Nootropics For ADHD- Nootropic Stack For Focus And Attention

 

Wondering if Nootropics for ADHD works? Or which are the best energy supplements for ADHD? This is where you will find all your answers. 

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD, is one of the most common mental health disorders affecting children. According to the Forbes website, about 6 million (9.8%) children in the US between the age of 3 to 17 suffer from ADHD [1]. Thus, paying attention to this mental health condition has become a need of time. 

While conventional treatments such as stimulant medication have shown effective results, there is a growing interest in alternative options. This blog thus looks into ADHD and the best ADHD Nootropics for adults and children. 

 

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. The term consists of two Greek words- nöos, meaning thinking, and tropein, which means to guide [2]. 

Also known as "Smart Drug," they are medicinal compounds that improves memory, human thinking, and learning. These compounds are more effective in cases of cognition impairment, but they are also of great interest to healthy individuals due to their ability to enhance intelligence. 

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has approved the medical use of prescription Nootropics to treat several conditions, including ADHD. 

 

ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children that may last into adulthood. 

People with ADHD may experience changes in brain performance associated with a range of behavioral and cognitive issues, including-

• Inability to concentrate.

• Disorganization.

• Mood swings.

• Daydreaming.

• Difficulty Multitasking. 

• Poor planning.

• Issues managing stress.

• Face difficulty getting along with others.

 

 

How Do Nootropics For ADHD Help?

Before we understand how Nootropics help with ADHD, we must know how it is caused. 

A study suggests that unbalanced catecholamine levels are associated with ADHD. Catecholamine is a group of three neurotransmitters, including-

• Epinephrine- This neurotransmitter helps the brain to think quicker and sharper in stressful events. 

• Norepinephrine- This chemical plays a key role in managing the sleep cycle, attention, and vigilance. 

• Dopamine- It helps in driving gratification and motivation. 

 

This is mainly because a healthy catecholamine level is essential for the proper functioning of the part of the brain that is associated with ADHD, including attention span, impulse control, and working memory. 

The primary prescription medications for ADHD work by increasing the level of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. An elevated level of these neurotransmitters can help in improving the following signs-

• Improving and managing executive dysfunction. 

• Enhancing attention span. 

• Impulsive behavior improvement. 

• Lowering hyperactivity [3]. 

Most Nootropics show a similar effect on this neurotransmitter, thus showcasing effective results in such patients. They, however, do not act by directly increasing the secretion of neurotransmitter but helps in improving the brain's supply of oxygen and glucose. It further improves neurotoxicity and brain tissue [2]. 

 

 

Along with attention span, Nootropics can also improve memory and motivation in people with ADHD. 

 

How To Choose The Best Focus Supplements For ADHD?

With the advancement of science and medical technology, we see an overwhelming number of Nootropics in the market today. So, how to choose the right one for ADHD? 

Even though every human brain is unique and the effect of any medication may differ from person to person, here are a few criteria that one should follow while choosing the best Nootropic.

• Approved by FDA- It is best to choose medications that are proven safe and effective by the FDA. 

• Clinically tested and well-researched. 

• It is formulated with ingredients that are science-backed with corresponding safety guidelines. 

• Manufacturing- Choosing a reputable manufacturer helps ensure the medication's quality and authenticity. 

• Price- With numerous Nootropic options available, we now have the liberty to choose the Nootropic, which is not just effective but also pocket-friendly. 

 

Best Nootropics For ADHD

Based on clinical studies and scientific research, some effective Nootropics for ADHD management include- 

Methylphenidate for ADHD- 

It is also retailed under the name of Ritalin in the market and is the first-line pharmacological treatment for ADHD in children. It also helps in improving impulsive behavior and hyperactivity in such patients. 

A study suggests that 60% of children using this stimulant continued to use it beyond 2 years. It was considered safe, with no reports of severe health risks or side effects [4]. 

So, how does Ritalin for ADHD work?

Ritalin works by stimulating the centers in the brain that are often inactive in patients with ADHD. It works by blocking the reuptake of dopamine and noradrenaline neurotransmitter back into the nerve cells of the brain after secretion. It helps to regulate a high level of this neurotransmitter between the nerve cells, thus improving memory and attention span [5].

 

Pros of Ritalin- 

• It is the first treatment choice for ADHD. 

• Safe for children.

• It works within 30 to 25 minutes.

• Safe for long-term use. 

• It can interact with 185 known medications. 

• FDA approved. 

 

Cons of Ritalin-

• It can be habit-forming if taken incorrectly. 

• A few cases of growth retardation in children are noticed. 

• It can cause side effects such as headaches, insomnia, stomach pain, and a decrease in appetite. 

Vyvanse

Lisdexamfetamine is available under the brand name Vyvanse and is a prescription medication for treating ADHD in children of 6 years and above. 

Brigid Groves, Pharm.D, vice president of Pharmacy Practice at the American Pharmacists Association and a former pharmacist in a pediatric primary care clinic, suggests Vyvanse helps with ADHD by changing the balance of a few brain chemicals to improve focus and attention span [6]. It increases the secretion of Dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps regulate vigilance, focus, alertness, and memory. 

According to Melody L. Berg, editorial director at the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), Dopamine is key in enhancing cravings, motivation, learning, and movement [6]. 

 

Pros of Vyvanse-

• The effectiveness of Vyvanse lasts for 13 hours. 

• Chewable tablets are available. 

• Approved by FDA for ADHD. 

• Once daily dosage regimen. 

 

Cons of Vyvanse-

• It is a Schedule II controlled drug with a risk of abuse. 

• It takes 1.5 hours to start working. 

• It can affect the growth of the children. 

• Generic Lisdexamfetamine tablets are not available. 

• People taking this medication may experience high blood pressure, seizures, changes in thoughts, hallucinations, sweating, fever, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, and confusion.

 

Modafinil For ADHD

Modafinil is a novel psychostimulant approved for the treatment of Excessive daytime sleepiness. It is also the generic name of Modalert or Provigil. 

Modafinil or Modalert is often used off-label to treat ADHD in adults over 18 years. A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry suggests that Modafinil is a well-tolerated drug that helps reduce symptoms of ADHD at home and school [7]. 

 

 

 

So, how does Modafinil help with ADHD?

Similar to the first line of prescription medication for ADHD, Modafinil helps increase dopamine concentration in the brain.

 

 

It also helps increase the secretion of other neurotransmitters, such as Acetylcholine and Norepinephrine. Patients with ADHD are often reported to suffer from a lack of alertness and forgetfulness, which can be enhanced by the secretion of orexin by Modalert. 

A chronic deficit of serotonin and glutamate may trigger symptoms of ADHD; thus, Modafinil may help improve its signs by enhancing its secretion level in the body [8, 9]. 

 

Modafinil for ADHD is not a prescription of Nootropic, so why is Modafinil on this list? 

A survey by the National Institutes of Health showcases that about 10 to 30 percent of people do not respond well to ADHD medication. Such people have often been prescribed Modafinil as adjunctive therapy with other ADHD treatment options. Its low risk of abuse and safety profile makes Modafinil or its brand drug, Modalert, an effective option for treating ADHD in people who do not respond well to other medications. 

Patients with ADHD can find the best deals for buying Modalert online from Healthnaturo. With a motto to make healthcare affordable, reliable, and convenient, we bring you affordable Modafinil tablets (Modalert) at the click of a few buttons. 

 

Pros of Modafinil-

• Works within 30 minutes of intake. 

• Low risk of abuse. 

• The action lasts 14 hours. 

• It is considered the safest Nootropic in the pharmaceutical world by Harvard and oxford university researchers. 

• It should be taken once daily. 

• Affordable option of Nootropic for ADHD. Modalert 200 mg is priced at $ 1.25 per pill for a package of 300 pills at Healthnaturo. 

 

Cons of Modafinil-

• The health risks associated with Modafinil are nausea, headache, insomnia, hypertension, and nervousness.  

• The FDA disapproves of using Modafinil for ADHD, but it has been clinically proven to be an effective treatment choice. 

 

Modafinil comparison with Ritalin and Vyvanse suggests it is the second treatment option for ADHD. In contrast, Vyvanse and Ritalin are more potent and effective in treating this condition. 

Piracetam-

Piracetam is a derivative of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and the first Nootropic in the world. It was first synthesized by Giurgea in UCB Laboratories in Belgium and has been in the market since 1972 [10]. 

Cholinergic dysfunction is known to cause ADHD; thus, Piracetam can help improve these signs by enhancing the secretion of acetylcholine. It further helps in improving memory in such patients. 

A Clinical Trial by N N Zavadenko evaluating the therapeutic effects of Nootropil (brand name of Piracetam) for ADHD suggests that the response rate was 60% in patients receiving 70 mg/kg and 43% for people receiving a 40 mg/kg dose. The study also suggests that the Nootropic has a positive therapeutic effect in improving children's attention span and behavioral characteristics [13]. 

 

 

Pros- 

• It takes 1 hour for Piracetam to start working. 

• The effects of the Nootropic lasts for 8 to 9 hours. 

 

Cons of Piracetam-

• The FDA does not approve the medical use of Piracetam, and it is only available as a supplement. 

• Using Piracetam is associated with health risks such as Diarrhea, Confusion, Weight gain, Sleeplessness, Headache, and Stomach ache. 

• In a few people, it may result in an allergic reaction causing rash, fever, hives, chills, and swelling of the throat, lips, and face. 

Noopept

Noopept (previously GVS-111) is a Nootropic that was developed by T. A. Gudasheva at the Zakusov Institute of Pharmacology (Russian Academy of Medical Sciences) [11]. It was developed based on the structure of piracetam and was synthesized in 1996.

In a 2023 article by HealthNews, Noopept is considered to be a reliable cognitive enhancing compound for patients with ADHD [12]. The key benefits of using Noopept for ADHD include the following-

• Memory Improvement- The use of Noopept is effective in improving memory, thus allowing such people to remember and recall better. 

• Better creativity- It improves the ability of the brain to make connections between concepts and ideas and also helps in executing them better. 

• Helps in reducing stress and anxiety associated with ADHD. 

• Enhance concentration and focus- A lack of attention span is a key challenge in ADHD patients. Many users gave find that taking Noopept helps them concentrate for a longer period and helps them stay focused on their tasks. 

 

 

Pros-

• It takes 20  minutes to start acting and is considered one of the faster Nootropic in the market. 

• It is available in megadose, oral, and sublingual formulations. 

 

Cons-

• The health risks of taking Noopept include Confusion, Seizures, Headache, Anxiety, Brain fog, Irritability, Fatigue, Drowsiness, and Lack of focus. 

• The effect of the Nootropic lasts for 1 to 2 hours. 

• Taking a high amount of Noopept for a long time can result in building tolerance. 

 

Nootropics For Child ADHD- Is It A Safe Option?

Ritalin, Adderall, and Vyvanse are three common Nootropics approved by the FDA for treating ADHD in children. Since we have previously talked about the use of Ritalin and Vyvanse, let us have a look at Adderall for ADHD. 

Adderall is a prescription stimulant formulated with two compounds- dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. It is considered the first treatment choice 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 [14]. 

 

 

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 [14]. As Dopamine is a crucial chemical required for concentration and attention, thus a lower level of it can result in attention deficit and hyperactivity. 

Nootropics can help with ADHD by increasing the secretion of Dopamine in the brain; however, there are other natural dopamine supplements for ADHD listed below.

Probiotics

These are live microorganisms that line the digestive tract and help the body function properly. 

According to Healthline, harmful gut bacteria are shown to decrease dopamine production in the body. Thus the use of Probiotics helps good gut bacteria to flourish. A study by Leo Galland suggests that Lactobacillus (a bacteria used in probiotics) helps produce dopamine and norepinephrine [15]. 

Curcumin

It is the active compound present in turmeric. Curcumin is commonly available in capsule and powder forms. 

S. K. Kulkarni, Pharmacology Division, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, India, states that Curcumin has antidepressant effects and helps release dopamine [16]. 

Mucuna Pruriens

It is a tropical bean available in parts of Africa, southern China, and India. Often, these beans are processed into powder, which is available as a dietary supplement. 

Levodopa (L-dopa) is a significant compound in Mucuna pruriens and is a crucial compound that helps to produce dopamine [17].  

 

Nootropic Stack For ADHD

Nootropic stacking combines multiple Nootropic compounds and supplements to enhance their effects. Stacking helps achieve a synergistic effect (an interaction that results in an effect greater than the sum of their individual effects). 

Modafinil stacking can be an effective way to enhance people's attention span. Some compounds considered safe to be staked with Modafinil are Coffee, Nicotine, Choline, and CBD oil. 

A few other effective Nootropic stacks for ADHD include-

Bacopa Monnieri And Rhodiola Rosea

These herbal plants help lower key ADHD symptoms such as anxiety and stress. 

A study by Tatimah Peth-Nui suggests that Bacopa Monnieri can potentially improve working memory, attention, and overall cognition [19]. 

Caffeine And L-Theanine

L-Theanine is an amino acid that helps promote relaxation by reducing anxiety and stress. A randomized Controlled Trial by Tharaka L Dassanayake suggests that in higher doses, L-theanine can enhance attention span in people [18]. 

Taking coffee with L-theanine supplements helps improve focus and attention in ADHD patients. This combination further helps in reducing the jittery effects associated with caffeine.

Creatine And Acetyl-L-Carnitine

These compounds are very effective and potent in improving cognition and attention span in users. A study by Konstantinos suggests that Creatine supplements also improve short-term memory and intelligence [19]. 

A Quora user mentions stacking Piracetam with Adderall, DextroStat (Dextroamphetamine), and Dexedrine for ADHD [20]. 

 

Natural Nootropics For ADHD

Using natural Nootropics is very effective in improving the signs of ADHD. Some such potential Nootropic options are listed below. 

L Tyrosine

L-tyrosine is an amino acid precursor of dopamine and norepinephrine, two key neurotransmitters essential for concentration and focus. 

A Controlled Trial by  Lorenza S Colzato in 2016 suggests that L-tyrosine helps improve task performance in people with ADHD [21]. 

It is found in many food items, including fish, eggs, seeds, tofu, beans, milk, and meat. They are also available as supplements and must be taken at 500 mg to 2 grams daily. 

Ginkgo Biloba For ADHD

Ginkgo is a tree native to China. Several studies suggest that it positively affects a person's cognitive ability, thus improving memory, thinking, and learning. 

Sufei He, University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China, indicates that ginkgo can affect the cognitive and behavioral aspects of ADHD. It helps induce attention, willful cognition, and calmness while decreasing irritability [22]. 

L-Theanine

It is an amino acid that is present in green teas. It is commonly known to raise the Alpha brain waves naturally. These brain waves play a key role in determining a critical aspect of attention.

Many researchers have linked insomnia or sleep problem with ADHD, while L-Theanine is beneficial in inducing restful sleep in such patients [23, 24]. 

L-Theanine is also known to provide mental clarity and calmness and reduce stress. 

Bacopa Monnieri

It is a creeping herb and is considered an adaptogen and a nootropic. It has a strong stress-regulating and brain-boosting effect making it among the leading natural Nootropic for memory. 

A study conducted on 31 children of age 6 to 12 years found that taking 225 mg of Bacopa extract for 6 months significantly reduced the symptoms of ADHD, including poor self-control, restlessness, impulsivity, and inattention in 85% of the children [25]. A similar study showed that taking a herbal blend containing 125 mg of Bacopa helps improve cognition, attention, and impulse control [26].  

The above study by Annette Morgan, published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, suggests that using Bacopa significantly improves memory acquisition, verbal learning, memory retention, and delayed recall [29]. 

Citicoline

It is a brain chemical that occurs in the body naturally and is available as a dietary supplement in the US. The action of Citicoline is known to increase the secretion of a chemical called phosphatidylcholine. 

Using citicoline may improve mood, focus, and attention in users. It also elevates the secretion of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and acetylcholine, which are crucial in enhancing focus and attention [27]. 

A study also suggests that choline can help mitigate behavioral deficits and improve memory, hyperactivity, and spatial learning in individuals with ADHD [28]. 

Lab tests have also shown that choline can further help increase dopamine receptors' density. 

 

What Are The Risks Of Using Nootropics For ADD/ADHD?

The use of certain Nootropics is approved for ADHD and is deemed safe for use under the supervision of a physician. However, a few risks of using Nootropics for ADD or ADHD are listed below. 

• Side effects- Nootropics cause insomnia, nausea, dizziness, headache, drowsiness, palpitation, rash, chest pain, excessive sweating, and blurry vision. It is, however, a partial list of all the possible side effects of Nootropics, as they may differ depending on the Nootropic administered, dosage, and health condition. 

• Drug Interaction- Taking Nootropics with other ADHD medications may cause drug interaction. Thus, it is advisable to consult a doctor before taking Nootropics for ADHD. 

• Limited Scientific Evidence- There is still scope for investigation on the use of Nootropics for ADD, and only a few limited studies are available supporting the beneficial use of Nootropics for ADHD. 

• Dependency and Tolerance- Long-term use of a few Nootropics can develop dependence and tolerance. Thus, taking them carefully with a valid medical prescription is important.