Want higher performance? I actually recommend you don't start with nootropics at first. Here's my thoughts to a question just asked by a reader of the site,
> - Advice on Nootropics: How to get started ?
First -- DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH THOROUGHLY. It's your body. Respect it and take the time to learn.
Next -- the biggest easy gain is to hydrate more. The majority of people don't drink enough water. You probably should drink more.
Start introducing more fibrous vegetables to your diet. More fiber with no calories is very good for health.
Start quitting the worse crap you eat, gradually. Just cut one thing out. Maybe soda, for instance.
Start occasionally stretching and doing some breathing exercises. Start MOVING more, any kind of movement, exercise, sports, anything. Just anything.
<-- do all of the above before nootropics if you're interested in general health and mental clarity.
After that, I recommend vitamin C and high quality fish oil even still before nootropics, since those (to me) are no-brainers (but do your research).
Then any other supplements you're deficient in. I take B-complete, magnesium, vitamin D, and glucosamine. (Do your research).
If you're working out regularly, consider creatine (do your research first).
Ok, finally, nootropics. Piracetam is the one I recommend starting with first, since it was synthesized decades ago, has longitudinal studies on it with minimal downside (to my understanding), has neuroprotective qualities, gives a boost of clear thinking, is inexpensive, and is uncontrolled in many places (but check your own local laws) (and do your research).
After that, caffeine is technically a nootropic. Research caffeine and either use it more intelligently, quit it, or introduce it depending if you want the tradeoffs. I've rotated on and off caffeine depending on my performance goals and my opinion has changed over time on it. Research is key.
Modafinil is then the big one to consider, which I wrote about here -- http://sebastianmarshall.
I feel comfortable with it, despite the fact that the mechanism of action is not fully known. There is a potential downside. We might be haunted with consequences later (and there's short term side effects too). It's also relatively expensive and controlled in many places (often prescription-only). But it's been researched and cleared for use in the armed forces of many countries, including USA and Australia, and I feel comfortable with the cost/benefit/risk tradeoff. We all die someday, and the boosts I've gotten it make it worth it to me. But do your research. And take all the lower hanging, cheaper, easier gains first. Drinking more water is a bigger life changer for most people than modafinil, frankly, and it costs you nothing, has no hassle, and for sure makes you live longer.