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 - 829 comments
Joseph
February 15, 2021
Do you think there is any benefit in taking protein shakes before my vyvanse morning dose? I saw a lot of people telling it increases the effects of the drug. Also, I’d like to know if you recommend doing 23hrs fasting and taking the medication first thing in the morning. Do you think there is any problem taking vyvanse and ritalin booster?
David Tomen
February 16, 2021
Joseph, using a protein shake to support Vyvanse usage is a very inefficient way to do it. There is some L-Tyrosine in your protein shake I assume.
But you need more than just L-Tyrosine as explained in the article above. You need to support acetylcholine, brain cell membranes with Omega-3s, and ongoing brain repair. You cannot do all that with just a protein shake.
And why would you use Vyvanse and Ritalin at the same time? Are you using these drugs to take care of ADHD symptoms? Or purely for their stimulant effects?
Joseph
February 16, 2021
The problem is everytime I take Tyrosine, I get nausea. Why this? Do you think that doing fasting is bad? Will fast makes vyvanse less effetive? I usually have omad at 9pm.
Joseph
February 16, 2021
I also take cymbalta 90mg and prysma (lunesta) 2mg before bed.
David Tomen
February 17, 2021
Joseph, when you are fasting there are no nutrients entering your system to produce dopamine or acetylcholine which Vyvanse needs to work.
Do you take L-Tyrosine on an empty stomach? While you are fasting?
Joseph
February 17, 2021
Yes, I do. But it gives me nausea and blurry vision.
David Tomen
February 18, 2021
Joseph, then try a natural MOAI instead because it may be gentler with. Do a search of Nootropics Expert (search field top right of the main menu) for “MAOI”.
That can indirectly increase dopamine and you’ll avoid L-Tyrosine.
Joseph
February 16, 2021
Besides nausea, I also get blurry vision every single time I use tyrosine.
Joseph
February 18, 2021
The reason why I asking if it is possible to mix ritalin with vyvanse is because vyvanse takes at least 2hours to kick in in the morning and I can not wait 2 hours for the medication take effect, once I have to study. So I was thinking of take 20mg of ritalin in the morning and then 50mg of vyvanse. In my country I only have this two options.
David Tomen
February 19, 2021
Joseph, now that makes sense. You may want to consider just using Ritalin in the future. 20 mg in the morning and 20 mg at noon. It’s what do and when I use the nootropic stack described above it works great, I never grow tolerant, and if I take a third stack around 4 PM I don’t crash either.
Arvid
February 14, 2021
Hi David,
I have been diagnosed with ADHD and have been taking 36mg Concerta for about 3 months now. They have been working great but i’m interested in further improving my ADHD symptoms with nootropics.
Right now my routine/stack looks like this:
Morning:
Concerta 36mg
Omega 3 2000mg
D3 vitamin 1 pill
Evening:
Complete multivitamin complex (from Bulk) 1-3 pills
Omega 3 2000mg
Magnesium Glycinate 400mg
L-theanine 0-500mg
Creatine 5mg
I’m also thinking about adding:
L-tyrosine (NALT) 500mg morning & 500mg evening
Acetyl-L (ALCAR) 500mg morning & 500mg evening
Besides this i sleep and eat well and go to the gym 4-6 times a week.
Do you have any suggestions on my stack? Anything i should add/remove/replace?
Thanks in advance! Your site has helped me tremendously!
David Tomen
February 15, 2021
Arvid, I’m assuming your Concerta is instant release. You should be using L-Tyrosine and ALCAR morning and noon. Your brain needs the dopamine and acetylcholine during the day and not at night.
You may also want to consider adding 300 mg of either Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline morning and noon. It works in synergy with ACLAR to make acetylcholine.
Your Omega-3 dose should include 1,000 mg DHA and half that EPA. Better to take it in the morning because it can act as a mild stimulant. Not to be used in the evening.
I also suggest you take a look at the Multi you are using to determine if it’s synthetic or natural. This is how to select a quality multivitamin: https://nootropicsexpert.com/how-to-select-the-best-multivitamin-for-brain-function/.
And since you are using a prescription stimulant you may want to consider something for ongoing brain repair and maintenance. You need to keep your dopamine neurons in good condition. I personally use Mind Lab Pro (https://bit.ly/3lh3w8a) for that. You can use MLP or 500 mg Lion’s Mane Mushroom extract twice per day.
Arvid
February 15, 2021
Thanks for answering!
Sorry I forgot to mention that my Concerta 36mg Is an extended release and I’m also a male in my early 20’s. I have taken your advice into consideration and realised that I should replace my multivitamin and also look for a better Omega-3 supplement. I also found a nootropic mix for brain repair and maintenance I think would fit good in this routine/stack.
After applying your advice I have made a new routine/stack I think is better but I would love to see what you have to say about it.
Morning:
Concerta 36mg (Extended release)
Omega 3 4000mg
D3 vitamin 1 pill
Creatine 5mg
L-Tyrosine (NALT) 500mg morning & 500mg noon
Acetyl-L (ALCAR) 500mg morning & 500mg noon
Nootropic mix 1 pill*
Evening:
Multivitamin
Magnesium Glycinate 400mg
L-Theanine 200-400mg
Nootropic mix 1 pill*
*Nootropic mix per 2 pills:
Lion’s mane extract 500mg
Bacopa monnieri 300mg
Alpha-GPC 300mg
Cats Claw 250mg
phosphatidylserine 150mg
Artichoke extract 150mg
B6 10mg
B12 5g
I have also heard that N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine, is a good supplement when using methylphenidate is this something you would recommend considering the different supplements I’m currently taking?
But most of all I’m interested in hearing what you have to say about this updated stack!
I can’t begin to thank you enough for taking the time to help!
David Tomen
February 16, 2021
Arvid, you have a good stack. But change your Multivitamin usage to morning and noon. Because most of the vitamins and minerals in your multi are water soluble. And whatever is not used during the day is excreted in urine. You need these nutrients during the day more than at night.
NAC is a great supplement for this because it supports dopamine receptors. And boosts your immune system.
Elaine
February 13, 2021
Hi there,
I am 48 and was diagnosed last year with ADHD. I am trying to just do it naturally, without meds. I was sick for decades with Lyme Disease and so have had major health issues associated with that but in remission now. So, I have been on a protocol now for 6 to 8 weeks that included L Tyrosine and it appears I have a major issue with it. I am on a T3 thyroid hormone for the last 10 years. Had a mulit-nodular goitre etc……the L tyrosine really started to affect my thyroid/goitre. I was getting it in the True Focus supplement from NOW, as part of a protocol I’m on. It was increasingingly painful and difficult to swallow and I was getting massive brain inflammation. Just to move my head was painful and like it was full of liquid. It was like having a permanent hangover and my hypothyroid symptoms really came back with avengence. I woke up one morning at 5 am with a fairly extreme pain running from my thyroid right down my sternum. When I stopped the True Focus it improve massively, by about 60%. I then took out the ginko that I was also taking and that seemed to have sorted out another bit. Why am I having this extreme reaction to L thyrosine? I thought it might potentiate my meds but just seemed to have driven my thyroid and my brain crazy. I did try L tryosine on it’s own a previous time some 6 months before and same thing…….any insights on that one?? Thanks in advance, Elaine
David Tomen
February 14, 2021
Elaine, I’ve been using 1,500 mg L-Tyrosine per day while using NP Thyroid without a problem. So I can’t tell you “why” it happened.
But it has something to do with how your body is using thyroid hormones. The thyroid hormones T4 and T3 are synthesized from iodine and “tyrosine” with the help of selenium, Vitamin C and magnesium.
Someone told me last week that synthetic thyroid hormone was contraindicated with L-Tyrosine. And I thought it was BS. But now you have verified what they said. I just don’t know why it’s happening.
Cathy
February 13, 2021
Hi David,
I’d like to have your opinion on what I should start with in my situation.
I was suspected ADHD during my childhood and treated with ritalin. For some reasons, my parents decided to stop using those meds and we never talked about my condition again. Growing older, I realized stimulants especially amphs were giving me the opportunity to focus and maintain motivation for extended periods of time, in what I consider in healthy and really helpful way, while the same micro use/ micro dosage would be just a “speed hype” for my friends. So I believe something was right about the suspected diagnostic years ago. However, I don’t have access to any physician and I am not sure I want to dive into standard medication anyway. But I would absolutely love to try other solutions to get the same benefits I get from micro dosage of amphets. Caffein just gets me irritated and my heart races, without any real stimulation. So here I am.
I’m looking for specific effects. I want to stop being constantly distracted/irritated by surrounding noises and movements. I want to be able to focus hard on my work, to lose notion of time being absorbed by my tasks, and I enjoy that elevated mind and motivation stims can give. And just so you know, I don’t really have any struggles related to anxiety or depression, so no need to consider those conditions. However, having a little more social interactions would be big plus, as I am not always at ease to initiate interactions by myself. My ideal would be for a daily and regular use.
According to what I read from you:
“You need 500 mg L-Tyrosine 3-times per day, 300 mg Alpha GPC 3-times per day, 500mg ALCAR 3-times per day, 1,000 mg DHA (NOT fish oil), and a high quality multivitamin that includes natural and bioactive vitamins and minerals. And Mind Lab Pro for brain repair.”
L-Tyrosine is always coming back in everything I read, so i’m convinced. For the rest, Alpha GPC is way more expensive (well, might be cause i’m in Canada), so I’m not such that it’s worth it and I’d like to find a formula without stacking that one.
Well, i think it pretty much gives all the required information. What would you suggest for my situation?
Thank you so much!
David Tomen
February 14, 2021
Cathy, I never had the benefit of being diagnosed ADD when I was a kid. So count yourself ‘lucky’ that you were. At least you know what you’re dealing with.
This stack should help you and you may find you won’t need to go back to using Ritalin. You do need to increase acetylcholine because that is your main signaling neurotransmitter. And you do that by using a choline supplement like Alpha GPC along with its cofactor ALCAR and some of the vitamins.
The alternative to Alpha GPC is CDP-Choline which may be called Citicoline in Canada. Some find one works better for them than the other. But both will do the job.
D
February 12, 2021
I’ve struggled with depression, anxiety, and ADD for my entire adult life (I’m 38). Been on several antidepressants over the years that worked ok. Also struggle with a binge eating disorder and insomnia. For the past year I have been on Fluoxetine and Vyvanse, which worked great for a few months. I began to have a horrible stimulant crash in the afternoon, causing extreme anxiety and worsening of my depression. Then was started on 20mg methylphenidate to take in the afternoon to help with the crash, then 40mg, and now I am maxed out on everything and feel worse than ever, have gained 40lbs from impulsive binge eating, and don’t know what to do anymore.
I just started seeing a psychiatrist who stopped the vyvanse and started me on short acting adderall 3 times daily, continued my fluoxetine at 80mg. I would like to start incorporating nootropics slowly, but safety. I’ve done some reading on your site, but would love some tips.
I plan to dose with l-tyrosine 500mg 3 times daily as u recommend above. I also got DHA 1000mg. Should I do l-tryptophan at night or is that too risky since I’m already on the SSRI (which I don’t believe I’m responding to anymore)?
I do believe my problems involve dop and norep, but I also feel like the SSRI isn’t working, or I’m not responding to it…idk. I hope this all makes sense.
What general recommendations do u have considering I want to do this slowly and safely?
David Tomen
February 12, 2021
D, don’t you love it when the medical professionals just throw another drug at the problem. Not comprehending what they’re doing?
Welcome to Nootropics Expert. I designed the nootropic stack above when I found myself growing tolerant to Ritalin after two years of daily use. It worked then and it’s still working. And I have not needed to increase my Ritalin dose nor do I crash late afternoon. Even after nearly 14 years of doing this.
The key it to provide your brain with the dopamine, acetylcholine, and phospholipids (DHA) it needs especially when using prescription stimulants. And doing some brain repair.
You need 500 mg L-Tyrosine 3-times per day, 300 mg Alpha GPC 3-times per day, 500mg ALCAR 3-times per day, 1,000 mg DHA (NOT fish oil), and a high quality multivitamin that includes natural and bioactive vitamins and minerals. And Mind Lab Pro for brain repair.
If you find that you start to become dopamine-dominant and feel the effects of excess dopamine, that’s when you try introducing 500 mg L-Tryptophan before bed. But only after you cut back on or stop using that antidepressant.
Will
February 11, 2021
Hi David, I am considering trialing a few different nootropics to aid my ADHD (overthinking and sometimes almost manically), depression and anxiety (worrying, nervousness and edginess). I was pointed in the direction of N-Acetyl Semax Amidate, NSI 189 and P21 by another guy who had similar issues to myself. I have read some great reviews for all nootropics, however I’ve also seen one or two worrying ones. Do you think one or all would help me?
I was also going to ask whether or not these nootropics would require the ones you listed, as you suggest they are needed with prescribed ADHD medication.
Thanks.
David Tomen
February 12, 2021
Will, I always prefer to do things “naturally” using natural nootropics instead of messing with compounds that are prescription drugs in countries other than the USA.
The stack I describe above is designed to be used with or without prescription ADHD stimulants. The description includes dosage and timing during the day. You do not need to use synthetics to take care of your symptoms. In fact, I don’t recommend them.
Will
April 28, 2021
Hi David, so I tried the N-Acetyl Semax Amidate and the P21 and I really didn’t notice any positive improvements of note. Similar to ADHD medications I’ve tried in the past. However there weren’t necessarily any cons as there were with the ADHD meds.
I am going to buy this stack you mention and give it a go. What is the approximate cost?
I really do need to try to find a remedy to control my anxiety, worrying, overthinking, intensity at times, sudden outbursts of anger, drive/motivation etc. It really is a serious problem for me now that I need to address. Feel crazy at times. Desperately hoping this helps but thank you for sharing it regardless.
I didn’t realise you’d messaged me back until recently…
David Tomen
April 30, 2021
Will, the stack I outline in the yellow box up top likely comes out to $250 – 300 per month depending on where you are. It works and worth the investment if you are ADD or ADHD.
Will
May 29, 2021
I will try this stack soon. If it helps raise my mood, increase focus and drive and stop overthinking then you’re a genius. I will likely message you again once I start supplementing. Great that you respond to everybody. Thanks!
David Tomen
June 1, 2021
Will, I’m certainly not a genius. I’ve just been doing this a long time and with a lot of people.
I can’t guarantee that it will work for you. It should but may take some tweaking once you get started.
Will
June 1, 2021
Hi David, apologies to message you twice in such a short space of time. Two more questions for you. First of all, is there any way to order your book in hardback or paperback in the form of an actual book, or does it only come via Kindle?
Lastly, you have ADD, so you don’t have personal experience of this stack helping ADHD sufferers?
The issue for me is feeling balanced. Need to find a remedy for my social anxiety and fear of being super intense or low & self conscious around people and in general. I just want to feel balanced and potentially happier (feeling of self worth) from day-to-day while hopefully increasing motivation/drive.
Will
June 1, 2021
You’ve gone from “will work” to should work” 🙁
I know what you’re saying though. The exact dosages and certain elements of the stack may not be the same for everyone..
David Tomen
June 2, 2021
Will, I forgot about your question about ‘personal experience with other ADHD”. I’ve lost count of the number of people with ADD or ADHD that I’ve worked with over the years. And yeah, it worked for them.
This was designed specifically for this purpose. Dosages may vary but most will use the main elements of this stack and will get the benefit. I say “most” because I’m sure there is someone on earth who has tried this and didn’t get any benefit. I just have not met that person.
Will
June 4, 2021
Let’s hope I’m not the first lol
Thank you for taking the time to reply though. Appreciated.
jordan
January 28, 2021
Hi David,
I’m a 23 y/o male struggling from low libido/sex drive/ ed sometimes. I Was diagnosed with ADHD when I was a child and was on Riddalin, a stimulant medication for a few years. Stopped at age 12. I also watched porn frequently in high school. I’d say that I have a somewhat addictive personality and can be apathetic at times but overall have a successful career in software sales, by putting in structure and trying to create good habits. I don’t do any drugs and rarely drink. Mood is okay most of the time, as well as limited anxiety. I also took a 23 and me test, and saw that I have the rs1800497 CT allele which is associated with slightly lower food reward upon eating due to a decreased number of dopamine receptors.
I know that dopamine plays a big role in libido and this is where i think I either don’t have enough receptors, or my receptors aren’t working properly. I don’t know for certain but it’s a guess.
Despite having low ferritin levels(31), a T3 of 1.8(kinda low) and high b12(from nutritional yeast), I think overall nutritionally I’m fine. I get 15mg of iron from my multivitamin and eat ground beef and spinach a ton.
On 19/11/2019 my DHEA was at 245 then 8/7/2020 was 203 then 12/30/20 190–still in normal range so i think I’m okay there. Cortisol was 21.7 fasted in AM
I take a multivitamin, vitamin c, vitamin d, 200 mg of magnesium glycinate prior to bed, and 20 g of maca daily. I consumer around 2100 calories a day(275g carbs, 155 protein, 53 fat) and sleep is pretty squared away.
Typically drink around 2 cups of coffee each day with 40g of ground per cup and drink a ton of BCAAs(wth leucine, valine, isoleucine).
Of course, sexual performance could totally be a mental thing but I am leaning towards the potential of a dopamine deficiency and maybe a normal imbalance. Hoping that adaptogens might help restore any imbalaces. I definitely find girls attractive, but sometimes I feel like the urges and light bulb doesn’t go off to pursue.
I just ordered l-citruline, panax ginseng, gingko balboa, and pine bark, any advice on dosing and/or timing? Obviously, I know it is an experiment but maybe starting doses would be great. Chances are just psyching myself out but any other thoughts would be more than appreciated for something that might be able to just rev up my libido a bit more and and get the neurons firing again. Don’t know if tyrosine, or NAC, or PS would be too much but whatever you suggest I’m open to hearing about.
David Tomen
January 29, 2021
Jordan, it is unlikely that your issues are purely due to a “mental thing”. I realize you are young but I highly recommend getting your free and total testosterone levels checked. There is plenty of evidence that T-levels have dropped even in guys in their 20s for various reasons.
But I think your instincts are on to something regarding dopamine. You can easily raise dopamine by using 250 – 500 mg L-Tyrosine which will work for about 4 hrs. If it works then you dose again. Morning and noon.
You can help restore sensitivity of you existing dopamine receptors and increase their number by using Ginkgo Biloba (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21640798/, and Forskolin (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7851491/) and (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9353595/). NAC supports dopamine receptors.
L-Citrulline helps made L-Arginine (1 gram) and will help you get an erection. It also helps to use 3 – 5 grams of L-Arginine at the same time.
You’ll find dosages and timing for Panax Ginseng, Ginkgo Biloba, and Pine Bark Extract in my reviews for each supplement which you can easily find by scrolling down this list and click through to the full review: https://nootropicsexpert.com/nootropics-list/
jordan
January 30, 2021
David,
Thanks so much for the reply. I can speak for everyone when I say you are really helping.
I appreciate the recommendations and have been looking into the dosing for the recommendations above.
What are your thoughts on Beta phenylethlymaine(PEA), Blueberry extract, D, L Phenylalanine(DLPA)? vs the things I mentioned
Also, I see you recommended tyrosine and I have read your article on N-acetyl l-tyrosine here
https://nootropicsexpert.com/n-acetyl-l-tyrosine/#:~:text=N%2DAcetyl%20L%2DTyrosine%20can,nootropic%20for%20boosting%20cognitive%20function.&text=N%2DAcetyl%20L%2DTyrosine%20helps,neurotransmitters%20dopamine%2C%20norepinephrine%20and%20epinephrine.
in my case, do you recommend one over the other?
Again, to reiterate, can’t thank you enough for the site and your reply.
David Tomen
January 31, 2021
Jordan, I’m not sure how Beta phenylethylamine (PEA), Blueberry extract,and D, L Phenylalanine(DLPA) would work with this stack. You could try it but I don’t think it would be a good replacement for L-Tyrosine.
N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine is simply L-Tyrosine with an acetyl-group added. The theory is that it increases the bioavailability of L-Tyrosine. But clinical trials have not proven this.
Some find L-Tyrosine works better than NALT, and vice versa. I’ve tried both successfully but have went back to plain L-Tyrosine which I use 3-times per day.
jordan
February 2, 2021
David,
Thanks a ton. It seems like it’s trial and error to see what best works between Tyrosine and NALT. Regardless of which one I go with,
1) should I add a b vitamin complex because they are cofactors in neurotransmitter production?
2) Also if use 500 mg L-Tyrosine 2/3-times per day it is beneficial to use 500 mg L-Tryptophan before bed for the serotonin balance?
3) Currently taking 200mg magnesium glycinate before bed but am thinking of stopping because it has been giving me a slight headache in the AM. If I continue to use it, would it blend well with tryptophan if I should be taking it when using tyrosine?
David Tomen
February 2, 2021
Jordan,
1) absolutely yes
2) yes
3) try a 100 mg of magnesium and see if that helps
Your body can use only so much magnesium before it expels the rest anyway. I suggest 400 mg magnesium before bed because most are deficient in this mineral. But once you build up your magnesium levels the maintenance dose is likely much smaller than that. Either way you need some magnesium and you just need to figure out a dose that works for you.
jordan
February 3, 2021
David,
Thanks so much for the reply and providing clarity on the tyrosine/tryptophan/b-vitamin inquiry.
I had some blood tests recently and my b12 came back high(I can tie this back to heavy consumption of nutritional yeast that I have since taken out).
However, B6 was also high, not sure why. Is there cause to concern with taking a B-vitamin complex with these two B vitamins high?
Also noticed my ferritin levels have been very low around 30, tyroid peroxidase at 11, wbc at 3.3 and ALT at 66.
Cheers and keep up the awesome work. You are a lifesaver.
Jordan
David Tomen
February 3, 2021
Jordan, if you are using a B-Complex you should probably avoid using additional individual B-Vitamins.
B6, B9, and B12 need to be within range and work together to keep homocysteine levels down. If one of them is off it upsets the balance and can elevate homocysteine which is bad news. If left unchecked could eventually result in something like a heart attack.
If you have thyroid issues it will definitely affect how your brain works. That includes iron that is out of whack. This site was my bible when I was first dealing with hypothyroid problems: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/. There is a page or two on that site which includes how to get your hormones under control and iron levels where they should be.
jordan
February 10, 2021
David,
Your comments have been incredibly helpful. Thanks to your wisdom I’ve been able to piece together the following stack. I’m trying to limit my questions because I know your time is incredibly valuable. With that said, if you could share your insight on the following I would be grateful.
Since we last spoke I’ve developed the folowing stack.
-Vitamin D 4,000 IU, Vitamin C, 2000mg, Curcumin(1000mg)+piperine(6mg) in one supplement +Fish Oil(70% DHA at 525 mg) taken with meal 1 with 3,000mg panax ginseng+175/300mg gingkoa. Sometimes I do a second dose of ginseng and ginkoa around 1 or 2pm with lunch or maybe by itself
I’m looking to add tyrosine, trpytophan, theanine, and pine bark.
1) Can I add pine bark to my stack in meal 1 with tyrosine? Do these complicat with ginseng and ginkoa?
2) Is tyrosine better than fasted?
3) Should I save trpytophan and theanine for 60-90 mins before bed on an empty stomach?
My primary goals are raising dopamine and better focus. Ideally don’t want to add anything more to this stack as it is getting complicated.
I really appreciate it!
Jordan
David Tomen
February 11, 2021
Jordan,
The only way to “increase” dopamine levels is by using a precursor like L-Tyrosine. Which I think would be a great addition to your stack.
It is an amino acid and has a tendency to compete for the transporters used by the other amino acids in your food. I get around all this by taking my stack with a tablespoon of unrefined coconut oil or MCT Oil to ensure absorption of the fat-soluble ingredients in my stack. And not have to worry about “better than fasted”. In other words I don’t take my stack with food.
Pine Bark Extract supports the use of L-Tyrosine as do Ginseng and Ginkgo Biloba.
I like taking L-Theanine and L-Tryptophan about 60 mins. before bed because they help me sleep. And L-Tryptophan raising serotonin levels which is necessary if you’re using 1,000 mg or more of L-Tyrosine during the day for dopamine.
Lee
January 27, 2021
Hi David, this is just FYI: I just discovered what can help me with so many side effects after taking Adderall, from sleepiness to headache. I tried most of items in your ADHD stack. I followed this guideline [addysafe (dot) org] I also switched to Ritalin for 3 days. Nothing did help.
Then yesterday I drank a big cup of Matcha tea (my wife is a big fan of it) since I felt so sleepy on after taking 10mg Adderall. Suddenly I felt the full positive effect of Adderall. I became so alert, so calm and very much engaged with my task. It’s absolutely wonderful.
Can you do some researches and maybe a video on Matcha tea? I heard it’s the best and most powerful antioxidant bar none?
My wife only drinks the best of Matcha tea which usually called “Organic Matcha powder – ceremonial grade” imported from Japan.
David Tomen
January 27, 2021
Lee, I think matcha is on my list of supplements to research and review. So I’ll take another look. Thanks for sharing your experience.