Buy Nootropics in the Philippines | The #1 A-Z Guide
Curious how to buy nootropics in the Philippines?
You’ve come to the perfect place.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you could possibly want to know about buying and using nootropics in the Philippines.
We’ll cover the best natural and synthetic nootropics to buy, their side effects and safety, their legal status, where to buy them, and everything else in between.
P.S: Here’s my top 100% legal recommendation!
Whether you’re looking to study longer, work harder, improve your memory, or optimize and protect your brain, this guide will help you find the best nootropics to help you meet your goals.
Table of Contents
This is not medical or legal advice. This guide is strictly for entertainment purposes only. Always consult a medical professional before consuming any nootropic and always abide by the laws of your country. Please read my disclaimer page, too.
What are Nootropics?
Nootropics are substances that can ‘change the mind’ in various ways. The term was coined in 1972 by the Romanian psychologist and chemist Dr. Corneliu Giurgea and comes from the Greek words ‘nous’ (meaning ‘mind’), and ‘trepein’ (meaning ‘to bend’) [1].
Dr. Giurgea discovered the world’s first synthetic nootropic – Piracetam – in 1964 and soon observed its memory-enhancing abilities. He created the term ‘nootropics’ to describe other substances with similar ‘mind changing’ properties.
According to Dr. Giurgea, to be classified as a nootropic, a substance must:
- Enhance memory, attention span, concentration, and the ability to learn.
- Help the brain function under distress.
- Protect the brain from chemical and physical stress.
- Increase the efficacy of neuronal firing.
- Produce virtually zero side effects and be non-toxic.
Piracetam meets these criteria as it enhances memory, has neuroprotective properties, and is safe to use. Since the mid-1960s, dozens of other racetams and other synthetic nootropics have been developed. Thousands of other naturally-occurring substances can also be used as nootropics.
Natural Nootropics
Natural nootropics are substances that come from plants or plant extracts, amino acids, or other nutrients sourced from nature. Some of these substances have been used by humans for millennia for their cognitive benefits.
- Ginkgo biloba, for example, comes from the maidenhair tree in China and has been used for thousands of years to help improve memory.
- Natural caffeine, found in foods such as cocoa beans, tea leaves, and coffee beans, has long been used as a stimulant and cognitive enhancer.
The cognitive benefits offered by natural nootropics are well supported by numerous scientific research papers published in peer-reviewed medical journals. A randomized controlled trial showed that Ginkgo biloba can help prevent dementia [2], while caffeine has been shown to improve attention span and information retention [3].
Other natural-occurring nootropics were discovered much more recently. Creatine – an abundant amino acid found in the liver and kidneys – was discovered in 1835 and only gained mainstream popularity as a sports supplement during the mid-1990s. Its effectiveness as a nootropic took off when it was shown to facilitate cognition on mental tasks [4].
Synthetic Nootropics
Synthetic nootropics are chemically synthesized substances like Piracetam that have been shown to
improve learning, memory, and brain metabolism [5]. Synthetic nootropics typically offer more potent benefits than natural nootropics. In the Philippines, they are generally either prescription-only pharmaceutical products or unlicensed products.
Most synthetic nootropics are medicines developed to treat people with specific neurological and psychiatric conditions. Modafinil, for example, is prescribed to treat narcolepsy but has been shown to improve emotion recognition and task-related motivation [6]. However, it is widely used ‘off-prescription’ by healthy individuals seeking cognitive enhancements.
Other synthetic nootropics have been approved and licensed as pharmaceuticals in other countries, but are not registered or licensed in the Philippines. Phenibut, for example, is not registered in the Philippines, but has been used in Russia to treat anxiety and has been shown to reduce social anxiety [7].
Nootropics Side Effects and Safety
The following is not medical advice and we strongly urge you to talk to your doctor about potential side effects and allergic reactions before taking any nootropic, especially if you are currently taking prescription medications. Always read the side-effects, prescription drug interactions, and any notes and warnings. Avoid taking nootropics if you are pregnant or nursing or if you are at risk of conditions like diabetes, depression, or psychiatric disorders. If you experience any adverse side effects, cease use immediately, and consult your doctor as soon as possible.
The side effects and safety you can expect from any given nootropic largely depend on whether it is a dietary supplement or a pharmaceutical product.
Dietary Supplements
The safest known nootropics are natural substances such as caffeine, Ginkgo biloba, and creatine. They are sold in the Philippines as dietary supplements. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and are available over the counter or online without a prescription. These nootropics are generally regarded as safe and non-toxic when taken at the recommended doses.
However, how you respond to each of these compounds will depend on a host of variables including:
- Your current state of health
- Genetic factors
- Whether you are taking other prescription drugs
Some dietary supplements may interact adversely with prescription medications. Ginkgo biloba, for example, can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with certain herbal medications, antiplatelet agents, or warfarin [8].
Dosage is also important. Some dietary supplements may produce side effects when taken in excessive quantities. For instance, caffeine can cause anxiety, hallucinations, and dizziness when consumed in high dosages [9].
Pharmaceutical Products
Pharmaceutical products that offer nootropic benefits are drugs that are intended to treat specific medical conditions. In the Philippines, these drugs are typically prescription-only. You need to be diagnosed with a specific medical condition and prescribed these medicines by a doctor to obtain and use them.
The side effects and safety of pharmaceutical nootropics varies widely from one substance to the next.
The safest known pharmaceutical nootropics are Piracetam, Aniracetam, and other racetams. Studies have shown that racetams possess very low toxicity and produce no serious side effects [10].
There has been little scientific research into the side effects and safety of most other pharmaceutical products when used ‘off-prescription’ as nootropics.
For example, Modafinil is available in the Philippines as a prescription medication for treating patients with narcolepsy. Its side effects are well understood and it is considered to be a safe drug. However, there is scant research into its side effects and safety when taken ‘off-label’ by healthy individuals as a nootropic.
One study found that when Modafinil was given to patients who had been incorrectly diagnosed with narcolepsy, caused several side effects [11].
These included:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Lumbago
- Diarrhea
- Dyspepsia
- Rhinitis
- Vertigo
These side effects were found to be mild and subsided when the dose was lowered, causing no lasting harm.
Overall, the nootropics on this list are safe and offer minimal side effects.
Are Nootropics Legal in the Philippines?
The legal status of any given nootropic in the Philippines depends on whether it is classified as a dietary supplement or a pharmaceutical product.
Dietary supplement nootropics such as caffeine, creatine, and Ginkgo Biloba are legal in the Philippines and can be purchased over the counter.
Pharmaceutical products that have nootropic properties such as Modafinil are classified as prescription medicines in the Philippines and require a prescription to obtain and use. If you are Filipino or live in the Philippines and want to buy pharmaceutical nootropics, this is the only legal option.
If you are visiting the Philippines, you can bring prescription drugs into the country with you if you bring a letter from your doctor stating the condition for which you are receiving treatment.
Given the difficulty of obtaining prescription-only nootropics in the Philippines, many people choose to order them online and have them shipped to their address.
While ordering prescription medications online is technically illegal, we’ve yet to hear of anyone having any issue getting a personal supply of nootropics shipped to their address in the Philippines.
Our recommended nootropics vendor guarantees all shipments to the Philippines and offers a free reshipment or a full refund in the highly unlikely event that your order doesn’t get through.
Basically, you have no risk.
But again, this isn’t legal advice and we advise you to always abide by the laws of the Philippines.
Top 2 Legal Nootropics in the Philippines
The Philippines has notorious strict anti-narcotic laws and many people don’t want the legal risks of being caught importing prescription drugs or the health risks of using these drugs ‘off-label’.
We get it.
That’s why we recommend two powerful over-the-counter nootropics – Mind Lab Pro and Qualia Mind!
Unlike prescription drugs, these powerful nootropics contain 100% natural ingredients that work across multiple areas of cognitive enhancement and produce virtually zero side effects. They are so safe they can be used year-round without any risk of addiction or dependence.
Essentially, they give a drug-like cognitive boost, hassle-free!
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Mind Lab Pro
Our top pick for an effective legal nootropic is Mind Lab Pro. It’s the most effective and reliable over-the-counter nootropic we’ve ever reviewed and is our go-to recommendation for anyone looking for a safe, over-the-counter nootropic in the Philippines.
Mind Lab Pro is the closest thing to a ‘one pill solution’ for cognitive enhancement that we’ve ever tried. It contains a unique blend, or ‘stack’, of 11 different natural nootropics that work in synergy to deliver massive cognitive improvements.
The first time we tried it, we felt a huge increase in creativity and productivity. The boost lasted for over 8 hours, almost as long as some prescription-only nootropics, yet with none of the side effects. All of the ingredients in Mind Lab Pro are safe and well-researched.
They include:
- Bacopa monnieri: This boosts cognition and decreases choice reaction times [12].
- Citicoline: Citicoline has been shown to offer strong neuroprotective properties [13].
- Lion’s Mane Mushroom, or Yamabushitake: Yamabushitake lights you up like a Christmas tree and has been shown to help protect against mild cognitive impairment [14].
- Maritime Pine Bark Extract: Pine bark offers racetam-like improvements in spatial memory [15].
- L-Tyrosine: L-Tyrosine has been shown to enhance mental performance and can boost motivation and focus almost as much as amphetamines like Adderall [16].
Overall, Mind Lab Pro is hands down the most powerful ‘whole-brain’ optimizer we’ve ever tested. It’s consistently reliable and can be used year-round to protect and enhance your brain!
-
Qualia Mind
The second legal nootropic we recommend to people in the Philippines is Qualia Mind. It’s a complete cognitive enhancer that offers a range of immediate benefits from the first day you take it. Qualia has a two-step process; you take the first three pills in the morning and then six more later on in the day.
On Qualia, we noticed an instant boost in our mental performance. It banished brain fog and made us feel like we had enough energy for the entire day. In fact, after pulling a full eight-hour day, we still felt like we still had the energy to do more when we got home!
Along with the extra mental energy, Qualia gave us a ton more creativity. Qualia made our minds buzz with thoughts and ideas; it even made our dreams more lucid and memorable, giving us new perspectives and ways of thinking about work and other tasks.
Unlike some other nootropics that we have reviewed in the past, Qualia’s caffeine-free formula means that it’s jitter-free. It lit up our minds without making us feel wired and irritable. We found we could crush our workload but then easily transition into other activities like mediation when we wanted to.
Qualia owes its effectiveness to a unique blend of 21 natural nootropics including:
- Bacopa Monnieri: Bacopa Monnieri helps reduce anxiety, depression, and stress while giving a massive boost to reaction times [17].
- Citicoline: This boosts levels of neurotransmitters and helps improve memory and recall [18].
- Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo is great for boosting short term memory and recall and has been shown to lead to higher mental performance [19].
- Huperzine A: Huperzine A has been shown to have very strong neuroprotective properties [20].
- Phosphatidylserine: Phosphatidylserine is a powerful nootropic that helps people retain cognitive functioning ability [21].
We noticed that the effects of Qualia Mind continued increasing as we continued taking it. It’s one of the most powerful legal nootropics and we recommend cycling it for five days on, two days off, for maximum effectiveness.
The World’s Best Nootropic…
Legal nootropics are awesome for cognitive enhancement and protection. But sometimes, you just need to put your brain on hyperdrive and crush your workload.
And that’s where Modafinil comes in.
Modafinil is an extremely powerful wakefulness agent (or ‘eugeroic’) that is prescribed in the Philippines under the brand name ‘Provigil’ to treat patients with sleeping disorders such as narcolepsy and Shift Work Sleep Disorder.
As a prescription-only medicine, Modafinil is extremely effective at treating excessive sleepiness. But when taken ‘off-label’ by healthy individuals, Modafinil can dramatically increase attentiveness, concentration, and alertness [22]. A single 100mg tablet of Modafinil can massively increase levels of concentration, focus, learning, and working memory [23].
So how does it work?
Modafinil elevates histamine levels in the hypothalamus region of the brain [24], which increases wakefulness and prevents sleep [25]. By binding to the dopamine transporter and inhibiting the reuptake of dopamine [26], Modafinil increases the amount of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine in the prefrontal cortex. This process significantly improves functions in several cognitive domains including working memory and episodic memory [27].
Modafinil also reduces reactivity to fear stimuli in the amygdala (the brain region involved in anxiety) [28]. This helps users think more clearly and work more productively even when they are stressed or worried.
In short, Modafinil is the world’s best nootropic for cognitive enhancement for one simple reason:
Nothing else comes close.
Is Modafinil Legal in the Philippines?
Modafinil in the Philippines is an interesting topic.
In the Philippines, Modafinil is a prescription medicine, meaning that it is only legal to obtain or possess if you have been legitimately prescribed it.
A Filipino doctor will only prescribe Modafinil to patients who have been diagnosed with either narcolepsy or Sleep Shift Work Disorder.
If you are visiting the Philippines, you can bring a personal supply of Modafinil into the country to last for the duration of your visit. You will need to declare this at customs and provide a copy of the medicine’s prescription or a letter from your doctor stating that you are being treated with the medicine.
Ordering Modafinil online and having it shipped to you from overseas is technically illegal. However, in practice, we’ve yet to hear of anyone having any issue getting a personal supply (90 days’ worth) of Modafinil shipped to their address in the Philippines.
Our recommended Modafinil vendor ships directly from Singapore and guarantees all shipments to the Philippines. They offer a free reshipment or a full refund in the highly unlikely event that the order doesn’t get through.
So basically you have no risk.
But again, this isn’t legal advice and we always encourage you to abide by the laws of the Philippines.
Top “Social” Nootropic
The top “social” nootropic in the Philippines right now is Phenibut, aka the ‘happy pill’. It’s commonly sold online as a dietary supplement that can rapidly enhance well-being.
A single dose (250mg-500mg) of Phenibut can:
- Lower stress levels.
- Improve overall well being.
- Enhance awareness, concentration, and focus.
- Promote restful sleep.
- increase mood and clarity.
Phenibut has become a popular alcohol alternative as it can alleviate nervousness and lower social anxiety and inhibitions. It offers a warm, alcohol-like ‘buzz’ so you feel happy, bubbly and sociable, with much higher levels of self-confidence. It’s a fantastic alternative to ‘pre-drinks’ before going out as it makes you more outgoing while remaining fully in control at all times. Basically, it’s one of the best party pills you could ask for!
Unlike alcohol, which can make you feel drowsy or unable to function properly, Phenibut offers a cool, calm feeling of euphoria that lasts for hours. This makes it perfect for anyone trying to avoid alcohol for health reasons – especially fitness enthusiasts and bodybuilders who want to avoid sugar and ethanol, which can increase cortisol and lower free testosterone [29].
So, how does Phenibut work?
Phenibut was first synthesized in Russia in the 1960s, where it has been widely prescribed to treat a range of conditions including anxiety, insomnia, and depression [30]. As an analog of GABA, Phenibut works by blocking impulses sent to the brain through nerve cells. This makes users feel more sociable and outgoing, and less anxious.
Besides being a ‘happy pill’, Phenibut is also a powerful cognitive enhancer. It has been shown to offer a range of cognitive benefits such as improved working memory, better verbal fluency, lower fatigue, and increased alertness [31]. Phenibut is so effective at lowering stress and anxiety without affective performance that many users report higher sex drives!
Phenibut has several documented side effects, including:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Stomach cramps
There are also reports of patients becoming dependent on and addicted to Phenibut and experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms when they cease use [32].
We recommend limiting intake to less than 500mg for the initial Phenibut dose and never more than 1,000mg per dose thereafter. Due to its addictive qualities, avoid consuming more than 4,000mg per fortnight. Always monitor your dosage carefully and adjust the doses according to your tolerance levels.
Is Phenibut Legal in the Philippines?
Yes!
There are currently no laws prohibiting the sale or use of Phenibut in the Philippines. It is widely available online and is marketed as a dietary supplement to promote restful sleep.
Our recommended Phenibut vendor offers fast shipments to the Philippines and even offers a free reshipment or a full refund in the highly unlikely event that an order doesn’t get through.
Basically, you have no risk.
But again, this isn’t legal advice and we always encourage you to abide by the laws of the Philippines.
Nootropics Philippines | Verdict
If you were curious about buying nootropics in the Philippines, hopefully this A-Z guide has answered all your questions.
We’ve covered everything from the best nootropics to buy, their side-effects, safety, legality, and more.
Nootropics are gaining popularity in the Philippines. Don’t miss out!
You can buy Modafinil from our favorite online vendor for Filipinos or people living in the Philippines!
References
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- Brühl AB, d’Angelo C, Sahakian BJ. Neuroethical issues in cognitive enhancement: Modafinil as the example of a workplace drug?. Brain Neurosci Adv. 2019;3:2398212818816018. Published 2019 Feb 15. doi:10.1177/2398212818816018
- Zheng KH, Khan A, Espiridion ED. Phenibut Addiction in a Patient with Substance Use Disorder. Cureus. 2019;11(7):e5230. Published 2019 Jul 24. doi:10.7759/cureus.5230
- Sierpina VS, Wollschlaeger B, Blumenthal M. Ginkgo biloba. Am Fam Physician. 2003;68(5):923-926.
- Wikoff D, Welsh BT, Henderson R, et al. Systematic review of the potential adverse effects of caffeine consumption in healthy adults, pregnant women, adolescents, and children. Food Chem Toxicol. 2017;109(Pt 1):585-648. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2017.04.002
- Gouliaev AH, Senning A. Piracetam and other structurally related nootropics. Brain Res Brain Res Rev. 1994;19(2):180-222. doi:10.1016/0165-0173(94)90011-6
- Lopes E, Pereira D, da Silva Behrens NS, et al. Cataplexy as a side effect of modafinil in a patient without narcolepsy. Sleep Sci. 2014;7(1):47-49. doi:10.1016/j.slsci.2014.07.015
- Kongkeaw C, Dilokthornsakul P, Thanarangsarit P, Limpeanchob N, Norman Scholfield C. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on cognitive effects of Bacopa monnieri extract. J Ethnopharmacol. 2014;151(1):528-535. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2013.11.008
- Grieb P. Neuroprotective properties of citicoline: facts, doubts and unresolved issues. CNS Drugs. 2014;28(3):185-193. doi:10.1007/s40263-014-0144-8
- Mori K, Inatomi S, Ouchi K, Azumi Y, Tuchida T. Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytother Res. 2009;23(3):367-372. doi:10.1002/ptr.2634
- Paarmann K, Prakash SR, Krohn M, et al. French maritime pine bark treatment decelerates plaque development and improves spatial memory in Alzheimer’s disease mice. Phytomedicine. 2019;57:39-48. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2018.11.033
- Fond G, Micoulaud-Franchi JA, Brunel L, et al. Innovative mechanisms of action for pharmaceutical cognitive enhancement: A systematic review. Psychiatry Res. 2015;229(1-2):12-20. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2015.07.006
- Sukumaran NP, Amalraj A, Gopi S. Neuropharmacological and cognitive effects of Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst – A review on its mechanistic aspects. Complement Ther Med. 2019;44:68-82. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2019.03.016
- Iulia C, Ruxandra T, Costin LB, Liliana-Mary V. Citicoline – a neuroprotector with proven effects on glaucomatous disease. Rom J Ophthalmol. 2017;61(3):152-158. doi:10.22336/rjo.2017.29
- Tan MS, Yu JT, Tan CC, et al. Efficacy and adverse effects of ginkgo biloba for cognitive impairment and dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Alzheimers Dis. 2015;43(2):589-603. doi:10.3233/JAD-140837
- Damar U, Gersner R, Johnstone JT, Schachter S, Rotenberg A. Huperzine A as a neuroprotective and antiepileptic drug: a review of preclinical research. Expert Rev Neurother. 2016;16(6):671-680. doi:10.1080/14737175.2016.1175303
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- Ishizuka T, Sakamoto Y, Sakurai T, Yamatodani A. Modafinil increases histamine release in the anterior hypothalamus of rats. Neurosci Lett. 2003;339(2):143-146. doi:10.1016/s0304-3940(03)00006-5
- Brown RE, Stevens DR, Haas HL. The physiology of brain histamine. Prog Neurobiol. 2001;63(6):637-672. doi:10.1016/s0301-0082(00)00039-3
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- Minzenberg MJ, Carter CS. Modafinil: a review of neurochemical actions and effects on cognition. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2008;33(7):1477-1502. doi:10.1038/sj.npp.1301534
- Rasetti, R., Mattay, V. S., Stankevich, B., Skjei, K., Blasi, G., Sambataro, F., Arrillaga-Romany, I. C., Goldberg, T. E., Callicott, J. H., Apud, J. A., & Weinberger, D. R. (2010). Modulatory effects of modafinil on neural circuits regulating emotion and cognition. Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, 35(10), 2101–2109. https://doi.org/10.1038/npp.2010.83
- Haugvad A, Haugvad L, Hamarsland H, Paulsen G. Ethanol does not delay muscle recovery but decreases testosterone/cortisol ratio. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2014;46(11):2175-2183. doi:10.1249/MSS.0000000000000339
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- Owen DR, Wood DM, Archer JR, Dargan PI. Phenibut (4-amino-3-phenyl-butyric acid): Availability, prevalence of use, desired effects and acute toxicity. Drug Alcohol Rev. 2016;35(5):591-596. doi:10.1111/dar.12356
- Ahuja T, Mgbako O, Katzman C, Grossman A. Phenibut (β-Phenyl-γ-aminobutyric Acid) Dependence and Management of Withdrawal: Emerging Nootropics of Abuse. Case Rep Psychiatry. 2018;2018:9864285. Published 2018 Apr 30. doi:10.1155/2018/9864285
