Do you, like many adults, suffer from symptoms of Adult ADD or ADHD? If you do, you can benefit from certain nootropics. These nootropics have some of the same effects on the brain as Ritalin and Adderall without the side effects. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you can use them in place of or in addition to prescription drugs for ADHD.

Symptoms of ADHD

Adults with ADHD have a hard time staying focused on a task. This can make it difficult to be organized and at the top of your game. You may find that you are very easily distracted, and you may have trouble focusing on conversations. You may also become angry easily, or you may have a hard time controlling your impulses. Adult ADHD isn’t as obvious as it is in children, but it can be just as problematic, if not more so.

ADHD is actually caused by a deficiency of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. These neurotransmitters are responsible for focus, the ability to sustain thoughts, and motivation. Prescription ADHD medications usually boost the levels of dopamine in the brain. However, serotonin often plays a role as well. Serotonin is responsible for the breakdown and synthesis of dopamine in your brain. So if you increase your dopamine without adequate serotonin, you won’t see much benefit. Serotonin is also involved in self-control. What usually presents as hyperactivity in children presents as problems like impulse control and anger issues in adults. Adequate serotonin levels help tame this aspect of ADHD.

How Nootropics and Certain Supplements Can Help Alleviate the Symptoms of ADHD

Certain nootropics and supplements can increase dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin in your brain. They can help you reduce or eliminate your intake of prescription ADHD medications.

Tyrosine

According to Nootropic Expert, your brain uses Tyrosine to make dopamine. It helps with concentration, memory, and reduces stress. It is also anti-anxiety. If you find that you are chronically stressed, your brain is in fight or flight mode. Your brain can’t function at its optimum level in this state. Tyrosine helps you achieve a relaxed alertness.

N-Acetyl-Cysteine

N-Acetyl-Cysteine, also known as NAC, helps regulate dopamine and glutamate levels in your brain. Excess glutamate is harmful to your brain. NAC also increases dopamine and protects your dopamine receptors. This allows NAC to mitigate some of the side effects of ADHD medications. It also helps balance excitatory neurons in your brain, which relieves anxiety and depression.

NADH

NADH helps to increase the production of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine in your brain. You’ll find that it increases focus, alertness, memory, and it boosts your ability to think clearly.

5-HTP

5-HTP is an extremely popular supplement for many conditions including depression, fibromyalgia, anxiety, and ADHD. 5-HTP is the precursor to serotonin. Adding this supplement increases your serotonin levels.

L-Theanine

L-Theanine is the compound in green tea that’s responsible for its clean calm energy. It is anti-anxiety, helpful for insomnia, and improves your thinking and memory. It also helps you to boost your levels of serotonin, dopamine, and GABA in the brain.

Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola Rosea is an adaptogen. Adaptogens help to reverse the damage chronic stress does to your brain and help to balance neurotransmitters. It improves energy, alertness, and memory. It also acts as an antidepressant and anti-anxiety by balancing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain.

A Word of Caution

All of these supplements are considered safe while you are taking ADHD medication, but always consult your doctor before taking multiple brain enhancing substances at once. Also remember that your brain has an optimum level of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin for optimal brain function. Too much of these neurotransmitters can cause anxiety and panic attacks. Too much serotonin can lead to serotonin syndrome, which is life-threatening. It is suggested that you avoid compounds like 5-HTP if you are taking a prescription anti-depressant.