Do you have symptoms of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) or lack mental clarity and focus? If so, there’s no doubt your Doctor has spoken with you about Adderall.
Adderall is a medication used to treat ADHD and belongs to stimulant drugs called amphetamines/dextroamphetamine [1].
While Adderall can be an effective treatment for attention deficit disorders like ADHD and narcolepsy, it can also bring on a range of unwanted side effects.
These side effects include weight loss, dry mouth, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite, headaches, diarrhea, and other more serious conditions [2].
That’s why more people are turning to natural Adderall alternatives like nootropic supplements, which can be bought over the counter.
Nootropics boost brain function by supporting neurotransmitters and the central nervous system. They also enhance cognitive function and help to increase brain health [3].
Natural nootropics are also made from 100% natural ingredients and do not create unwanted side effects.
We run through some of the best natural Adderall alternatives out there. That way, you can find natural alternatives to Adderall that will help you maintain focus and avoid nasty side effects.
Natural Adderall Alternatives
- Mind Lab Pro
- Onnit Alpha Brain
- Performance Lab Nootropics
- Hunter Focus
Our team of in-house nutrition experts has reviewed the top 5 best natural Adderall alternatives.
Each review is backed up by scientific evidence and has been fact-checked by a qualified Doctor.
Top 4 Best Natural Adderall Alternatives
Here at BigBlueTest, we compare and review all of the best health and fitness supplements online – including cognitive enhancers and smart drugs.
These natural Adderall alternatives can help boost brain function, support the central nervous system, and boost natural energy levels.
1. Mind Lab Pro
One of the best natural Adderall alternatives is Mind Lab Pro.
Mind Lab Pro contains 11 different natural nootropics that help support six key pathways in the human brain.
Unlike some cognitive enhancers and smart drugs, Mind Lab Pro contains high-potency clinical doses of each natural nootropic without any proprietary blends.
These ingredients include 250mg of Citicoline, 100mg of Phosphatidylserine, 150mg of Bacopa Monnieri, 500mg of Organic Lion’s Mane Mushroom, 175mg of L-Tyrosine, 100mg of L-Theanine, 75mg of Maritime Pine Bark Extract, 50mg of Rhodiola Rosea, and B-Vitamins.
Each ingredient works to boost brain chemistry, energy levels, blood flow, and the effectiveness of neurotransmitters/receptors. This helps you improve everyday tasks like studying, learning, communication, strategic thinking, and concentration [4] [5].
Mind Lab Pro is an excellent natural Adderall alternative that will also make you feel calmer and less erratic throughout the day.
It is suitable for anyone looking for a natural Adderall alternative and professionals, students, athletes, and those looking to maintain sharpness in older age.
What’s more, Mind Lab Pro is cost-effective, allergen-free, and free from artificial preservatives.
Side Effects
The great thing about Mind Lab Pro is that it contains zero negative side effects. On top of this, unlike other drugs used to treat ADHD, it does not contain any caffeine. That ensures that Mind Lab Pro does not disturb your sleep or make you jittery.
Bottom Line
Mind Lab Pro is a brilliant all-round natural nootropic that makes a perfect natural alternative to Adderall. It can be used as a general supplement to maintain focus for students, athletes, and professionals who want to enhance all-around cognitive performance.
2. Onnit Alpha Brain
Next on our list of the best natural Adderall alternatives is Onnit Alpha Brain.
Alpha Brain has sold over 1 million bottles of its popular cognitive enhancer, which helps you maintain focus and operate ‘in the zone.’
Alpha Brain contains three distinct natural nootropic blends that work together to enhance mental focus.
This includes 650mg of Onnit Flow Blend (L-Tyrosine, L-Theanine, Oat Extract, and Phosphatidylserine), 240mg of Onnit Focus Blend (Bacopa, L-Alpha, and Toothed Clubmoss Extract), and 60mg of Onnit Fuel Blend (L-Leucine, and Pterostilbene). On top of this, Onnit Alpha contains 10mg of Vitamin B6 and 350mg of Cat’s Claw bark extract.
Onnit Alpha Brain’s main aims are to enhance the efficiency of neurotransmitters, improve central nervous system communication, and optimize acetylcholine levels. In turn, this helps develop improved mental focus, processing speed, and memory [6][7].
Another great thing about Onnit Alpha Brain is that it is caffeine and allergen-free. This makes it a popular alternative to Adderall because it does not disturb sleep or promote insomnia.
Side Effects
Like Mind Lab Pro, Onnit Alpha Brain does not increase the risk of side effects. In fact, in a study that looked at 63 participants who supplemented with Alpha Brain, each had a natural tolerance to the smart drug and did not suffer unwanted side effects.
On top of this, Alpha Brain does not contain caffeine but promoted brain energy through natural ingredients. This makes it a natural Adderall alternative for those suffering from narcolepsy.
Bottom Line
Onnit Alpha Brain is a great option for anyone looking to enhance cognitive performance and maintain sharp mental focus. If you have ADHD and are looking for an Adderall alternative that can keep you ‘in the zone,’ then Onnit Alpha Brain is a brilliant option.
3. Performance Lab Nootropics
Another natural nootropic that is used commonly to aid cognitive enhancement is Performance Lab Nootropics.
Performance Lab Nootropics contains a smaller range of natural nootropics designed to boost brain power and brain health, alongside limiting the stress of cognitive exertion.
On top of this, Performance Lab Nootropics helps the brain recover and endure stress, which is commonly associated with ADHD and narcolepsy.
Performance Lab Mind contains 250mg of Citicoline, 100mg of Phosphatidylserine, 250mg of L-Tyrosine, and 75mg of Maritime Pine Bark Extract.
This focus on a smaller number of high-quality natural nootropics provides your brain with everything you need to perform at your mental peak, without nasty side effects.
Performance Lab Nootropics has one of L-Tyrosine’s highest ratios per milligram, making it one of the most affordable and popular natural Adderall alternatives. It is also caffeine-free and free from allergens.
Side Effects
Performance Lab Nootropics is deemed safe to use without any unwanted side effects. On top of this, it is stimulant free and suitable for those suffering from sleep disorders and symptoms of ADHD.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for an affordable alternative to Adderall, then Performance Lab Nootropics is a great option.
It contains one of the highest doses of L-Tyrosine per milligram compared to other supplements on our best Adderall alternatives list. It is also suitable for daily use and offers excellent value for money.
4. Hunter Focus
If you lead a busy lifestyle and find maintaining mental sharpness at work a problem, then Hunter Focus could be the best natural Adderall alternative for you.
Hunter Focus is designed for busy professionals, college students, athletes, and those who face regular competition. It is suitable for daily life and is particularly effective at helping you sharpen your thinking and in maintaining laser-sharp focus.
Hunter Focus contains 250mg of Citicoline, 500mg of Lion’s Mane Mushroom Extract, 300mg of Ashwagandha, 250mg of Passion Flower Extract, 200mg of Bacopa, 200mg of L-Tyrosine, 200mg of L-Theanine, 100mg of Phosphatidylserine, and 100mg of Maritime Pine Bark Extract.
Unlike other Adderal alternatives, Hunted Focus contains Passion Flower Extract, which promoted a calm, balanced mindset. This helps keep your mind clear, even in an enhanced state of focus.
Hunter Focus contains 100% natural ingredients and can help those suffering from the symptoms of ADHD boost creativity, remove stress, and operate with a clearer mindset.
Side Effects
Like other natural Adderall alternatives, Hunter Focus does not create unwanted side effects. It contains only natural ingredients that are designed to sharpen your mental focus and minimize associated mental stress.
Bottom Line
If you are a busy professional or someone who regularly faces competitive stress, then Hunter Focus can help you stay calm and operate at your best.
Hunter Focus also contains zero-caffeine, so it won’t disturb your sleep, and the introduction of Passion Flower Extract maintains a calm mindset.
Natural Adderall Alternatives Buying Guide
Now that we have completed our guide to the best Adderall alternatives, it’s time to turn our buying guide’s attention.
Here we carry out a systematic review of everything you need to know about natural Adderall alternatives.
This includes what they are, how they differ from medically prescribed Adderall and some of the main positive effects and negative side effects.
What Are Natural Adderall Alternatives?
Natural Adderall alternatives include any brain-boosting supplements that provide the same positive effects as Adderall while using only natural ingredients.
The most popular natural Adderall alternatives are nootropic supplements known as ‘smart drugs.’
Nootropic supplements contain natural ingredients like Citicoline, Phosphatidylserine, Bacopa Monnieri, Organic Lion’s Mane Mushroom, L-Tyrosine, L-Theanine, Pine Bark Extract, and Rhodiola Rosea [8].
These natural ingredients help to boost brain function and make you feel mentally sharp. And in the same way that Adderall boosts neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, natural Adderal alternatives push the body to secret these organic chemicals through natural stimulation.
The best nootropic supplements help to boost mental clarity, mental energy levels, and cognitive performance. They also help you fight more serious conditions like dementia, anxiety, cognitive illnesses, and central nervous system issues.
Can You Buy Adderall Alternatives Over The Counter?
Unlike Adderall, you can buy Adderall alternatives over the counter (OTC). The reason for this is that Adderall alternatives like nootropics are non-prescription medications.
If you would like to buy Adderall over the counter, then you will need a prescription from a qualified medical professional.
Adderall is commonly prescribed for people who suffer symptoms of ADHD, narcolepsy, or other conditions where it is difficult to maintain mental focus.
If you are looking to purchase Adderall alternatives over the counter, we’d recommend you do this online. There are some fantastic nootropic supplement brands like Mind Lab Pro, Performance Lab, Alpha Brain, and others who sell Adderall alternatives online.
How Does Adderall Work vs. Adderall Alternatives?
Adderall is the brand name for a prescription drug that combines amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (stimulant drugs).
It works by altering how chemical reactions happen in neurons and brain cells by increasing neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. This can lead to increased mental sharpness, improved attention span, less drowsiness, and reduced symptoms of ADHD.
The problem with Adderall is that it can cause a large number of unwanted side effects [9].
These include high blood pressure, swelling, dry mouth, sleeping problems, stomach ache, headaches, slowed growth in children, loss of appetite, and increased heart rate.
What’s more, long-term Adderall use can permanently alter dopamine activity in our brain’s reward center [10]. This means that when Adderall is withdrawn, people can struggle to experience pleasure without continued amphetamine use.
Unlike Adderall, natural Adderall alternatives aim to provide the same brain stimulation, without unwanted side effects.
Popular nootropics (or study drugs) help enhance mental sharpness, improve cognitive performance, and all-around cognition. They include natural ingredients and amino acids like Citicoline, L-Tyrosine, and L-Theanine, which naturally boost brain activity.
Natural Adderall Ingredients
Here are some of the most popular nootropics found in Adderall alternatives.
Citicoline
Citicoline or Choline is an organic compound that is naturally produced in all living cells.
Citicoline helps to energize brain cells, raise acetylcholine levels, and optimize the mitochondria. It is also responsible for synthesizing phosphatidylcholine [11].
On top of this, Citicoline helps to support neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin and boost blood flow to the brain, which accelerates neural repair [12].
In a clinical trial (documented by the NCBI) that looked at the effect of Citicoline on brain cell membrane formation, it was found that brain cell formation increased 26% vs. a control group, alongside a 13.6% increase in brain energy levels [13].
L-Tyrosine
L-Tyrosine is an amino acid that is naturally produced in the body. One of its core functions is that it helps the body produce neurotransmitters like dopamine, adrenaline, and norepinephrine [14].
Neurotransmitters plan an important role in transporting messages between brain cells and nerve cells [15]. As such, L-Tyrosine helps to increase mental sharpness, alertness, and memory.
It is also used to treat symptoms of ADHD and to help increase cognitive processing under stress.
L-Theanine
Another amino acid commonly found in the best nootropic supplements is L-Theanine.
L-Theanine helps to combat feelings of stress, anxiety, and nervousness. It is also included in popular nootropic supplements as it enhances mood, energy levels, and mental focus [16].
Like L-Tyrosine, L-Theanine increases the levels of neurotransmitters in our brain, like dopamine. This can help us concentrate for longer and enhance our abilities to concentrate for long periods.
Other Natural Adderall Ingredients
There is a wide range of further natural nootropics found in the best Adderall alternatives. These include Phosphatidylserine, Bacopa Monnieri, Ginkgo Biloba, Huperzine, Maritime Pine Bark Extract, Rhodiola Rosea, and B-Vitamins.
If you want to find out more about the ingredients found in the best nootropic stacks, check out our detailed guide.
Natural Adderall Side Effects
The great thing about natural Adderall alternatives is that they are not associated with unwanted side effects.
Unlike Adderall, which is well known for causing a host of unwanted side effects, natural nootropics only contain natural ingredients like antioxidants, plant extract, fatty acids, and amino acids.
These ingredients help to boost brain function without creating a reliance on them naturally. The best nootropics also contain zero caffeine. This means they do not cause anxiety or feeling of stress associated with increased heart rate or jitters.
Natural Adderall Alternatives Bottom Line
Our guide to the best natural Adderall alternatives has walked you through some of the best nootropics and smart drugs on the market.
Each of these natural Adderall alternatives can help improve your mental focus, concentration levels, and working memory. In turn, helping you stay focused for longer, without the unwanted side effects associated with Adderall.
While Adderall can be an effective treatment for symptoms of ADHD, it is not a long-term cure. The fact remains that long-term Adderall use is not sustainable, paving the way for natural Adderall alternatives to take its place.
To get started, click through to one of our top suggested nootropics. These can be bought over the counter and do not require a prescription.
References
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- Tung CS, Chang ST, Huang CL, Huang NK. The neurotoxic mechanisms of amphetamine: Step by step for striatal dopamine depletion. Neurosci Lett. 2017;639:185-191. doi:10.1016/j.neulet.2017.01.002
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- McGlade E, Agoston AM, DiMuzio J, et al. The Effect of Citicoline Supplementation on Motor Speed and Attention in Adolescent Males. J Atten Disord. 2019;23(2):121-134. doi:10.1177/1087054715593633
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