If you’re tired of the highs and lows of prescription medications like Adderall for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, nootropics might be your answer.
Many natural ingredients can boost focus and safely improve brain health without causing severe crashes that could lead to addiction or reliance on these supplements for everyday life functioning as some people do with prescribed medications such as Ritalin®.
The following article highlights our top picks when considering OTC Adderall alternatives, as well as answering all your questions.
READ MORE: The Number 1 Wearable Device Scientifically Proven To Lower Stress and Anxiety
What Are The Best Nootropics for Replacing Adderall? (Quick List)
Nootropics for Replacing Adderall Frequently Asked Questions
What are nootropics, and how do they differ from other supplements or medications?
Nootropics are a class of cognitive-enhancing drugs and supplements specifically designed to improve mental performance, focus, and concentration. Unlike other supplements or medications, nootropics are not intended to provide physical benefits such as increased muscle mass or weight loss.
Instead, they work by targeting specific neurotransmitters in the brain to improve memory, learning ability, attention span, and overall cognitive performance.
How do nootropics work in the body compared to Adderall?
Unlike Adderall, a stimulant medication that acts on dopamine and norepinephrine receptors in the brain, nootropics are non-stimulant compounds that work primarily by modulating levels of various neurotransmitters and other brain chemicals.
This can produce a range of benefits for mental performance without many of the adverse side effects associated with Adderall or other stimulant medications.
What are some of the most popular nootropics for replacing Adderall?
Some of the most common nootropics used as an alternative to Adderall include racetams like piracetam, noopept, and pramiracetam; amino acid supplements like L-tyrosine; cholinergics like Alpha GPC and citicoline; and natural herbal remedies like ashwagandha and Rhodiola Rosea. Each of these different types of nootropics has been shown in clinical studies to have significant benefits for mental performance and focus compared to placebo groups, making them a popular choice for those looking for alternatives to Adderall.
Are there any risks associated with taking nootropics instead of Adderall?
Like any type of medication or supplement, there may be some risks associated with taking nootropics as an alternative to Adderall. Some people may experience side effects such as headaches, gastrointestinal discomfort, or anxiety when using certain types of nootropics that affect dopamine levels in the brain.
These side effects can often be minimized by starting with a lower dose than recommended on the label until you become familiar with how your body reacts to the supplement. Additionally, it is essential always to follow the dosing instructions carefully when taking any type of medication or supplement to minimize potential adverse reactions or interactions with other substances you might be taking simultaneously.
Are there any tips for safely using nootropics as an alternative Adderall treatment?
In general, there are several things that you can do to ensure the safe use of nootropics when trying them out as an alternative treatment for Adderall withdrawal symptoms or ADHD symptoms more generally:
*Do plenty of research on different types of supplements and their individual properties so that you can choose the right one(s) based on your needs
*Talk with your doctor about possible interactions between different supplements and other medications you may be taking
*Start with lower dosages in order to assess how your body responds before increasing the dose over time
*Keep track of how different supplements affect your moods and behaviors so that you can make adjustments if needed
How long do I need to take nootropics before I start seeing results?
The timeline for noticing improvements in mental performance when taking nootropics instead of Adderall will vary depending on several factors, including the specific type of supplement you use and your individual physiology and lifestyle habits. Generally speaking, though, most people notice improvements in their focus and concentration within just a few days after starting a regimen with a quality nootropic supplement like piracetam or L-tyrosine.
If you’re looking for more immediate results than what is provided by these natural alternatives alone, combining your preferred supplement with strategies like meditation or mindfulness techniques may also help increase mental clarity and reduce stress even faster than using a standalone product alone.
How a Prescription Medication like Adderall Works
Adderall is one of the most commonly prescribed stimulant medications for Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
It’s an amphetamine that produces rapid activity in your brain, which makes it helpful with ADHD symptoms like impulsivity and restlessness.
The main cognitive benefit? To increase neurotransmitter levels – namely dopamine, norepinephrine, or serotonin among other brain chemicals.1Bertha K Madras 1, Gregory M Miller, Alan J Fischman. The Dopamine Transporter and attention-deficit/hyperactivity Disorder Biol Psychiatry. 2005
The drug’s stimulant effects come from its ability to block the dopamine transporter, who is in charge of clearing out all that dopamine you’ve got floating around.2Benjamin Boutrel, George F Koob. What Keeps Us Awake: The Neuropharmacology of Stimulants and Wakefulness-Promoting Medications Sleep. 2004
The more dopamine in your brain, the better you’ll feel.
Makes sense right? This means that when it’s released there are higher levels of stimulation and euphoria for longer periods of time because this chemical is powerful3Tara L White, David C Lott, Harriet de Wit. Personality and the Subjective Effects of Acute Amphetamine in Healthy Volunteers Neuropsychopharmacology. 2006
For Specific ADHD Nootropic Solutions Check-Out: 7 Best Nootropics for ADHD
Why Adderall Isn’t The Best ADHD Treatment
Adderall is one of the most famous drugs on earth, but it’s efficacy in treating ADHD long-term has been questioned.
Recently researchers at Cochrane review found no evidence that Adderall improved ADHD symptoms more than other types of medication or behavioral therapy do.4Xavier Castells, corresponding author Lídia Blanco Silvente, and Ruth Cunill. Amphetamines for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018
They also found high rates of subjects dropping out of studies due to adverse events that call into question Adderall’s safety profile.
The studies were also mostly short-term, averaging 5.3 weeks in length, which isn’t enough time to truly measure its long-term effects.
Overall, the Cochrane review, which is the highest standard of scientific research reviews, concluded that “none of the included studies had an overall low risk of bias,” and the evidence available for review is “of low or very low quality.”
This is because the pharmaceutical industry funds most scientific literature on using amphetamine medication like Adderall to treat ADHD, while some studies didn’t even disclose their funding.
This means the clinical research on amphetamine drugs like Adderall is simply not robust enough to truly determine if Adderall is safe to use in the long term.
Adderall Side Effects
You know what goes up, must come down.
And the main reason people want Adderall alternatives?
To avoid the unpleasant side effects associated with this stimulant:5National Toxicology Program. NTP-CERHR Monograph on the Potential Human Reproductive and Developmental Effects of Amphetamines NTP CERHR MON. 2005
- loss of appetite
- insomnia
- emotional lability
- nervousness
- fever
- jitteriness
- anxiety
- social withdrawal
- stress
Since Adderall is an amphetamine that quickly crosses the blood-brain barrier, it has the ability to take hold of your brain and create dependence, and possibly addiction.
Many people who attempt to quit Adderall have experienced the “Adderall crash,” which includes many uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that vary in severity depending on the person.
These symptoms include the above-listed side effects, plus:6D Efron 1, F Jarman, M Barker. Side Effects of Methylphenidate and Dexamphetamine in Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Double-Blind, Crossover Trial Pediatrics. 1997 Oct
- irritability
- proneness to crying
- anxiety
- sadness/unhappiness
- panic attacks
- severe depression
- suicidal thoughts
- nightmares
Holistic Biohacks To Replace Adderall and Boost Brain Health
ADHD, like many diseases, is a comprehensive disorder that involves more than just the brain.
In recent years many studies have come out that show ADHD is connected to some physical issues in the body, including gut health, diet, and heavy metal toxicity.
By addressing these issues, you may be able to lower your need for Adderall and safely improve your mental health in the long term.
Heal Your Gut
Most of the neurotransmitters that influence your brain are actually made in other parts of the body.7G W Lambert 1, G Eisenhofer, H S Cox, M Horne, V Kalff, M Kelly, G L Jennings, M D Esler. Direct Determination of Homovanillic Acid Release From the Human Brain, an Indicator of Central Dopaminergic Activity Life Sci . 1991
Most notably dopamine and serotonin, the 2 neurotransmitters that deal most closely with mood, are made in the gut.8Narek Israelyana and Kara Gross Margolis. Serotonin as a link between the gut-brain-microbiome axis in autism spectrum disorders ☆ Pharmacol Res.. 2019
This is important to understand since the whole point of taking Adderall for better cognitive function is to boost dopamine.
So the best way to lower your need for Adderall is to completely diminish the need for it in your life by naturally boosting dopamine.
And since we know that most dopamine in the body is made in the gut9Graeme Eisenhofer, Anders Åneman, Peter Friberg, Douglas Hooper, Lars Fåndriks, Hans Lonroth, Béla Hunyady, Eva Mezey . Substantial Production of Dopamine in the Human Gastrointestinal Tract The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 1997 , optimizing your gut function is the number one place to start.
Easier said than done, I know.
Healing your gut involves optimizing gut bacteria and improving your digestion.
It’s also important to work with a practitioner who can run tests like organic acids, stool, and GI tests.
Functional medicine doctors can run SIBO tests to see if that is an issue.
It’s a process, but it can have major mental health benefits and help you kick Adderall to the curb when done right. Soon, I will have a complete guide to helping you do this.
Be sure to join our email list for updates on the release of my heal your gut guide.
Detox Heavy Metals and Chemicals
Heavy metals and toxic chemicals have become ubiquitous in the modern world.
Ever since the industrial revolution, the environment has become heavily polluted with toxins that are foreign to our natural bodies.
Every day we are inundated with substances from our food, air, and water that the body is reacting to in many ways. Whether its PCB’s and BPA’s10Yanru Li, Haibin Zhang, Hongxuan Kuang, Ruifang Fan , Caihui Cha , Guanyong Li , Zhiwei Luo , Qihua Pang . Relationship Between Bisphenol A Exposure and attention-deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder: A Case-Control Study for Primary School Children in Guangzhou, China Environ Pollut . 2018 from plastics, glyphosate11Keith R. Fluegge, and Kyle R. Fluegge. Glyphosate Use Predicts ADHD Hospital Discharges in the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Net (HCUPnet): A Two-Way Fixed-Effects Analysis PLoS One. 2015 found in food, lead from gasoline, aluminum in beauty products, or cadmium found in drinking water, these chemicals accumulate over time in the body and build toxicity in the brain.
Lead specifically has been found to contribute to many neurological problems such as ADHD and working memory.12Susanna N Visser, Melissa L Danielson, Rebecca H Bitsko, Joseph R Holbrook, Michael D Kogan, Reem M Ghandour, Ruth Perou, Stephen J Blumberg. Trends in the Parent-Report of Health Care Provider-Diagnosed and Medicated attention-deficit/hyperactivity Disorder: United States, 2003-2011 J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry . 2014
Lead disrupts the dopamine pathway, which is the main pathway Adderall works to boost.13Siying Huang, Howard Hu, Brisa N Sánchez, Karen E Peterson, Adrienne S Ettinger, Héctor Lamadrid-Figueroa, Lourdes Schnaas, Adriana Mercado-García, Robert O Wright, Niladri Basu, David E Cantonwine, Mauricio Hernández-Avila, Martha María Téllez-Rojo. Childhood Blood Lead Levels and Symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A Cross-Sectional Study of Mexican Children Environ Health Perspect . 2016
Elevated levels of other metals such as antimony, cadmium, and mercury are also commonly found in the urine of many test subjects who experience ADHD.14Min-Jing Lee, Miao-Chun Chou, Wen-Jiun Chou, Chien-Wei Huang, Ho-Chang Kuo, Sheng-Yu Lee, and Liang-Jen Wang. Heavy Metals’ Effect on Susceptibility to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Implication of Lead, Cadmium, and Antimony Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2018
Knowing this, implementing some kind of detox protocol can help rid the body of these toxins and naturally boost dopamine. Some good detox methods include:
- Sweating (exercise and sauna)
- Colon hydrotherapy
- Regular movement
Diet
Eating a nutrient-dense, whole-food diet can also help increase dopamine production and lower the need for Adderall.
Many processed foods include additives that pollute the brain and are correlated with neurological dysfunction.
Food additives have also been shown to disrupt the dopamine pathway15Ghada Mahmoud Khiralla , Safaa Ahmad Salem , Wagih Ahmad El-Malky. Effect of Natural and Synthetic Food Coloring Agents on the Balance of Some Hormones in Rats International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition Engineering. 2015 and lead to instances of ADHD.16Laura J Stevens, John R Burgess, Mateusz A Stochelski, Thomas Kuczek. Amounts of Artificial Food Colors in Commonly Consumed Beverages and Potential Behavioral Implications for Consumption in Children Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2014
Diets high in sugar and high fructose have also been shown to be neurotoxic, increasing the need for a stimulant like Adderall.17Lidy M. Pelsser, Klaas Frankena, Jan Toorman, and Rob Rodrigues Pereira. Diet and ADHD, Reviewing the Evidence: A Systematic Review of Meta-Analyses of Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trials Evaluating the Efficacy of Diet Interventions on the Behavior of Children with ADHD PLoS One. 2017
Foods that are great for the brain include:
- Organic fruits and vegetables
- Pasture-raised, locally sourced meats
- Organ meats like liver, heart, bones, kidney
- Wild-caught fish
Closest Legal Thing To Adderall Over The Counter
While a holistic, full-body solution is a great way to wean your body off of Adderall in the long term, you’re going to need something to help fill in the gaps.
Nootropics are great to use for this purpose.
Some amazing nootropic supplements can keep your brain optimized while avoiding any withdrawal symptoms. It’s important to note that these products are not meant to replace Adderall.
They won’t give you the immediate boost you get from an amphetamine simply due to the profound differences in pharmacokinetics.
Nootropics can take a few weeks for your body to adapt and elicit a positive response.
However, everyone is different.
Some people get more of an immediate boost in brain function from certain nootropics, while some people don’t respond as well.
This is due to your specific bio-individuality, including your current health, past health history, and genetic makeup.
As I mentioned above, it’s important to optimize your body holistically first so you can have a more positive response.
Read More: Why Amazon Is The Worst Place To Buy Nootropics
Best Adderall Alternatives Nootropics
Mind Lab Pro is a powerful nootropic multivitamin that contains nootropics, amino acids, vitamins, and adaptogenic herbs.
Designed specifically to boost focus, memory, mood, while lowering stress and anxiety.
Increased mental energy, clear thinking, and working brain cells
Mind Lab Pro is a supplement designed specifically to help with ADHD symptoms.
Each of its ingredients works in a unique way to support brain health and improve focus, concentration, and mental performance. The citicoline in Mind Lab Pro helps to promote the production of neurotransmitters like acetylcholine, while phosphatidylserine helps to regulate stress response and improve memory function.
The bacopa monnieri works to reduce anxiety and improve cognitive performance, while the organic lion’s mane mushroom helps to support overall brain function and protect against age-related mental decline.
Additionally, the maritime pine bark extract in Mind Lab Pro is rich in antioxidants that help to improve overall mood and energy levels, while l-tyrosine and l-theanine work together to promote a calm yet focused state of mind.
Finally, the blend of B vitamins in this supplement work to support healthy brain chemistry and reduce feelings of stress and fatigue.
Overall, I would highly recommend Mind Lab Pro as an alternative to prescription adderall for those struggling with ADHD. For those looking for a safe and effective alternative to conventional medications, I would definitely recommend giving Mind Lab Pro a try!
Pros
- Proven to boost overall cognitive performance including memory, focus, mood, creativity, motivation, and overall well-being.
- Potent blend of all-natural nootropics, herbs, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
- Good for Experienced Biohackers and those new to nootropics.
- Caffeine Free
- No artificial fillers or toxic preservatives
- Affordable Price
Cons
- Ingredients are lower dosed.
- Fewer ingredients than other leading nootropic stacks
Magnesium Breakthrough
Magnesium restores balance to the mind and body
Improves symptoms of ADHD in some people
Triggers relaxation response
Steadies the mind for restful sleep
Magnesium is an essential mineral that is involved in over 300 metabolic processes in both the mind and body.
These metabolic processes include neurotransmitter synthesis including dopamine.
In today’s hectic society filled with nutrient-depleted food, magnesium deficiency is on the rise.
Subsequently most people with ADHD exhibit low levels of magnesium.1T Kozielec, et al. Assessment of magnesium levels in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Magnes Res. 2006
In clinical studies, supplementation with Magnesium has shown effective in improving ADHD symptoms. 2M Mousain-Bosc, et al. Improvement of neurobehavioral disorders in children supplemented with magnesium-vitamin B6. I. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, Magnes Res. 2006
Ultimately, magnesium is highly effective at calming the body’s stress response, inducing relaxation, and steadying the mind.
Learn more about how Magnesium works in treating ADHD and other symptoms.
Qualia Mind
Most advanced preformulated nootropic stack on the market.
Packed with 28 cognitive-enhancing ingredients each clinically proven to boost cognition
Preferred nootropic product for many top biohackers and wellness professionals
Available in both caffeinated and decaffeinated versions
Qualia Focus is the sister product to Qualia Mind and comes with fewer ingredients
Qualia Mind is one of the most advanced cognitive enhancing dietary supplements on the market today.
Qualia Mind is a preformulated nootropic stack made by the company Neurohacker Collective, whose mission is to create groundbreaking products that help the body regulate its biochemistry and restore homeostatic balance.
Qualia Mind has been shown to improve focus, energy, and motivation in people with ADHD, and contains a blend of powerful ingredients that work together to support cognitive function and brain health.
Qualia Mind is also non-stimulatory, so it won’t cause the jitters or crash like some other ADHD treatments.
It’s touted by many high performers along with some of the biggest names in the health and wellness space as a nootropic powerhouse!
Pros
- Most advanced nootropic formula on the market
- All-natural ingredients
- Clean formula: No toxic fillers or necessary preservatives
- Many positive user testimonials
- Option for less potent Qualia Focus Available
- Over 50% off 1st Bottle
- Use “15INSAVINGS” For Additional 15% Off
Cons
- Large dose of 7 pills
- More expensive than most other nootropics
- More ingredients not always better.
Blood Sugar Breakthrough
If you’re looking for a natural way to regulate your blood sugar and improve your ADHD symptoms, Blood Sugar Breakthrough may be worth trying!
Blood Sugar Breakthrough is a potent Adderall replacement as it helps stabilize your body and brain’s glucose metabolism.
Researchers have found a correlation between ADHD and blood sugar which makes sense since the ADHD brain craves dopamine stimulation that can be obtained through simple carbs and high-sugar foods. You’ve most likely experienced moments of hunger where you found it impossible to focus.3Mark F McCarty, James J DiNicolantonio , Neuroprotective potential of high-dose biotin, Med Hypotheses. 2017
Unstable blood glucose levels enhance this craving and deprive your brain of the dopamine it needs. Blood Sugar Breakthrough optimizes your body’s glycemic response to food which helps stabilize your blood sugar and focus.4NIH, Chromium, NIH. 20215Kate Petersen Shay, Régis F. Moreau,1 Eric J. Smith, Anthony R. Smith, and Tory M. Hagen, Alpha-lipoic acid as a dietary supplement: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential, Biochim Biophys Acta. 2009
This formula also has some natural, cognition-stimulating ingredients, such as biotin, chromium, and alpha-lipoic acid, which can boost overall cognition.
Pros
- Contains natural ingredients that have been clinically proven to help lower blood sugar levels
- Has been shown to help people lose weight
- comes with a money-back guarantee, so you can feel confident that you’re not wasting your money if it doesn’t work for you
Cons
- Can be a bit pricey
NALT (L-Tyrosine)
is a naturally occurring amino acid that’s derived from tryptophan.
This nootropic acts as a precursor to dopamine, serotonin, and adrenaline. It is much more potent than healthy tyrosine and gets used by your body much faster.
It’s often used as a dietary supplement for people who want to boost their serotonin levels. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in mood and sleep. Nalt may also be used to help treat anxiety and depression. Some research suggests that nalt can improve symptoms of both conditions. Some people use NALT as an alternative to ADHD drugs, enjoying the energy and focus it brings. Others use it alongside their medication.
Because NALT provides the building blocks for the neurotransmitters that Adderall depletes, some people use it at the end of the day to replenish those stores.6Fernstrom JD, Fernstrom MH. Tyrosine, phenylalanine, and catecholamine synthesis and function in the brain, J Nutr. 2007 7Marty Hinz, et al. Treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder with monoamine amino acid precursors and organic cation transporter assay interpretation, Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2011
Some people also find that this nootropic also increases their mood.
Learn about NALT for mood, attention deficit disorder, and sleep deprivation.
Pros
- Non-addictive and has few side effects
- Does not interact with other medications, so it can be taken safely by people who are taking other medications for other conditions
- Relatively inexpensive and is covered by many insurance plans
Cons
- Can cause withdrawal symptoms in people who stop taking it suddenly
- Can also cause liver damage, so people with liver problems should not take nalt
Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
Stimulates NGF and BDNF synthesis
Boosts energy levels by raising alpha brain waves
Improves cognitive functioning and concentration
Lion’s Mane mushroom is a great organic substitute for adderall as its clinically proven to boost energy levels and sharpen focus.
One of the big advantages of lion’s mane mushrooms is that they’re loaded with antioxidants. These nutrients help protect your cells from damage and may even help reduce inflammation. They’re also a good source of fiber, promoting digestive health.
This potent mushroom contains active enzymatic compounds such as hericenones and erinacines which stimulate Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) synthesis and can cross the blood-brain barrier.8Puei-Lene Lai , Murali Naidu, Vikineswary Sabaratnam, Kah-Hui Wong, Rosie Pamela David, Umah Rani Kuppusamy, Noorlidah Abdullah, Sri Nurestri A Malek, Neurotrophic properties of the Lion’s mane medicinal mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) from Malaysia, Int J Med Mushrooms. 2013
In addition to the growth factor, the aqueous extract of this therapeutic mushroom comprehends polysaccharides which is beneficial for better cognitive functioning and concentration.9Mayumi Nagano , Kuniyoshi Shimizu, Ryuichiro Kondo, Chickako Hayashi, Daigo Sato, Katsuyuki Kitagawa, Koichiro Ohnuki, Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake, Biomed Res. 2010
The amalgamation of these active ingredients and polysaccharides has the potential to exert influence on neuronal regeneration, differentiation and neurite outgrowth.10Young Shik Park , Hyun Soo Lee, Moo Ho Won, Jin Ha Lee, Shin Young Lee, Hyeon Yong Lee, Effect of an exo-polysaccharide from the culture broth of Hericium erinaceus on enhancement of growth and differentiation of rat adrenal nerve cells, Cytotechnology. 2002
It also encourages survival of nerve cells and promotes neuroplasticity making it a safe, holistic alternative to Adderall.
Freshcap Mushrooms provide the highest percentage of beta-glucans and fruiting body nutrients, making this mushroom product my preferred choice for Lion’s Mane.
Pros
- Clinically proven to increase Nerve Growth Factor synthesis
- Can cross the blood-brain barrier
- Boosts energy levels and sharpens focus
- Suitable for Vegans/Vegetarians
- Available in powder and pill form
- Can be mixed in with meals and beverages
Cons
- Can contain small amounts of toxins if not purchased from reputable sources
Reishi
Promotes long-term focus and mental energy
Stimulate neurogenesis
Boosts immune system
Calm effects on central nervous system
Reishi mushroom is a great natural addition to any Adderall-replacement stack as it has both cognitive boosting and relaxing benefits that augment overall brain power and focus.
Studies show that reishi’s neuroprotective mechanisms also stimulate neurogenesis and neuroplasticity allowing for better long-term focus and mental energy.11Emmanuelle Bostock, Kenneth Kirkby, Michael Garry, Bruce Taylor, and Jason A. Hawrelak, Mania Associated With Herbal Medicines, Other Than Cannabis: A Systematic Review and Quality Assessment of Case Reports, Front Psychiatry. 2018
This medicinal mushroom also boosts the immune system and modulates neurotransmitters providing a wide range of health benefits, including optimization of mental and psychological well-being. 12Huihui Wu , Shanshan Tang , Zhaoqin Huang, Qian Zhou, Ping Zhang, Zuohong Chen, Hepatoprotective Effects and Mechanisms of Action of Triterpenoids from Lingzhi or Reishi Medicinal Mushroom Ganoderma lucidum (Agaricomycetes) on α-Amanitin-Induced Liver Injury in Mice, Int J Med Mushrooms. 2016
Due to its calming effects on the central nervous system, reishi can be a good alternative to adderall, especially for those individuals who find the extensive side effects of adderall troublesome.13Katarzyna Socala, Dorota Nieoczym , Krzysztof Grzywnowicz, Dawid Stefaniuk, Piotr Wlaz, Evaluation of Anticonvulsant, Antidepressant-, and Anxiolytic-like Effects of an Aqueous Extract from Cultured Mycelia of the Lingzhi or Reishi Medicinal Mushroom Ganoderma lucidum (Higher Basidiomycetes) in Mice, Int J Med Mushrooms. 2015
Freshcap Mushrooms provide the highest percentage of beta glucans and fruiting body nutrients, making this mushroom product my preferred choice for Reishi.
Pros
- May help improve sleep quality and reduce stress levels
- Can be consumed in many different forms, such as capsules, powders, teas, and tinctures
- Used in Asia for centuries as a medicinal mushroom
Cons
- Common side effects include gastrointestinal upset and nausea
- Not recommended for people with autoimmune disease or taking immunosuppressive medication
Adrafinil
Increases energy and productivity
Helps to stay awake and focused over long periods of time
Prolongs sleep cycle so you can get a better night’s rest
Improves your overall mood
Adrafinil is a cognitive enhancer that has been shown to improve memory, motivation, and wakefulness in clinical trials.
Of all the supplements on this list, adrafinil is probably the most stimulatory in how Adderall is (although to a significantly lesser degree).
Adrafinil is structurally similar to modafinil and shares many of the same mechanisms of action. The human body metabolizes adrafinil into modafinil, so you do not need a prescription to buy it. However, adrafinil is not as potent as modafinil and has a shorter half-life.
The exact mechanisms of action are not completely clear, but scientists believe Adrafinil modulates the dopamine system but also acts on the histamine, GABA, and glutamate systems.
Although it is somewhat similar to Adderall, this nootropic does not have nearly the potential for damage or abuse.
If you need a little kick to get going, we think that adrafinil is a much healthier option.
Pros
- Adrafinil has been shown to improve working memory, executive function, and vigilance in healthy adults.
- In one study, adrafinil was found to be as effective as methylphenidate (Ritalin) at reducing ADHD symptoms.
- May also help to improve cognitive function in people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
- Can help you stay awake longer
Cons
- Most common side effects reported are headache, nausea, and anxiety.
- Adrafinil is a schedule IV controlled substance in Canada and is classified as a prescription drug.
- not currently approved by the FDA
Sulbutiamine
Boosts energy without the crash of other stimulants
Improves mood and focus
Treat ADHD symptoms (focus, concentration)
Treat ADHD symptoms (focus, concentration) Promotes ATP Cell Production
Sulbutiamine is a synthetic derivative of thiamine (vitamin B1). It was created in an effort to improve the absorption and efficacy of thiamine. Sulbutiamine has been shown to increase alertness, vigilance, and energy levels while also reducing fatigue. Additionally, sulbutiamine has neuroprotective and nootropic effects.
Sulbutiamine is thought to work by increasing the level of thiamine in the brain. Thiamine is an essential nutrient that plays a role in nerve function and energy production. Sulbutiamine may also help to protect nerve cells from damage and improve communication between nerve cells.
Sulbutiamine has been shown to be effective in treating fatigue, improving cognitive function, and reducing the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Additionally, sulbutiamine has been shown to improve blood flow and protect nerve cells from damage.
Sulbutiamine is generally well-tolerated and side effects are rare. The most common side effect is mild gastrointestinal distress.
Aniracetam
Improves brain connectivity and helps with focus
Highly sustainable- no need for tolerance build up
Helps to avoid the sudden crashes you see with other drugs
Minimal side effects, can be taken every day
Aniracetam is a nootropic that has been shown to improve memory and cognitive function. It is believed to work by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine is involved in many cognitive processes, including learning and memory. Aniracetam may also increase blood flow to the brain and protect neurons from damage.
Aniracetam is effective in animal studies, and there is some evidence that it may improve memory and cognitive function in humans. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects.
Aniracetam is sometimes used off-label to treat Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and age-related cognitive decline. It is generally well-tolerated, but side effects may include headaches, anxiety, and gastrointestinal upset.
If you consider taking Aniracetam for memory or cognitive enhancement, speak to your healthcare provider to see if it is right for you.
Noopept
Improves brain connectivity and helps with focus
Highly sustainable- no need for tolerance build up
Helps to avoid the sudden crashes you see with other drugs
Minimal side effects, can be taken every day
Noopept is a cognitive enhancer that has been shown to be effective in treating ADHD.
Noopept is structurally similar to Piracetam and works by increasing levels of acetylcholine and dopamine in the brain.
Noopept has been shown to improve memory, attention, and focus in people with ADHD, and may also help to reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Noopept is typically taken in powder form, either by itself or mixed with a liquid.
Noopept is considered to be safe and well-tolerated but should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women. Noopept may interact with other medications, so it is important to talk to a doctor before taking Noopept.
Conclusion
Have you tried any of these natural Adderall alternatives? What are your thoughts on them? We want to hear from you! Comment below and tell us how they work for you, and what the benefits have been in replacing Adderall with a healthier OTC option.
