What Is Adderall Used For?
Adderall is a psychostimulant that is generally used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Just like nootropics, is it often used as a cognitive enhancer. When individuals take Adderall, the neurotransmitter dopamine increases. This allows users to focus more effectively while producing a calming effect.
What are the Possible Side-Effects?
Due to the high level of possible side-effects, many are replacing Adderall with safer and more effective nootropics. The following are possible side-effects which are serious and should be approached with caution:
- High blood pressure and stroke are a possibility when taking Adderall. This is especially true for individuals that have a history of heart disease or other heart conditions. Due to its effects on the heart, sudden death is a possibility.
- Mental health problems may increase. This issues include; depression, mood swings, or aggressive behavior.
- Adderall can be habit forming, which may lead to withdrawal symptoms. If you have a history of drug abuse, you should avoid using Adderall.
If you are currently taking Adderall and are experiencing any serious side-effects, stop using Adderall immediately. Side-effects range from hallucinations to tremors. Due to these possible side-effects, nootropics are an excellent substitution as they’re non-toxic. The most common side-effect regarding nootropics is headaches. However, this is generally counteracted by taking supplements (mainly racetams), with choline supplements.
Best Adderall Alternatives
Due to the risk of addiction and the associated side-effects, exploring other nootropics is beneficial and safer in comparison. Adderall is also a controlled, prescription drug. It is much harder to obtain Adderall in comparison to available nootropics. The following are some great alternatives:
[sc:piracetam]
Piracetam was the first racetam to be developed and distributed. Once taken, it crosses the blood-brain barrier where it targets the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This specific neurotransmitter is responsible for our ability to focus, concentrate, form memories, and our learning abilities. Unlike Adderall, Piracetam is non-toxic and actually helps to increase brain health.
[sc:aniracetam]
Another nootropic is Aniracetam, which is considered one of the best alternatives. It is more potent than Piracetam and also works much faster. Aniracetam works the same way as Piracetam regarding acetylcholine. Once this neurotransmitter is increased, cognitive enhancement is experienced.
Aniracetam creates high levels of brain energy, which increases one’s focus and concentration. Not only is one’s cognitive abilities increased, but it works to improve mood. This is due to the influence on dopamine and 5-HTP receptors.
[sc:noopept ]
This nootropic is a peptide, that works in a similar fashion to Piracetam. Although they share similarities, Noopept is approximately 1000 times stronger. This nootropics have an affect on one’s memory and concentration.
Brain health is also improved through increased levels of Nerve Growth Factor. This chemical maintains healthy brain cells. Due to aging, brain cells begin to deteriorate. This is generally seen in conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. It is believed that this type of cellular damage is also related to conditions such as ADHD.
[sc:pramiracetam ]
This is another racetam nootropic, which has a direct effect on both acetylcholine and glutamate. This increases cognitive abilities regarding focus, reasoning, memory, and concentration. You do not need to take as much Pramiracetam in comparison to Piracetam, as it is 30 times more potent.
The effects of Pramiracetam last longer than those effects experienced by Adderall. When taking Adderall, one’s focus is only temporarily improved. When you take Pramiracetam for instance, there are more long-term gains associated with this nootropic.
Modafinil and Adrafinil
Modafinil is a prescription nootropic that is fairly new and extremely popular. It is used to treat ADHD, increasing wakefulness and improving concentration. This was originally used for narcolepsy patients, but it now used for a variety of purposes. This is a great alternative to Adderall because it does not affect one’s sleeping patterns or create dopamine withdrawals.
Due to the restrictions and control over Modafinil, many users are buying Adrafinil legally without the need for a prescription. Adrafinil provides the same cognitive benefits as Modafinil, without needing a prescription.
How Do I Know Which One to Pick?
Choosing the right nootropic depends on what you’re trying to achieve. Once you become more experienced, you can build your own effective stack. Building a stack allows you to access all the benefits at once. For example, a choline supplement generally helps with the headaches associated with racetam use. This is directly related to acetylcholine levels. When acetylcholine levels are low, headaches may be experienced. Choline is the precursor to acetylcholine, therefore choline supplements ensure that acetylcholine is available.
The nootropics listed above are just a small fraction of the supplements available on the market. The nootropic you take will depend on your needs and your personal preference. There are many different types of nootropics, so it’s a good idea to get familiar with your options. No matter which nootropic you do choose, you are making a positive choice regarding your brain health. Nootropics generally improve brain health, while Adderall deteriorates your brain.
