Nootropics may help manage ADHD symptoms by improving focus, reducing impulsivity, enhancing memory, and supporting mood and motivation. Common options include prescription stimulants like Ritalin, Adderall, and Modafinil, as well as natural supplements like Ashwagandha, Ginkgo Biloba, and L-Tyrosine. While effective, each option has specific pros and cons, making tailored approaches essential for optimal results.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder affecting both children and adults. While traditional treatments often involve stimulant medications like amphetamines and methylphenidate, some individuals seek alternative options to manage their symptoms. Nootropics, also known as "smart drugs," have gained popularity for their potential cognitive-enhancing effects. This blog explores various nootropics that may aid in improving focus, attention, and overall cognitive function in individuals with ADHD, as well as their benefits, risks, and considerations.
Nootropics And ADHD- An Overview
The term "Nootropic" was first used by Cornelius E. Giurgea in 1972 to describe compounds that primarily activate cognitive functions. “Nootropic” consists of two Greek words- nöos, meaning thinking, and tropein, which means to guide [1].
Nootropics, also known as smart drugs or cognitive enhancers, have gained attention for their medical benefits in supporting cognitive function, including attention, focus, and memory.
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has approved the medical use of prescription Nootropics to treat several conditions, including ADHD.
What is ADHD?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children that may last till adulthood.
People with ADHD may experience changes in brain performance associated with a range of behavioral and cognitive issues, including-
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Inability to concentrate.
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Disorganization.
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Mood swings.
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Daydreaming.
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Difficulty Multitasking.
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Poor planning.
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Face difficulty getting along with others.
How Nootropics May Help ADHD?
Here are several ways nootropics may help manage ADHD symptoms:
Enhancing Focus and Attention
Nootropics can improve concentration and attention span, which are often challenges for individuals with ADHD. By increasing neurotransmitter levels associated with focus, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, certain nootropics may help individuals stay on task and reduce distractions.
Reducing Impulsivity
Some nootropics may help in moderating impulsivity by promoting better self-regulation and decision-making. By enhancing executive functions, these substances can assist individuals in weighing options before acting, which is crucial for managing impulsive behaviors commonly associated with ADHD.
Improving Memory and Learning
Nootropics can enhance working memory and cognitive processing speed, making it easier for individuals with ADHD to absorb and retain information. This improvement can be particularly beneficial in academic settings, where quick learning and memory recall are essential.
Supporting Mood and Motivation
Certain nootropics, such as L-Theanine and Rhodiola Rosea, have been shown to reduce stress and improve mood. By supporting a more positive emotional state, individuals with ADHD may find it easier to engage in tasks and maintain motivation.
Common Nootropics for ADHD
Some key Nootropics that can help in managing the symptoms of ADHD are Methylphenidate,
Methylphenidate for ADHD-
It is also retailed under the name Ritalin in the market and is the first-line treatment for ADHD in children. It helps improve impulsive behavior and hyperactivity by stimulating the centers in the brain that are often inactive.
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Pros of Ritalin for ADHD |
Cons of Ritalin for ADHD |
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It is the first treatment choice for ADHD. |
It can be habit-forming if taken incorrectly. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++0 |
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Safe for long-term use. |
A few cases of growth retardation in children are noticed. |
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It works within 30 to 25 minutes. |
It can cause side effects such as headaches, insomnia, stomach pain, and a decrease in appetite. |
Amphetamine-
Adderall is the most common trade name of Amphetamine. It is a prescription stimulant formulated with two compounds- dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. Adderall is an approved treatment for ADHD and is known to reduce impulsive behavior and improve focus and attention in such patients.
A study by Leslie Briars suggests that 75 to 80 percent of children with ADHD see improvement with Adderall.
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Pros of Adderall for ADHD |
Cons of Adderall for ADHD |
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It works within 30 minutes. |
It is a Schedule II drug with high risks of abuse and addiction. |
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Effects lasts for 8 to 10 hours. |
It can cause side effects such as seizures, hallucinations, worsening of mental health conditions, or heart attacks. |
Modafinil For ADHD
Modafinil, available under the brand names Modalert or Provigil, is a novel psychostimulant approved for managing excessive daytime sleepiness. It is commonly used off-label to treat ADHD in adults over 18 years.
Modafinil is widely considered the strongest Nootropic for ADHD. A study by Laurence L Greenhill et al. found that Modafinil is well-tolerated and effective in reducing ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents aged 7 to 17 [3].
Additionally, ADHD patients are often reported to suffer from a lack of alertness and forgetfulness, which can be enhanced by the secretion of orexin by Modafinil.
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Pros of Modafinil |
Cons of Modafinil |
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It works within 30 minutes of intake and lasts for 14 hours. |
The health risks associated with Modafinil are nausea, headache, insomnia, hypertension, and nervousness. |
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It has a low risk of abuse and is considered the safest Nootropic in the pharmaceutical world by Harvard and Oxford University researchers. |
The FDA disapproves of using Modafinil for ADHD, but it has been clinically proven to be an effective treatment choice. |
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Best ADHD medication for motivation. |
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Vyvanse
Lisdexamfetamine is available under the brand name Vyvanse. It is a prescription medication for treating ADHD in children of 6 years and above.
It helps with ADHD to improve focus and attention span by increasing the secretion of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.
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Pros of Vyvanse |
Cons of Vyvanse |
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The effectiveness of Vyvanse lasts for 13 hours. |
It is a Schedule II controlled drug with a risk of abuse. |
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Chewable tablets are available. |
It takes 1.5 hours to start working. |
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Once daily dosage regimen. |
It can affect the growth of the children. It can also cause high blood pressure, seizures, hallucinations, sweating, fever, fast heart rate, and confusion. |
Piracetam-
Piracetam is the first Nootropic in the world synthesized by Giurgea in UCB Laboratories in Belgium and has been in the market since 1972.
Piracetam is a common racetam for ADHD symptom improvement that enhances the secretion of acetylcholine.
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Pros of Piracetam |
Cons |
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The effects of the Nootropic lasts for 8 to 9 hours. |
It takes 1 hour for Piracetam to start working. |
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The FDA does not approve the medical use of Piracetam; it is only available as a supplement. |
Noopept
Noopept (previously GVS-111) is a Nootropic that T. A. Gudasheva developed at the Zakusov Institute of Pharmacology (Russian Academy of Medical Sciences) [4]. It was synthesized in 1996 based on the structure of Piracetam.
In a 2023 article by HealthNews, Noopept is considered to be a reliable cognitive enhancing compound for patients with ADHD [5]. The key benefits of using Noopept for ADHD include the following-
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Memory Improvement
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Better creativity
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It helps in reducing stress and anxiety associated with ADHD.
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Enhance concentration and focus.
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Pros of Noopept for ADHD |
Cons |
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It takes 20 minutes to start acting and is considered one of the fastest Nootropic in the market. |
The health risks of taking Noopept include confusion, seizures, headache, anxiety, brain fog, irritability, fatigue, drowsiness, and lack of focus. |
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It is available in megadose, oral, and sublingual formulations. |
Taking a high amount of Noopept for a long time can result in building tolerance. |
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The effect of the Nootropic lasts for 1 to 2 hours. |
Best Natural Nootropics And Energy Supplements For ADHD
Natural Nootropics and energy supplements are derived from natural sources, such as plants, herbs, and minerals. They effectively enhance cognitive function, mental health, focus, and energy levels to improve ADHD symptoms. These supplements are typically considered safer and sustainable for long-term use.
Dopamine Supplements For ADHD
Dopamine is one of the key contributors to ADHD. A study by Nora D. Volkow indicates that dopamine levels are different in people with ADHD and healthy individuals.
A few natural supplements to increase dopamine for ADHD patients are Probiotics, Curcumin, Vitamin D3, Magnesium, Omega-3 fatty acids, and Zinc.
Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera (L.) Dunal)-
Using W. somnifera root extract for 30 days improved cognitive flexibility, reaction time, stress response, executive function, psychomotor speed, and visual memory.
L Tyrosine for ADHD
L-tyrosine is an amino acid precursor of dopamine and norepinephrine.
A Controlled Trial by Lorenza S Colzato in 2016 suggests that L-tyrosine helps improve task performance in people with ADHD. It is found in many foods, including fish, eggs, seeds, tofu, beans, milk, and meat.
Ginkgo Biloba For ADHD
Ginkgo is a tree native to China that positively affects a person's cognitive ability, thus improving memory, thinking, and learning.
Sufei He, University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, indicates that ginkgo can affect the cognitive and behavioral aspects of ADHD. It helps induce attention, willful cognition, and calmness while decreasing irritability.
Citicoline-
It is a brain supplement for ADHD. Citicoline is a chemical that occurs in the body naturally and is available as a dietary supplement in the US.
Using citicoline may improve mood, focus, and attention in users. A study also suggests that choline can help mitigate behavioral deficits and strengthen memory, hyperactivity, and spatial learning in individuals with ADHD.
Caffeine-
Caffeine is an effective focus supplement for ADHD that also enhances memory and learning. It is abundant in coffee, tea, chocolate, and guarana berries.