Nootropics for ADHD — what are they and do they work

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) causes issues with inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. For people with ADHD, these symptoms make it difficult to concentrate, pay attention to details, get and stay organized, and follow through with tasks. Nootropics for ADHD are substances thought to improve mental performance. For many, they may be an option to manage symptoms. 

Learn about nootropics for ADHD, how and why they work, and the risks in this article. 

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What are nootropics?

Nootropics are often called “smart drugs” or cognitive enhancers. They’re substances that can aid cognitive performance and function and enhance thinking, focus, learning, memory, and motivation. For people with ADHD, nootropics may help improve attention and concentration, so they’re often recommended as part of treatment. 

Nootropics include central nervous system (CNS) stimulant and non-stimulant medications, herbal supplements, naturally occurring substances, and synthetic compounds. Some nootropics for ADHD, like synthetic nootroprics or natural compounds, don’t require a prescription and can be purchased easily. Others, like stimulant and non-stimulant medications, require that you see a qualified healthcare professional who can evaluate your symptoms and write a prescription if they think a medication is medically necessary for you.

Types of nootropics

Different types of nootropics include:

• Stimulant medications, like Concerta (methylphenidate), Adderall (amphetamine), Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine), or Provigil (modafinil), which are all U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved to treat ADHD
• Non-stimulant medications, including Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree (viloxazine),
•  Kapvay (clonidine), and Intuniv (guanfacine). Strattera and Qelbree are FDA-approved to treat ADHD in adults. Clonidine and Intuniv are FDA-approved to treat ADHD in children.
• Herbal supplements, such as ginseng or ginkgo biloba 
• Synthetic compounds, including piracetam or aniracetam 
• Dietary supplements like omega-3 fatty acids
• Naturally occurring substances, including caffeine (such as in coffee or tea), creatine, and CDP-choline

Uses for nootropics

Both stimulant and non-stimulant prescription nootropics increase the brain chemicals responsible for attention, memory, and motivation. They’re used to help manage ADHD symptoms related to inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. 

Major differences between stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medications include how fast they work (stimulants typically work more quickly), how long they last (non-stimulants tend to provide a longer-lasting effect through the day), and the risk of dependency (stimulants have the potential for dependency, abuse, and misuse). Research supports the effectiveness of stimulants and non-stimulants for managing ADHD symptoms. 

Natural nootropics may be plant-based, herbal, or naturally occur in your body. They may be used for the potential brain function benefits. For example, caffeine is one of the most common nootropics. It’s widely used for its effects on alertness. Another example is ginkgo biloba, an herbal supplement with some research supporting that it may improve blood flow in your brain, help improve focus, and reduce hyperactivity. 

It’s important to know that research on natural nootropics is limited and further research is needed. Herbal and dietary supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA. And, the quality of supplements can vary, making it difficult to study and determine effectiveness and safety. But some studies suggest that natural nootropics may benefit people with some impairment in memory and focus and not healthy people. 

Nootropics for ADHD at a glance

With so many available, you might be curious about the best nootropics for ADHD. Understanding how different nootropics work and their potential side effects can help you decide which ones to discuss with your provider. 

Here’s an overview of some of the best nootropics for ADHD. 

How and why nootropics work for ADHD

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder. It affects the prefrontal cortex, which is the part of your brain responsible for executive functions like focusing, planning, organizing, and managing your time. With ADHD, symptoms can look different for everyone because it’s a complex disorder. This means it can sometimes require a detailed treatment approach that may include ADHD medications and other remedies. 

Prescription nootropics work by regulating levels of neurotransmitters or chemical messengers in your brain. Dopamine and norepinephrine are the brain chemicals believed to affect ADHD. Dopamine helps regulate mood, attention, memory, focus, motivation, movement, and bodily functions. Norepinephrine helps with mood, memory, attention, arousal, and how you respond to stress. 

People with ADHD typically have lower levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. By increasing the levels of these neurotransmitters in your brain, prescription use of nootropics can help improve attention and focus. 

Natural nootropics may also offer potential benefits. For example, L-tyrosine is an amino acid that may help nerve cells in your brain communicate by aiding in the production of dopamine and norepinephrine. But there’s little evidence to support how or if it helps people with ADHD. 

Research on natural nootropics is limited. More studies are needed to better understand how they work and their effectiveness and safety. 

ADHD medications can be effective for treating ADHD symptoms. In fact, prescription stimulants, like Adderall, Concerta (methylphenidate), Jornay PM, and Ritalin (methylphenidate), are first-line treatments for ADHD. Like nootropics, they work by regulating neurotransmitters and have been shown to reduce symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. 

Can you treat ADHD with over-the-counter-nootropics

Over-the-counter (OTC) nootropics are available as herbal remedies or dietary supplements. OTC nootropics, like ginseng or ginkgo biloba, don’t require a prescription from a doctor and are widely available for purchase. 

Some people with ADHD interested in alternative options may use nootropics to complement other interventions, like behavioral or other ADHD therapy. While OTC nootropics may offer some benefits, they’re unlikely to effectively treat the core symptoms of ADHD, such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Can you combine prescription and natural nootropics for ADHD?

Mixing prescription and natural nootropics for ADHD can be tricky. Prescription nootropics are shown to be effective at improving attention and focus and reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity. But research on natural nootropics is limited, and supplements may interact with prescription medications, especially stimulant drugs.

You want to treat your ADHD in the safest way possible. The best way to do that is to consult with a qualified healthcare professional who can evaluate you for ADHD and recommend the best treatment options based on your symptoms and health history.  

Risks of using nootropics for ADHD

Nootropics, like other substances, pose potential health risks. Prescription and natural nootropics can have side effects. Understanding the risks can help you make an informed choice about what route to take. 

Before adding any sort of medication or supplement to your daily regimen, talk to your healthcare provider to better understand the potential risks and benefits and decide if it’s a good option for you. 

Risks of prescription nootropics

Scientific evidence shows that prescription nootropics, like Adderall and Ritalin, can improve focus in people with ADHD, but they carry risks. Stimulants for ADHD management can cause side effects like difficulty falling asleep, decreased appetite, upset stomach, headaches, anxiety, or rapid heartbeat. They are also classified as controlled substances due to their risk of dependence and abuse and are regulated by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).

Non-stimulant prescription nootropics, like Strattera for ADHD, also pose the risk of side effects. Common side effects of non-stimulant ADHD medications include decreased appetite, rapid heartbeat, increased blood pressure, and constipation. 

If you experience side effects with prescription nootropics, scheduling an appointment with your healthcare provider gives you the chance to talk through medication changes and other options for your ADHD. You’re also encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA by visiting MedWatch or calling 1-800-FDA-1088.

Risks of natural nootropics for ADHD

Since some nootropics for ADHD are natural, they’re often viewed as safer. While many people may tolerate natural nootropics better, that doesn’t mean they don’t pose risks. It’s possible to have an allergic reaction that can lead to rash or trouble breathing. 

Though side effects are rare with natural nootropics, some research suggests that people can develop individual tolerance or have undesirable changes, like problems with sleep deprivation or libido. 

Natural nootropics are also contraindicated (not recommended) for use in people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. 

If you have certain health conditions, nootropics may not be recommended. For example, if you have liver disease, kidney disease, or high blood pressure, nootropics can exacerbate those conditions or medications you take to manage them. Talking to your healthcare provider can help you weigh the pros and cons of natural nootropics. 

Key takeaways

• Nootropics — “smart drugs,” or cognitive enhancers — are substances someone with ADHD may consider taking to improve symptoms of inattention like focus and memory. 
• Nootropics can be natural or prescription and are often found in herbal or dietary nootropic supplements and over-the-counter or prescription medications. A provider will only prescribe a prescription nootropic if they think it’s right for you.
• Prescription nootropics affect the levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Increasing these brain chemicals helps improve attention, focus, and motivation. 
• Depending on the type of nootropic for ADHD, they carry risks, including side effects, negative interactions with other medications, exacerbation of existing health conditions, and the potential for dependence and abuse.
• A qualified healthcare provider can help you understand the best nootropics for ADHD, consider your options, and find a medication regimen that works for you. 

Get the best treatment plan for your ADHD symptoms 

If inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity impact your life, find a provider on Klarity Health today. Talking to a skilled, empathetic, and board-certified provider about your symptoms is the best way to get a care plan for your specific needs.