Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- B-Vitamins and multivitamins are crucial for brain health and neurotransmitter synthesis.
- Acetylcholine’s role in ADHD can be supported with nootropics like ALCAR and CDP-Choline.
- Nootropics like Ashwagandha and Bacopa Monnieri help repair damaged neuroreceptors in ADHD.
- Noopept enhances cognition, memory, and provides neuroprotection.
- Combining specific nootropics with essential vitamins can optimize brain function for managing ADHD symptoms.
Depending on the severity of your ADHD symptoms, you may be able to use nootropics as an alternative to prescription stimulants like Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse and their variations.
I experimented for a year by using nootropics in place of the 20 mg of Ritalin I had been using 3-times a day for several years. And for the most part, I was successful in taming my Adult ADD symptoms.
Adult ADD Nootropic Stack
The ADD/ADHD stack I use includes:
- Mind Lab Pro
- Performance Lab® Energy – twice per day
- CDP-Choline – twice per day
- ALCAR – 750 mg 1-time per day
- L-Tyrosine – 500 mg 3-times per day
- Sulbutiamine – 400 mg twice per day
- Aniracetam – 750 mg twice per day
- Vinpocetine – 10 mg 3-times per day
- Performance Lab® Omega-3 – 3 GelCaps per day
- 1 tablespoon unrefined Coconut Oil or MCT Oil– 3-times per day
- Performance Lab® NutriGenesis Multi – 4 caps per day
During my one-year stimulant holiday, the ingredients in Mind Lab Pro along with L-Tyrosine, CDP-Choline, and ALCAR (included in Performance Lab Energy) kept my dopamine, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine levels high enough to maintain focus, motivation and improve my memory. Vinpocetine kept my brain blood flow at optimal levels. And Aniracetam and Sulbutiamine improved my mood.
But after a year I decided to go back to using 20 mg of Ritalin twice per day. Because my workload had me writing 10 hours per day. And maintaining working relationships with 2 or 3 clients at once.
By adding Ritalin back to my stack I was able to reduce the time it would take to complete a project from 3 days to 1 ½ days. Proof to me that my overall brain health couldn’t make it with nootropics alone.
The beauty of continuing to use L-Tyrosine, CDP-Choline, and ALCAR even after I started using Ritalin again was that I avoided the stimulant “crash” that is so common late afternoon when using stimulants. And I was able to reduce the original 20 mg Ritalin 3-times per day down to only twice per day.
And I have not experienced building up tolerance to Ritalin that is so common when using stimulants to treat ADD or ADHD.
Your situation may be different, or ADHD symptoms not as severe. Only you can decide if nootropics can replace ADHD meds. The stack I describe on this page is designed to be used with or without stimulant meds.
Whether you use this stack with meds or without, you’ll need to discover for yourself what dosages of each nootropic are ideal for you. Because the amounts that work for me may not work as well for you. You may need less NALT and/or ALCAR.
Experimenting is the key to success with nootropics. And knowing as much as you can about what’s going on in your brain that needs to be fixed. But after many years of recommending this ADHD nootropic stack to people just like us around the world, we know this works.
The pre-made nootropic stacks mentioned in this post include:
Prescription “Smart Drugs” vs. Nootropics for ADHD
This post is in response to many emails and questions I’ve been getting about how to treat Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) with nootropics.
So if you are dealing with ADHD, hopefully this post will help. Especially if you are using stimulants like Ritalin, Adderall, Vyvanse, Focalin, or any of the other stimulant prescribed for ADD/ADHD. Or you are trying to deal with ADHD naturally by avoiding prescription stimulants.
This information can also help if you are a student or executive who uses prescription “smart drugs” like Adderall or Modafinil to boost productivity.
Here we’ll dig into the causes of ADHD or ADD in your brain. Symptoms associated with ADHD. And what you can do using nootropics, or nootropics stacked with stimulants to correct ADHD symptoms.
I’ll also include ways to potentiate the effectiveness of prescription stimulants with nootropics so they work better.
If you’ve never ‘officially’ been diagnosed with ADHD, but some of this resonates with you, you could be ADHD or ADD. And this may point you to some answers.
I’ve been ADD all my life. (ADD is ADHD without the hyperactivity). But it wasn’t until about 16 years ago, that a very wise psychiatrist identified what was going on. And why I had been struggling with focus and other problems with behavior. That no amount of self-help books on focus and management could ever correct.
Ritalin turned the lights on for me. And completely changed my life for the better. This was the seed that sprouted my interest in neuroscience and nootropics. And ultimately launching Nootropics Expert®
What is ADHD & ADD?
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) are associated with attention and executive function in your brain.
Your prefrontal cortex directs behavior, thought and feeling which are all associated with working memory. This fundamental cognitive function is what most “healthy” people take for granted, are what make up executive function.
This executive function and working memory give you the ability to:
- Regulate your attention
- Inhibit inappropriate behavior and thought
- Monitor your actions
- Plan and organize your future
If you can’t focus on the task at hand, blurt things out at inappropriate times, have little control over your emotions or actions, and can’t seem to stick to that careful set of goals you wrote down, you may be ADHD.
The Role of Norepinephrine and Dopamine in ADHD
Norepinephrine and dopamine are the primary neurotransmitters involved in ADHD because they play an essential role in attention and thinking.[i]
The “inattentive” type of ADHD is related to issues with the norepinephrine, and the “hyperactive and impulsive” type of ADHD is linked to dopamine dysfunction.
These two neurotransmitters work in concert to maintain alertness, increase focus, sustain thought, effort, and motivation. The only difference between the two is the presence of a hydroxyl group. And dopamine is the precursor to norepinephrine synthesis in your brain.[ii]
Much of what we read about ADHD focuses on dopamine’s function in your brain. But norepinephrine (NE) plays a critical role in activating your reaction to events. And how you respond to the event.[iii] NE is essential for collecting information coming in through your senses. And then modulating your brain’s response.
Any disruption in this NE system can result in ADHD, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), sleep disorders and more.[iv]
For example, NE working with postsynaptic α2-adrenoceptors (α2-AR) in your brain play an essential role in helping you focus and eliminate distractions when you’re paying attention to something.[v]
This is just one example of what goes wrong with ADHD brain function. My point in bringing this all up is not to overwhelm you with neuroscience.
But to make clear that simply suggesting too much or too little of a single neurotransmitter like dopamine cannot explain the complexity of ADHD.
So using a nootropic like L-Tyrosine to amp up dopamine in your brain is often not enough to take care of ADHD symptoms. Or using Adderall with someone who has a problem with alpha2-receptor binding with norepinephrine may not get much benefit.
This is the reason that experimenting with various stimulants and/or nootropics is often the only way to find a long-term solution to keeping ADHD under control. And why some respond better to a drug like Ritalin and not as well to Adderall. Or vice versa.[vi]
And recent research shows serotonin and acetylcholine are involved too. Mostly the “hyperactivity” part of ADHD which includes movement, inattention, and impulsivity.[vii]
Smart Drugs Used to Treat ADHD Symptoms
If you are truly and clinically ADHD or ADD, it is unlikely that optimizing your diet, getting plenty of sleep, using nootropics, and exercising regularly will get the symptoms of ADHD under control.
The most severe forms of ADHD often benefit from using prescription medication. Otherwise known as “smart drugs” in some circles, these meds are typically amphetamines or methylphenidate.
The amphetamine-class of ADHD prescription drugs includes Adderall (75% dextroamphetamine salts and 25% levoamphetamine salts), Dextroamphetamine, and Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine).
The methylphenidate-class of ADHD medications includes methylphenidate (Ritalin) and its variants like Concerta, and Focalin.
Adderall and Ritalin both work with dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. But through different mechanisms of action.
Ritalin is a pure uptake inhibitor of dopamine and norepinephrine without any other presynaptic activity.[viii] Adderall on the other hand, has additional presynaptic activity, releasing dopamine and norepinephrine from presynaptic neurons.
The idea for the last 60 years or so, has been if we could boost dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, ADHD symptoms would go away. As long as we’re taking the medication.
Why Prescription Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Meds Often Don’t Work
In an ideal world, taking one pill 2 or 3 times a day to treat ADHD would put your life back on track. And help you function like a ‘normal’ person.
But real-world results often don’t work out as well as theory. For several reasons. For example, what if there’s not enough dopamine or norepinephrine in your brain in the first place? Then stimulants will not work as well as planned because they haven’t the neurotransmitters in place to work with.
You could also have problems with not enough or damaged neuroreceptors. Natural aging processes can slow blood flow or inhibit the production of neurotransmitters. A lack of acetylcholine could prevent your neurotransmitters from doing what they were designed to do.
This is where nootropics can help save the day in treating the symptoms of ADHD.
Optimizing Dopamine & Norepinephrine
One of main culprits contributing to ADHD symptoms is a lack of dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) in your brain. Or your brain is not using the available DA and NE effectively.
Stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin work to boost levels and use of these two critical neurotransmitters.
Production of dopamine and norepinephrine in your body and brain follows this metabolic pathway:
Phenylalanine → Tyrosine → L-DOPA → Dopamine → Norepinephrine
Dopamine is converted to norepinephrine by the enzyme dopamine β-monooxygenase, with O2 and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) as cofactors.
Norepinephrine can be further converted into epinephrine by the enzyme phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase with SAM-e as cofactor.
Nootropics to boost dopamine and norepinephrine include:
- L-Tyrosine – L-Tyrosine is the precursor to the synthesis of dopamine in your brain. L-Tyrosine enhances working memory, executive function, creative flow states, reduces stress, improves mood and is anti-anxiety.Suggested dosage of L-Tyrosine or NALT for ADHD is 350- 500 mg twice per day. I successfully stack 500 mg of NALT or L-Tyrosine 3-times per day. Once each time I dose with Ritalin, and a last dose mid-afternoon to prevent a stimulant crash later in the day.
- Mucuna Pruriens (L-Dopa) – Mucuna works as an antioxidant and heavy metal chelator, improves memory & cognition, reduces depression and boosts libido.L-Dopa is also the direct precursor to dopamine. Suggested dosage of Mucuna Pruriens is 250 – 500 mg per day. But if you’re just starting out with nootropics, I highly recommend using L-Tyrosine or NALT instead of Mucuna Pruriens. Because Mucuna can be more difficult to dose since it directly stimulates the production of dopamine. L-Tyrosine and NALT are more ‘forgiving’ when it comes to dosage.
- N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC) – NAC is an amino acid that regulates the amount of glutamate and dopamine in your brain.NAC can be used to address the symptoms of ADHD. And may even help eliminate some of the negative side effects associated with prescription ADHD stimulants. Suggested dosage of NAC is 600 mg 3-times per day.
- Phosphatidylserine (PS) – PS can help improve alertness, attention, cognition, memory, recall and mood, and lower anxiety. All issues associated with ADHD.Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid component of the membrane encasing every one of your brain cells. PS helps maintain the fluidity and permeability of brain cells. Improving the flow of dopamine and acetylcholine. Suggested dosage of PS is 100 mg 3-times per day.
- Pine Bark Extract – 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 in ADHD.Pine Bark extract also helps boost blood flow in the brain by increasing nitric oxide which helps dilate blood vessels. And it helps reduce oxidative stress, membrane damage, DNA damage, inflammation, and glycation.I’ve found one of the most potent forms of Pine Bark extract comes in both Mind Lab Pro® and Performance Lab® Mind.
A word of caution here in boosting the catecholamines dopamine and norepinephrine. Too much of either is not a good thing. In fact, excess levels of either will throw your neurotransmitter levels out of balance. And can cause anxiety, insomnia and panic attacks.
Taming Hyperactivity with Nootropic Supplements
The “H” in ADHD stands for hyperactivity. Boosting levels of dopamine and norepinephrine can help balance out hyperactivity. And help calm and focus your mind. But often simply boosting or balancing these neurotransmitters is not enough.
Recent studies show that serotonin and dopamine interaction also play a role in ADHD.[ix] Serotonin is involved in the uptake, synthesis and breakdown of dopamine in your brain. Problems with serotonin seem to contribute to behavior and impulse control.
Much more research needs to be done in this area of ADHD. But we can help control and balance serotonin with nootropics.
- 5-HTP – This amino acid is synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan. And 5-HTP is the immediate precursor to serotonin in your brain.5-HTP can help relieve anxiety and depression, fibromyalgia, insomnia, migraines and likely the hyperactivity, depression and anxiety associated with ADHD. Suggested dosage of 5-HTP is 50 mg up to 3-times per day. Please see my dosage notes and warnings before you try supplementing with 5-HTP.
- Ginseng – Ginseng helps calm anxiety, and boost attention, concentration and memory. Ginseng provides neuro-protective effects on the dopaminergic-pathway which can help with ADHD. And ginseng is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI).Suggested dosage of Ginseng is 100 – 400 mg per day.
- L-Theanine – L-Theanine commonly found in green tea helps boost alpha and theta brain waves, is anti-anxiety, boosts cognition and memory and reduces insomnia.L-Theanine also helps boost GABA, serotonin and dopamine levels in your brain. Suggested dosage of L-Theanine is 150 mg 2 – 3-times per day.
- Rhodiola Rosea – Rhodiola Rosea helps improve alertness, energy, memory and mood, is anti-anxiety and antidepressant, reduces fatigue and boosts memory and concentration.Rhodiola influences serotonin and norepinephrine levels in your brain. Suggested dosage of Rhodiola Rosea extract is 150 – 200 mg per day.
- Saffron – Saffron acts as a dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Similar to how Ritalin works. A randomized double-blind study was conducted with 54 children 6-17 years old who were given 20 – 30 mg methylphenidate or 20 – 30 mg Saffron per day for 6 weeks. At the end of the study researchers concluded, “Short-term therapy with a saffron capsule showed the same efficacy compared with methylphenidate.”Suggested dosage of Saffron is 30 mg per day.
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) – Vitamin B6 helps your brain make serotonin, norepinephrine and melatonin. Suggested dosage of B6 is up to 100 mg per day.
- Vitamin B9 (Folate) – Folate (NOT folic acid) as a nootropic helps your brain make dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine and serotonin. Suggested dosage of Folate is 400 mcg per day.
- Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin) – is a cofactor in the synthesis of neurotransmitters acetylcholine, dopamine, GABA, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Suggest dosage of B12 is 100 mcg per day.
B-Vitamins are Critical in Controlling ADHD
Take note that several of the B-Vitamin group are involved in the production of the neurotransmitters involved in ADHD. I recommend adding a good B-Vitamin Complex that include methylfolate (not folic acid) and methylcobalamin (not cyanocobalamin) to your stack. Both in a pure nootropic stack as well as when using any of the ADHD prescription stimulants.
But it’s not only the B-Vitamins that are required for a healthy, fully functioning brain. We also need each of the 13 vitamins and 13 minerals needed for everything from blood flow, neurotransmitter synthesis and release, brain signaling, and neuroprotection.
I’ve found the easiest way to make sure my ADD brain gets all the vitamins and minerals it needs every day is to also use a multivitamin/mineral supplement.
The best I’ve found so far is the multivitamin called Performance Lab® NutriGenesis Multi. It’s better than the “raw-food” multi I was using for years. And makes a difference I can actually feel.
But please note that this multi is in addition to a B-Vitamin Complex because the ADHD brain needs more of these critical nutrients than what is normally in any good multivitamin.
The Role of Acetylcholine in ADHD
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center discovered that there are three types of ADHD.
We’ve already covered the “inattentive” type that is related to issues with the norepinephrine transporter gene. And the link to the dopamine transporter gene in the “hyperactive and impulsive” type.
But the research team now report that a variation in the choline transporter gene is associated with a “combined” type of ADHD. Symptoms include both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
Choline is required to synthesize acetylcholine (ACh) which is needed for memory, motor-control, focus, learning, concentration, and cognition.
If you have the “combined” type of ADHD it’s likely due to a mutation in this choline transporter gene variation.
Nootropics to boost acetylcholine include:
- ALCAR (Acetyl-L-Carnitine) – ALCAR donates a methyl group in the presence of Coenzyme-A for the synthesis of acetylcholine. And it’s also a shuttle transport for fatty acids through brain cell membranes. It shuttles fatty acids into mitochondria for ATP synthesis, and shuttles toxic byproducts out.
Research from the Linus Pauling Institute shows ALCAR will restore mitochondrial function, replenish age-related changes to mitochondrial structure, and helps replenish acetylcholine levels to your brain and body.
And other studies show that ALCAR stimulates nerve growth factor. Helping support survival and growth of neurons. Which is particularly important for the ADHD brain and especially when using prescription stimulants that may be tough on neurons.
- Alpha Lipoic Acid (R-LA) – Alpha Lipoic Acid increases acetylcholine production by activation of choline acetyltransferase and increases glucose uptake. This process supplies more Acetyl-CoA for the production of acetylcholine.
Alpha Lipoic Acid enhances insulin-stimulated glucose transport and metabolism for better brain cell performance. And R-Lipoic Acid provides strong antioxidant support because it helps regenerate and recycle existing antioxidants in your brain including Vitamins C & E, glutathione, and CoQ10.
I’ve since switched the ALCAR supplement in my ADD stack to Performance Lab® Energy because this pre-formulated energy stack contains my preferred dose of ALCAR. But note that I also take another 500 mg of ALCAR with L-Tyrosine late afternoon to prevent a stimulant crash.
Performance Lab® Energy also contains Alpha Lipoic Acid and ALCAR which helps my ADD brain produce acetylcholine.
- CDP-Choline (Citicoline) – Citicoline helps synthesize phosphatidylcholine (PC), a major phospholipid found in brain cell membranes. And provides choline for the synthesis of acetylcholine while providing antioxidant activity.
The CDP-Choline (Citicoline) in my ADD stack is supplied by Mind Lab Pro® which is the base of my nootropic stack.
But a suitable alternative to MLP is Performance Lab® Mind which contains the branded form of citicoline called Cognizin®.
Performance Lab® Mind and Mind Lab Pro® also contain L-Tyrosine, Phosphatidylserine (PS), and Maritime Pine Bark extract.
Repairing Neuroreceptors Needed to Control ADHD
One of the issues with neurotransmitters and ADHD are damaged or non-existent receptors. Dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin have less receptors to bind to for cognition and mood control.
Once again, nootropics come to the rescue in helping control ADHD. You can add one of these nootropics to your stack to help boost neuron and receptor health.
- Ashwagandha – This adaptogen, Ashwagandha helps reduce anxiety and depression. And helps reconstruct axons, dendrites and synapses involved in neurotransmitter signaling in your brain.Suggested dosage of Ashwagandha extract is 250 – 500 mg per day.
- Bacopa Monnieri – Bacopa helps boost memory and cognition, improves mood, and reduces stress. This adaptogen affects brain levels of acetylcholine needed for neurotransmitter signaling.And the two active components of Bacopa Monnieri called bacosides A and B not only improves signaling of electrical impulses between neurons in your brain. Bacosides also help rebuild damaged neurons. Suggested dosage of Bacopa is up to 450 mg per day.
- Lion’s Mane – Lion’s Mane Mushroom is known for stimulating Nerve Growth Factor, improving cognition and memory, and relieving depression.Lion’s Mane stimulates the repair and creation of neurons in your brain. Neurons needed for dopamine and norepinephrine to control ADHD. Suggested dosage of Lion’s Mane Mushroom starts at 500 mg per day. Note: that there’s an effective 500 mg dose of Lion’s Mane full-spectrum fruiting body in each dose of Mind Lab Pro®
- Noopept – Noopept helps boost cognition, memory, learning, perception, logical thinking and mood. Noopept increases Nerve Growth Factor, and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) critical for neuroplasticity and Long-Term Potentiation critical for long-term memory.Noopept also prevents the release of excess glutamate in your brain. Providing potent neuroprotection for neurons and reducing damage. Suggested dosage of Noopept is 10 – 30 mg per day.
Please note that I haven’t linked through to supporting clinical studies for each of the nootropics I listed above. But you can click through to my full review of each nootropic for extensive research supporting each supplement.
Nootropics for Kids
ADHD and ADD is most often diagnosed in children. The latest statistics (2011) from the CDC in the USA shows about 11% of children 4 – 17 years of age (6.4 million) have been diagnosed ADHD.[x] And that’s just for the USA.
Although ADHD is usually first diagnosed in children, it often lasts into adulthood. I sometime wonder how my life would have been different if I had been declared ADD when I was a kid.
But it wasn’t until the late 1960’s that the American Psychiatric Association formally recognized ADHD as a mental health disorder. I wasn’t declared Adult ADD until much later.
The thing is many parents are wary about putting their children on powerful, prescription ADHD meds. Kids’ brains continue to develop until your early 20’s. So is it a problem messing with brain chemistry at such a young age? Only time will tell and if the benefits outweigh any potential risk.
Hence the reason why parents are looking for ‘natural’ alternatives like nootropics to treat ADHD in children. But are nootropic supplements any safer than prescription stimulants?
Common sense tells me that using L-Tyrosine could be safer than Ritalin for boosting dopamine. And Rhodiola Rosea could be safer than stimulants or antidepressants for taming hyperactivity.
But many children with ADHD, natural supplements may not be enough. I’m not a doctor, and don’t even play one on TV. I’m an ordinary biohacker who has learned as much as I can to help myself. And fix my own cognitive performance issues. Including Adult ADD.
So I highly recommend you find and work with an open-minded psychiatrist with your child. You may be pleasantly surprised to find you may be able to reduce or eliminate prescription ADHD meds altogether to enhance cognitive functions. And maybe not. But the long-term health of your child could be worth the time investment to find out.
In Summary
I’ve been wanting to write this post since I started Nootropics Expert®. If you are ADHD or ADD, I hope you found this useful. And I’d appreciate your feedback, and share your experience with treating ADHD with nootropics in the comments section of this post below.
Please share this post with anyone you think would benefit. Including discussions about nootropics for ADHD on reddit or Longecity.
One final note. Neurotransmitter balance is key to taming ADHD. I strongly caution you to take it slow if you’re just starting out with nootropics. Carefully read each of the extended articles in the List of Nootropics you are considering trying.
You need to be careful about side effects, prescription drug interactions, dosages and how your body reacts to each supplement to ensure healthy brain function.
But I’m confident that with careful planning and a long-term commitment, your cognitive enhancement will be just as successful as I have been in living and thriving with my Adult ADD.
Join The Discussion - 786 comments
Layne
January 25, 2021
Hi, this is all incredibly useful and I’ve taken notes. Can you confirm it is generally considered safe to take these neutropics and supplements alongside stimulant adhd meds?
Cheers!
David Tomen
January 25, 2021
Layne, yes it is safe. I’ve been using this stack with Ritalin for the last 13 years every single day. Thousands of others are as well.
Kim Kelly
January 22, 2021
Hi David. I’ve was diagnosed with ADD and depression which I have had pretty my whole life but not diagnosed until my 20’s. I’ve taken pretty much every prescribed med out there. I’m that person who has negative reactions to pretty much all meds. The most common reaction being increase anxiety which turns into anger combined with episodes of high energy and heart palpitations, crashing and depression not really being relieved. Also because the level of energy and anxiety is increased it does nothing for focus and retention/memory. It’s just so frustrating and disheartening. I’ve read through your article on nootropics for depression and ADD/ADHD. I’m starting with 500 mg tryptophan at night, B6(p5p) and multi B vitamin, Lion’s Mane 2,100 mg and L-Theanine 200 mg. Am I off base with that stack? Any insight as to why I react to meds in that way? Thank you.
David Tomen
January 22, 2021
Kim, the cause could be any number of things. And not necessarily caused in your brain by a dopamine/norepinephrine problem.
See this article on L-Glutamine (https://nootropicsexpert.com/l-glutamine/) and pay close attention to what I describe in the “Overview” section. It could be that.
Or it could be caused by a dysfunctional microbiome. Or leaky gut/leaky brain. Or inflammation.
I’m afraid there is no easy answer for you. You’ll need to do what I did several years ago and experiment (carefully) with different supplements that support different functions in your body and brain. Until you come across something that starts making you feel better.
Your stack looks OK. But I would use the B-Vitamins in the morning along with Lion’s Mane. And use L-Tryptophan and L-Theanine before bed.
Kim Kelly
January 22, 2021
Thank you for replying so quickly! I did read the link you provided and does seem to fit. I’ll start with the stack mentioned and see. If the results aren’t there would it be ok to add the l-glutemine and not take anything out? Also I can’t emphasize how grateful I am for your knowledge and sharing it with everyone. I have had years of trial and error and researching on my own only to always go back to meds that just don’t work. This brings hope 🙂
David Tomen
January 23, 2021
Kim, adding L-Glutamine to this stack should be perfectly safe.
Fiona
January 21, 2021
Hi, I’m new to all this. I find this a very interesting and thorough article. I am currently 43 and recently diagnosed adhd. I have begun with 2 doses of dexamfetamine (5mg) twice daily for 4 weeks, now it’s been increased to 7.5mg first dose, 5mg second dose, 2.5mg third dose.
I found in the first few weeks that it made me really tired (typically after around 1 or 2 hours after dosing). I found that I need to have my next dose after 3hrs, because if I wait 4hrs I start to feel irritated. I have noticed that it does help me feel calmer and definitely more in control (I do have a lot of stress in my life – long story, recently diagnosed adhd kids, suspected asd also, dv, so now a single mother starting over with 2 kids 11yrs and 9yrs, who I’ve homeschooled for the past 4 years), though I still find that I can get distracted. Initially, my late nights improved. I think basically because I was just soooo tired), though after about 3weeks I started staying up late again (really late, like 1 or 2am) even though I’m tired. This is what I’ve done for quite a while long before treatment began, I think because I feel like I don’t get space to think during the day with all the distractions around, so when the kids are finally asleep I feel like I can finally think and actually get stuff done – although I usually end up researching the internet!
Neither of my kids are medicated – I am nervous about that, plus their other parent is dead against it – so I figured if I got help for myself first, then I would be able to better manage their symptoms. I have found the dex is helping me be a much more patient parent, but my ability to cope with the sensory overload after the meds wear off in the afternoon and evening is not great. I did try adding extra doses to get through right up until after the kids tuck in and I found that beneficial (though that was something I tried on intuition, not what I was prescribed – unfortunately I have to travel 3hrs for my appointments as adult adhd treatment is not readily available here).
I’m sorry if I haven’t made much sense, clearly I’m still scattered. much less so, but the scatteredness has returned. On the very first day of my meds, I did notice that my thoughts were slowed down, much quieter. It was great because even though I still had a lot of to-dos in my mind, they were much better controlled (slower and calmer). Unfortunately, it hasn’t lasted and I am feeling easily distracted and very scattered again.
Could you please recommend a stack for me, and also offer your advice on my dex dosage? I can see potential with the dex, I just don’t know what adjustments I should be making. Thank you.
David Tomen
January 22, 2021
Fiona, the problem with starting stimulant drugs to treat Adult ADD or ADHD is it does not account for the neurotransmitter decline that comes aging. I realize you make no think you are getting “older”. But dopamine begins to decline starting in your 20’s or 30’s depending on the person.
Dexamfetamine needs dopamine and norepinephrine to work properly. If there is not enough dopamine you’ll feel the symptoms you describe. The article above explains in details how to counteract this and make up for the lack of dopamine in your brain.
The nootropic stack you need to support dexamfetamine use is detailed in the Yellow box near the top of this page. The only nootropics that are not ‘required’ to make this work are Aniracetam, Sulbutiamine and Vinpocetine. As long as you are using Mind Lab Pro.
Pay close attention to dosages and timing during the day.
Fiona
January 23, 2021
Thanks for your reply. I am currently trying to source the nootropics in the stack. I am ordering those that you have links for – Mind Lab Pro, Performance Lab Energy, Performance Lab Omega-3, MCT Oil, Performance Lab NutriGenesis Multi – are you able to recommend particular brands for the remaining supplements in the stack? I am trying to source them, but I am facing overwhelm with all the choices and I’m stuck in search and research phase so I don’t know which ones to buy.
If I get started on the Mind Lab Pro and the Performance Lab supplements, would that be safe and would I be likely to feel improvement in my day to day life?
Also, I was hoping to see how I feel without meds, if I’m taking all these nootropics. Is this stack only for someone taking adhd medication, or is it fine to take without medication?
I was also wondering am I likely to gain benefit immediately, or will I need to build them up in my system over a period of time.
Lastly, is this ADHD stack recommended for children? My kids are 9 and 11, both are not medicated.
David Tomen
January 23, 2021
Fiona, you should experience the benefit of Mind Lab Pro and Performance Lab supplements within 30 mins. of taking them. But you’ll find the benefit will increase day by day as you use these supplements. They are pure and very effective. And make a difference in the day-to-day life of thousands of others who use them.
This stack was designed to be used with and without prescription stimulants. Some find they can control their ADD or ADHD symptoms with this stack alone and not need to use stimulant meds. I tested it for one year and it works.
Here are the 7 steps I used to choose the highest quality supplements: https://nootropicsexpert.com/7-tips-for-choosing-the-highest-quality-nootropic-supplements/. I’ve got this memorized now of course and can source the best supplement very quickly. You will gain this with more experience.
For example, I use this L-Tyrosine supplement because it is pure with no toxic “other ingredients”: https://amzn.to/3paYZpm. Alpha GPC: https://amzn.to/39cT2CO. And ALCAR: https://amzn.to/2NyTZwV
The supplements in this stack are also safe for children but at much lower doses. I’m not qualified to make recommendations for children however. This should be done in consultation with a qualified health professional trained to work with kids.
Sven
January 17, 2021
Hi! Great article!
I have ADD (not ADHD) myself and use Medikinet (Methylphenidath) daily. On top, I consume ALCAR+NALT (1-2 x 500mg each), Ginko, vitamine B complex + occasionally Omega 3 / vitamine D.
You recommend using Ginseng, but in the article linked you mention possible side effects when consumed in combination with Ritalin.
So, what’s your take on that? Any recommendations how to improve my stack?
David Tomen
January 17, 2021
Sven, Ginseng acts like an SNRI so it ‘may’ be contraindicated with methylphenidate. Because it may potentiate the effects of methylphenidate which could cause problems.
But this doesn’t happen for everyone. Only some will have a bad reaction combining the two. But you don’t really need it anyway.
If you only do one dose per day of methylphenidate then using this stack morning and noon should work for you. But if you feel yourself crashing around 4 PM then try using the stack again.
The very basics of my ADD stack are: 500 mg NALT twice per day, 500 mg ALCAR twice per day, 300 mg Alpha GPC twice per day, B-Complex daily, Omega-3 (DHA 1,000 mg) daily, and Vitamin D3 4,000 IU daily.
Don’t forget that Ginkgo acts as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) so will increase dopamine levels in your brain. It will affect methylphenidate and NALT. Which may or may not work for you. But it also boosts cerebral circulation which is a great thing for the ADD brain.
KevinL
January 12, 2021
Hi David, i am currently studying at a university in Holland. My finals are about to come up and I feel overwhelmed with anxiety. Part of that anxiety is due to my ritalin usage for my ADHD. I suffer from Social anxiety disorder and goes hand in hand with the ADHD..both make it each other worse. I already take some vitamins and minerals for my general health like: Vitamin D, Vitamin B complex, fish oil, l-tyrosine, magnesium, Vitamin K and Vitamin C.
Do you have any tips on what to take with the ritalin so I don’t get so anxious?
David Tomen
January 13, 2021
Kevin, first your dosage for you are using needs to be correct. That includes at least 500 mg L-Tyrosine morning, noon and 4 PM. The last dose if to prevent a stimulant crash.
Replace your “fish oil” with a DHA supplement. Get one that contains 1,000 mg DHA in one or two gelcaps with half as much EPA. Or get the Performance Lab Omega-3 (https://bit.ly/3q98chL) and use 3 gelcaps per day. Which is what I use now.
I’ve personally had a lot of success with Aniracetam + Sulbutiamine for anxiety and depression. Get combo I’ve found for me. Not sure if it will help you however.
Get yourself a high quality Multi to replace/restore all the critical vitamins and minerals you’re deficient in. I use this one and feel better using it: https://bit.ly/347dm5M
And do something to increase acetylcholine as well. Alpha GPC + ALCAR will work. Once you get those two neurotransmitters working optimally and bring everything else into balance I think you’ll start feeling less overwhelmed.
Boris
January 11, 2021
Hi David, thanks so much for this great article, amazing info.
I am a 43 year old male and have been trialling ADHD meds for the last couple of months, starting with Ritalin (horrible), Vyvanse (ok, by very ‘slow/floaty’) and now Dexamphetamine, which is what we have in Australia in place of Adderall.
What I have found is that I had to very quickly increase the dose of Dex to get the same effect. The first time I had it I tried 1/4 of a 5mg tablet and it worked great. For the last 5 days I have been on a more standard dose of 10mg 3 times a day. I am finding each time reduced effect, the first morning dose works ok, second hardly and the 3rd almost not at all when I actually get sleepy and feel heavy. I’ve also experienced depression on most evenings, some nights it was really bad, complete despondent hopelessness. Some anxiety too. Depression and anxiety have been a constant companion to my ADHD in my life, especially anxiety. These nightly depressive episodes have been worse than anything in many years.
In the afternoon after the 3rd dose I start to get sleepy. Initially I’d then also get hit with the above mentioned withdrawal with depression. I stopped taking 5htp 2 nights ago and have not drank coffee for the last 2 days (usually 4 standard shots of coffee daily) – these last 2 days seem much better, although still some sleepiness and increased tolerance, but the depressive symptoms are easing. However at night I still can’t sleep and end up taking clonidine (prescribed by the same psych that gave me the Dex), as well as Belsomra. I still barely sleep. That was the case before the stimulant meds and its predictably worse with them.
Reading your site and others one issue I think I am highly impacted by is dopamine depletion. I have been taking 5-htp for the last 1.5 years, every time before bed to help with sleep – 300mg. I also take melatonin (3mg) and magnesium at that time. I tend to also have 2-3 drinks of alcohol in the evening.
For most of that time I have take tyrosine (500mg) and theanine also. However for the last 2-3 months it has only been the 5htp, no tyrosine. So very likely I am very dopamine depleted, would you say that’s correct?
I have just bought tyrosine, to take with each dose of Dex, as well as ALCAR. Alpha GPC is on order. I have not been taking vitamins recently, but was until 3 months ago when I had to start saving money so stopped buying most of my supplements. Have now started these again after reading the above – B vitamin complex, as well as D, zinc, CoQ10 and fish oil.
My question is how best to restore my dopamine depletion after the 5htp so the meds start work well again? Is what I am doing now, as listed above, enough or is there more I can do?
How would the caffeine contributed and do you think it is ok to keep drinking it? And what about the impact of alcohol?
Apologies for all that detail I’ve thrown in, wanted to be thorough. I am determined to get through the current tough period and get the best out of the meds with help from whatever supplements I’d need. Your help is greatly appreciated!
thank you
David Tomen
January 13, 2021
Boris, I’m sure it’s a lack of dopamine that is causing these symptoms. The amphetamine needs more dopamine to work properly especially in older people (i.e. 40+).
I suggest trying 1,000 mg L-Tyrosine in the morning, 500 mg at noon and another 500 mg around 4 PM. But you need at least 3 of the B-Vitamins for this to work. So best to get a high quality Multivitamin like the Performance Lab NutriGenesis Multi (https://bit.ly/347dm5M).
ALCAR, and Alpha GPC helps increase acetylcholine which is always a problem in the ADHD brain. And ALCAR with CoQ10 help mitochondria produce ATP to you fight fatigue.
Please do NOT use “fish oil”. Your brain required 1,000 mg DHA per day taken in the morning. You cannot get that from fish oil. Get a high quality DHA supplement that provides 1,000 mg DHA in one or two gelcaps along with half as much EPA.
Lee
January 10, 2021
Hi David, I’m 60 years old male. Got diagnosed with ADHD recently and put on 2x10mg Adderall IR daily. The first week it worked wonders for my ADHD symptoms, from attention to anxiety issues. But then now it made me very sleepy about one hour after taking it. I changed the dosage and timing around, but the problem still persists. I did a little research and apparently there are about 6% of ADHD people having this side effect when they take stimulants. Adderall really helps me with so much with emotional/social issues that I want to continue with it. I don’t understand why Adderall makes so many ADHD people stay alert and focused but in my case, it makes me so relaxed, calm, and very sleepy.
Is there any supplement that can help with this sleepiness side effect while on Adderall?
David Tomen
January 11, 2021
Lee, you are experiencing this problem because the 60 yr. old brain does not have enough dopamine for Adderall to do its job effectively.
If you want Adderall to work and to avoid a crash late afternoon I suggest you scroll up to the top of this page. And start using the stack I’ve suggested in the yellow box. And I mean every supplement in that stack with the possible exception of Aniracetam and Sulbutiamine. And you can replace Vinpocetine (if you find it difficult to get) with Pine Bark Extract.
Start using this stack as described and Adderall will start working again. And continue to work for as long as you want to use it.
Lee
January 14, 2021
– Thank you for your quick reply. I’m trying out your stack slowly. For the past 4 days I stopped Adderall and started taking ALCAR, PS, NALT, RALA, CDP Choline along with the current supplements like NAC, Rhodiola, Ashwagandha, Vit-D, Fish Oil, L-Theanine. I’m taking up to 3g of ALCAR per day, and I can feel it makes the biggest help with my ADHD symptoms. My brain fog is almost gone, my mood is greatly improving, my focus on task is steady.
– The reason I’m taking a large dose of ALCAR because I think I’m most like ADHD-combined type. And that means my acetylcholine level is suboptimal low or not stable enough to maintain my attention. I’m used to be a heavy smoker, so that may explain my “acetylcholine” theory.
– I’m also studying up on iodine deficiency, thanks to your youtube video. I think I may have both ADHD and iodine deficiency. I will soon supplement with Iodoral to see if it will improve my other problem like fatigue, hair loss, dry skin.
– I’m thinking to add Huperizion A into my stack above. I watched your youtube video and think it may help me more with my ADHD issues. Please advise.
David Tomen
January 16, 2021
Lee, if you decide to start using Iodine please follow the dosage recommendations closely. That includes stacking it with Selenium, Vitamin C and magnesium. And don’t forget that Iodine is fat-soluble. So must be taken with a meal containing healthy fats. Or a tablespoon of unrefined coconut oil or MCT Oil. Iodoral is a good choice because it’s a combination of Iodine/Potassium Iodide. But make sure you start with the smallest dose and see how you react.
Be careful with Huperzine-A because it has a 24 hr. half-life. Which means you can only use it every 2nd or 3rd day. It is a powerful way to raise acetylcholine levels in your brain. And can be very effective. But must be respected.
Lee
January 20, 2021
Hi David, you were right about Iodine. I took 12.5mg Iodoral for 2 days (together with Mag, Vit-C, selenium) and immediately got all “detox” side effects like diarrhea, fluid retention. So, I stopped it and just settled with 1 or 2 cups of miso soup per day (just like the Japanese) for my iodine support.
– For Huperzine-A, I’m taking 100mcg every other day. I think it’s working for me. I have a lot of vivid and pleasant dreams. I read the reviews on Reddit & Amazon and most people don’t have much side effects from it, even though some take it daily. Many said it pairs well with ALCAR and PS for cognitive + memory improvement.
– My remaining issue is that should I continue taking any stimulants for my ADHD at all? I’m worried about all the side effects they cause and ultimately they may cause dementia or PD later on. I read this article (https://rxisk.org/could-your-stimulant-or-antidepressant-cause-dementia/) and wonder if it’s worth it to try other stimulants like Ritalin, Vyvanse. Please let us know what you think about this.
– Finally, just want to say thanks so much for your website and all the youtube videos. I’m sure they are great resources for all nootropic users out there.
David Tomen
January 21, 2021
Lee, this is the study that article is referring to: https://rxisk.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Stimulants-and-Parkinsons-disease-1.pdf.
The author makes a good cased for how destructive stimulants can be. Especially the amphetamine class of stimulants. I have not had any problems with Methylphenidate which has the longest track record of any of the stimulants. But I’ve been doing continual maintenance and brain repair since I started using it. Which I know has helped a lot.
But honestly, depending on your age and the severity of your ADHD you may be able to handle it with just nootropics. I did for one year and it worked just fine.
Eric
January 9, 2021
Hi David! Amazing post and information, thank you so much! In the comments you tell people to add Alpha GPC, but in your “ADD/ADHD stack” at the top of the page you don’t include it. Any reason why? Thanks!
David Tomen
January 10, 2021
Eric, I forgot to include it when updating this article. Thanks for pointing it out. It will be corrected. Much appreciated.