Prescription medications, like Adderall and Ritalin are slowly giving way to nootropics as the preferred treatment for the attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Nootropic supplements are safer compounds that are very effective attention span boosters. Additionally, they increase the user’s productivity by providing extra mental energy, improving memory capacity, intensifying concentration and focus.
Nootropics have very little or non-existent risk and side effects associated with their usage (this is one of the main criteria for a substance to be classified as a “nootropic”). This makes nootropics much safer than prescription medication, such as Adderall. In fact some nootropics are actually used to maintain a good brain health and prevent cognitive decline. So, which nootropic supplements are the most effective for the ADD and ADHD, and how exactly do they work?
ADD and ADHD are cognitive disorders that frequently occur in both adults and children. Both of these disorders manifest in lack of attention, hyperactivity or impulsiveness that is not usually observed in individuals of the similar stage of mental and physical development.
The prevalence of ADD and ADHD is rather high among children. According to the statistics, between 3 to 5 percent of the school children are affected by these conditions. Interestingly, boys are up to three times more likely to be affected by these disorders than girls. Often, this requires specialist treatment by a physician or psychiatrist.
Unfortunately, ADD/ADHD may become quite serious disorders as they do not just disappear with age. Childhood anxiety and learning difficulties tend to continue into adulthood. In many cases this may mean higher chances of accidents, antisocial behaviour, substance abuse and even potential to carry out crimes.
Although, the currently prescribed medications for the treatment of ADD and ADHD are effective they have a lengthy list of unwanted side effects. For example, a prolonged usage of Adderall and Ritalin results in a negative stimulation that often leaves users “burned out”.
Nootropic supplements, on the other hand, can be just as helpful in treating these conditions but without adverse side effects.
“Combining a number of nootropics into a “stack” may boost concentration even more.”
Nootropics and ADD/ADHD:
Many nootropic combinations/“stacks” can be helpful in fighting the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Nootropics usually work by reducing fatigue, boosting mood, motivation and attention span, while also increasing a sense of well-being and enjoyment. Such effects usually provide the energy to carry out the tasks and activities that typically require a lot of mental strain.
“Nootropics can give you the alertness and focus needed to follow up with tasks without being susceptible to external distractions.”
As thought processing speed increases, the user is able to remember more new information and recall older memories more efficiently. Benefits like that are extremely useful for someone who is finding it hard to get the work or educational tasks done.
With regards to the mechanisms of action, Adderall, for example, works by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters that are considered to be stimulants of the central nervous system (CNS). Although, it is an effective prescription stimulant it also has a number of negative side effects.
Whereas, nootropics work on the neurotransmitters that are not known as stimulants, but can still increase cognition, including motivation, focus and energy. This is the reason why nootropics provide very similar benefits, but without the unwanted side effects. Furthermore, most nootropic supplements do not require a doctor prescription and do not possess the risk of becoming addicted.
Below are three nootropics stacks that are very effective at treating the symptoms of ADHD and ADD.
1st nootropic stack for ADHD:
The first nootropic stack to try for those affected by ADD/ADHD is well-known by beginner users of nootropics. Nootropics used in this stack are Piracetam combined with Alpha GPC and fish oil.
Piracetam is the first ever nootropic, which remained very popular among nootropic fans up until now. It works by increasing the levels of the key acetylcholine neurotransmitter. Acetylcholine is responsible for our memory, learning abilities and prolonged attention span. This brain chemical also improves the blood flow and oxygen uptake, which results in more energy.
Alpha GPC is often thought to be the best way to increase the levels of choline in the body. It is essential for acetylcholine production and is especially needed when taken with a racetam nootropic. Fish oil is a widely recognized brain food which in this stack helps other ingredients to work even more effectively.
2nd nootropic stack for ADHD:
The second nootropic stack for ADD/ADHD is more potent than the first one. It has Aniracetam as the main ingredient, which is taken together with Alpha GPC, Huperzine A, N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine and Alpha GPC.
Aniracetam is an improved and more potent version of Piracetam. It is used to boost attention and focus. If you want to further strengthen the effects, you may want to try other racetams, like Oxiracetam, Pramiracetam or Phenylpiracetam for extreme cognition improvements.
Huperzine A naturally originates from the Chinese herb. Today, though, it is highly purified in laboratories. It also boosts the levels of acetylcholine, providing even more benefits to memory and attention levels. Several scientific studies have concluded that it efficiently improves memory retention and mental performance in adolescents.
Tyrosine is useful for the support of the synthesis of neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine. These neurotransmitters are directly involved in regulating our mood, strengthening motivation, boosting mood and focus.
3rd nootropic stack for ADHD:
The third nootropic stack has the greatest potency out of three. Therefore, it should only be used for very serious cases of ADD/ADHD. In this stack, a racetam nootropic is replaced by Adrafinil. Adrafinil is known as a very good alternative to Modafinil. Adrafinil is a wakefulness promoting agent that is clinically used to treat different sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy.
Additional benefit of Adrafinil is its ability to boost the attention span, energy and alertness. All of these benefits are very important to those who have a lot of trouble concentrating due to ADD/ADHD. Adrafinil, however, should not be used on a continuous basis. It is important to cycle it with other compounds, such as Pramiracetam. As with other racetams, Pramiracetam should be stacked with a good source of choline (e.g., Alpha GPC).
Summary:
Nootropic stacks can be used to treat and reduce the symptoms of ADD and ADHD. Nootropic supplements may not necessarily cure ADD/ADHD, but they are very likely to help with the underlying chemical imbalances that cause the disorder in the first place.
Most importantly, nootropics are safe and effective compounds that also provide more general cognitive improvements. By consulting your physician, reading the reviews online and taking your own personal circumstances into account you should be able to decide which nootropic supplement and stack is the best for you.