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Goal · 04

Brain, mood & focus

Changes in focus, memory and mood, with options sorted by how much human evidence exists.

9 compounds: 1 compounded, 5 over the counter, 3 research only.

Brain & focus checklist Start My Journal

Updated October 7, 2026

A clinician's cropped torso and hands, wearing a stethoscope, writing in a notebook beside medication blister packs on a bright wooden desk.

compounds for brain, mood & focus, each with its US status

licensed providers list at least one of them

%

sold over the counter, no prescription needed

Overhead view of a clinician with a stethoscope writing notes at a bright wooden coffee table with a laptop and coffee cup; no face visible.
A close-up of a hand typing on a dark laptop keyboard on a white desk; no face, no screen visible, softly lit.
Overhead view of bright green glasses filled with cucumber-infused water on a clean white surface, with fresh cucumber slices nearby; no people visible.
An over-the-shoulder view of a clinician typing on a keyboard next to a stethoscope on a bright desk; face turned away and out of focus.
9 compounds

NAD+

supplement

A coenzyme every cell uses for energy; offered as IV drips and injections at longevity clinics.

Compounded prescriptionEmerging evidence
6 providers

Semax

peptide

A Russian nasal peptide marketed for focus. Approved in Russia, not in the US.

Research onlyAnimal & lab studies only
Education only

Selank

peptide

A Russian peptide marketed for anxiety and focus. Not approved or compoundable in the US.

Research onlyAnimal & lab studies only
Education only

L-theanine

supplement

An amino acid from tea leaves, often paired with coffee for calm focus.

No prescriptionEmerging evidence
12 providers

Fish and algae oils (EPA and DHA) taken for heart and brain health.

No prescriptionModerate human evidence
16 providers

The most researched sports supplement, for strength and power; brain effects are being studied.

No prescriptionStrong human evidence
14 providers

Cerebrolysin

medication

An injectable peptide mixture used in some countries but not FDA-approved in the US.

Research onlyEmerging evidence
Education only

Ashwagandha

supplement

An Ayurvedic herb sold as a supplement for stress and sleep, with small trials and rare liver injury reports.

No prescriptionEmerging evidence
15 providers

Vitamin B12

supplement

An essential vitamin for nerves and red blood cells; low levels are common in older adults and metformin users.

No prescriptionStrong human evidence
16 providers