Adderall is a popular prescription medication for treating attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Because the drug also boosts cognitive function, some people use it to improve focus and productivity at work or as a study drug.
However, Adderall can lead to physical dependence and other side effects, especially if you use it long-term or incorrectly.
Luckily, there are a variety of natural Adderall alternatives that can help improve cognitive function and focus without the same risks.
We’ve reviewed the top Adderall alternatives to see which ones work best for focus and productivity. We evaluated each supplement on a variety of factors including ingredients, dosage, reviews, price, and effectiveness.
Here are our top picks for the best Adderall alternatives to boost cognitive function.
Best Adderall Alternatives of 2024
- NooCube: Best brain pill overall
- Vyvamind: Best for high-performance adults that need to stay “locked in”
- Performance Lab Mind: Best for general brain health
#1) NooCube: Best Brain Pill Overall
NooCube is the strongest Adderall alternative that we tried. It contains several organic ingredients that improve cognitive performance, especially recall and memory.
Unlike smart drugs that contain caffeine, NooCube do not cause side effects like restlessness or jitters. Instead of caffeine, NooCube relies on clean, non-GMO ingredients that can boost your mental and physical performance to keep you energetic the whole day. If you buy NooCube and it does not meet your expectations, you can always get a refund, thanks to the manufacturer’s 60 day money-back guarantee.
Benefits
NooCube’s unique blend of herbal extracts can:
- Increase mental speed and memory
- Boost cognitive functioning
- Heighten concentration and focus
- Enable better communication
- Improve multitasking
NooCube is also one of the best mental health supplements because it contains vitamins and amino acids that can promote better brain health. With the supplement, you should have an easier time accomplishing your daily goals.
How It Works
For the best results, the manufacturer says to take two NooCube capsules in the morning. Within 30 to 45 minutes of taking the supplement, you should start feeling its brain-boosting effects. Based on the general customer review, its effects can last for eight to 10 hours, making NooCube ideal for staying sharp during the whole day.
NooCube promotes better memory and cognitive function by providing your brain with the nutrients and fuel it needs to perform optimally. Besides improving cognitive performance, NooCube may also be able to reduce risk of diseases like dementia and Alzheimer. That’s because many of NooCube’s ingredients possess neuroprotective properties that might be able to protect brain function as you get older.
Formula Overview
NooCube’s formula consists of seven powerful nootropics that are excellent Adderall alternatives. These nootropics include:
- Alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine (Alpha GPC): Alpha GPC can increase acetylcholine levels in the brain. Acetylcholine facilitates communication between brain cells, which enables memory, learning, recall, and concentration.
- Bacopa Monnieri: This Indian natural remedy promises to prevent cognitive decline by repairing damaged brain cells and facilitating the growth of new ones.
- Cat’s Claw: Cat’s claw is a South American herb. It contains antioxidants used for improving brain health and cognitive function.
- Huperzine-A: This can create an acetylcholine surplus by preventing your brain from exhausting its supply of the brain chemical. Having more acetylcholine can enhance cognitive performance and reduce the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s or similar diseases.
- L-Theanine and L-Tyrosine: These amino acids can alleviate stress and elevate mood, putting you in a better state of mind to complete tasks.
- Oat Straw: Various studies indicate that oat straw extract can boost brain function in older adults. Younger individuals can also use it to improve memory, attention, and concentration.
Who Is This Product Best for?
NooCube’s neuroprotective properties make it the best Adderall alternative for improving and protecting your short and long-term memory. The herbal supplement can also treat ADHD by boosting your mental clarity and focus.
Click Here for the Lowest Price on Noocube
#2) Vyvamind: Best Alternative to ADHD Medication
Vyvamind is a brand new natural adderall alternative, but it has already established itself as a leading cognitive enhancer and one of the best alternatives to ADHD medications like Adderall or Vyvanse.
Vyvamind has been purposefully designed to replicate the benefits of prescription drugs without the same side effect risks. In other words, Vyvamind provides much more of a “kick” than the other adderall alternatives on this list, with most users feeling effects within an hour of taking their first dose.
Benefits
Vyvamind has explicitly been created as a potent, over the counter neurostimulant providing similar benefits to smart drugs but without the side effects or addiction risks. It delivers a broad range of cognitive benefits when taken consistently.
The benefits of using Vyvamind include:
- Rapid increase in mental energy
- Increased motivation and drive
- Sharper focus and mental clarity
- Help staying ‘locked in’ on tasks
- Faster processing speeds
Beyond these initial benefits, Vyvamind provides long-term support for brain cell maintenance and development, reduces stress and anxiety levels, and supports a positive mood by helping with neurotransmitter balance.
How It Works
Here is a brief overview of its main mechanisms of action:
- Acetylcholine: Vyvamind quickly increases acetylcholine availability in the brain. This means faster processing speeds, better working memory, and sharper focus.
- Dopamine: The Tyrosine and B6 combo in Vyvamind significantly increases dopamine, boosting motivation and overall cognitive performance.
- Neurostimulation: The exact dose of caffeine and theanine in Vyvamind has been found in clinical trials to be optimal for increasing mental energy, promoting wakefulness and enhancing mental performance without causing side effects.
- Anxiety Control: Unusually for such a potent study aid, Vyvamind actively suppresses anxiety to control the side effects associated with the use of stimulant drugs like methylliberine or caffeine.
Formula Overview
- Citicoline: A potent cholinergic which increases acetylcholine levels, sharpening focus and boosting concentration.
- L-Tyrosine: Amino acid and precursor to dopamine. Supplementing with L-Tyrosine raises dopamine levels which boosts motivation and mood.
- Caffeine: The most effective natural stimulant in existence. Vyvamind contains a precise dose of caffeine found in clinical trials to enhance cognition and boost energy with minimal side effects.
- L-Theanine: This is a staple ingredient in both nootropics and caffeine pills due to its ability to reduce brain fog, lower anxiety levels and counterbalance the side effects of stimulants. Combined with the caffeine in Vyvamind, Theanine produces a calm, clear and focused mind.
- B6 and B12: Often overlooked, B vitamins are essential nutrients, and both B12 and B6 have powerful nootropic effects when taken in large doses. B12 is vital for the functioning and maintenance of neurons, while B6 is needed for energy metabolism and the synthesis of dopamine.
Who Is This Product Best For?
Vyvamind is arguably the closest thing to Adderall you can buy over the counter right now. For those of you looking for a legal, natural and side effect-free replacement for ADHD medications and stimulant drugs, Vyvamind is probably your best option.
- Natural OTC adderall alternative
- Helps protect brain against mental exhaustion
- Helps alleviate brain fog and improve mental acuity
- Great adderall substitute for treating ADHD
- One of the newest adderall alternatives on the market
Click Here for the Lowest Price on Vyvamind
What Is Adderall?
Adderall is a commonly prescribed drug for treating attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The drug contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, making it a powerful central nervous system stimulant.
Studies show that using Adderall to treat ADHD can improve attention span and reduce hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. However, Adderall works best for ADHD when administered alongside behavioral therapy. Doctors may also prescribe Adderall to treat narcolepsy.
You can get Adderall as a tablet or time-release capsule. Because it is a Schedule II controlled substance, purchasing or using Adderall without a prescription from a medical professional is illegal.
The Potential Side Effects of Taking Adderall
When taken as directed, Adderall has several positive effects. However, like other prescription medications, Adderall has potential side effects, especially if you abuse it or use it long-term. According toHealthline, some of the most commonly reported Adderall side effects include:
- Headaches
- Restlessness
- Nervousness
- Extreme mood swings
- Problems sleeping
- Cottonmouth
- Dizziness
- Slowed speech
Less commonly reported side effects are face, tongue, or throat swelling. Should you experience this side effect, seek immediate medical attention.
If you use Adderall pills over a long period and suddenly quit, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal occurs after the human body develops a physical dependence on a substance. Adderall withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Seizures or uncontrollable shaking
- Paranoia or hallucinations
- Depression or anxiety
- Insomnia
- Panic attacks
- Fatigue
- Suicidal thoughts
What Are Natural OTC Adderall Alternatives and How Do They Work?
Nootropics or smart drugs are any substance that you can take to improve mental performance. Synthetic drugs like Adderall and Ritalin are nootropics, but you can’t use them without a prescription because of side effects like potential addiction.
Caffeine (coffee) is an effective adderall alternative that can improve focus, energy levels, and mental clarity. However, caffeine can cause side effects such as restlessness, anxiety, and headaches. Users may also find themselves feeling lethargic after the caffeine leaves their system.
You may be able to get better results with minimal side effects by using a natural adderall alternative to improve your focus and attention. For example, the natural nootropic supplements on our list of best Adderall alternatives are safer for improving focus and other aspects of cognitive functioning.
Over-The-Counter Adderall Alternatives to Consider
Below are some natural supplements that can alleviate some of the symptoms of ADHD:
Alpha-GPC
Alpha-GPC is a natural chemical produced by your body. You can also get alpha-GPC as a dietary supplement in the US.
Alpha-GPC can increase your brain’s production of acetylcholine – a neurotransmitter that facilitates learning, fast-thinking, and memory retention. Athletes can also take alpha-GPC to increase endurance performance and growth hormone secretion. Some studies also support the use ofAlpha-GPC to treat Alzheimer’s disease or dementia caused by reduced cerebral blood circulation.
Bacopa Monnieri
For centuries, Ayurvedic practitioners have used Bacopa monnieri to treat anxiety, epilepsy, and poor memory. According torecent studies, Bacopa monnieri may also help alleviate ADHD.
In one study, 31 children between 6 and 12 years old used Bacopa monnieri extract for six months. Upon the study's conclusion, 85% of the children were less prone to hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattentiveness.
Besides alleviating ADHD, using Bacopa monnieri may also:
- Alleviate anxiety
- Lower blood pressure
- Boost brain functioning
- Reduce inflammation
- Eliminate toxins that damage brain neurons
Caffeine
You can get caffeine by consuming dark chocolate, black tea, or coffee. If the right amount of caffeine enters your system, it can energize you and increase focus. Too much caffeine may leave you feeling jittery, anxious, or irritable.
Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and increases dopamine production, which is essential for focus and concentration. Stimulating your nervous system will make you feel more alert so that you can stay productive for longer.
Ginkgo Biloba
Several studies indicate that Ginkgo biloba can reduce ADHD, improve memory, and increase mental clarity. One study involved children using240 mg of Ginkgo biloba for three to five weeks. By the end of the experiment, most of the children had reduced symptoms.
Can Nootropics Help with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
ADHD feels like having several thoughts in your head and not being able to focus on any. The inability to focus may leave you disorganized and struggling with anxiety, distraction, and overstimulation. These issues make it difficult for people with extreme ADHD to plan, multitask, or even complete simple tasks.
The frustration that the inability to focus causes can lead to stress and extreme mood swings. If this is you, your doctor may have at some point prescribed Adderall or some other stimulant to help you cope with ADHD. However, Adderall doesn’t work for everyone. Even if it works for you, the drug can cause side effects that are worse than ADHD.
Fortunately, there is a safer alternative to Adderall for ADHD – brain-boosting organic nootropics. Supplementing these nootropics can help control the symptoms of ADHD so that you can perform at school, work, and other aspects of your life.
Before we delve into how nootropics can help with ADHD, let’s explain how ADHD works.
What is ADHD?
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is a genetic brain issue. It causes inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. What triggers ADHD is still unclear, but many researchers believe that unbalanced catecholamine levels may be the culprit.
Catecholamines are thought-regulating neurotransmitters. Popular catecholamines include:
- Norepinephrine: It influences your sleep cycle and ability to focus.
- Dopamine: It supports motivation. It accomplishes this by rewarding you with pleasurable feelings after completing a task or achieving a goal.
- Epinephrine: It keeps your brain sharp so that you can think and quickly react even when stressed.
If your brain doesn’t have these catecholamines at optimal levels, it can lead to the symptoms associated with ADHD.
How Might Nootropics Help with ADHD?
If low catecholamine levels cause ADHD, increasing the production of these brain chemicals should minimize ADHD symptoms. Prescription drugs can help with this, but they are not safe for long-term use. Because ADHD is a lifelong condition, you need a safer form of treatment.
The best natural adderall alternatives like Vyvamind and NooCube contain ingredients that can promote natural catecholamine production. Balancing your catecholamine production can help improve your focus, motivation, mood, impulse control, and more.
Besides combating the symptoms of ADHD, nootropics contain other brain-boosting compounds that can improve your cognitive function and brain health.
Also Read: Testo Max Reviews: Is It Worth The Money? Scam or Legit?
How to Pick the Best Adderall Replacement
The market is full of products that claim to be effective alternatives to Adderall. Telling apart genuine products from substandard ones can be difficult. If you want the best natural alternative to Adderall, look out for these features:
Customer Reviews
Customer reviews can give you a clear insight into the quality of a product. If the reviews from users are mostly positive, then the product is as good as it claims to be, and you will most likely have a good experience using it.
However, when reading customer reviews, do not focus on just the good reviews. Read the bad reviews to see whether the product’s shortcomings are deal-breakers or tolerable.
Lastly, do not read only the reviews on a product’s website. Most companies post only the most favorable reviews. Get a complete picture by researching reviews on independent platforms like Google, Better Business Bureau, and Trustpilot.
Money-Back Guarantee
If an Adderall alternative fails to meet your expectations, you should be able to get your money back. For that reason, buy only nootropics that come with a money-back guarantee.
Brands like NooCube offer a 60-day money-back guarantee because they are so confident in the quality of their product, they don’t expect you to ask for a refund. If you do need a refund, getting your money back will be hassle-free.
Clean Label
Nootropics with clean labels are safer to use. That’s because such products do not contain GMOs, preservatives, artificial coloring, or allergens that may trigger adverse effects. Mind Lab Pro takes the quality of its product a step further by making it gluten-free and vegan-friendly so that anyone can use it.
Optimal Dosage
Nootropics deliver results faster when each capsule contains high-quality ingredients in optimal doses. Besides choosing a product that contains optimal doses, go for an easy-to-use supplement.
If a supplement’s usage directions are easy to follow and the pills are easy to swallow, you are less likely to neglect your doses. The most convenient nootropics recommend taking a single daily dose for optimal brain performance throughout the day.
Natural Ingredients
Supplements that contain only natural ingredients are safer to use. That’s because, unlike synthetic ingredients, natural ingredients are less likely to cause side effects.
You should also check the ingredient list to verify that the pill doesn’t contain anything that might cause allergies or worsen a pre-existing medical condition. For example, nootropics that contain stimulants like caffeine may be unsafe for people with high blood pressure or heart conditions.
That’s because high doses of caffeine can raise blood pressure and cause palpitations. Fortunately, none of the top alternatives to Adderall we selected contain caffeine. If any ingredient in a nootropic is unfamiliar, talk to your doctor about it before using the supplement.
Brand Reputation
Buy your nootropics from a brand with a reputation for following the best industry practices and delivering top-quality products. Because brands like this have a reputation to protect, they will go the extra mile to ensure their customers are happy.
Effect
You don’t want a product that will give you a quick sugar rush and leave you feeling wrung out and unmotivated less than an hour after your dose. You need a product that will leave you feeling sharp and focused for most of the day. The product should also leave you feeling energized without causing jitters or anxiety.
Our top three alternatives to Adderall are stimulant-free. That’s why they can improve your attention and mental clarity without any of the side effects associated with high doses of caffeine. Also, the effects of these supplements can last for hours, especially if you take your dose on an empty stomach.
Final Thoughts: Closest Thing to Adderall OTC
You don’t have to keep using expensive prescription meds that fix one health problem and cause other ones. You can take care of your ADHD naturally by using one of the best Adderall alternatives on our list.
Vyvamind is our favorite because of its potency and many other promised brain health benefits. However, if you want a supplement that can combat ADHD and boosts your memory, try NooCube. Alternatively, go for Performance Lab Mind if you want the best natural Adderall alternative for increased energy levels and focus. Buying any of these products is risk-free because they come with money-back guarantees.