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With the thrilling launch of the TV Series, “Limitless,” more and more people are looking into the area of cognitive enhancement and nootropics. This article is meant to separate the fact from fiction concerning the Limitless pill and outline how nootropics truly function in reality. As you may have guessed, the idea behind the limitless pill is pure fantasy; however, improving cognitive function with nootropic supplements is still entirely possible. Unfortunately, many companies are trying to cash in on the idea of NZT 48 with their “secret” formulations. Hopefully, this article will debunk the myths and show you alternatives to brain enhancement.

Limitless Pill vs. Nootropics

Achieving cognitive enhancement through supplements is possible but, not nearly at the level depicted with the fictional nootropic, NZT-48.. Nootropics are brain enhancers, and they are used to influence the ability of certain chemical neurotransmitters in the brain. Certain drugs modulate or mimic these neurotransmitters, thereby activating the receptors. Activation of these chemicals can have positive or negative effects on cognition, mood and perception.

Coffee is a great example of a widely known nootropic that acts as a stimulant, and this property allows people to use it to enhance cognition. This effect is obtained by blocking the effects of adenosine, a chemical that is responsible for making you drowsy. Unfortunately, as we all know, coffee is not the limitless pill, and it is also a poor nootropic since it is addictive and works as a psychoactive stimulant.

The show “Limitless” is a fictional show, and so is the idea of having a pill that puts you on another level of consciousness. While obtaining the limitless pill effects seen in the movie may not seem possible, it is possible to enhance cognition to a point where you function at an optimal level. For instance, the nootropics phenylpiracetam and adrafinil have both been banned from the Olympics due to their effects on mental performance. Some people suggest these two are supposed to act as stimulants however, the effects on the central nervous system are much less than traditional stimulants. These two act mostly as mental stimulants that have deemed to offer an unfair advantage over competition in the Olympics.

Limitless Pill & Acetylcholine Receptors

So how can one enhance their cognitive functions? As discussed previously, this cannot be achieved via a fictional Limitless pill, but it is entirely possible to achieve it with conventional “smart drugs.” For example, Studies have shown that increasing cholinergic activity may bring improvements in learning, memory and sensory perception. “Cholinergic” refers to the Acetylcholine system, a neurotransmitter that is vastly important in learning, memory and muscle communication.

While comparing it would be a stretch, the original nootropic, piracetam, is often cited as being the closest to NZT-48. Cognition enhancement is obtained by users because piracetam works by amplifying the signal of acetylcholine. Some viewers (and possibly piracetam users themselves) even claimed that the brighter vision that Brian Finch saw after taking the Limitless pill was mimicked by the alleged color enhancement seen by some when taking piracetam. Piracetam is known to brighten colors and vibrancy in some people. Other effects of piracetam might include increased learning and memory and other cognitive improvements such as improved focus and motivation.

Since piracetam was created, other similar cholinergic nootropics have been developed. Unfortunately, none of them come close to the Limitless pill. Although some of them are more advanced, the effects of improving the cholinergic system can only go so far. Mental improvements with cholinergic nootropics can range from barely noticeable to drastic. Additionally, brain chemistry is the biggest factor in determining the success of cholinergic nootropics.

Limitless Pill & Dopamine Receptors

Some have suggested that the limitless pill was also based on the very real smart drug Modafinil, which has been suggested as an off-label nootropic. Although Modafinil is a Schedule III prescription drug prescribed for narcolepsy, some people have suggested it to be the “holy grail” of nootropics and the one and only substance that will ever come close to the limitless pill.

Modafinil is related to a class of nootropics known as “wakefulness enhancers.” Wakefulness nootropics work on dopamine without influencing norepinephrine. The biggest difference between stimulants like Adderall and nootropics like Modafinil is the difference in the effects on norepinephrine. Dopamine is a reward neurotransmitter associated with: feeling good, motivation, reward, focus and aggression. Norepinephrine is also related; however, it has peripheral stimulant effects on the CNS such as increased heart rate. Because of this, its effects are not usually seen in nootropics.

Limitless Pill Nootropics – Can They Ever Be Possible?

So can the nootropics mentioned here work like the Limitless pill? The answer is a resounding no. While dopamine and acetylcholine receptors are great targets to improve cognition, they will never come close to the effects Brian Finch experienced on the TV show. It just isn’t chemically possible with the drugs and technology we have now.

Nootropics & smart drugs might give you a slight edge over your colleagues and competition; however, never to the point seen with the limitless pill. It is important to remember human boundaries and the brain when using nootropic supplements. In fact, it is unlikely that anything will ever come close to the limitless pill.

One good thing that resulted from the movie and TV show “Limitless” is the exposure of viewers to the exciting world of nootropics. Nootropics have many applications and may often help people improve their cognition level. On the other hand, it is important to understand the boundary between fantasy and reality. You can learn a lot more about nootropics and their potential applications on our blog.