addition, the best nootropics products are third-party lab tested. While most brands do not test their products at third-party labs, the highest quality nootropics brands receive an external lab’s confirmation that their products’ ingredients are pure and do not include harmful ingredients like heavy metals or other biological contaminants. Brands that undergo third-party lab testing will include this designation on their websites. When in doubt, ask a brand to share its certificate with you. 

Myth: Nootropics are like prescription stimulants. 

Fact: prescription stimulants like adderall are amphetamines that increase the presence of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain..

These neurotransmitters improve energy and focus and produce potential negative side effects like jitters and energy crashes.

While most nootropics also impact dopamine and norepinephrine, nootropics act as a gentle support to these neurotransmitter systems that restore them to natural highs that allows you to feel like you have your best day, every day. In contrast, Adderall forces your system to produce much more dopamine and norepinephrine than any human could produce naturally. 

Myth: Nootropics are harmful for people to take over the long term.   

Fact: in clinical trials, none of the ingredients most commonly found in nootropics were found to show negative long-term side effects..

Early research shows that nootropics can aid long-term memory recall, provide a stronger stress response, improve cognitive longevity, and more. Two ingredients commonly found in nootropics products, Dihydroxyflavone and Lion’s Mane, increase BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), which is associated with increased neurogenesis or the growth of new brain cells. Many ingredients found in nootropics continue to impact your neuroplasticity long after you stop taking them positively. 

Myth: All nootropics are created equal. 

Fact: do your research before swapping one brand for another, even if the brands’ ingredient profiles look similar at first glance..

While two nootropics formulas might contain the same ingredients, the quality and dosage of those ingredients can vary significantly between different brand blends. Evaluate brands’ products beyond packaging and marketing jargon; scrutinize every ingredient’s associated dosage, sourcing, and claimed benefits. 

Our pick for the best nootropics brand: Thesis, customized nootropic supplements. 

Thesis nootropics offer the most effective nootropics on the market because they are customized to your unique brain chemistry. 

Thesis has helped over five hundred thousand people find nootropics and nootropic blends that work for them and boasts the largest ever nootropics research data set in the world, which includes results from clinical trials, independent research on 127 ingredients, and results collected from thousands of customers.

Thesis employs its proprietary algorithm to compare you with this dataset and match you with the nootropic ingredients and nootropic blends that are most predicted to achieve your desired results. The results speak for themselves; Thesis boasts over six thousand five-star reviews.

Thesis knows that there is no perfect blend, no one size fits all, even for the same brain. While you could conceivably research the most efficacious nootropic formulations and ingredients, source them, and create unique nootropic blends of your stacks or mix and match other “out of the box” nootropics until you find stacks of unique nootropic formulations and blends that work for you, Thesis streamlines this process, alleviating friction and guesswork:

• To start, you’ll take a quiz on Thesis’ website that asks questions about your biological information, daily routines, general behavioral patterns and mood, alcohol and drug use, and cognitive and performance goals. 
• After you receive your baseline results, you are directed to a Starter Kit with a recommendation for four blends. 
• Once you receive your first box, you’ll test the formulas, one blend at a time, and track your results in a journal included in your box. 
• At the end of the first month, you can provide feedback on your blends and optimize your order ahead of your next box.

Thesis is also the only company in the supplement industry that offers a free coaching service as a part of its product subscription. You’ll have access to ongoing guidance from nootropics experts, who educate customers on topics like the science and clinical research behind how nootropics work and biochemical interactions with other supplements. Your coach will guide you on optimizing your subscription based on clinical research and the effects of nootropic properties you are experiencing to ensure your Thesis blends are the most effective for you.

Ingredients Inside Thesis Nootropics

Thesis currently offers blends targeted to Energy Clarity, Logic, Creativity, and Motivation. Here are five notable ingredients in Thesis nootropics: 

• Ashwagandha . Extracted from the Ashwagandha root,  Ashwagandha  regulates our body’s stress levels. Ashwagandha provides a calming effect and improves memory, attention, and neuroprotection.
• Ginseng . Found in GS15-4 Panax Ginseng, which is native to parts of Eastern Russia, Northeast China, and the Korean Peninsula, Ginseng increases acetylcholine, which is tied to learning and memory formation and also helps the body adapt to stress, improves cellular energy production, and supports a healthy immune system.
• Zembrin.  Found in the South African plant Sceletium Tortuosum, Zembrin has been shown to enhance mood, promote calm, and improve stress response and memory formation.
• Theacrine.  Found in a plant related to the cacao tree and Chinese tea, Theacrine supports healthy cognitive function, motivation, and energy.  
• Lion’s Mane.  Mushrooms found in the United States and Canada, Lion’s Mane, have been shown to boost cognitive function by improving episodic and visual memory, enhancing mood, lowering stress, and promoting sleep. 

Thesis gives you peace of mind about the quality of supplements you are taking, since Thesis nootropics are the safest nootropics available on the market. 

Every ingredient in Thesis’ formulas is rigorously tested in a multi-step evaluation to ensure they meet the company’s ethical, medical, and legal standards. Thesis selects only “FDA safe” ingredients shown to be effective and safe based on clinical trials, all of the brand’s products are produced in a CGMP facility in the United States, and all of Thesis’ blends are third-party lab tested for purity. 

Our Conclusion

Whether you are new to nootropics or have taken nootropics before but are looking for stacks that can be more customized to you, try Thesis, the best and most effective nootropics brand. 

Thesis is made for those who don’t have time to waste and want the highest quality and the best results as soon as possible.

Start by taking the quiz to  find your baseline.

Cost of Thesis

Thesis costs $79 per month for a subscription membership, which includes ongoing coaching and education from nootropics experts, or $119 for a one time box. While at first glance, this might seem like a high price, Thesis offers coaching and the opportunity to experiment with over thirty high quality ingredients in a systematic way that yields results. If you were to explore this process on your own, it would cost over $800, take six months to complete, and would likely not provide the same results. 

Try Thesis risk-free.  Thesis is so confident in its ability to help you achieve your goals that it offers free shipping on every order and a thirty day money back guarantee if the products don’t work for you, no questions asked. 

If you have any questions about Thesis or whether nootropics are right for you, please contact the Thesis team directly:  [email protected] .

Want to learn more about Thesis: click  here

Buy Thesis nootropics.

What are nootropics?

Nootropics are supplements, drugs, or other substances that can enhance cognitive function, memory, creativity, motivation, and other mental abilities. They are also known as “smart drugs” or “cognitive enhancers” and are popular among students, professionals, athletes, and anyone seeking to improve their mental performance.

Are nootropics safe?

While there are low-quality products on the market, high-quality nootropics that are produced in cGMP facilities and third-party labs tested for purity are safe to use.

How do nootropics work?

Nootropics work by affecting the levels of neurotransmitters, hormones, and other chemicals in the brain. Some increase the production of acetylcholine, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters involved in learning, memory, and motivation. Others improve blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain, enhancing cognitive function and cognitive performance. However, the exact mechanisms of action vary depending on the type of nootropic.

Most nootropics are considered safe when used as directed, but some can have side effects, especially at high doses or when taken for a long time. Some of the common side effects of nootropics include insomnia, anxiety, headache, nausea, and gastrointestinal problems. It’s also important to note that some nootropics may interact with other medications, so it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before using them.

Do nootropics make you smarter?

Nootropics don’t change your level of intelligence, but they can remove barriers that limit you from maximizing the most of your brain chemistry.

What are the best nootropics?

Many types of nootropics are available, and the best one for you will depend on your individual needs and goals. Some of the most popular and well-researched nootropics include caffeine, creatine, Bacopa monnieri, Rhodiola rosea, and omega-3 fatty acids. However, it’s important to do your research and consult with a healthcare professional before using any nootropic supplement.

What is Thesis nootropics?

Thesis nootropics is a brand that offers customized nootropic supplements tailored to your unique brain chemistry.

What are some notable ingredients in Thesis nootropics?

Some notable ingredients in Thesis nootropics include Ashwagandha, Ginseng, Zembrin, Theacrine, and Lion’s Mane, which have all been shown to improve cognitive function and overall brain health.

Can nootropics help with anxiety or depression?

Clinical studies have shown some nootropics to have potential benefits for anxiety and depression. Still, it’s important to note that they are not intended to replace proper medical treatment. For example, Bacopa monnieri has been found to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in some studies, while Rhodiola Rosea has been shown to improve mood and reduce symptoms of stress. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before using any nootropic for mental health purposes and to seek proper treatment if you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression.

Are nootropics legal?

The legality of various nootropics also varies depending on the type and the country you are in. Some nootropics, such as caffeine and creatine, are widely available and legally used without a prescription. However, others, prescription medications such as Modafinil and Adrafinil, are prescription drugs in some countries and are regulated as controlled substances in others. It’s important to check the laws in your country before using any nootropic.

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Thesis Nootropics Review 2024: Effectiveness & Results

In our quest for cognitive enhancement, we recently put Thesis nootropics to the test.

Our goal was simple: to determine if this brain-boosting supplement lives up to its promises.

With a market flooded with various nootropic brands all claiming superior benefits, we understand the importance of an honest and thorough supplement review.

We’ve done the groundwork, scrutinizing every detail from efficacy to side effects, ensuring you get a clear picture of what Thesis offers without any fluff or unnecessary jargon.

Thesis Nootropics Review

Our team at WholisticResearch has put Thesis nootropics to the test, and we’re ready to share our findings. After extensive use, we’ve observed noticeable improvements in our focus, cognitive agility, and memory performance at work.

The effects were subtle but distinct, enhancing our productivity without any adverse side effects. We also appreciated the personalized approach that Thesis takes with its supplements, tailoring them to individual needs.

Analyzing other customer reviews revealed a pattern of satisfaction among users who praised the product for its effectiveness.

However, some noted it took time to find the right formula, which underscores the importance of patience when starting on nootropics.

Pros of Thesis Nootropics

Here are the key advantages we found:

• Improved concentration and mental clarity
• Customized nootropic stacks based on personal assessments
• Absence of significant side effects

Cons of Thesis Nootropics

Despite many benefits, there are drawbacks:

• Time required to identify an effective personal stack
• Premium pricing compared to non-customized options

About Thesis

Thesis is a brand that stands out in the crowded nootropic market. They claim to offer personalized brain enhancement solutions. Unlike other supplement companies, they emphasize customization of their products for individual needs .

The company has gained traction among those interested in cognitive enhancement with nootropics. Their approach allows users to tailor their experience by selecting specific nootropic blends. Each “ Thesis box ” includes four distinct blend packs, providing a month’s supply. A blend pack has each day’s dosage separated in individual sachet packets.

Their popularity stems from the promise of aiding with focus, memory, brain health, and mental clarity. The option to customize allows users to address their unique cognitive demands effectively.

In our collective journey towards optimal mental performance, we’ve observed how people seek products with the right ingredients that resonate with their personal health philosophy and boost energy and motivation. This is where Thesis makes its mark – by offering an experience tailored just for you.

Being a dietary supplement, Thesis is not approved by the FDA.

Customer Reviews & Feedback

The customer review landscape for Thesis Nootropics reveals a mix of experiences. While many users report significant cognitive benefits, others express dissatisfaction due to underwhelming results or logistical issues like shipping delays.

Notably, the personalized nature of the supplements garners appreciation, but the higher price point is a concern for some.

Overall, the satisfaction levels among users are generally positive, with a particular emphasis on the tailored approach to cognitive enhancement.

However, there is a segment of customers who believe there is room for improvement in terms of value and service efficiency.

Positive Reviews of Thesis Nootropics

Customers often share their experiences with products online. Thesis is no exception. We’ve noticed that many users are pleased with the results they’re getting. They report enhanced focus and improved cognitive function .

One aspect that frequently receives praise is how well Thesis nootropics meet expectations. Users appreciate the personalized approach to supplement formulation. It’s tailored to individual needs, which stands out in reviews.

Here’s what we found commendable based on customer feedback:

• Increased mental clarity
• Noticeable boost in concentration
• Supportive customer service

These points suggest a high level of overall satisfaction among users who have tried Thesis Nootropics.

Negative Reviews of Thesis Nootropics

However, not every review glows with positivity. Some customers feel let down by their experience with Thesis. The reasons, including motivation and research focus, vary but provide us with insight into areas for potential improvement and the effects of changes.

In some negative reviews, customers mentioned they did not see the expected benefits or had issues with shipping and handling . A few also pointed out higher costs compared to other nootropics as a downside.

Key concerns from less favorable reviews include:

• Lackluster results for some individuals
• Delivery delays or complications
• Cost effectiveness relative to alternatives

We understand that every product has room for growth based on user feedback, and it seems these are areas where Thesis could potentially refine its offerings or services.

Our Experience with Thesis Nootropics

When our package from Thesis arrived at the WholisticResearch office, we noted its prompt delivery. The supplement packs were well-secured within sleek, minimalist packaging.

Over a period of three weeks, team members Jason Williams, George Collins, and Yoko Hill embarked on a thorough performance testing journey. Between these three, all 6 of the Thesis blends were used and tested.

Jason found the memory-enhancing experience enlightening; he said, “ The clarity I felt was subtle but significant .” His words reflect an appreciation for the nuanced effects of these cognitive enhancers.

Meanwhile, George noticed improvements in his focus during long work sessions . He remarked enthusiastically, “ It’s like my brain has an extra gear now for a boost .”

Yoko provided a different perspective by highlighting how balanced she felt throughout her day-to-day tasks. Her quote encapsulates this sentiment: “ I’m usually scattered with my thoughts; with Thesis Nootropics, there’s a noticeable harmony in how I process information .”

Their individual experiences underline the versatility of Thesis Nootropics’ formulations.

Effectiveness & Results

Jason, George, and Yoko each embarked on a journey with Thesis Nootropics to enhance their cognitive performance and brain function.

Jason’s experience saw gradual improvements in his memory retention, which became more pronounced with long-term use. His conclusion pointed towards sustained benefits rather than quick fixes for cognitive enhancement .

George noticed an uptick and a boost in his focus during work hours after deciding to take breaks. He felt the effects were subtle, but consistently improved his concentration over weeks of use .

Yoko, however, experienced a more immediate boost in mental clarity that tapered off sooner than expected . This led her to cycle the supplements for optimal results.

The trio discovered that individual responses to nootropics can vary greatly. While some users may find immediate and profound improvements in effects, others might notice slower yet steady gains in brain function.

Through our collective observation, we learned that short-term effects are often more noticeable but may not last without proper cycling or continuous use. The long-term effects seemed subtler at first but proved to be longer-lasting once they took hold.

In examining clinical research and controlled trials related to nootropics, we understood these variations align with broader findings—effects can differ based on one’s biochemistry and lifestyle factors.

Thesis Nootropics Ingredients & Supplement Facts

Thesis offers 6 unique nootropic blends of natural ingredients that target different needs and areas of mental acuity.

The six blends are:

Each blend has 2 common ingredients; L-theanine and Caffeine . But you can opt these out if you are sensitive to these stimulants.

How great is that!

The Clarity formula is designed to enhance cognitive function, memory, mental alertness, and mood regulation by targeting neuronal growth and brain health.

• Alpha GPC — 500 mg: A choline compound that enhances cognitive function. It boosts memory and learning. Many users report improved focus.
• Lion’s Mane Mushroom — 500 mg: This medicinal mushroom supports mental health. It stimulates nerve growth factor production and may enhance concentration.
• Camellia Sinensis Tea Leaf — 278 mg: Commonly known as green tea, it provides a gentle boost in energy and mental alertness without jitters.
• Dihydroxyflavone — 30mg: It’s a flavonoid that mimics brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). It is linked to improved executive function, neuronal growth, and mood regulation. (1)

The Creativity formula includes components and ingredients designed to foster innovative thinking.

• Alpha GPC — 150 mg: Supports neurotransmitter production which can enhance creative thought processes. It also plays a role in treating symptoms of neurological disorders like ADHD.
• Agmatine Sulphate — 250 mg: This compound helps improve neural signaling, thus fostering creative problem-solving skills. (2)
• Panax Ginseng — 200 mg: An adaptogen that has been shown to combat fatigue, promotes energy, and vitality which is essential for creativity flow.
• Ashwagandha Root — 300 mg: Known to reduce stress levels, potentially clearing the mind for more imaginative ideas.
• Sceletium Tortuosum — 25 mg: It is a plant native to South Africa known for its mood-enhancing properties. It positively affects the brain’s ability to manage stress and anxiety. Additionally, its use can lead to an uplifted mood and increased focus, making it beneficial for mental well-being. (3)

These ingredients are aimed at enhancing logical reasoning and creativity.

• Ginkgo Biloba — 160 mg: This natural supplement is known for improving blood flow to the brain and enhancing cognitive function. It also reduces symptoms of anxiety.
• Theobromine — 100 mg: Found primarily in cocoa beans and chocolate, it acts as a mild stimulant and mood enhancer. Theobromine can improve concentration and decrease blood pressure.
• Phosphatidylserine — 400 mg: A fatty substance produced in the body, vital for cognitive function, it helps protect brain cells and carry messages between them. PS also improves memory and slows age-related cognitive decline.
• High DHA Algae — 200 mg: This is a vegetarian source of DHA, an essential omega-3 fatty acid. It supports brain health and cognitive functions and reduces inflammation and risk of chronic diseases.
• Triacetyluridine — 30 mg: A form of uridine that’s more bioavailable, it supports the health of brain cells and neurotransmitter synthesis. It can enhance mood and cognitive performance. (4)
• Bacopa Monnieri — 320 mg: Bacopa is a herb commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine. It enhances brain function and improves memory and learning rates. It also has stress-reducing effects.

This blend enhances your mental and physical energy levels, targeting those who need sustained focus and mental clarity throughout their day.

• Citicoline — 300 mg: Citicoline helps in the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, a major component of brain tissue. Citicoline also increases levels of neurotransmitters, leading to improved focus and attention.
• Mango Leaf — 300 mg: Mango leaf extract is rich in vitamins and antioxidants. It supports healthy blood sugar levels, which is crucial for maintaining energy throughout the day. Additionally, mango leaf has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce stress and anxiety.
• Theacrine — 100 mg: Theacrine is a compound similar to caffeine but with a longer-lasting effect. It boosts energy without causing jitteriness or a crash. Theacrine also improves mood and motivation, making it easier to tackle challenging tasks. (5)
• N-Acetyl Cysteine — 500 mg: N-Acetyl Cysteine comes from the amino acid L-cysteine. It acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting cells from damage and supporting overall health. NAC also helps replenish glutathione levels, one of the body’s most important antioxidants.
• Indian Trumpet Tree — 100 mg: Derived from a tree native to India, this herbal extract supports respiratory health. It can improve airflow to the lungs, enhancing oxygen uptake. This, in turn, can lead to better energy levels and stamina.
• N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine — 300 mg: N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine is an amino acid that serves as a building block for dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. By supporting these neurotransmitters, it helps improve cognitive performance under stress. It also aids in reducing the effects of stress and fatigue on the brain.

This blend is specifically designed for individuals seeking to enhance their cognitive function and boost energy levels.

• L-Phenylalanine — 500 mg: L-Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid that the body cannot produce on its own. It plays a crucial role in the production of neurotransmitters, improving mood and alertness. Additionally, it aids in memory retention and increases focus, making it beneficial for cognitive tasks.
• Methylliberine — 100 mg: Methylliberine, also known as Dynamine, is a purine alkaloid found in the Kucha tea leaf. It is known for its ability to increase energy levels without causing jitters or a crash. Its mood-enhancing properties can also lead to improved motivation. (6)
• Vitamin B12 — 1000 mcg: Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin essential for brain health and the maintenance of the nervous system. It supports the production of red blood cells and prevents brain fog. Furthermore, it plays a vital role in energy production, helping reduce fatigue.
• Forskolin — 250 mg: Forskolin is a compound derived from the root of the Coleus forskohlii plant. It is known for its ability to increase levels of cyclic AMP (cAMP) in the brain, which can enhance memory formation and retention. Additionally, forskolin has been shown to support weight loss efforts by increasing metabolism and promoting fat breakdown.
• Artichoke — 450 mg: Artichoke plant extract is rich in luteolin. It has been shown to enhance cognitive function by inhibiting the enzyme PDE4, which leads to increased levels of cAMP in the brain. This not only improves memory and learning but also provides neuroprotection, improving neuroplasticity and safeguarding the brain from damage and aging.

This blend of ingredients is for individuals seeking natural ways to boost their confidence and reduce anxiety.

• Saffron — 28 mg: Saffron is a precious spice derived from the Crocus sativus flower. It’s known to improve mood and enhance cognitive function.
• Magnesium Bisglycinate — 500 mg: This is a highly absorbable form of magnesium. It helps reduce stress and supports muscle and nerve function.
• Sage — 333 mg: Sage is a herb with a long history of medicinal use. It boosts memory and has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Seletium Tortuosum — 25 mg: Also known as Kanna, it’s a succulent herb and is used for its mood-enhancing properties. It also helps in managing anxiety. (3)
• Magnolia Bark — 10 mg: Derived from the Magnolia tree, this bark is used in traditional medicine. It helps reduce anxiety and aids in improving sleep quality.
• Ashwagandha Leaf & Root — 120 mg: It’s an ancient medicinal herb known for its stress-reducing effects. Ashwagandha also supports overall well-being of the nervous system.

Thesis Nootropics Side Effects & Safety

In our journey with Thesis, we’ve noted some side effects that align with user reports.

Jason experienced mild headaches initially, while George felt bouts of nausea . Yoko didn’t notice any adverse reactions, but this varies from person to person.

A comprehensive list based on ingredients suggests possible side effects might include:

• Stomach discomfort

It’s important to consider these when evaluating if Thesis blends are right for you.

Certain health conditions or medications could interact negatively with these nootropics. We advise caution especially if you have a history of heart health problems or are on prescription drugs that affect brain chemistry. There haven’t been severe adverse reactions widely reported among users, which is reassuring.

To minimize risk, start with the lowest dose possible and monitor your body’s response. Increase gradually as needed and tolerated.

Price & Value for Money

The price of Theis is steep even for a premium product, costing $119 for a month’s supply . Opting for a subscription slashes the price down to $79, but it still isn’t cheap.

For some, even though it offers significant improvements in focus, memory retention and brain health, it still may be a hard sell. For those on a tight budget, there are plenty of equally good nootropic supplements with a smaller cost.

But, if you need a custom nootropic stack that gets the results that you were looking for, and more, and a high cost is not an issue, then Thesis nootropics might just be for you.

Where to Buy Thesis Nootropics

Purchasing Thesis nootropics is straightforward. You can order online directly from the official website ( takethesis.com ). This ensures you get authentic products and access customer support easily.

Some third-party retailers may also carry them, but it’s best to check for legitimacy.

When buying online, shipping policies are clear. They offer delivery across various regions with estimated times provided at checkout.

Thesis Alternatives & Similar Supplements

There are some great alternatives to Thesis nootropics if you are looking for other options.

Mind Lab Pro and Nooceptin are among the best brain supplements you can find. They differ from Thesis in composition and efficacy.

Thesis vs Mind Lab Pro

Mind Lab Pro emerges as a standout alternative to Thesis Nootropics, offering impressive similarities and unique advantages that cater to a broad spectrum of cognitive needs.

Mind Lab Pro distinguishes itself through its universal nootropic strategy, aiming to support all aspects of cognitive health with a single, well-rounded stimulant-free formula .

It contains a blend of 11 research-backed ingredients, each selected for their efficacy in supporting various facets of brain health.

This includes enhancing neural regeneration , blood flow , and brainwave optimization , among other benefits. The product is designed to be inclusive, catering to users with dietary restrictions or allergies.

Choosing Mind Lab Pro means opting for a better cognitive enhancement solution at a lower cost.

Thesis vs Nooceptin

Nooceptin emerges as a standout choice in the realm of cognitive enhancers, with benefits that cater to those seeking an edge in mental performance.

It includes a blend of vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts known for their cognitive-enhancing properties. Users often report improvements in memory recall , concentration , and mental clarity after regular use.

Additionally, Nooceptin is praised for its ability to support long-term brain health , thanks to antioxidants that combat oxidative stress and promote neuronal health .

Choosing Nooceptin over Thesis would be easy as it’s more cost-effective with similar benefits, if not more.

Our comprehensive analysis of Thesis Nootropics has revealed a sophisticated blend of ingredients aimed at enhancing cognitive functions.

Our collective experience echoes the positive outcomes reported by many users, with noticeable improvements in focus and mental clarity . The safety profile of Thesis nootropics is also reassuring, with minimal side effects observed across various studies.

While personal experiences with nootropics may vary, the evidence suggests that Thesis Nootropics stands as a viable option for those seeking to boost their cognitive performance.

We encourage you to consider the insights shared here and explore Thesis as a potential tool in your mental enhancement arsenal.

Is Thesis really worth it?

Thesis Nootropics may be worthwhile for those seeking personalized cognitive enhancement, but individual experiences and results can vary significantly.

Can Thesis nootropics improve long-term brain health?

There is limited evidence that any nootropic can guarantee long-term brain health improvements; consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Are there any dietary restrictions associated with taking Thesis nootropics?

Thesis products are generally suitable for various diets, but check the ingredient list against specific dietary restrictions or allergies.

How do Thesis nootropics compare to prescription cognitive enhancers?

Thesis offers non-prescription, natural supplements, which typically have milder effects compared to prescription medication. Always consult a doctor before starting any new supplement regimen.

Is there an optimal time of day to take Thesis Nootropics for maximum effect?

The best time to take nootropics varies by individual and product formula. Refer to the specific usage instructions provided with your Thesis product.

• Tan, Yang, et al. “7, 8-dihydroxyflavone ameliorates cognitive impairment by inhibiting expression of tau pathology in ApoE-knockout mice.”  Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience  8 (2016): 287.  ↩
• Bergin, David H., et al. “Safety and neurochemical profiles of acute and sub-chronic oral treatment with agmatine sulfate.”  Scientific reports  9.1 (2019): 12669.  ↩
• Brendler, Thomas, et al. “Sceletium for managing anxiety, depression and cognitive impairment: a traditional herbal medicine in modern-day regulatory systems.”  Current Neuropharmacology  19.9 (2021): 1384.  ↩  ↩
• Frederick, Aliya, et al. “Triacetyluridine treats epileptic encephalopathy from CAD mutations: a case report and review.”  Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology  8.1 (2021): 284-287.  ↩
• Kuhman, Daniel J., Keanan J. Joyner, and Richard J. Bloomer. “Cognitive performance and mood following ingestion of a theacrine-containing dietary supplement, caffeine, or placebo by young men and women.”  Nutrients  7.11 (2015): 9618-9632.  ↩
• La Monica, Michael B., et al. “Methylliberine Ingestion Improves Various Indices of Affect but Not Cognitive Function in Healthy Men and Women.”  Nutrients  15.21 (2023): 4509.  ↩

• Ingredients

blends tailored to your unique needs.

bring the best out of your brain chemistry

Personalised nootropic formulas to activate every kind of brain. Powerful, natural way to boost your cognition and productivity.

nootropics enhance cognitive performance

What are nootropics.

They're powerful, natural ingredients that boost cognition and productivity. There are hundreds of nootropics, from mushrooms to adaptogens, that can increase motivation, alertness, creativity and focus, and clear brain fog.

HOW DO NOOTROPICS WORK?

Nootropics work across multiple brain pathways, helping pathways operate better – supporting brain energy, optimizing neurotransmitter status, cerebral circulation and neuroprotection, & more.

How will Thesis help you?

Thesis helps you find the right blends that work for your brain, helping it to do what it does anyway, but faster and more efficiently. You'll notice a difference within a few days, and results tend to compound over time.

“ The Thesis process was developed by systematically testing different combinations of high quality ingredients. We made the process of finding the right nootropics quicker & safer.”

DAN FREED CEO & Founder, Thesis

Our research and product development teams review clinical studies and information on safety, side effects, and any potential interactions for each ingredient being considered for a Thesis blend.

Each ingredient goes through two rounds of internal testing, in which members of our research and product development team share feedback on individual ingredients.

The research and product development team reviews existing clinical literature about synergistic benefits between ingredients and integrates it as we continue to formulate, developing 2-4 blends to move forward to Phase 3 testing.

We test each prospective blend internally, as members of our research and product development team try each of the blends before we move forward to Beta testing.

Next, we test multiple iterations of each blend with a group of 100 Thesis beta group customers and collect quantitative and qualitative feedback to help us refine the final blend.

We finalize our winning blend (based on the Alpha and Beta test feedback) by completing a final round of safety testing by our third party lab partners before we release it. Ongoing safety testing occurs with each batch of production.

After the blend undergoes third party lab testing for safety, we launch a limited release to 5,000 customers to help us gather additional feedback and work through our supply chain process

Once a blend passes the limited release phase, we launch full production in a cGMP facility and release it to all customers.

PURE AND EFFECTIVE INGREDIENTS

Potent active ingredients.

Quality counts when supplementing, and only the active ingredients in a blend make an impact.

Clinically Studied Dosage

We only use nutrients that have been proven to safely deliver desired effects in clinical trials.

All ingredients in each batch are tested with a third party lab to ensure optimal potency and purity.

Ingredients with purpose

For all of our formulations, we source top-quality, vegan ingredients from around the world.

TeaCrine® has been shown to increase energy, motivation, and concentration.

TeaCrine® is a standarized alkaloid naturally found in the plant Cupuaçu, related to the cacao tree.

nutrition fact:

Research indicates TeaCrine® increases activity in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) region of the brain, which is believed to support motivation and and maintain healthy cognitive function.

highlighted studies:

Study 1 Study 2 Study 3

Dynamine® has been shown to improve cognitive control and reaction time during mentally demanding tasks.

Dynamine® is a standardized molecule naturally found in coffee beans, tea, guarana, cocoa, and yerba mate.

Studies show that Dynamine® has been found to support alertness, and maintain energy levels. Dynamine® is an alkaloid compound that is structurally similar to caffeine.

• Neuroprotection

Zembrin® has been shown to improve mood and disposition.

Zembrin® is a standardized extract of the South African plant Sceletium Tortuosum.

Studies have shown Zembrin® supports serotonin, regulating mood.

Synapsa® has been shown to significantly improve working memory.

Synapsa® is a standardized extract of the Bacopa Monnieri plant. It has a wide range of active constituents that contribute to its therapeutic properties.

Bacopa is one of the most studied nootropics. Traditionally, Bacopa Monnieri extract is used to support cognitive function as well as overall brain health.

KSM-66® Ashwagandha has been shown to significantly reduce stress and anxiety.

KSM-66® is a standardized extract found in high concentrations of the Ashwagandha root.

Ashwagandha modulates our body’s stress response to cortisol. This non-sedating modulation promotes calmness in stressful situations.

AlphaGrain®

• Neurogenesis

AlphaGrain® Alpha GPC has been shown to support healthy cognitive function and physical performance.

AlphaGrain® is a standardized extract of Alpha GPC. Alpha GPC can be produced synthetically or naturally derived from some food sources, like eggs, dairy, meat, and fish.

Alpha GPC is a useable source of choline, which is used in the brain to make acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter primarily associated with learning and memory.

Trusted by experts

Dr. gabrielle lyon.

Functional Medicine & Nutritional Sciences

“I work with CEOs, celebrities, and other top performers in my practice. Thesis is what I recommend and take personally for focus and cognition. I even used it to help me nail my first TedX talk.”

Gabrielle’s blends

Professional Basketball Player & Mental Health Advocate

“With a busy life on and off the court, Thesis gives me energy and focus to get through the longest days and keep me sharp.”

Kevin's blends

Ultra-endurance Athlete & Nutrition Advocate

"Thesis has provided a substantial benefit to my ability to focus. Creativity works best for me — I take it 30 mins before a podcast or writing and it helps get me into the zone."

RICH’s blends

find blends uniquely tailored to your needs

1. take the quiz.

Tell us about yourself and your goals. We’ll use your answers to determine your baseline and build your recommendations.

2. Get Your Starter Kit

You’ll sample 4 blends over the course of the month to understand what you can accomplish with each formulation.

3. Optimize with a Coach

Check in with your wellness coach and our nootropics experts to customise your blends based on your experience so far.

Bring the best out of your brain chemistry

So what are nootropics?

Simply put, they're a powerful, natural way to boost your cognition and productivity. They can help you raise your energy level, feel more motivated, maintain clarity, and create intense focus, on demand.

Data drives everything we do

With the world’s largest nootropics data set behind us, we’re moving the industry forward. We’re rigourously researching and drawing insights to understand exactly what it takes for maximum results.

Recommendations Made

ingreDients tested

Winning formulas in the first month

Customer Satisfaction

Pure meets effective

We use only the highest-quality nootropic ingredients, sourced in the USA, and rigorously tested for purity.

Functional Mushrooms

Nootropics and functional mushrooms allow your brain to do what it does anyway, but faster, more efficiently, and at a higher amplitude. You'll notice a difference within a few days, and results tend to compound over time.

Choline Sources

Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter derived from the essential nutrient choline. It's known for memory, learning, and maintaining healthy brain function.

Vitamins & Adaptogens

We've concentrated various amino acids, vitamins, and plant–based adaptogens that protect the brain from toxins, fatigue, and stress, while promoting memory and learning.

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Sponsored content | best nootropics review. alpha brain vs. thesis vs. mind lab pro vs. qualia: do nootropics actually work, and which are the best supplements.

Thesis is powered by the world’s largest data set on nootropics, formulated by a Yale graduate, and advised by neuroscientists from Yale and MIT. Its complex algorithm analyzes your responses to a short quiz to give you the four blends that have the highest probability of working for you. Each of Thesis’ blends contain a proprietary combination of functional mushrooms, choline, vitamins, and adaptogens to target specific needs, whether it be boosting focus and memory as well as fighting brain fog and increasing confidence in social situations.

If you wanted to test all the ingredients in Thesis on your own, it would take over six months, cost hundreds of dollars, and would not be likely to give you the same results. The company is so confident that you’ll find blends that work for you that they offer a 30 day money-back guarantee.

Thesis has helped over five hundred thousand people find nootropics that work for them, and the experience stands out from the crowd.

• $79 for a subscription purchase (one month supply).
• $119 for a one time purchase (one month day supply).
• Thesis is the most sophisticated nootropics system that allows you to try over thirty high quality ingredients to find which work best for you.
• The customized subscription service allows you to pay only for the benefits you need and the ingredients that work for you.
• Thesis is the gold standard for safety. The ingredients are all third party lab tested and the blends are produced in cGMP facilities that follow the FDA’s Current Good Manufacturing Practice regulations.
• Thesis provides complete ingredient and dosage transparency.
• Thesis is the only company that includes a free coaching service in the subscription.
• Thesis’ blends are formulated by a Yale graduate and advised by neuroscientists from Yale and MIT.
• Thesis is more expensive than other nootropic supplement subscriptions.
• Thesis has a longer and more complex trial process; you need to experience the full first month to understand which blends work best for you, but your results will be better.

Thesis Reviews: What Customers Are Saying

• “I found this to be my go to energy solution from here on out. Thesis is the way to go. It’s easy to use packets keep me flowing all day. I have no trouble staying on schedule and completing my tasks throughout the day. I wish I would’ve had this stuff sooner. Great buy. You’ll love it!!” – Branden R
• “Supplements are not my thing, but when I tried Thesis it was a big game changer for me! I was able to focus and tackle my task with gusto. I would definitely recommend if you’re needing an extra boost to get through a hectic work day!” -Sarah G
• “I never really took vitamins or supplements and was originally hesitant to try nootropics. But working from home the last year has been a struggle. I would start with e-mails then next thing you know I was cleaning the apartment, then watching Netflix, then making something to eat, and it took soooooo much time to get back in front of my computer. I was looking for something that could help me get “in flow” or stay in flow for longer periods of time. I tried Clarity first and honestly the first couple days didn’t feel much. Only after a week did I start to notice I felt much more clear headed and could stay at e-mails MUCH LONGER. Clarity, Energy, and Motivation are my go-tos now…they give me an edge, but still feels like me.” -Carolyn H
• “Thesis for the WIN! I’ve been using Nootropics for over 10 years. Tested several thousands dollars worth on Amazon to include Genius Consciousness, Neuro Shroom, NooFlow, Tru Focus, Qualia Mind and the original Qualia, Cellucor C4 Smart Sugar Free Energy Drink, Cognisurge, and tons more. Nooflow was actually the best with the first bottle. After that, didn’t get the same results. Ultimate (sic) started doing my own stacks buying bulk from Nootropics Depot. That said, Thesis has the best pre formulated nootropics I’ve taken and they work consistently. I’m currently using the Motivation, Energy, Creativity packs. So far, very, very good sustained results.” -RealTopTrader

Alpha Brain : Most Affordable Starter Nootropics

The Alpha Brain formula is a blend of ingredients that they don’t fully disclose and the herb Cat’s Claw:

• Flow Blend and Cat’s Claw stimulate alpha brain production.
• Focus blend optimizes acetylcholine levels, which helps learning ability and speeds mental processing.
• Fuel blend encourages neural communication.
• $68 for a subscription purchase (45 day supply).
• $79 for a one time purchase (45 day supply).
• Alpha Brain’s clinical trial has been published, which is rare in the nootropics space.
• The formulas are more affordable than other options and provide an easy starting point for a nootropics novice.
• A 90 day money back guarantee is included with every purchase.
• Only one blend is offered to everyone, so there is no way to tailor the results to you or to dial up or down certain ingredients that work better or worse for you.
• Alpha Brain uses proprietary blends, so the relative dosage of ingredients is not transparent and it is unclear how much of the formula represents filler ingredients.
• There is no coaching or other support offered with the subscription service.

Alpha Brain Reviews: What Customers Are Saying

• “I love Alpha Brain! I don’t like going a day without it! I have increased focus and cognitive function and am more productive in general.” -Jesse P
• “Helps my brain articulate my busy days. Organization pro.” -Gareth
• “I can’t really tell if it works. The ingredients seem good other than the proprietary blend aspect so we don’t know how much of each is in what. From testing days taking it and not, I can’t tell the difference, though I’m sure Alpha Brain works on very subtle levels. Anyhow, I have 2.5 months of Alpha Brain left so maybe I will realize that it indeed does work or doesn’t. Cheers :)” -Beet
• “Didn’t feel much unless I had Alpha Brain with a cup of coffee. Coffee, or AB alone wasn’t doing much for me, but together, I experienced a bit more energy and better focus.” -Marco R

Mind Lab Pro : Gentle, Universal Nootropic

Top ingredients found in Mind Lab Pro’s blend include:

• Lion Mane Mushrooms: improve mood and lower stress.
• Maritime Pine Bark Extract: stimulates cellular regeneration and improves focus.
• Bacopa Monnieri Extract: improves cognitive performance, boosts attention span, and aids stress management.
• $69 for a one month supply.
• $138 for a two month supply.
• $207 for a four month supply (one month free).
• Mind Lab Pro is an easy nootropic stack to take daily, with a pill burden of only two pills.
• Mind Lab Pro provides transparency with dosage amounts of each ingredient included in the blend.
• Mind Lab Pro blends are vetted with third party lab testing.
• A 30 day money back guarantee is included with every purchase.
• Mind Lab Pro’s blend features 11 strong ingredients, but because it is one set formula, there is no ability to change or remove quantities of ingredients in the formula if one does not work for you.

Mind Lab Pro Reviews: What Customers Are Saying

• “I feel like I am sharper at work. Also, there is no acid reflux, which I have had with others.” -Amanda B
• “Super for my Ph.D Student Job!” -Laurent T
• “I feel an all over improvement to my well being. My thoughts are clearer and I just feel more motivated.” -Sue R
• “I didn’t notice much besides a headache. Tried it mostly for a month. I am thinking more and more that it’s not worth stacking so many things.” -Senescence

Qualia Mind : Broadest Ingredient Profile

Here are a few of the ingredients found in Qualia Mind:

• Artichoke Leaf Extract: increases cognitive performance and protects the brain from injury.
• Theobromine: provides similar energy as caffeine without the negative side effects.
• Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract: improves brain flow.
• $59 for the first one month’s supply.
• $119 for each subsequent month’s shipment.
• $139 for a one time order.
• Qualia features 28 ingredients in its single blend, including some more unique ingredients like tree extract.
• Qualia provides transparency with dosage amounts of each ingredient included in the blend.
• Qualia offers caffeinated and non caffeinated versions of the blend as well as a less expensive, simplified version of the blend in “Qualia Mind Essentials.”
• A 100 day money back guarantee is included with every purchase.
• Qualia takes a “one size fits all” approach. While the blend is packed with 28 great ingredients, if one ingredient doesn’t work for you, it will be very difficult to determine which ingredient that is, and the entire bottle will go to waste.
• Qualia is more expensive than some of the other most popular nootropics supplement options, especially for just one blend.
• Qualia has a greater pill burden than other brands do. The daily dose is seven pills a day.

Qualia Mind Reviews: What Customers Are Saying

• “I like how this makes me feel and my mind is very active and clear.” -Lisa B
• “Great so far. Works well, just rather expensive.” -Nikhil T
• “In general, I consider pre-made stacks to be secondary in value to actually figuring out what works best for individuals specifically. That being said, for people who are too lazy / simply want 1 pill to cover all their basis (sic), my bet would be with Qualia.” -Brainstorm11
• “This has really helped my brain at 75 years old.” -Ellen S

What are the Best Nootropics of 2022?

There are many nootropic supplement brands on the market, with Alpha Brain, Thesis, Mind Lab Pro, and Qualia leading the pack as the most popular brands. While Alpha Brain and Mind Lab Pro represent more affordable options for people who are new to nootropics, their “one size fits all” approach means that their blends might end up being a waste of money if one of the ingredients in the formulas doesn’t work for you.

Therefore, whether you’re exploring nootropics for the first time or are looking to level up your results, we recommend Thesis customized nootropic supplements . Thesis offers the most effective nootropics system available because it is customized to your goals, features potent and high quality ingredients, and requires you to pay only for the benefits you need. Thesis is also the only brand that prioritizes human conversation and education with the inclusion of a free nootropics coach to guide you through your subscription.

Start your Thesis experience by taking the quiz to find your baseline.

Buy Thesis nootropics.

The news and editorial staff of the Bay Area News Group had no role in this post’s preparation.

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Thesis Nootropics Review

Nootropics fan and expert James Dixon examines this personalized supplement in our Thesis Nootropics review. Find out how he rates it after testing it below…

Last Updated:

May 4, 2023

Written by James Dixon – fact checked by Jason M & the editorial team

James Dixon is one of the key players in the SOMA Analytics’ team. He is a personal trainer and is educated to Masters level in Philosophy. He is a published author and is a keen advocate of high quality nootropic supplements.

This article complies with the SOMA Analytics editorial policy. Full details of which can be found here

SOMA Analytics is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission when you purchase through links on this page. Our content is checked for factual accuracy by our editorial team and is written by expert nutritionalists.

Nootropic supplements – so called ‘smart drugs’ – are all the rage. They represent a rapidly expanding corner of the supplement market and have had genuinely life altering effects on many, many users – myself included.

They’re not actually ‘drugs’ as you would think of them. This isn’t medication we’re talking about, here. Rather, these supplements are compounds of natural ingredients designed to work together to boost your cognitive health and brain function.

A good nootropic should help you feel smarter… which is a bold claim. There is something to it, however. They should aid your focus, learning skills, memory, and creativity. They should reduce brain fog, anxiety, and lethargy, replacing them with clarity, calm, and plenty of low-key energy.

If you struggle with any of these symptoms, there is a good chance that you could do with a good nootropic, which is exactly what we’re looking at today. Though perhaps not the best of the best, Thesis Nootropics offer a range of products that are all intelligently crafted and, to a degree, fairly personalized.

And when I say they aren’t the best of the best, this doesn’t mean much. The nootropic market is crowded. There are a couple of standout items out there – NooCube springs to mind, here. Playing second fiddle to these is still a large accomplishment. Let’s dive in and take a full look as I dig in to this Thesis Nootropics review.

Quick Verdict: Thesis Nootropics

Can’t wait to read the whole article? Thesis Nootropics have a great range of different nootropics aimed at different needs. They also have an excellent nutritional coaching system to support you.

However, the reality is that most people won’t really gain from this additional 5% and products such as NooCube offer greater value for money with similar nootropic benefits.

Introducing Thesis Nootropics

As above, Thesis Nootropics are smart drugs. They offer high quality nootropics that are designed to help with various aspects of your cognitive health and function. Their products all contain top shelf ingredients all proven to help your brain to work optimally.

They also do something a bit different. Where most nootropics – and most other supplements, for that matter – offer you the same over the counter pills as they would offer anyone else, Thesis bring personalized supplements to bear. Through their online store, you can fully personalize your nootropic options to make the most of your own specific needs and circumstances.

It’s really quite clever.

They started out as FindMyFormula.com before rebranding a few years back. So, although ‘Thesis Nootropics’ may seem like a newcomer to the market, they have actually been around for a long time. They bring this pedigree to the fore with this product.

With a customer base of over half a million users, they have proven themselves and then some. The data they hold from their research into nootropics is peerless – I can’t think of anyone with better. And they use it well, crafting and re-crafting their formulae with proper, diligent science and data in mind.

The personalization process is actually quite straightforward too – at least, it is for the customer, which is always nice.

You start off by going to their website and taking their questionnaire. Don’t worry, it’s not all that comprehensive, asking for only basic information. There is no need to take any lab tests or divulge your medical history. However, it’s enough for them to make a match for the nootropic blends that will best suit your needs.

Optimize Your Mental Agility

Claim access to the full potential of your brain

with these optimum nootropic stacks and

exclusive discounts …

There are two ways to read this, of course. Either, it’s a non-invasive way to tailor your supplements, or it’s not a deep enough dive, so how well tailored can they really be? I felt a little let down, here. When I came in being promised ‘personalized supplements’ I had higher hopes. Instead, it’s just sort of asking what you want and pointing you in the right direction.

It’s nice, it’s just not quite as revolutionary as the literature and branding suggest.

The next phase is good, though. They’ll send your shipment out to arrive with 1-3 business days. However, they ask you to treat this as a sample; they invite you to try out a few different blends of theirs before picking it. This data is fed back to their algorithm, further enhancing their future prescriptive capabilities.

Again, you can read this cynically or not. Either it’s a great way to search out what works best for you, or it’s doing their job for you and getting you to buy plenty of their products in the process… if their original diagnostics are that good, why do you then need to cycle through their catalogue?

Except that they allow you to try up to four before committing to a longer term formula. Pair this with that original questionnaire and, cynicism on hold, you have an excellent and innovative product. It helps you to refine your own choices without having to do the legwork, which can often take months, a lot of money, and a fair amount of trial and error.

The final part is my favorite part. This dispels much of my lingering cynicism. As a Thesis customer, you are assigned a nootropics expert, a sort of coach and pharmacist in one. You can consult with them virtually at any time. They can help you to further refine your nootropics regime, optimizing what can be optimized, tracking your progress and wellbeing, and generally educate you by ably answering any questions you might have.

I love this. It takes Thesis to the next level – it’s less a supplement and more a course focussed on wellbeing.

It’s not cheap, I’ll warn you now. A starter kit will go over a hundred dollars. A prescription will run to a monthly bill of around eighty. This is roughly twice what you would pay for something like NooCube or Mind Lab Pro , supplements I consider to be the best of the best. It’s around four times what you could pay for a lower end, yet workable, nootropic.

You’re presented with a choice, then: pay extra for the support and tailoring, or pay a far more reasonable amount for something that will still do the job incredibly well.

Why Choose Thesis Nootropics?

The benefits of Thesis Nootropics are fairly straightforward.

Firstly, Thesis shares the same benefits as any other good quality nootropic supplement. They offer several blends (more on this below), which between them can improve your cognitive function from pretty much every angle. You can boost your cognitive energy, improve your clarity, improve your memory and learning abilities, clear brain fog, improve your mood, reduce your stress levels, and boost your ability to focus, among other things.

This is all good. It’s what you’re looking for in a nootropic in the first place.

But, of course, the benefits go beyond this. The two main things you get from Thesis, that set it apart and above most of its competition, are really very special.

Firstly, of course, you get the personalization mentioned above. This can be fantastic. Or it can be a little superfluous. If you try something like NooCube, you will probably find it working for you. It may not be 100% scientifically optimal, but it will be 95% there for most of us.

However, if others haven’t worked for you, personalization may be a very good idea. You can really zero in on the aspects of your own cognitive health and function that you feel need improving. Also, if you want to get that final 5% (figures not accurate, of course) and don’t mind parting with a little extra cash, Thesis can be well worth it. You will be as cognitively optimal as modern nootropic research can make you, which is no small thing.

Then there is the access to their experts. Again, this can be superfluous. How much do most of us really need to know about nootropics above and beyond what you can read in any good review or rundown? Just learn the basics, throw back a couple of NooCube capsules, and get on with your life.

But, again, it can be wonderful. This is where the extra price begins to seem really quite minimal.

Our Preferred Alternative To Thesis

Although we found Thesis Nootropics to include high quality ingredients, the personalization for most people is not required and adds a lot of expense to an already pricey supplement.

We prefer NooCube, the nootropic taken by our tester and writer – thanks to its high quality formula, high impact results and value for money cost.

Thesis Nootropic Ingredients

Thesis Nootropics offer several different blends, relatively personalized towards the individual, focussed entirely on aiding different facets of cognition and brain health. Given these differences, it’s no surprise that each blend contains a different list of ingredients – though there are of course some commonalities between them.

The energy blend is one of their most popular. The formula is made to boost your energy levels whilst fighting fatigue and improving your mental stamina. It makes use of choline, which is known for aiding memory and learning. It also uses bot NAC and NALT, which aid detoxification and nerve cell communication, respectively.

It also includes some of their own ingredients, notably Sabroxy®, for increased dopamine output and a memory boost, TeaCrine®, for improved energy levels alongside motivation and cognitive function, and Zynamite®, purely for physical and mental energy.

It also includes some more standard energy inducing nootropic ingredients, notably caffeine, for energy, and l-theanine, to improve your stress response.

Next up, we have Thesis’ Clarity, which goes off book on the ingredients list. However, it still contains plenty of the ingredients I would expect to see in any good nootropic. You get 7,8-DHF and Alpha GPC, which both aid neural communication, neurogenesis, and neuro-protection. Epicatechin and Lion’s Mane also both provide neuro-protection, whilst also improving mood, memory, blood flow to the brain, and memory consolidation.

It also contains caffeine and l-theanine, making it good for stress response and energy levels.

Motivation is a bit of a funny one, as motivation is inherently a hard metric to either properly define or measure. However, in this context, motivation means a boost to willpower and productivity, and help in warding off procrastination.

It manages this with a good ingredients list. Artichoke extract kicks things off, improving circulation and helping with stress response (and management). Then there is Dynamine®, for a mood boost and plenty of long-lasting energy, without the kind of crash associated with caffeine.

Forskolin and l-phenylalanine work together to improve cognition function, mood, and attention. All of this should inspire greater motivation. It gives you a good dose of vitamin B12, too, for improved energy and to look after your nerve. It rounds out with caffeine and theanine.

Again, the Creativity formula is an odd one – can one scientifically boost creativity? Well, Thesis give it a good shot. It’s designed to improve verbal fluency and confidence, which should result in greater inspiration and the will to follow through with it.

The Creativity formula contains agmatine, ashwagandha and l-theanine, all of which help with managing stress levels and anxiety. It also contains Alpha GPC, which is great for memory, neuro-protection, and neurogenesis, and Zembrin®, which improves mood regulation and increase the flow of blood to the brain.

You also get a good caffeine hit with Thesis’ Creativity blend.

Finally, we have Thesis’ latest blend, Confidence. As you may well imagine, this leads to a boost in confidence!

Confidence’s ingredients all target stress, especially stress responses to insecurities, whilst promoting a feeling of self-assurance. These include magnesium, ashwagandha, saffron, sage, and DHH-B, all of which combine hopefully make you feel more confident in your own skin.

How to Use Thesis Nootropics

Nootropics are amongst the easier supplements to live with. There are no special timings or anything like that to hit, and the portions are all very manageable. Thesis Nootropics fit this pattern nicely. For all of their different lines, simply take them in the morning, ideally when you first get up, on an empty stomach with a decent glass of water.

If you need a bit of an extra boost during the day (particularly if you’re going for the energy blend), feel free to take a second dose at lunchtime to see you through until the evening. This will ensure clarity and energy all day long.

Using Thesis Nootropics

I was quite sceptical of nootropics when I first heard about them in the early 2010s. They sounded too good to be true – over the counter supplements made from all-natural ingredients that can boost your brain health and cognitive function? No way.

Many are too good to be true. Plenty of nootropics out there don’t do anything above and beyond giving you a brief energy kick, and this is usually down to their caffeine content. You’d be better off having a cup of coffee or cheap caffeine supplement.

Thesis Nootropics are not too good to be true. They are good – very good, in fact – and highly workable. I’m not entirely sold on them. I find them to be a bit gimmicky. They shouldn’t be gimmicky, of course – tailoring to your users and offering coaching is no gimmick. However, it’s just a little shallow to be truly tailored – they are simply giving you a selection of stacks, which many supplement stores offer (CrazyBulk, for instance).

And the coaching is perhaps a little superfluous for most people.

But the supplements themselves are good. They are well developed, well made, high quality, and will absolutely elicit the effects they claim in many, many people.

I got on well with them. I took their Energy blend first, which is always my priority (I’m always juggling seven or eight different projects at any time, so an energy boost will always be welcome!) It did what it said it would. I found my focus improving and my energy lasting me through the day. I usually drink a lot of coffee, which tends to give me spikes and crashes. The spike wasn’t as high with the Energy blend, but nor was there any kind of crash.

I also tried Clarity, as I take a couple of prescription medications that can lead to a touch of brain fog. It cut through my brain fog well, lending me a great deal of clear sighted cognitive energy. There was no coming round in the morning, no chugging espressos just to form a coherent sentence. Or, at least, I came round quicker and reduced my espresso intake.

I also wanted to know a bit about Thesis’ coaches, or whatever they call themselves. I got in touch and was chatting to a woman with a highly relevant, impressive array of academic credentials just a few days later. She explained how the components in the blends I was trying worked and interplayed, and pointed me in the direction of a couple more that I might to try.

The advice was kind of handy, though it wasn’t anything I would struggle to find out just from perusing their website. The information was interesting to a health and supplements nerd, but that was it. I can’t imagine it being in any way helpful. I can’t even imagine it being interesting to most people.

It’s not a good use of money (and you will be spending a lot of money on Thesis). The supplement is strong – the blends I tried were strong. But none of them gave me the kinds of results I have experienced whilst taking cheaper, better nootropics, namely NooCube – this is what I personally tend to take on an ongoing basis.

There is no harm in trying Thesis. They offer a one-month money-back guarantee, so you can get that hefty price tag (generally around $119) back again if you’re not satisfied. But I think you will be satisfied. Thesis is a satisfying product. It’s just not the best, and the best happens to be an awful lot cheaper.

Do also bear in mind that nootropics can cause side effects – Thesis’ blends are no exception. They can lead to blurred vision, high blood pressure, an accelerated pulse, circulation problems, and insomnia, though severe or long lasting cases are rare.

Pros and Cons

Thesis nootropics pros.

• Personalized for optimal benefits
• Comes with access to their experts
• High quality ingredients
• Highly reputable company
• Different blends for different uses/needs
• Ability to try out different blends before committing
• Easy to take

Thesis Nootropics Cons

• The personalization is a little shallow
• It’s very pricey (about twice as costly as other leading nootropics)

Our Thesis Video Review

Are Thesis Nootropics’ products vegan? 

All of Thesis Nootropics’ products are indeed suitable for vegans. All ingredients are free from animal products. However, they do note the possibility of cross contamination, so the product is not certified vegan.

Are Thesis Nootropics’ products gluten free?

Thesis Nootropics’ blends are all free from gluten, eggs, and nuts, as well as being dairy free. However, once more, they note the possibility of cross contamination. Their lines haven’t therefore been certified gluten free.

What is Thesis Nootropics’ shipping policy?

Thesis Nootropics have a fairly fast delivery service. They promise to dispatch all orders within one business day, with the packages being delivered between 1-3 business days after that. They do not offer international shipping, however, and they calculate costs at checkout, so do beware price hikes.

Thesis Nootropics are good. In fact, they are very good. The personalized aspect, whilst admittedly a little shallow, is still very welcome. I like it a lot. As a bit of a supplements nerd, I also love the idea of being able to chat to an expert at any time – this really is a nice touch.

However, I can’t help but feel that it’s all a little superfluous. Most people know their own needs. A quick Google search will show you what nootropics will be best for you. If in doubt, go for a cover-all nootropic. I keep mentioning NooCube with good reason – it should do pretty much everything that all of Thesis’ blends do.

Then there is the price. You’re paying a lot for a good product with plenty of customer care involved. However, as above, the customer care is largely excessive. If you really want it – and I can see plenty of people wanting it, with good reason – then by all means fork out extra. However, it’s just a little much for most people.

For a month’s supply (at non-subscription prices), you can buy around three months’ worth of NooCube. For this, you’ll be getting just about the best nootropic on the market with no extra legwork – just simply take it each morning, save some money, and get on with your life with your cognitive health in near perfect shape.

Verdict: Thesis Nootropics

Thesis Nootropics have a great range of different nootropics aimed at different needs. They also have an excellent nutritional coaching system to support you.

The reality is that most people won’t really gain from this additional 5% and alternative products such as NooCube offer far greater value for money with similar (if not better) nootropic benefits.

This article was written by: James Dixon – SOMA Analytics PT, Nutritionalist & Published Author

James Dixon is one of the key players in the SOMA Analytics’ team. He is a personal trainer and is educated to Masters level. He is a published author and is a keen advocate of high quality nootropic supplements. James enjoys helping others to reach their peak both physically and mentally and believes that expressing his knowledge through his writing is an effective way to positively impact the wellbeing of others on a larger scale.

• Research article
• Open access
• Published: 17 January 2017

Effectiveness of medication review: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

• Victor Johan Bernard Huiskes 1 ,
• David Marinus Burger 2 ,
• Cornelia Helena Maria van den Ende 3 &
• Bartholomeus Johannes Fredericus van den Bemt 1 , 2 , 4  

BMC Family Practice volume  18 , Article number:  5 ( 2017 ) Cite this article

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Medication review is often recommended to optimize medication use. In clinical practice it is mostly operationalized as an intervention without co-interventions during a short term intervention period. However, most systematic reviews also included co-interventions and prolonged medication optimization interventions. Furthermore, most systematic reviews focused on specific patient groups (e.g. polypharmacy, elderly, hospitalized) and/or on specific outcome measures (e.g. hospital admissions and mortality). Therefore, the objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of medication review as an isolated short-term intervention, irrespective of the patient population and the outcome measures used.

A literature search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science from their inception through September 2015. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with medication review as isolated short term intervention (<3 months) were included. There were no restrictions with regard to patient characteristics and outcome measures. One reviewer extracted and a second checked data. The risk of bias of studies was evaluated independently by two reviewers. A best evidence synthesis was conducted for every outcome measure used in more than one trial. In case of binary variables a meta-analysis was performed in addition to the best evidence synthesis, to quantify the effect.

Thirty-one RCTs were included in this systematic review (55% low risk of bias). A best evidence synthesis was conducted for 22 outcome measures. No effect of medication review was found on clinical outcomes (mortality, hospital admissions/healthcare use, the number of patients falling, physical and cognitive functioning), except a decrease in the number of falls per patient. However, in a sensitivity analysis using a more stringent threshold for risk of bias, the conclusion for the effect on the number of falls changed to inconclusive. Furthermore no effect was found on quality of life and evidence was inconclusive about the effect on economical outcome measures. However, an effect was found on most drug-related problems: medication review resulted in a decrease in the number of drug-related problems, more changes in medication, more drugs with dosage decrease and a greater decrease or smaller increase of the number of drugs.

Conclusions

An isolated medication review during a short term intervention period has an effect on most drug-related outcomes, minimal effect on clinical outcomes and no effect on quality of life. No conclusion can be drawn about the effect on economical outcome measures. Therefore, it should be considered to stop performing cross-sectional medication reviews as standard care.

Peer Review reports

In order to reduce the number of preventable adverse drug events and hospital admissions, medication review is often recommended, incorporated in several guidelines and also frequently reimbursed by health care insurers in various countries [ 1 – 10 ]. Medication review is defined by the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe (PCNE) as “a structured evaluation of a patient‘s medicines with the aim of optimising medicines use and improving health outcomes. This entails detecting drug related problems and recommending interventions” [ 11 ]. In clinical practice, for each individual patient, medication review is mostly operationalized as an isolated intervention during a short term intervention period [ 5 , 6 , 9 , 12 , 13 ].

Several systematic reviews and meta-analyses already examined the effectiveness of medication review and these did not unequivocally prove the effectiveness of medication review [ 14 – 23 ]. However, these systematic reviews did not only include trials assessing the effect of medication review in terms of how it is mostly operationalized in practice: an isolated cross-sectional assessment of total medication use during a short term intervention period less than 3 months. Most trials in the systematic reviews assessed the effect of medication review as part of multi-faceted pharmaceutical care interventions, consisting of for instance transitional care, adherence counseling and education of patients and healthcare professionals, besides medication review. Such interventions also often last longer than 3 months. Furthermore, most systematic reviews focus on specific patient groups (e.g. polypharmacy, elderly, hospitalized) and/or on specific outcome measures (e.g. hospital admissions and mortality). As a result, more insight is necessary in the effectiveness of medication review as an isolated short-term intervention on clinical outcomes, quality of life, drug-related and economical outcomes.

Therefore, this systematic review aims to summarize the evidence of medication reviews as performed in clinical practice, irrespective of patient characteristics, setting and outcome measures.

This systematic review, assessing the effectiveness of medication review, irrespective of the outcome measures used, follows the PRISMA-guidelines [ 24 , 25 ].

Data sources and searches

A literature search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science from their inception through September 2015. For the development of the search strategy and the full electronic search, see Additional file 1 .

Study selection

The inclusion criteria were operationalized based on the PICO model. No restrictions were set concerning the P (patients) and O (outcome measures): interventions could be conducted in any setting and there were no restrictions with regard to patient characteristics and outcome measures. The I (intervention) had to be medication review, which was defined as follows: a structured cross-sectional assessment of a patient’s total medication use leading to recommendations that had to be discussed with the patient and/or clinician within 3 months, in order to improve safety, efficacy or cost-effectiveness. Medication review had to be the single intervention; co-interventions with potential impact on the outcome measures (e.g. discharge counseling, transitional care, non-pharmacological interventions) were not allowed. The C (comparison) was defined as usual care. In addition to PICO the following study selection criteria were formulated: trials had to be randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and only full-length articles were considered for inclusion in this review. Two reviewers independently selected titles/abstracts and the corresponding full text articles to be included in this systematic review. Discrepancies in judgment were discussed in order to reach consensus (VH-BvdB) about final inclusion.

Data extraction and risk of bias assessment

Relevant data on study characteristics and outcomes were extracted by one reviewer (VH) and checked by a second reviewer (NW). P -values ≤0.05 were considered as statistically significant.

Two reviewers independently assessed the risk of bias of the studies eligible for inclusion by using the checklist with criteria for risk of bias from the Cochrane Back Review Group [ 26 , 27 ]. To determine whether a study had a low risk of bias (LRB) or a high risk of bias (HRB), a consensus (VH-BvdB) based scorings method was developed based on the risk of bias assessment.

The twelve Cochrane criteria [ 26 , 27 ] were designated essential (4) or non-essential (8) in relation to research on medication review by a consensus discussion (VH-BvdB). Essential criteria were: was the method of randomization adequate?; Was the drop-out rate described and acceptable?; Were the groups similar at baseline regarding the most important prognostic indicators?; Were co-interventions avoided or similar?. To be considered a study with a low risk of bias, all the essential Cochrane criteria had to be scored positive, whereas a total of at least 6 of the 12 criteria (50%) had to be scored positive. A cutoff of 50% was chosen, as it is not feasible for medication review trials to score positive on certain criteria, like: “was the patient blinded to the intervention”; “was the care provider blinded to the intervention”; “was the outcome assessor blinded to the intervention”. Discrepancies in judgment were discussed in order to reach consensus (VH-BvdB) about the designation of low or high risk of bias for each criterion for each study. If for a specific study an “unclear risk of bias” was scored for the same criterion by both reviewers, the criterion was designated “high risk of bias. The inter-rater agreement of the assessment of risk of bias was assessed by calculating the Cohen’s kappa.

A sensitivity analysis was performed regarding a more stringent cut-off point for risk of bias. The actually used cut-off point for risk of bias was compared with a threshold of ≥8 (2/3 of the attainable 12) of the criteria to be scored positive for a study to be considered a study with a low risk of bias.

Data synthesis and analysis

An adapted version from previously published best evidence syntheses [ 28 , 29 ] was conducted for every outcome measure used in more than one trial, combining a) the percentage of intervention patients included in studies showing effect on the outcome measure and b) the risk of bias of the set of trials using the outcome measure.

The following methodology was used for this purpose:

First, for each outcome measure, the percentage of intervention patients included in studies showing effect on the outcome measure was calculated

The risk of bias of a set of studies per outcome measure was subsequently determined as follows: if 50% or more of the intervention patients included in trials using the outcome measure had a low risk of bias, the set of studies was designated overall low risk of bias

Finally, both the percentage of intervention patients included in studies showing effect on the outcome measure and the risk of bias score for the set of trials per outcome measure were combined to conclude whether medication review has effect on the outcome measure by using the method depicted in Fig.  1 .

Schematic representation of the best evidence synthesis. Schematic representation of the best evidence synthesis, combining a ) the percentage of intervention patients included in studies showing effect on the outcome measure and b ) the risk of bias of the set of trials using the outcome measure. For details: see Additional file 4

In case of binary variables a meta-analysis was performed in addition to the best evidence synthesis, to quantify the effect. In these meta-analyses, effect sizes of binary variables were pooled using their weighted average for the treatment effect (using a random-effect meta-analysis method). Forest plots were created with STATA version 13.1 to summarize the risk ratio (RR) and the 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity across studies was assessed using I 2 statistics (studies with an I 2  > 50% were considered heterogeneous). Outcome measures reported in only one trial were reported descriptively.

A sensitivity analysis was performed with regard to the impact of large trials with a high risk of bias, on every individual outcome measure. In this sensitivity analysis, large trials with a high risk of bias, with a number of intervention patients greater than the median number of intervention patients per outcome measure, were excluded from the best evidence synthesis.

The literature search provided a total of 13,870 potentially relevant publications which were screened for eligibility. After screening titles and abstracts, 154 articles were left for full text screening. After this screening, 31 RCTs met the inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review. A flow diagram of the literature search is represented in Fig.  2 .

Flow diagram of the literature search and study selection process

An overview of the study characteristics of the included studies is depicted in Table  1 . Most studies were conducted in primary care (52%), sample size ranged from 64 to 2014 patients, the observation period ranged from 0 to 12 months and 17 (58%) of the trials were conducted in Europe and 7 (23%) in the United States. Patients were involved in the medication reviews in 21 of the 31 studies, the mean age (as reported in 24/31 trials) and the number of drugs (as reported in 18/31 studies) of the intervention patients in each trial ranged from 51.4 to 87.0 years and from 4 to 14 drugs, respectively.

Seventeen studies (55%) met the criteria for low risk of bias. The inter-rater agreement between the two assessors of risk of bias was 0.74 (Cohen’s Kappa). Most common reasons for designating studies high risk of bias were methodological shortcomings on “compliance”, “treatment allocation concealment”, “blindness of patient, care provider and outcome assessor”, “randomization”, “similarity of study groups at baseline” and “drop-out rate”.

• Clinical outcomes

As summarized in Fig.  3 , no effect of medication review was found on clinical outcomes, except for a decrease in the number of falls.

Effect of medication review on clinical outcome measures as assessed in more than 1 trial. The percentage of intervention patients is shown on the y-axis. The black part of the bar represents the percentage of intervention patients included in a trial with a positive effect on a specific outcome measure. The outcome measures, the number of trials using the specific outcome measure, the overall risk of bias of the set of evidence per outcome measure and the conclusion of the best evidence synthesis are shown on the x –axis. T = trials; LRB = low risk of bias; HRB = High risk of bias; inconcl. = inconclusive

Eleven trials (overall low risk of bias, including 2403 intervention patients) assessed the effect of medication review on mortality (for details, see Additional file 2 : Table S1). Data were pooled in a meta-analysis (Additional file 2 : Figure S1) and with a RR of 0.94 (CI, 0.76–1.17) no effect of medication review on mortality was found. Moderate heterogeneity was found between the trials (I 2  = 22.0%, P  = 0.234).

Hospital admissions and healthcare use

Data of 11 trials (Additional file 2 : Table S2), including 2041 intervention patients, showed evidence with a low risk of bias for no effect of medication review on the number of hospital admissions (including emergency admissions and visits). Meta-analysis of data from five trials with overall low risk of bias, including 2000 intervention patients, assessing the effect of medication review on the number of patients admitted to the hospital revealed no effect, with a RR of 0.94 (0.82, 1.08) and with moderate heterogeneity (I 2  = 42.3%, P  = 0.139) (Additional file 2 : Figure S2 and Table S3). The same applies to the time to first (re)admission in three trials with low risk of bias, including 518 intervention patients, except for a subgroup with only emergency department visits or a low baseline risk for hospital admission (Additional file 2 : Table S4) [ 30 , 31 ]. In addition, no effect of medication review was found on the length of hospital stay in seven trials with overall high risk of bias, including 1330 intervention patients and the number of emergency admissions/visits in seven trials with overall low risk of bias, including 1243 intervention patients (Additional file 2 : Tables S5 to S6). Furthermore, no effect of medication review was demonstrated on the number of General Practitioner (GP) visits in 6 trials with low risk of bias including 1582 intervention patients and on the number of outpatient visits in four trials with overall low risk of bias, including 1144 intervention patients (Additional file 2 : Tables S7 to S8). The meta-analysis of data of 2 trials with overall high risk of bias, including 825 intervention patients, found no effect on the number of patients admitted to residential homes with a RR of 1.17 (0.79, 1.74), with limited heterogeneity (I 2  = 0.0%, p  = 0.997) (Additional file 2 : Figure S3 and Table S9).

No best evidence synthesis could be conducted for a variety of other healthcare use related outcome measures used in only one trial. In six trials no effect was found on these outcome measures [ 30 , 32 – 37 ], whereas in two trials an effect was found only in a subdomain of healthcare use related outcome measures or a subgroup of patients [ 32 , 38 ] and in one trial a positive effect was found in favor of patients receiving usual care [ 30 ].

It was observed in two trials with overall low risk of bias, including 467 intervention patients, that medication review decreases the number of falls per patient (Additional file 2 : Table S10). Data of four trials with overall low risk of bias, including 929 intervention patients, were pooled in a meta-analysis (Additional file 2 : Figure S4). This meta-analysis suggested that medication review decreases the number of patients falling (RR 0.68 (0.52, 0.90); I 2  = 41.0%, p  = 0.166). However, the best evidence synthesis was inconclusive about the effect on the number of patients falling (Additional file 2 : Table S11). Furthermore, a significant lower fall rate per 1000 patient days (only assessed by Michalek et al) due to medication review was found [ 39 ].

Health status, physical and cognitive outcome measures

Three trials with low risk of bias, including 499 intervention patients, showed no effect of medication review on physical functioning using the Barthel index (Additional file 2 : Table S12). This was confirmed in one study, using three different outcome measures for physical functioning [ 40 ].

Medication review neither improved clinical status [ 41 ], health status [ 40 ] and patient’s perception of severity of illness [ 41 ]. In one study, however, a smaller decrease in self-rated health due to medication review was found [ 35 ].

Two trials, with overall low risk of bias, including 449 intervention patients, found no effect of medication review on cognitive functioning, using the Standard Mini Mental State Examination (Additional file 2 : Table S13). Medication review also did not affect cognitive functioning, expressed with other outcome measures [ 40 , 42 , 43 ], except for the Chrichton-Royal Behaviour Rating Scale [ 42 ].

• Quality of life

The effect of medication review on quality of life is outlined in Fig.  4 . There is evidence with overall low risk of bias that medication review has no effect on quality of life, as measured with the EQ-5D score (based on six trials, including 1583 intervention patients) or the SF-36 score (based on two trials, including 547 intervention patients), whereas evidence with overall high risk of bias was inconclusive about the effect of medication review on the EQ5D-VAS (used in five trials, including 798 intervention patients) (Additional file 2 : Table S14). Pit et al also found no effect of medication review on quality of life measured with the SF-12 score [ 44 ].

Effect of medication review on quality of life, drug-related outcome measures and economical outcome measures as assessed in more than one trial. The percentage of intervention patients is shown on the y-axis. The black part of the bar represents the percentage of intervention patients included in a trial with a positive effect on a specific outcome measure. The outcome measures, the number of trials using the specific outcome measure, the overall risk of bias of the set of evidence per outcome measure and the conclusion of the best evidence synthesis are shown on the x-axis. T = trials; LRB = low risk of bias; HRB = High risk of bias; inconcl. = inconclusive

Drug-related outcome measures

The effect of medication review on drug-related outcome measures is represented in Fig.  4 . An effect of medication review was found on most drug-related outcome measures (the number of drugs, the number of drug changes, the number of drug-related problems and the number of drugs with a dosage decrease), but not on the number of drugs with dosage increase.

Drug-related problems

In four trials with overall high risk of bias, including 599 intervention patients, medication review decreases the number of drug-related problems (Additional file 2 : Table S15). The results of two trials assessing the effect of medication review on the number of patients with drug-related problems (with different pre-defined drug-related problems per trial) were conflicting [ 45 , 46 ].

Number of drug changes and number of drugs with a dosage decrease or increase

Data of three trials with low risk of bias, including 965 intervention patients, showed an increase of the number of drug changes as a result of medication review (Additional file 2 : Table S16). Two other trials with overall high risk of bias, including 486 intervention patients, found an increase of the number of drugs with a dosage decrease, whereas no difference was found with regard to the number of drugs with dosage increase (Additional file 2 : Tables S17 to S18).

Number of drugs and doses

Twelve studies with overall low risk of bias, including 1972 intervention patients, found that medication review leads to a greater decrease or smaller increase of the number of drugs used (Additional file 2 : Table S19). Sellors et al, however, found no difference in the absolute number of drugs used after 5 months due to medication review [ 37 ]. Furthermore, no effect of medication review was found on the number of individual doses per day [ 47 ] and the dosing frequency per day [ 48 ].

Other drug-related outcome measures

Various outcome measures, only used in one trial, but covering the same outcome domains, could not be incorporated in a best evidence synthesis. Two studies assessing the effect of medication review on adherence and knowledge found conflicting results [ 41 , 47 ]. Results with regard to appropriate prescribing and medication use were also conflicting. In two trials, medication review did not improve a set of predefined indicators of prescription quality [ 44 , 46 ], whereas other trials showed improvement of (part of) the indicators [ 38 , 39 , 49 ]. Trials reporting the effect of medication review on scores for appropriateness of prescribing and medication use also found conflicting results. Although medication review improved prescribing appropriateness as measured with the Medication Appropriateness Index (MAI) and the Assessment of Underutilization of Medication Index (AOU) [ 49 ], no effect was found on a composite score reflecting appropriate prescribing of benzodiazepines, NSAIDs and thiazide diuretics [ 44 ]. Finally, the effect of medication review on adverse effects was inconclusive, as one trial demonstrated that medication review decreases adverse effects [ 50 ] and a second trial did not show a significant effect [ 47 ].

• Economical outcomes

Figure  4 shows the effect of medication review on drug costs. Based on the data of nine trials with overall low risk of bias, including 2511 intervention patients, no conclusion could be drawn about the effect of medication review on drug costs (Additional file 2 : Table S20). Trials using various other outcome measures for drug and supply costs did generally not observe effect of medication review on costs [ 37 , 51 , 52 ], except for one study demonstrating that medication review might decrease drug and supply costs due to discontinuation [ 51 ]. Inconclusive results were also observed with respect to total healthcare costs, as two studies found a positive effect of medication review on total healthcare costs [ 32 , 53 ], one study found a temporary positive effect [ 38 ] and two studies did not find any effect [ 37 , 43 ]. Besides this, Burns et al found no decrease or increase of costs related to non-drug GP visits, in patient days, outpatient visits, domiciliary visits and primary care visits due to medication review [ 32 ].

Sensitivity analyses

The sensitivity analysis with a more stringent threshold for risk of bias (≥8; 2/3 of the attainable 12) yielded similar results except for the number of falls per patient, which changed from effective to inconclusive, see Additional file 3 . Based on the sensitivity analysis excluding large trials with high risk of bias from the best evidence synthesis, twice the conclusion changed from effective to inconclusive (number of drug-related problems (DRPs) and number of drugs), twice from inconclusive to not effective (number of patients falling and drug costs), once from not effective to inconclusive (number of emergency admissions) and once from inconclusive to a decreased quality of life (EQ-5D VAS), see Additional file 4 .

This is the first systematic review exploring the effect of medication review as an isolated intervention without co-interventions during a short term (≤3 months) intervention period (as advocated in most medication review guidelines [ 4 – 10 ] and operationalized in practice). Furthermore this systematic review provides an overview of all outcome measures and selection criteria without exclusion criteria based on patient characteristics. In this study, a beneficial effect of medication review was found on most drug-related outcome measures. However, minimal effect was observed on clinical outcomes, no effect was found on quality of life and evidence was inconclusive concerning the effect on economical outcome measures. Only seventeen trials (55%) were designated low risk of bias.

The findings of this systematic review are in line with the findings of other systematic reviews assessing the effect of medication review, although these systematic reviews used other inclusion criteria. Previously published systematic reviews often focused on specific patients (e.g. elderly or hospitalized patients etc.) and/or included trials with multifaceted interventions and/or limited the scope to specific outcome measures.

First of all, the lack of effect of medication review on clinical outcomes (e.g. mortality, number of hospital admissions) observed in this systematic review is in line with the findings of other systematic reviews [ 16 – 22 ], although Patterson found conflicting results concerning hospital admissions [ 14 ]. In other systematic reviews a positive effect of medication review on some clinical outcomes was suggested only when non RCTs [ 21 ], unpublished data [ 18 ], co-interventions [ 15 , 18 ] and/or lengthier interventions (> 3 months) [ 21 ] were included. Secondly, no effect of medication review on quality of life was found by this systematic review, which is also confirmed by other systematic reviews [ 14 , 16 , 17 , 21 , 23 ]. Thirdly, the effect of medication review on drug-related outcomes (e.g. a decrease in the number of drug-related problems and the number of drugs) found in this systematic review was confirmed by other systematic reviews [ 17 , 19 ], although Patterson found no consistent intervention effect on medication-related problems across studies [ 14 ]. In addition, in these systematic reviews an effect of medication review on some other drug-related outcome measures (e.g. adherence, adverse drug events, medication appropriateness) was reported [ 14 – 17 , 19 , 21 , 23 ]. Finally, based on this systematic review, no conclusion could be drawn about the effect of medication review on economical outcome measures , including drug costs . These results were confirmed by the majority of other systematic reviews, since only one out of six other systematic reviews [ 23 ] reported effect of medication review on certain subdomains of economical outcome measures [ 15 – 17 , 19 , 21 , 23 ].

Thus, when the effect of medication review is assessed in terms of how it is operationalized in practice (with medication review as isolated intervention) and even when this effect is assessed irrespective of the patient population and on all available outcome measures, the impact found on clinical outcomes and quality of life is minimal, the observed effect on drug-related outcomes is limited and the evidence about the effect on economical outcome measures is inconclusive. This requires further elaboration of the possible explanations of these findings. Several aspects seem to contribute to these findings, including the 1) selection of patients , the 2) interventions (how medication reviews are being operationalized in practice) and the 3) outcome measures and follow-up time used in trials assessing the effect of medication review. Besides these explanations it might also be the case that the hypothesis that medication review significantly improves clinical outcomes, economical outcomes and quality of life should be rejected.

A possible explanation for the lack of evidence about the effect of medication review is that the 1) selection of patients does not fit the aim of the intervention. If the aim of medication review is, for example, decreasing mortality or preventing patients from being admitted to the hospital, one should select a population with high risk for any of these events. Inclusion criteria often mentioned in medication review trials are age 65-plus and a minimum number of drugs used. Although age and polypharmacy are predominantly positively associated with the risk of having drug-related problems [ 54 – 59 ], several other risk factors (e.g. co-morbidity, renal impairment, high risk medication) contributing to the occurrence of DRPs and/or hospital admissions are found in literature [ 54 , 60 – 69 ]. This suggests that a more sensitive selection of patients for medication review in order to reduce the risk of hospital admission and or death may increase the chance of demonstrating an effect of medication review on these outcomes. Consequently, another aim of the intervention (e.g. increasing adherence) will require a different selection of patients (e.g. lack of therapeutic effect, adherence scores). A second explanation for the lack of evidence about the effect of medication review might be the heterogeneity of 2) the interventions . No golden standard exists for how medication review should be operationalized in practice. Several implicit as well as explicit medication review methods are used [ 70 ]. Furthermore, different levels of medication review are applied in daily practice [ 10 ]. This limits the ability to compare the results of trials assessing the effect of medication review. In addition, the multidisciplinary character of medication reviews is possibly a complicating factor. Often problems are difficult to solve 1) as many care-practitioners are involved and 2) as it is not always clear which healthcare practitioner should be addressed and/or 3) as the responsible physician may not agree with implementation of a recommendation made by another healthcare practitioner. Once the aims of medication review are known, one or more consistent (international) definitions and accompanying operationalizations of medication review should be put into practice. Uniform medication reviews are easier to compare in systematic reviews, this will contribute to the ability to demonstrate effect of these interventions. Finally, the lack of evidence about the effect of medication review might be explained by 3) the outcome measures and follow-up time used in trials assessing the effect of medication review. The outcome measures used in published RCTs examining the effect of medication review are often broad outcome measures, as for instance hospital admissions and all-cause mortality, which are affected by multiple (also not drug related) factors. Although in RCTs these outcome measures may be the ideal outcome measures, since these reflect the overall benefit/risk ratio of drug treatment, no effect of medication review on these outcome measures is found, possibly because the intervention medication review is not powerful enough to have impact on hospitalizations and mortality. Therefore (clinical) outcome measures should be chosen which fit 1) the aim of the medication review (improve safety and (cost-)effectiveness of a patient’s medication use) and 2) are more disease/medication specific (e.g. blood pressure, HbA1c) [ 12 , 71 ]. However, these more disease/medication specific outcome measures should not only reflect the negative effects, but also the positive effects of drug treatment. Although it is often seen in medication review trials, only reporting drug-related outcome measures (e.g. DRPs, number of drugs, adverse events) is suboptimal, as these outcome measures only focus on the disadvantages of drug treatment. Furthermore the outcome measures used are often heterogeneous, as for each outcome a different set of outcome measures is used per trial. This limits the ability to draw robust conclusions. Standardization of outcome measures and time of follow-up should be applied in order to increase the ability to compare the results of trials assessing the effect of medication review. For instance, as one of the aims of the intervention is to improve the quality of life of patients, a standard set of quality of life scores (e.g. EQ-5D and SF-36) should be defined and subsequently used in future research to measure the effect of medication review on quality of life.

In the meantime, it is also conceivable that even when medication review is operationalized and/or investigated as described above, it is not effective on clinical outcomes, economical outcomes and quality of life. A possible explanation is that medication review is a cross-sectional intervention at an arbitrary moment during patient’s drug therapy. However, it might be assumed that at specific moments of drug therapy (e.g. when drugs are started, adapted or stopped) the risk for preventable drug-related problems causing negative clinical outcomes is higher. These specific high-risk moments seem to be the best occasion to apply medication optimization in order to prevent clinically relevant drug-related problems. It can therefore be suggested to redesign the cross-sectional medication review to longitudinal medication therapy management, directly from the start of a drug, targeting at specific risk moments [ 72 ]. Furthermore a more integral approach of pharmaceutical care will give room for medication improvement strategies to shift from a system repairing overdue maintenance to a more individualized approach. Problems related to prescribing according to general guidelines should be solved by means of population based interventions like for instance clinical rules. Other interventions should be developed to address issues related to a patient’s use of medication in the context of his medical condition. For instance individualized medication coaching consults with non-adherent patients or patients experiencing drug-related problems or adverse events.

A couple of limitations are associated with this systematic review. In order to provide a broad overview on the literature about the effect of medication review, no inclusion criteria were applied with regard to outcome measures. Consequently, in the best evidence syntheses, both trials using a specific outcome measure as primary outcome measure and trials using the outcome measure as secondary outcome measure were included. This possibly leads to underpowered trials being part of the best evidence synthesis (BES). However, large trials (with more power) have more impact in the BES. Furthermore, in the best evidence synthesis, it is theoretically possible that a large trial with a high risk of bias has decisive impact on both the overall risk of bias of a set studies and the conclusion about the effect of medication review on a specific outcome measure. However, only in 1/22 best evidence syntheses would the conclusion change to effect (EQ-5D VAS), when studies with a high risk of bias with a number of intervention patients greater than the median number of intervention patients of the trials would be excluded from the best evidence synthesis. Finally a limitation might be the fact that only RCTs were included in this systematic review, although it was a deliberate choice not to include observational studies, as a randomized controlled trial is the most appropriate study design to demonstrate effect of an intervention.

Besides these limitations, some remarks can be made with regard to the robustness of the conclusions. Firstly, only 55% of the included studies were designated a low risk of bias, which results in a smaller body of evidence. In a sensitivity analysis, increasing the threshold for the risk of bias assessment to an arbitrary 2/3 of the attainable maximum score, the percentage of trials with low risk of bias decreased to 39%. For medication review trials, however, on the one hand it is reasonable to relax the threshold to some extent when it comes to blindness of the patient, care provider and outcome assessor. On the other hand this may lead to an overestimation of positive findings of assessor dependent outcome measures, for instance when a non-blinded assessor has to assess whether an outcome is drug-dependent or not. Secondly, the variety of the included patients and settings in this systematic review should be considered. Although no exclusion criteria based on patient characteristics may have resulted in more power, this also may have led to false negative results in subgroups. In other systematic reviews, however, often no effect was found in these subgroups.

Although an isolated medication review during a short term intervention period (how it is mostly operationalized in practice) has an effect on most drug-related outcomes, medication review has minimal effect on clinical outcomes, no effect on quality of life and no conclusion could be drawn about the effect on economical outcome measures. Therefore, it should be considered to stop performing cross-sectional medication reviews as standard care. It may also be considered to shift the focus of research from cross-sectional medication review to other strategies to improve the safety and (cost-)effectiveness of drug treatment. If, despite this, research on the effect of cross sectional medication review is still continued, high quality studies including high-risk patients and using relevant outcome measures should be conducted to assess if/when medication reviews can contribute to better medication use and subsequent better clinical outcomes. However, more effort should be put in the development and evaluation of other medication improvement strategies, like more individualized and longitudinal medication therapy management, targeting at specific risk moments of drug treatment and targeting at problems that patients experience themselves.

Abbreviations

Assessment of underutilization of medication index

Confidence interval

Drug related problem

General practitioner

High risk of bias

Low risk of bias

Medication appropriateness index

Pharmaceutical care network Europe

Randomized controlled trial

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank N.S. (Naomi) Wartenberg for checking data entry of the included studies.

Availability of data and materials

The datasets supporting the conclusions of this article are included within the article and its additional files.

Authors’ contributions

VH and BvdB had full access to all of the data in the study and take responsibility for the integrity of the data and the accuracy of the data analysis. Study concept and design: VH, DB and BvdB. Acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of data: VH, CvdE and BvdB. Drafting of the manuscript: VH and BvdB. Critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content: VH, DB, CvdE and BvdB. Statistical analysis: VH, CvdE and BvdB. Study supervision: BvdB. All authors have read and approved the final version of this manuscript.

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The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

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Department of Pharmacy, Sint Maartenskliniek, Hengstdal 3, 6574 NA, Ubbergen, The Netherlands

Victor Johan Bernard Huiskes & Bartholomeus Johannes Fredericus van den Bemt

Department of Pharmacy, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein-Zuid 10, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands

David Marinus Burger & Bartholomeus Johannes Fredericus van den Bemt

Department of Rheumatology, Sint Maartenskliniek, Hengstdal 3, 6574NA, Ubbergen, The Netherlands

Cornelia Helena Maria van den Ende

Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Toxicology, Maastricht University Medical Center +, Maastricht, Peter Debyelaan 15, 6229 HX, Maastricht, The Netherlands

Bartholomeus Johannes Fredericus van den Bemt

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Correspondence to Victor Johan Bernard Huiskes .

Additional files

Additional file 1:.

Development of the search strategy and full electronic search. Full electronic search (MEDLINE). (DOCX 17 kb)

Additional file 2:

Data not shown in the results section of the main text of the manuscript. Table S1. Effect of medication review on mortality. Figure S1. Meta-analysis of the studies assessing the effect of medication review on mortality. Table S3. Effect of medication review on the number of patients with hospital admissions. Figure S2. Meta-analysis of the studies assessing the effect of medication review on the number of patients with hospital admissions. Table S4. Effect of medication review on time to first hospital (re)admission. Table S6. Effect of medication review on the number of emergency admissions/visits. Table S7. Effect of medication review on the number of GP visits. Table S8. Effect of medication review on the number of outpatient visits. Table S9. Effect of medication review on the number of patients admitted to residential homes. Figure S3. Meta-analysis of the studies assessing the effect of medication review on the number of patients admitted to residential homes. Table S10. Effect of medication review on the number of falls per patient. Table S11. Effect of medication review on the number of patients falling. Figure S4. Meta-analysis of the studies assessing the effect of medication review on the number of patients falling. Table S12. Effect of medication review on the Barthel index. Table S13. Effect of medication review on the Standard Mini Mental State Examination. Table S14. Effect of medication review on the quality of life. Table S15. Effect of medication review on the number of drug-related problems. Table S16. Effect of medication review on the number of drug changes. Table S17. Effect of medication review on the number of drugs with a dosage decrease. Table S18. Effect of medication review on the number of drugs with a dosage increase. Table S19. Effect of medication review on the number of drugs. Table S20. Effect of medication review on drug costs. (DOCX 124 kb)

Additional file 3:

Risk of bias assessment: sensitivity analysis. Sensitivity analysis regarding a more stringent cut-off point for risk of bias. (DOCX 19 kb)

Additional file 4:

Best evidence synthesis: sensitivity analysis. Sensitivity analysis with regard to the impact of large trials with high risk of bias on every individual outcome measure in the best evidence synthesis. (DOCX 20 kb)

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Huiskes, V.J.B., Burger, D.M., van den Ende, C.H.M. et al. Effectiveness of medication review: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. BMC Fam Pract 18 , 5 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12875-016-0577-x

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.1186/s12875-016-0577-x

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Thesis Review

Development of a Clinical Prediction Rule to Identify Patients with Neck Pain Likely to Benefit from Thoracic Spine Manipulation and a Range of Motion Exercise. JA Cleland. PhD thesis. 2006. Nova Southeastern University: Fort Lauderdale, FL E-mail:   ude.cpf@jdnalelc

The prevalence of neck pain in the general population is significant. The United States National Center for Health Statistics reported that in 2004, 14.8% of surveyed adults aged 18 and older experienced neck pain within the past 3 months1. Previous studies have reported that 54% of the population has experienced neck pain within the last 6 months, causing disability in 5% 2 .

The first goal of this thesis was to develop a clinical prediction rule (CPR) that would identify neck pain patients that would be likely to benefit from thoracic spine thrust manipulation (TSTM). The second goal of this thesis was to compare the treatment effect of TSTM in all patients who received TSTM, regardless of clinical presentation, against those patients who met the CPR criteria. This dissertation project has already produced a landmark peer-reviewed article that was recently published in Physical Therapy 3 .

Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the thesis and outlines the goals of the study. The incidence of neck pain is reviewed with relevance to the practice of physical therapy. The author discusses the problems in classifying patients with neck pain due to the difficulty in identifying the underlying pathology and provides an argument for developing treatment-based classifications.

Chapter 2 presents a very interesting and extensive literature review. Evidence for use of cervical manipulation in the treatment of patients with mechanical neck pain is reviewed as well as the rationale for incorporating TSTM. The theoretical basis for the association of thoracic hypomoblity with neck and shoulder pain is presented with references and body charts reflecting the referral patterns of the thoracic zygapophyseal joints. The thesis cites the incidence of serious complications from cervical manipulation to be 5–10 per 10 million and proposes that TSTM may provide benefits without the inherent risks of cervical manipulation. Theoretical mechanisms related to the positive effects of TSTM are explored, including neurophysiological effects and the neuromuscular effects of muscle inhibition, facilitation, and decreased arthrogenic inhibition. The author also provides evidence to challenge the importance of manipulation technique specificity. The rationale for including active range of motion exercises in the study is included.

Chapter 3 outlines the methodology of the study and describes the training of the clinicians that participated in the study. The subject recruitment method and eligibility and exclusion criteria are described. A detailed Manual of Standard Operations and Procedures is included in Appendix B. Self-reported measures utilized include the Neck Medical Screening Questionnaire, Patient Global Rating of Change (GROC), Neck Disability Index (NDI), Numeric Pain Rating Scale and Pain Diagram, The Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ), and the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia. All self-reported questionnaires are included in appendices as well as the standardized examination and treatment forms. The thoracic spine thrust manipulations and general mobility exercise are described and depicted. All subjects received a standardized treatment regimen: two seated thoracic distraction manipulations, two upper thoracic/cervicothoracic junction manipulations, and two supine middle thoracic spine manipulations, as well as a general range of motion exercise with advice to maintain usual activity within the limits of pain. The GROC was used at subsequent sessions to classify treatment effect: the descriptions “a very great deal better”, “a great deal better” and “quite a bit better” indicated successful outcomes. At session 2, patients who experienced a successful outcome were excused from further participation in the study while those who did not have a successful response were treated as in the first session. At the third and final treatment session those who rated their improvement according to the above descriptions were classified as a success while the remaining patients were deemed unsuccessful. At this point the patient's participation in the study was complete and further treatment was provided per the therapist's discretion. Differences between groups were analyzed using independent sample t-tests for continuous variables and χ 2 -tests for categorical variables. Variables with a significance level of P<0.10 were identified as possible predictor variables and were entered into a backward stepwise logistic regression model to determine the optimal set of variables for prediction of treatment success. A multivariate CPR for classifying patients likely to benefit from TSTM was created from variables retained in the regression model. The effect size and associated confidence interval were calculated for all patients as well as for the group of patients that met the CPR. In addition, to investigate the reliability of the historical and physical examination 22 subjects were evaluated by two therapists.

Chapter 4 details the results of the study. The six variables that formed the most accurate combination of predictors for identifying patients with neck pain likely to benefit from TSTM were 1.) Symptom duration <30 days, 2.) No symptoms distal to the shoulder, 3.) Patient reporting that looking up did not aggravate symptoms, 4.) FABQ-Physical Activity score <11, 5.) Decreased upper thoracic spine kyphosis at T3–T5, and 6.) Cervical extension <30°. The pre-test likelihood of success with thoracic spine manipulation for the study was 54%. If the patient exhibited 4 of 6 predictor variables, the post-test probability of success increased to 93%. If 3/6 variables were present, the likelihood of success was 86% and with 2/6 variables, the likelihood for success was 71%. Of 78 subjects, 42 experienced successful outcomes. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of the use of medication or the number of cavitations or pops experienced. There was no significant difference in the rate of successful outcomes among therapists with <3 years of experience compared to those with <3 years of experience.

Chapter 5 provides a summary of the study and its findings. The reliability for the cervical ROM measurements in the study were moderate to substantial and reflected the reliability findings of other studies reported in the literature. The difference in change score on the NDI between the groups was 18% and was significant at P<0.001. The author proposes future studies to validate the CPR where patients are randomly assigned to receive TSTM or an alternate intervention. If the CPR is valuable, patients who are positive on the CPR and receive TSTM should exhibit improved outcomes compared to those who are negative on the CPR and receive TSTM, and compared to those who are positive on the CPR but receive an alternate intervention.

With regard to this thesis and as indicated by Dr. Cleland, additional studies should be performed to validate this CPR by applying it to patients in other treatment settings including private practice and HMO settings. It would also be interesting to perform a similar study that excludes the confounding variable of ROM exercise, as the author concedes that the results of the study cannot specifically be attributed to TSTM, because cervical ROM exercise was also incorporated. Finally, additional studies investigating the long-term effects of TSTM are also needed. Although the results of this study have recently been published in a journal article, review of the actual thesis is warranted due to its valuable and expanded discussion of the literature and the informative appendices provided. To date, this thesis has already produced 4 peer-reviewed publications 3 – 6 and it is part of an ongoing research effort by the author in the area of mechanical neck pain and thoracic dysfunction 7 – 11 . Dr. Cleland, who is without a doubt one of the currently most prolific authors of high-quality publications in the field of orthopaedic manual physical therapy, is to be commended for yet again a valuable contribution to the research basis of this field.

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Big Mood Keeps the Millennial Dramedy Afloat

We get it: There’s an overwhelming number of television shows right now. The streaming landscape is an impractical maze, and the good stuff easily gets lost in the shuffle. But most of us can still find one show that cuts through the noise. We call this “appointment viewing” — or the time you carve out in your busy schedule to watch the show you’ll want to unpack the next day with your friends while it’s still on your mind. Tune in here each month to read what writer Michel Ghanem, a.k.a. @ tvscholar , deems worthy of a group-chat deep dive.

So far this year, we’ve covered prestige-TV hits like Shōgun and True Detective , and we moved into lighter fare to have some fun with The Girls on the Bus . This month, we examine the state of the millennial dramedy with Big Mood , an import from the U.K. premiering on Tubi, starring Nicola Coughlan and Lydia West as two best friends navigating friendship in the midst of a mental-health crisis.

What’s this millennial dramedy I’ve been hearing about?

All hail the existential millennial dramedy! Big Mood follows the misadventures of Maggie (Nicola Coughlan) and Eddie (Lydia West), two best friends navigating the trials and tribulations of life in East London. Maggie is living with bipolar disorder, and as the series begins, she abandons her medication to seek a clearer mind to write the play her agent is waiting for her to submit. Meanwhile, her best friend, Eddie, is ride-or-die and nonjudgmental in her support for Maggie — and trying to manage a failing dive bar she inherited from her late father.

Both actors are rising television stars in their own right. You might remember Coughlan as a “wee lesbian” on Derry Girls and in the throes of romance on Bridgerton , and West played an ally during the 1980s AIDS crisis in It’s a Sin and an aspiring transhuman on Years and Years . Big Mood sees the talented actresses straddle the fine line between comedic timing — with the help of jokes about classic millennial obsessions like Love Actually and One Direction — and more serious subject matter with an unflinching look at the peaks and valleys of bipolar disorder. Both performances are fantastic, but Coughlan really shines in playing the full spectrum of the bipolar experience: the messiness, the manic exhilaration, and the insidious ways it can interrupt daily life and friendship. Somehow, it’s still funny, too.

How can I watch it?

After premiering in the U.K. last month, Big Mood ’s six half-hour episodes will be available Stateside starting April 19 on Tubi, a free streaming and live-television service that requires no subscription and has quickly become one of the most-watched services in North America — if you don’t mind a few commercial breaks interrupting your viewing. While other streaming services have been canceling shows before they have a chance to bloom, Tubi has been growing its acquisitions and original-content slate (including buzzy British shows like Boarders and Dead Hot ) — all part of a broader strategy to attract and retain a younger, diverse viewership, which Vulture recently explored in a dispatch of Buffering .

So, is it anything like Fleabag ?

We used to have a sea of options for existential millennial tragicomedies on television, from Girls and Broad City to Fleabag and Everything I Know About Love . There are threads from each of those shows in Big Mood , plus a blend of different genres and tones throughout the season. In the upbeat pilot, a manic Maggie returns to her high school to deliver an inspirational speech to her students with just a fringe play under her belt. By the second episode, she enters a depressive low, forced against her will to celebrate her 30th birthday.

The way the show shifts in tone captures the ebbs and flows of Maggie’s mental health, a device that reminds me less of Fleabag and more of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend , the beloved musical-dramedy that tackled borderline personality disorder, or Work in Progress , an underrated and very queer series depicting OCD and depression. What these shows and Big Mood understand is the importance of depicting the complexities of mental well-being in realistic but non-damaging ways — while still being comedic. As Big Mood points out in the finale, you don’t need to use schizophrenia to see through the lens of a serial killer, or use institutionalization as a horror-tinged spectacle, to get people to care about the realities of mental illness.

In recent years, some dramedies depicting millennials, like Search Party and Insecure , ended in weddings and/or babies, signifying the accurate shift happening in my own friend groups as we age into our 30s. But there are still many of us who search for equilibrium in our lives, particularly when we choose to not follow a heteronormative path. There are fewer and fewer of those stories on television as the episodic gaze shifts to Gen Z in their 20s , so let’s enjoy gems like Big Mood while they last. As Eddie tells Maggie after running into an acquaintance who has had four children by age 30, “Some women spend their 20s starting a family; some women spend them on ketamine. Both are valid choices.”

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