Nootropics That Increase Your Libido

Nootropics are known for their positive effects on cognition, brain health, and mood. There is also a class of nootropics that help to increase libido, which is characterized by both emotional and physiological energy regarding sex drive.

Many are interested in improving their libido and sex drive. Libido is different than one’s ability to have sex. As mentioned, instead of a physical ability, libido is more connected to one’s emotional and physiological response to sexual activity; typically resulting in arousal.

It is important to have a healthy libido in terms of your overall well-being. When your libido is depressed, it may be a sign that something is wrong. Both physical and neurological processes can have an affect on one’s libido. Some of the most common reasons are high levels of stress, alcohol abuse, hormonal imbalances, mood disorders, drugs, or relationship issues.

The Connection Between Your Libido and Brain

It is no surprise that men and women differ in terms of their sexual arousal. With that being said, there are similarities. When focusing on both sexes, the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems play a role. For instance, the sympathetic nervous system influences one’s arousal level.

In order for an individual to have a healthy libido, they require a balance between both nervous systems. This is connected to a number of factors, including the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine.

Dopamine creates feelings of arousal, motivation, and desire when at healthy levels. Once levels diminish, then one’s interest and energy towards sex is significantly reduced. These low levels also have a negative effect on one’s overall performance.

Neurotransmitters, Nootropics and Libido

There are a number of nootropics that will help enhance your libido, while providing a number of other benefits. If you’re looking to increase your libido, then focus on enhancing the following neurotransmitters and enzymes:

Acetylcholine

Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that helps enhance memory, focus, and learning ability. When it comes to cognitive functioning and memory coding, acetylcholine is key. Due to its effects on both the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems, this neurotransmitter can improve your libido.

While focusing on arousal levels, acetylcholine can help. Since choline is the precursor for this neurotransmitter, a quality choline source can help you increase your acetylcholine levels. Some of the best sources are Citicoline and Alpha-GPC.

Acetylcholinesterase

Acetylcholinesterase is an enzyme that helps breakdown acetylcholine in the brain. When you take the supplements known as Galantamine and Huperzine A, they naturally inhibit this enzyme. By inhibiting this process, acetylcholine levels increase. As mentioned above, when acetylcholine levels are high, libido increases.

Serotonin

The neurotransmitter serotonin is known to produce feelings of overall well-being. When serotonin levels are increased, stress levels tend to decrease. This increase in serotonin, helps increase one’s libido.

A prime example is Inositol, which helps users experience these effects. Serotonin is also known to reduce anxiety and regulate sleeping patterns. Having balanced levels of this neurotransmitter is essential for entering a state of arousal.

Dopamine

Dopamine is another neurotransmitter, which is known to boost libido. When levels are low, individuals tend to experience a loss of sex drive. This is generally seen through lack of sexual arousal. Luckily, there are many supplements which help boost dopamine levels.

Sulbutiamine for instance, not only increases dopamine levels, but increases receptor density. When taking this supplement, users experience decreased anxiety, a greater sense of well-being, and a healthier libido. There are also positive effects experienced when taking; L-theanine, vitamin B12, 5-HTP, and Bacopa Monnieri.

The supplement known as Aniracetam, has positive effects on acetylcholine, dopamine, and serotonin. This is a very popular nootropic, due to its positive effects on cognitive functioning. However, it also helps reduce feelings of anxiety. When individuals feel highly anxious, their pleasure and arousal levels tend to suffer. Aniracetam (along with many other supplement options), help to counteract these symptoms.

What Other Options are Available?

There are numerous nootropics and supplements which can have positive effects on one’s libido. Some of the more natural options include, but are not limited to:

Ginseng: This herb has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for many years. When taking ginseng, it tends to increase nitric oxide (which is what Viagra does). Although it will not be as effective as Cialis or Viagra, it does produce positive effects. Since it helps improve mood and energy levels, enhanced libido is often experienced.

Ginkgo: Once again, this herb has been used for thousands of years within Chinese medicine. This herb is commonly used to boost brain power, while treating conditions such as Alzheimer’s, asthma, and sexual dysfunction. Although more research needs to be conducted, this option helps some people with libido issues.

Are There Nootropics Which Create Anti-Libido Effects?

Although there are many supplements which help boost libido, there are also options which can diminish it further. Each individual will have a unique experience when taking nootropics and supplements. This is because we are all unique beings, with unique brain chemistry.

When focusing on a popular nootropic which may hinder one’s libido, Noopept should be examined more closely. This racetam-derived supplement, may contribute to decreased libido and sexual arousal. Although these effects can occur, they’re generally short-lived. At this point, it’s unclear why some individual experience anti-libido effects, while others do not.

With any new supplement, speak with your health care professional if you have any questions or concerns. This is especially true if you’re currently on any medication, as some nootropics can interact with these doses.