1. Piracetam (+choline bitartrate) - tasted like shit, felt a bit jittery/on edge, didn't really feel any improvement in cognition/mood/motivation or anything. And I took a lot for a good while.
2. Provigil - tastes like shit but at least you only have to take tablets not heaped teaspoons like piracetam. Felt a bit of a warm, energetic sensation inside but not really that pleasurable at all, enjoyed music slightly more than normal, was hyper for about 4 hours then died down. Couldn't sleep but didn't feel 'right' not sleeping. Your body needs sleep. After 24 hours of no sleep had some disturbing thoughts of stabbing myself (never had this before). Went to sleep finally and I was ok after. Never took that crap again.
3. L-Carnitine (ALCAR) - tasted ok, bitter lemon taste, felt a bit jittery and on edge. No real changes in cognition.
I've taken loads of other stuff but they would be classed as drugs rather than nootropics, I suppose Provigil is a drug really. None of this shit is worth it in my opinion, you have to train your mind to be motivated, focused and productive even in the face of grave adversity.