Table of Contents
Thousands of college students go to their health clinic asking for Adderall. Or get it from an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) friend who’s willing to part with a few tablets from their monthly prescription.[i]
Because they feel Adderall makes them more productive. And it helps them stay up at night to study.[ii]
At least that’s what they’ve been told. And it turns out this stimulant drug will help keep you awake. One of the many side effects of this amphetamine is insomnia.
But a study drug?
What is not commonly known is one of the reasons why sleep is so critical is that long-term memory is consolidated while you sleep.
What you study during the day is consolidated and integrated into long-term memory during the short-wave stage of sleep.[iii]
If you don’t get enough quality sleep, you suffer from poor memory. And you’ll not be able to recall what you studied the night before for your exam the next day.
But it’s not just college kids. Athletes, executives, and the military use stimulants like Adderall too.
Because they think it makes them more productive, improves reaction time, and prevents fatigue so they can work harder and longer.
But at what cost?
How Adderall Works in your Brain
Adderall is an amphetamine. It’s a combo of 25% levoamphetamine salts and 75% dextroamphetamine salts.
It rapidly crosses the blood-brain barrier and goes inside the presynaptic terminal of monoamine neurons.
Once inside, Adderall interacts with trace amine-associated transporter 1 (TAAR1) and vesicular monoamine transporters 2 (VMAT2) which reverses the direction of the transporters.[iv]
Forcing the release of dopamine and norepinephrine that was stored in synaptic vesicles and pushing it back out of the neuron. Providing the stimulant effect most are seeking when using Adderall.
The problem is studies have demonstrated that amphetamines can be toxic to neurons. Because these drugs will eventually reduce levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and transporters in the brain, impair receptor function and dendrite growth.[v]
This would explain why tolerance to Adderall becomes a problem. And why you need to use higher and higher doses of this drug to achieve the same effect.[vi]
But many are becoming wise to the side effects of prescription stimulants like Adderall. And are looking for natural OTC alternatives like Mind Lab Pro®.
Because unless you’re clinically and truly ADD or ADHD and realizing Adderall’s benefit, the perceived short-term benefits to you if you’re not, are not worth the cost to your brain health.
Closest Thing to Adderall Over the Counter
First, there is no such thing as a “natural Adderall” alternative. Anyone who tells you that they sell an “Over the Counter Adderall Alternative” is not being honest.
And here’s why …
Recall that Adderall works by reversing the action of the monoamine transporters TAAR1 and VAMT2. And activating TAAR1 receptors.[vii] Forcing dopamine and norepinephrine out of synaptic vesicles and back out of the neuron.
This action provides the stimulant effect of Adderall.
No natural substance known to man can exactly mimic this behavior.
But what we can do with nootropics is increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine naturally. And studies show that if higher dosages of these nootropics are used, it will activate TAAR1 receptors.[viii]
Which will contribute to a mood lift, and better memory. And the addition of an acetylcholine precursor can make you more alert. Creating a stack of natural otc Adderall alternatives may be your best alternative..
You get the benefit of being able to work longer and faster.
And you avoid the potential Adderall side effects of brain cell toxicity, tolerance, addiction, abdominal pain, anorexia, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, insomnia, jitteriness, irritability, nausea, or palpitations.
Or the nasty withdrawal symptoms once you quit Adderall.
I am Adult ADD and have taken advantage of this mechanism of action with natural nootropics to support daily Ritalin use.
In fact, not long after starting Nootropics Expert® I weaned off the Ritalin I was using. And tried an experiment.
I used my ADD nootropic stack for one year and was able to control my Adult ADD symptoms using only natural supplements.
I’ve shared this natural way to control ADD and ADHD symptoms with tens of thousands since. And know this works.
That’s next …
The 3 Best Natural Adderall Alternatives
In this section I’ll briefly detail the ingredients of 3 pre-made natural nootropic stacks. That can provide most of the benefits normally associated with Adderall including reducing ADD and ADHD symptoms.
I’ve been using this first nootropic stack made by Performance Lab® for the last couple of years on an “as needed” basis.
And it provides the temporary stimulant boost most are looking for when using Adderall. But without the negatives because it acts as a central nervous system stimulant.
Performance Lab® Caffeine 2
If you routinely stop at Starbucks® for a Grande, or the corner store for an energy drink, or use Adderall for its stimulant boost – this natural nootropic stimulant stack called Performance Lab® Caffeine 2 may be a great alternative for you.
Natural Caffeine 50 mg (from Coffea Robusta seeds)
Caffeine acts by blocking adenosine receptor subtypes A1 and A2A which in turn increases wakefulness. Instead of becoming sleepy, you are more alert.[ix]
But caffeine also influences acetylcholine, epinephrine, serotonin and boosts dopamine use which also contributes to its stimulant effects.
Caffeine also activates the release of excess cortisol, restricts blood flow, and depletes water-soluble B-Vitamins.
The rest of this stack counteracts the negatives associated with caffeine use.
L-Theanine 100 mg
L-Theanine increases Alpha brain waves which promotes alert relaxation. It boosts serotonin, dopamine, GABA and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in your brain.[x]
And L-Theanine helps relieve the stress of excess cortisol. All counteracting many of the negatives of caffeine use.
L-Tyrosine 250 mg
Caffeine’s stimulant effect is produced in part by increases in the release of the catecholamines dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine. Releasing these neurotransmitters into the extracellular space is similar to how Adderall works.
But this demand on increased catecholamines can result in attention problems, mood imbalances, energy crashes and long-term feelings of exhaustion.
The addition of L-Tyrosine in this Stim formula helps replace the neurotransmitters that are impacted by caffeine.
Resulting in better working memory, quicker thinking even under pressure, a boost in multitasking performance, stress resistance and no crash.
NutriGenesis® B-Complex
Caffeine consumption causes a diuretic effect which accelerates the excretion of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine, P-5-P), Vitamin B9 (Folate), and Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin).
Including these B-Vitamins in this stimulant stack counterbalances this vitamin depletion caused by caffeine.
If you use Adderall for its stimulant boost, you may want to try this natural alternative instead. It’s safer, can be used whenever you need an energy boost, and it’s effective.
See my complete Performance Lab® Caffeine 2 Review or
Get and try Performance Lab® Caffeine 2
Performance Lab® Mind
If you had all the brain energy you needed and zero mental fatigue, it’s unlikely you’d be using Adderall.
That’s what this next natural nootropic stack helps you do.
Performance Lab® Mind helps increase brain energy and reduce mental fatigue. It does it by supporting the thousands of mitochondria you have in each one of your brain cells. And by boosting cerebral blood flow.
Mind supports neurogenesis by increasing the density of neurons and synapses. It increases the neuroplasticity required for learning, memory, and overall brain function.
And Performance Lab® Mind enhances focus, reaction-time, brain processing speed and memory by boosting brain energy, critical neurotransmitters and hormones depleted by stress.
Here’s how it works …
Citicoline 250 mg (Cognizin®)
Citicoline (CDP-Choline) provides the choline required for acetylcholine synthesis. The neurotransmitter involved in brain cell signaling needed for quick thinking, learning, memory and recall.
Once Citicoline crosses your blood-brain barrier it converts to uridine which is used in the synthesis of Phosphatidylcholine (PC).[xi]
PC is used to repair and rebuild brain cell membranes. Keeping membranes fluid for better signaling needed for attention, quicker reaction time, learning, memory, cognition and recall.
Citicoline as Cognizin® has been shown to increase adenosine triphosphate (ATP) which is the fuel source generated in mitochondria and supplies energy to brain cells.
And the Cognizin® form of citicoline found in Performance Lab® Mind has been shown in research to boost brain cell membrane formation by 26% and brain energy by 13.6% in healthy adults.[xii]
Phosphatidylserine 100 mg (from Sunflower lecithin)
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a phospholipid component of the membrane encasing nearly every one of your cells.
PS promotes nerve growth factor (NGF) for neurogenesis, neuroplasticity, and neuron repair and maintenance.
Studies show that phospholipid content including Phosphatidylserine begins to decline as early as age 20. And this decline becomes more pronounced as you age.[xiii]
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is arguably one of the most effective and important nootropics we have available today.
PS keeps our brain cells healthy. And has a reputation for improving alertness, attention, cognition, memory, recall and mood.
L-Tyrosine 250 mg
L-Tyrosine is used in your brain to produce dopamine. And the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and epinephrine (your “fight or flight” hormone). The same neurotransmitters released when using Adderall.
L-Tyrosine helps restore these catecholamines when you are sleep deprived. Or dealing with extreme stressors like heat or cold, intense business negotiations, exams, or war zones.[xiv]
L-Tyrosine enhances working memory and executive function in the prefrontal cortex. It helps with creative flow states, is fuel for inspiration, cognitive flexibility, and the kind of “convergent thinking” you do in multiple choice exams.
It’s a safe way to boost dopamine and norepinephrine while avoiding the negative side effects by doing the same with Adderall.
Maritime Pine Bark Extract 75 mg (95% proanthocyanidins)
Pine Bark Extract helps increase cerebral circulation for more blood flow. Providing nutrients and oxygen to energy-hungry brain cells.[xv]
Pine Bark Extract helps prevent decreases in dopamine and norepinephrine. And the glutathione (GSH) and GSH-disulphide reductase (GSSG-R) ratio. Neurotransmitter problems which contribute to hyperactivity and is treated with Adderall.[xvi]
Studies show that Pine Bark extract significantly boosts blood flow even in healthy young adults.[xvii] And has a remarkable effect on memory, focus, decision-making and mood.[xviii]
Performance Lab® Mind is a long-term solution for bringing your brain up-to-speed and keeping it there. So you’ll not be tempted to resort to a synthetic stimulant like Adderall.
And Mind is particularly effective when supported by a high-quality, bio-identical multivitamin like Performance Lab® NutriGenesis Multi.
And when you need that extra energy boost, take a capsule of Performance Lab® Caffeine 2.
See my complete Performance Lab® Mind Review or
Get and try Performance Lab® Mind and
Get and try Performance Lab® NutriGenesis Multi for men or women
Mind Lab Pro®
I’ve been using Mind Lab Pro® daily for the last 5 years and it’s still my favorite natural Adderall substitute.
Mind Lab Pro® was formulated to support all brain functions and pathways. 11 multi-tasking nootropics in this formula at clinically-proven dosages may be all you need.
This stack supports brain energy, neurotransmitters, blood flow, and brain waves. And provides neuroprotection while regenerating what’s been lost or damaged.
Just 2 capsules of this nootropic supplement every day for a month or two. And you may find you no longer need or want to use a short-acting stimulant like Adderall.
Earlier in this post I mentioned how I used only my nootropic stack including Mind Lab Pro® with no prescription stimulants for one year. And kept my Adult ADD symptoms under control.
The genius of this combination of ingredients and their synergy is how it works so well. And has become the industry standard others envy but have not yet matched.
These are the nootropic ingredients that make it work to improve brain health:
Citicoline 250 mg (Cognizin®) – see how Citicoline works in your brain in my list of ingredients above for Mind.
Phosphatidylserine (PS) 100 mg (Sharp-PS® Green) – see how Phosphatidylserine (PS) works in your brain in my list of ingredients above for Mind.
L-Tyrosine 175 mg (as N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine) – see how L-Tyrosine works in your brain in my list of ingredients above for Stim and Mind.
L-Theanine 100 mg (Suntheanine®) – see how L-Theanine works in your brain in my list of ingredients above for Stim
Maritime Pine Bark Extract 75 mg (95% proanthocyanidins) – see how Pine Bark Extract works in your brain in my list of ingredients above for Mind.
These next 6 ingredients are what makes Mind Lab Pro® the best ‘universal’ nootropic stack on the planet.
And why 2 capsules per day of this stack may be all you need as a natural Adderall alternative. But it does so much more …
Bacopa Monnieri 150 mg (standardized for 24% bacosides)
Bacopa Monnieri’s active bacosides improves brain cell signaling and helps restore damaged neurons and synapses. And Bacopa acts as an anxiolytic by reducing free radicals and oxidative stress while reducing cortisol.[xix]
Studies show Bacopa Monnieri improves recall, attention, speed of information processing and memory.[xx] All while reducing anxiety. And its effects seem to keep working even after you stop using Bacopa.[xxi]
Lion’s Mane Mushroom 500 mg (organic and full spectrum)
Lion’s Mane Mushroom’s active compounds hericenones and erinacines boost Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) synthesis. Which stimulates neuron regeneration and neurite outgrowth.[xxii]
This increase in neuroplasticity helps boost mood, mental energy, increases depth perception and sense of smell. And improves decision-making ability and concentration.
Rhodiola Rosea 50 mg (standardized for 3% rosavins, 1% salidrosides)
Rhodiola Rosea promotes the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells in the hippocampus.[xxiii] Restoring injured neurons helps fight cognitive decline and memory loss.
And Rhodiola influences levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin and beta-endorphins which provides remarkable anti-depressant and anti-anxiety qualities.[xxiv]
Shown to be as good as many prescription pharmaceuticals in treating depression and anxiety.
Vitamin B6 2.5 mg (NutriGenesis®)
Vitamin B9 100 mcg (NutriGenesis®)
Vitamin B12 7.5 mcg (NutriGenesis®)
Mind Lab Pro® contains the bio-identical NutriGenesis® form of these critical B-Vitamins. This combo reduces homocysteine levels which ensures good brain blood flow and healthy brain chemistry.
Vitamins B6, B9, and B12 are required cofactors for neurotransmitter synthesis, and myelin formation and repair. And required for red blood cell formation, optimal brain energy metabolism, gene expression, and brain cell signaling.
Including these important B-Vitamins ensures the rest of the nootropic ingredients in Mind Lab Pro® work to provide their full benefit.
See my complete Mind Lab Pro® Review or
Get and try Mind Lab Pro®
The 3 Best Adderall Alternatives that are Not Prescription Medications in 2024
If you’re aim is to find the best OTC Adderall alternative, the three nootropic stacks detailed in this post should help.
Near the beginning of this post I told you about my ‘experiment’. I’m Adult ADD and have been using Ritalin for the last 15 years.
My experiment was a one-year ‘holiday’ from Ritalin, and I used only Mind Lab Pro® with other natural nootropic supplements. My stack was tailored to my symptoms.
And was successful in keeping my ADD symptoms under control without the use of stimulants to improve cognitive function.
Many thousands in the Nootropics Expert® community have followed the same advice. And are successfully using natural nootropic supplements instead of prescription stimulants.
Both those with ADD or ADHD, and others who wish to avoid the negatives and side effects associated with prescription stimulants.
Choose either Mind Lab Pro® or Performance Lab® Mind (with a Multi). And use Performance Lab® Caffeine 2 when you want an extra, temporary energy boost.
Mind Lab Pro® and the Performance Lab® line of supplements stand behind their product. And offer a generous money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied. Even after using their product for month.
If you are honestly looking for an Adderall alternative, I encourage you to try these supplements for better cognitive performance.
There’s no risk in trying natural OTC Adderall substitutes.
And you may have found exactly what you were looking for. Just like tens of thousands of others have from nearly every country on planet Earth.
Get Mind Lab Pro®
Join The Discussion - 28 comments
DH
January 6, 2022
Hey David. I take kratom for pain and energy from Rheumatoid Arthritis seems that after taking it and caffeine seems to give me a headache every couple of days. Do you think the ADD protocol would help with this
David Tomen
January 7, 2022
DH, the ADD protocol will only help if you are ADD. Caffeine use is easily supported with L-Theanine, L-Tyrosine, and a B-Complex. And would likely avoid the headache.
Roberto
December 8, 2021
Can MindLabPro be taken with Adderrall ?
David Tomen
December 8, 2021
Yes, I use Mind Lab Pro daily with Ritalin.
Josh
May 13, 2021
What do you think of Wellbutrin XL + concerta combo? I’m thinking of replace vyvanse with this.
David Tomen
May 14, 2021
Josh, I had this exact conversation with a consultation client yesterday. He was wondering why he was feeling agitated and on edge. I’m convinced it was the combo of those two stimulants. Why would you do it?
Look up the mechanism of action on Wikipedia and you’ll see what I mean. They are enough alike that you’ll confuse your brain. And nasty things could happen.
Better to just support your use of Vyvanse with my ADD protocol.
Poison_in_my_veins
March 28, 2021
What do you think about TAAR1 agonists like synepherine? According to wikipedia TAAR1 agonism is only official psychostimulant addiction medication. Or about agmantine? Used as nootropic or for addictions. Or endocannabinoid system and it’s role in general wellbeing and cognitive functions.
David Tomen
March 28, 2021
Poison, none of those are considered “nootropics”. They are prescription medications and I do not research or write about them except in comparison to natural nootropic alternatives.
Poison_in_my_veins
March 28, 2021
What do you think about TAAR1 agonists like synepherine? According to wikipedia TAAR1 agonism is only official psychostimulant addiction medication. Or about agmantine? Used as nootropic or for addictions. Or endocannabinoid system and it’s role in wellbeing and cognitive functions.
David Tomen
March 28, 2021
Poison, I do not normally research nor write about prescription medications unless I am comparing a drug to a natural nootropic alternative. So I do not have an opinion on any of he meds you mentioned.
My area of expertise is with natural nootropic supplements and not prescription meds.
rob
February 28, 2021
Hi David, I’m surprised you didn’t mention anything about Racetams, arnt these similar to Adderall?
David Tomen
March 1, 2021
Rob, the racetams are absolutely nothing like Adderall. The racetams are a derivative of GABA and all share a pyrrolidone nucleus at their chemical structure core. And while each of the racetams have a different mechanism of action in the human brain, the one thing they all do is increase the use of acetylcholine in your brain.
Learn more about each of the 7 most popular racetams used as nootropics here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/the-top-7-racetams-which-one-is-best/
Adderall is an amphetamine. When it enters the neuron is reverses the direction of catecholamine transporters which releases dopamine and norepinephrine forcing these neurotransmitters back into the intracellular space. And forces them into the synaptic cleft. Which provides the stimulant action.
This action by amphetamines is not very gentle on neurons, transporters or synapses. And long-term or heavy use of drugs like Adderall can cause damage.
The racetams as nootropics on the other hand by their very nature must be non-toxic, safe and beneficial to the brain. And in general they work with acetylcholine. Adderall affects dopamine, norepinephrine and to a certain extent serotonin.
I hope that answers your question. The other reason I didn’t even think of including any of the racetams in this article is because they are difficult to buy by the ‘average’ person here in the USA. Are not considered “dietary supplements” by the FDA. And must be sold as “research compounds”.
rob
March 1, 2021
Thank you David! I had always thought racetams gave you that amphetamine rush, but you explained it well. What is the feeling of taking Racetams just by themselves?
David Tomen
March 2, 2021
Rob, it depends on the racetam. Check out the full review for each of the racetams because each has a section called, “How does ____ feel?”.
Malik gilmore
November 6, 2020
Mr Tomen I’m clinically diagnosed (Recently diagnosed 7 months ago) ADD but prior to me starting Adderall and Vyvanse , I was pretty much using my dopamine system every day in a bad way(porn addiction) and having that compounded with the adderall usage, I feel like I completely ruined my dopamine system. I’m more anxious than ever, more unmotivated than ever, feel like I’m constantly onedge, can’t focus etc etc. Literally the worst I’ve ever been. Is there any stack at all, that would help me to reset my nervous system, or repair my brain to at least Baseline before my meds ? I am so desperate at this point, and don’t ever see myself getting back on meds (I’ve quit taking adderall and porn) Anything would help, thank you so much.
Malik gilmore
November 6, 2020
I forgot to mention. More impulsive than ever as well
David Tomen
November 7, 2020
Malik, your brain can heal itself if you give it what it needs to do that. My brain is proof of this!
I suggest putting together a stack for ADD like I describe in my ADD article: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/
Add a high quality Lion’s Mane Mushroom supplement like this one: https://amzn.to/3k8H9Qr. A high quality Multi like the Performance Lab Multi. N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC) helps heal and activate dopamine receptors. And a high quality Omega-3 supplement like this one: https://bit.ly/3kgtQ12
Use these supplements a couple of times per day EVERY day and you’ll begin to heal. It will take several months to really begin feeling good again. But if you stay with it you will be amazed at how you feel.
Brigitte
August 15, 2020
Hi David, I have just ordered Mind Lab Pro following your advice but I am curious as why you recommend as well Performance Lab Mind which is less complete and more expensive. Did I miss something when I checked it??
David Tomen
August 15, 2020
Brigitte, I prefer Mind Lab Pro because it is more of a ‘universal’ type of nootropic stack. In other words, it assists every brain function including repair and maintenance.
Performance Lab Mind is made to increase brain energy, memory, and processing speed. But it needs a multi like the Performance Lab NutriGenesis Multi to get the full benefit of this stack.
For example, Mind needs the B-Vitamin cofactors to synthesize dopamine from L-Tyrosine. MLP contains those B-Vitamins and PL Mind does not. Which is one of the reasons you need the Multi when using PL Mind.
But here’s a tip: stack Mind Lab Pro with Performance Lab Energy and you’ve got a great, all-around nootropic stack to take you through your day. Esp. if you use it twice. Once in the morning and then again at noon.