Are you stuck in a career that doesn’t inspire you? Or a relationship that doesn’t excite you? Or a lifestyle that doesn’t fulfill you?
Of the many excuses and issues for this complacency, one problem that surfaces the most is lack of motivation.
To make matters even worse – lack of motivation to change things that could make your life better often end up making you feel guilty and depressed.
And if left unchecked, a slow but steady spiral into long-term guilt, poor self-esteem and ongoing depression.
So what can you do to boost motivation? And where does that energy come from? That’s what we’re going to explore in this post.
We each have a limited amount of time on this planet. And no matter what stage you are in life. Realize this body will not live forever. It’s time to take back control. And learn how to change up the things you can change to create the life that you want to live.
This is where nootropics may be able to step in. And provide the brain food you need to steer you on a new path. Toward the things you want to achieve.
Table of Contents
The Neuroscience of Motivation
Dopamine and Motivation
Researchers have long known that the neurotransmitter dopamine is involved in pleasure and reward. More dopamine in your brain results in feelings of greater pleasure. And the presence of dopamine in your brain pushes you to seek this ‘reward’ of pleasure.
But researchers have recently discovered that dopamine also regulates motivation.
Dopamine provides the initiative and perseverance
needed to go after what is important to you.
In 2012, a team at Universitat Jaume I of Castellón changed the thinking and prevailing theory on dopamine. Mercè Correa said, “It was believed that dopamine regulated pleasure and reward and that we release it when we obtain something that satisfies us.
But in fact, the latest scientific evidence shows that this neurotransmitter acts before that. It actually encourages us to act. In other words, dopamine is released in order to achieve something good or to avoid something evil.”[i]
Dopamine levels vary by individual. Some people are more persistent than others when going after goals. Which you’ve likely noticed in the people around you when it comes to athletics, school and work.
Those with higher dopamine levels get more done.
Dopamine helps you to maintain the level of activity needed for what you intend. Whether it’s positive or negative. Depending on what you’re after. The goal to be a good student, or to abuse drugs.
High levels of dopamine could also explain the behavior of sensation-seekers because they are motivated to act. You see this in extreme sports. Or wildly successful musical performances.
Correa went on to say, “Depressed people do not feel like doing anything and that’s because of low dopamine levels”.
This lack of energy and motivation is also related to several debilitating health problems. Often associated with mental fatigue. Diseases like Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia.
Slacker or Go-Getter
Another study by a team at Vanderbilt University used a PET scan to map the brains of go-getters and slackers. And they found that those willing to work for rewards had higher levels of dopamine in the two areas of the brain known to be involved in motivation and reward (striatum and ventromedial prefrontal cortex).
On the other hand, slackers had higher dopamine levels in an area of the brain called the anterior insula. This area is involved in emotion and risk perception.
This last observation came as a complete surprise to researchers. Because more dopamine in the insula is associated with a reduced desire to work. Even if it means earning less money.[ii]
Glutamate AMPA-Receptors and Motivation
Turns out that dopamine is not the only neurotransmitter involved in motivation. In 2014, researchers discovered that glutamate neurons in a specific region of your brain (dorsal raphe nucleus) activate dopamine neurons in the dopamine-reward pathway.
Glutamate receptors are associated with neural communication, memory formation and learning. When glutamate AMPA-receptors in this area of the brain (dorsal raphe nucleus) are stimulated. It ends up activating the dopamine reward system.[iii]
The researchers followed this pathway all the way through using special tracers and labeling compounds.
The reward (or motivation) pathway starts with stimulation of glutamate AMPA-receptors that connect to dopamine neurons. Which in turn follows the pathway to the nucleus accumbens. The brain structure linked to motivation, pleasure and reward.
The Motivation Missing Link in Nootropics
Common wisdom in nootropic circles (so far) advise us to boost dopamine to hack motivation. It is true that as dopamine levels rise in the nucleus accumbens (reward pathway), motivation, pleasure and reward are all affected.
But this same common wisdom would have you believe that if you boost overall dopamine levels in your brain, you’ll increase motivation. And it’s just not true.
In fact, if you increase dopamine levels too much, excess dopamine converts to norepinephrine. You get irritable and can’t sleep.
The missing link in this dopamine → reward → motivation pathway are glutamate AMPA-receptors.
Rather than boosting overall dopamine levels and hoping for the best. We need to encourage stimulation of glutamate AMPA-receptors to in turn, fire up dopamine neurons. And send dopamine on its way to the nucleus accumbens.
Best Nootropics for Motivation
We know that dopamine is critical to motivation. In the lab, researchers have demonstrated that without enough dopamine, rats starve themselves to death. Despite having access to food.[iv]
But in our world it’s doubtful that you have problems with motivation to eat. Or drag yourself out of bed in the morning. So basic dopamine levels are likely not an issue.
But what about changing course in an unfulfilling career? Or getting started on that book you want to write? Or plowing through boring and tedious work that’s just part of the job?
To successfully tweak and boost motivation, you need to address the efficiency of the dopamine – motivation pathway. And this is where many of the racetam nootropics come to the rescue.
Here’s a brief list of the most potent nootropics that we’ve discovered so far that will boost motivation. First on this list is ensuring we have enough dopamine available because it’s an integral part of the dopamine – motivation system. The rest of this list of nootropics are supplements that can influence your glutamate AMPA-receptors. And modulate the effectiveness of the main neurotransmitters that affect the motivation pathway in your brain.
- L-Tyrosine – Your brain converts L-Tyrosine to L-DOPA which then produces the neurotransmitter dopamine. The unused dopamine is then further converted into the neurotransmitters norepinephrine (noradrenaline) and epinephrine (adrenaline). This triad of neurotransmitters are collectively referred to as “catecholamines”.
L-Tyrosine enhances working memory and executive function in the prefrontal cortex. It helps with creative flow states, is fuel for inspiration, motivation, cognitive flexibility, and the kind of “convergent thinking” you do in multiple choice exams. - Aniracetam – This member of the racetam-family of nootropics is very well known for helping anxiety and depression. And one of my favorites.
This fat-soluble ampakine nootropic affects acetylcholine levels in the brain. It activates D2 and D3 dopamine And Aniracetam modulates AMPA receptors.[v] Leading to better cognition, memory and motivation.
- Iodine – This essential trace element combines with tyrosine to form thyroid hormones T4 and T3. Thyroid hormones affect every cell in your brain and body. Within your brain, T4 is converted to T3 by selenium which then affects gene expression controlling metabolism within cells. And activates dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine.[vi]
It’s highly unlikely that you’ll see Iodine on any nootropic list to boost motivation. But a malfunctioning thyroid which is often caused by not enough iodine results in poor cognition, difficulty learning, problems with recall, depression, anxiety and certainly a lack of motivation.
- Nefiracetam – This fat-soluble racetam nootropic is structurally similar to Aniracetam. Nefiracetam increases the amount of time calcium channels in neurons remain open. Enhancing signaling in the pathway critical for long-term potentiation and forming long-term memories.
Nefiracetam also potentiates protein kinase C alpha (PKCα) which is involved in long-term potentiation (LTP).[vii] PKCα is dependent on glutamate signaling. And Nefiracetam activates Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) which is critical in memory formation.[viii] Again dependent on glutamate signaling. Remember, glutamate signaling fires dopamine neurons which leads to a boost in motivation.
- Noopept – This peptide-derived nootropic related to the racetam-family, Noopept increases BDNF, stimulates dopamine, nicotinic and serotonin receptors.[ix] Boosting energy, cognition, memory, logical thinking, mood and motivation.
Noopept also boosts Alpha and Beta brain wave You become calmer and more creative. It’s easier to go into a flow state. And you are prone to making innovative and resourceful decisions.
- Oxiracetam – This water-soluble ampakine nootropic in the racetam-class of compounds modulates AMPA receptors.[x] Oxiracetam increases acetylcholine And boosts ATP synthesis in brain cells.
Oxiracetam significantly improves cognition, memory, sensory perception, reflexes and motivation.
- Phenylpiracetam – This water-soluble nootropic in the racetam-class of compounds is known for its stimulatory effects. It increases the density of acetylcholine (ACh), NMDA, GABA and dopamine receptors in the brain.[xi] More receptors mean more binding sites for neurotransmitters that affect memory formation, cognition, sleep, mood and motivation.
Similar to Noopept, Phenylpiracetam has been shown in clinical studies to affect Alpha and Beta brain waves. And like Ritalin or Adderall, this nootropic increases the effectiveness of dopamine in your brain. Increasing alertness, decision-making capability, cognition and motivation.
- Piracetam – The first racetam ever developed, this nootropic modulates AMPA and NMDA receptors.[xii] And boosts the flow of acetylcholine (ACh), sensitivity and density of ACh receptors in your brain.
Piracetam also boosts cerebral blood flow. Delivering more oxygen and nutrients to neurons. Improving neural signaling, cognition, memory, focus and motivation.
- Pramiracetam – A derivative of and more potent than Piracetam, Pramiracetam stimulates choline uptake in your brain. And has a profound effect on the synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh).[xiii] Boosting energy levels, providing focused stimulation for better mental drive and motivation.
- Resveratrol – Resveratrol is a polyphenol that some plants produce in response to stress, such as injury or fungal infection. Recent research shows this polyphenol works like an ampakine nootropic in the brain.
Resveratrol is an inhibitor of enzyme PDE4 (Phosphodiesterase-4).[xiv] Studies demonstrate that when you inhibit PDE4, you raise levels of cAMP in the brain. cAMP-dependent pathways in the brain activate AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase).
Inhibiting PDE4 and boosting cAMP also makes the effect of normal dopamine production more effective. Boosting processes in this stream of chemical pathways in the brain increases learning, memory and motivation.
- Rhodiola Rosea – In Russia, Rhodiola Rosea is widely used as a remedy for fatigue, poor concentration, and decreased memory. It’s also believed to make workers more productive. Research shows Rhodiola can increase attention to detail-oriented tasks by improving concentration over a prolonged period. The ideal study nootropic.
Rhodiola Rosea stimulates your nervous system to fight fatigue that stifles mental clarity. And studies show it even saves injured neurons. And encourages the growth and development of brain cells (neurogenesis).[xv]
Any kind of fatigue you experience – regardless of source – Rhodiola Rosea is like your “magic bullet”. Mood, energy, stamina, concentration and motivation can all increase with a dose of this herb.
- Sulbutiamine – Synthesized in the lab from Vitamin B1 (thiamine), Sulbutiamine is another favorite of mine because it boosts memory, motivation and is a heck of an antidepressant.
Thiamine is essential for producing the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh).[xvi] ACh is used to relay messages between neurons in your brain. And is critical for cognition, learning, memory and motivation.
Final Notes on Motivation
If you’ve ever felt mentally drained after writing an exam, an intense study session, a misunderstanding with your partner, or working out a business problem – select 2 – 3 nootropics from the list above for your nootropic stack.
Or save some time and money and get a bottle of Mind Lab Pro® which contains an effective dose of N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine to raise dopamine levels in your brain. As well as Rhodiola Rosea which is widely used as a remedy for a lack of motivation, fatigue, poor concentration, and decreased memory.
And if a lack of energy is holding you back, try a bottle of Performance Lab® Energy which helps your brain produce the fuel it needs for better motivation.
Energy and motivation go hand-in-hand.
When I’m energized, it usually translates into motivation to get things done. When energy stores are depleted in my brain and body, I’m burned out and nothing much is going to happen.
Mental fatigue has a variety of causes. Depleted neurotransmitters can cause fatigue as well as a host of other issues. A lack of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) which is the energy source for brain cells is another cause of mental fatigue. And leads to neurodegenerative disease.
Hormones that are out of balance can cause fatigue. And poor cerebral circulation which provides oxygen and nutrients to brain cells can result in fatigue.
The amount of available mental energy in your brain has a direct influence on your cognitive performance.
So now that you know how the motivation pathway works in your brain. Add two or three of the nootropics suggested in this post. Or just get some Mind Lab Pro® and Performance Lab® Energy. And instead of feeling guilty for being a slacker, join the go-getters who are living life to the fullest.
[i] Correa M., Salamone J.D. “THE MYSTERIOUS MOTIVATIONAL FUNCTIONS OF MESOLIMBIC DOPAMINE” Neuron 2012 Nov 8; 76(3): 470–485. (source)
[ii] Treadway T.T. et. Al. “Dopaminergic Mechanisms of Individual Differences in Human Effort-Based Decision-Making” The Journal of Neuroscience, 2 May 2012, 32(18):6170-6176 (source)
[iii] Qi J., Zhang S., Wang H.L., Wang H., de Jesus Aceves Buendia J., Hoffman A.F., Lupica C.R., Seal R.P., Morales M. “A glutamatergic reward input from the dorsal raphe to ventral tegmental area dopamine neurons.” Nature Communications. 2014 Nov 12;5:5390. (source)
[iv] Berridge K.C., Robinson T.E. “What is the role of dopamine in reward: hedonic impact, reward learning, or incentive salience?” Brain Research; Brain Research Reviews. 1998 Dec;28(3):309-69. (source)
[v] Testa B., Mayer J.M. (1 August 2003). Hydrolysis in Drug and Prodrug Metabolism. John Wiley & Sons. pp. 109–. ISBN 978-3-906390-25-3. (source)
[vi] Peterson A.L., Gilman T.L., Banks M.L., Sprague J.E. “Hypothyroidism alters striatal dopamine release mediated by 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy).” Synapse. 2006 Apr;59(5):317-9. (source)
[vii] Malenka R.C., Kauer J.A., Perkel D.J., Nicoll R.A. “The impact of postsynaptic calcium on synaptic transmission — its role in long-term potentiation” Trends in Neurosciences Volume 12, Issue 11, p444–450, 1989 (source)
[viii] Moriguchi S., Han F., Shioda N., Yamamoto Y., Nakajima T., Nakagawasai O., Tadano T., Yeh JZ, Narahashi T., Fukunaga K. “Nefiracetam activation of CaM kinase II and protein kinase C mediated by NMDA and metabotropic glutamate receptors in olfactory bulbectomized mice.” Journal of Neurochemistry. 2009 Jul;110(1):170-81 (source)
[ix] Ostrovskaya R.U., Gudasheva T.A., Zaplina A.P., Vahitova J.V., Salimgareeva M.H., Jamidanov R.S., Seredenin S.B. “Noopept stimulates the expression of NGF and BDNF in rat hippocampus.”Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine. 2008 Sep;146(3):334-7. (source)
[x] Copani A., Genazzani A.A., Aleppo G., Casabona G., Canonico P.L., Scapagnini U., Nicoletti F. “Nootropic drugs positively modulate alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid-sensitive glutamate receptors in neuronal cultures.” Journal of Neurochemistry. 1992 Apr;58(4):1199-204. (source)
[xi] Firstova Y.Y., Abaimov D.A., Kapitsa I.G., Voronina T.A., Kovalev G.I. “The effects of scopolamine and the nootropic drug phenotropil on rat brain neurotransmitter receptors during testing of the conditioned passive avoidance task” Neurochemical Journal June 2011, Volume 5, Issue 2, pp 115-125 (source)
[xii] Stoll L., Schubert T., Müller W.E. “Age-related deficits of central muscarinic cholinergic receptor function in the mouse: partial restoration by chronic piracetam treatment.” Neurobiology of Aging. 1992 Jan-Feb;13(1):39-44. (source)
[xiii] Brust P. “Reversal of scopolamine-induced alterations of choline transport across the blood-brain barrier by the nootropics piracetam and pramiracetam.” Arzneimittelforschung. 1989 Oct;39(10):1220-2. (source)
[xiv] Li Y.F., Cheng Y.F., Huang Y., Conti M., Wilson S.P., O’Donnell J.M., Zhang H.T. “Phosphodiesterase-4D knock-out and RNA interference-mediated knock-down enhance memory and increase hippocampal neurogenesis via increased cAMP signaling.” Journal of Neuroscience. 2011 Jan 5;31(1):172-83 (source)
[xv] Panossian A., Wikman G., Sarris J. “Rosenroot (Rhodiola rosea): traditional use, chemical composition, pharmacology and clinical efficacy.” Phytomedicine. 2010 Jun;17(7):481-93. (source)
[xvi] Martin P.R., Singleton C.K., Hiller-Sturmhofel S. “The Role of Thiamine Deficiency in Alcoholic Brain Disease” National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism nih.gov Retrieved April 7, 2016 (source)
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Both recommendations are for products from the same company; is your site sponsored, or are you being compensated in any way? Other than that, I found your article quite informative.
Jess, I am an affiliate of both Mind Lab Pro and Performance Lab. They pay me a commission whenever someone uses one of my links to purchase from them. I have an affiliate disclosure on every page and post of this site as well as my YouTube channel. It’s the way I support my family and you get access to tons of free information.
Hi David, I come to bring you feedback on my progress in studies with your blog, I’m doing well with lions mane, cdp coline and the other ingredients like minndlabpro.
but I feel that my entrepreneurial type motivation hasn’t changed much.
Would it be safe to change my stack to:
L-tyrosine
racetam(which one is better)
citicoline
rhodiola rosea?
would only these 3 be interesting to start with?
I still have pine bark stock too.
and which vitamin B would be good to keep?
Strong hug!
Dave, my favorite racetam is Aniracetam which I’ve been using for nearly a decade twice per day. You any find another racetam works better for you so you may want to experiment depending on availability.
L-Tyrosine and Citicoline needs to be used twice per day to get the full benefit. Rhodiola Rosea once or twice per day. And depending on your age you may need a bioactive B-Complex AND a high quality bioactive Multi. Pine Bark Extract 2 or 3-times per day should help as well.
if that is still not enough I suggest you find out what your total and free testosterone levels are as well as Free T4, Free T3 and reverse T3 thyroid hormones. You can have the best nootropic stack on the planet tailored specifically for you. But if your hormone are off you will not get its full benefit.
And it will definitely affect motivation. I know this from personal experience
At 30 years old
I do psychotherapy because I have mild depression (very mild)
I’ve never been much of a laugher, but I love to laugh.
I love adventure and I like organization and being in control
Two years ago I found myself in a profession of love. Marketing and Advertising, I create websites and create online campaigns (facebook, instagram and Google)
Since I study every day for at least 2 hours and work for 8 hours, I spend 10 hours sitting at the computer every day from Sunday to Sunday. I have felt without thirst for studies and motivation. and I have big projects to do, I know I need to rest because I’m not a machine, but I would like to finish a big project by the end of the year.
since I started with the nootropics that I read here on the blog I have improved a lot, and now I think I need to change the strategy a little.
based on this can you help if I’m building a good stack?
I would like to buy a consultancy but my country’s currency is ridiculous, 1 dollar can become 6 Brazilian reais… it’s hard to keep the nootropics lion’s mane and citicoline, because they don’t have them here in Brazil and I have to import, but to me is priority.
All the best for u.
Dave, this article I wrote on nootropics for studying may help you because there are some parallels with what you describe: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-studying/.
if i am sensitive to caffeine can i substitute something? I have mild gastritis and anxiety when I take caffeine
Dave, you can try Theobromine or Paraxanthine and see if either provides as much benefit as caffeine.
sir, all nootropics are either reducing fat or cholesterol. I’m deficient of both. what nootropic is to be used for motivation without reducing fat or cholesterol
Sri, no sure where you get your information from but I have reviewed 102 individual nootropic supplements (https://nootropicsexpert.com/nootropics-list/) and the majority of them do not touch fat or cholesterol.
Any supplement which activates AMPA receptors will in turn activate the dopamine/reward/motivation pathway.
Sir, please mention nootropics that don’t affect fat or cholesterol but increase motivation.
Sri see my response to you above. I provide a list of supplements to boost motivation in the above article.
i am new to nootropics, i have mild adult adhd,i am52 years old, good health, i was reviewing all your articles about what supplements to stack with mucuna pruriens
i put this together on all your articles
what do you think? anything need to add or take away?
mucuna pruiens(standarized 15%) 800mg seed extract+120mg l-dopa
l-tyrosine(500mg) x2
rhodiola rosea(100mg) x2
NAC 500mg(x3)
acetyl l-carnitine(500mg x3)
David, you also need CDP-Choline 300 mg twice per day, Vitamin D3 4,000 IU per day, magnesium chelate 400 mg before bed, a high quality bioactive multivitamin like the one I use: https://bit.ly/347dm5M, and 1000 mg per day of DHA (Omega-3).
Hi David,
I cycle different nootropics but for very few rare ocassions, I do have modafinil which makes me feel very creative, happier and “entrepreneurial” i.e. I get this desire to do something or achieve something.
I am looking for this last part of the effect that I am calling entreprenuer effect. What do you think is causing that? I am looking for a “non-smart drug” category that can give me the same effect.
Interestingly, sometimes high dose of coffee – like 20oz of drip coffee can make me feel the same but it’s not consistent and always ends up in crash. Modafinil’s effect is consistent. So, i need an alternative for that.
See this section of an article I wrote on Smart Drugs: https://nootropicsexpert.com/do-brain-enhancing-drugs-work-know-the-risks/#modafinil-provigil%c2%ae
The look at how caffeine works in your brain: https://nootropicsexpert.com/caffeine/
And then read all the way through my reviews on:
https://nootropicsexpert.com/ginseng/
https://nootropicsexpert.com/artichoke-extract-luteolin/
https://nootropicsexpert.com/forskolin/
https://nootropicsexpert.com/oxiracetam/
Hi sir,
I have been reading so many articles on how to increase Dopamine receptors for motivation. And i couldnt find Uridine mentioned, which leads me to the same question. So did i read wrong or do Uridine increases receptors for motiavation ?
Uridine boosts the ‘release’ of dopamine from receptors. And it increases dendrite growth. But it does NOT increase dopamine receptors.
Hi David!
What do you think about this study:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19543795/
Is this EXACTLY what we want for motivation? I don’t know if beta alanine has anything to do with AMPA receptors
Sandra, the study says Beta-alanine modulates dopamine output in the nucleus accumbens. It doesn’t say anything about increases motivation. Or did I miss something?
Hi David, I have a question that is completely opposite of this discussion. Since I do not know where to go , I am asking you this. This is regarding my family member. BTW, I have purchased few supplements based on your articles in the past. My family member has a psychiatric disorder that he has been put on dopamine blockers, as is the current practice of the doctors. He has been taking the blockers for the past 4 years. Lack of motivation is HUGE that can not be explained. What can we do to increase his motivation?
Are they blocking too much dopamine. We can’t simply increase his dopamine level as it might push him into psychosis. Please let me know as the regular doctors are not even addressing these type of questions.
There is no cure for motivation without increasing dopamine levels and activating AMPK receptors. But if you activate AMPK receptors but are dopamine deficient you will not be the benefit of increased motivation.
Greetings Mr. Tomen
So everything which supresses PDE4 raises cAMP and through this process activates Glutamate AMPA receptors without the need to use racetams?
We have a lot of PDE4 inhibitors, Artichoke, Resveratrol and much more
Benjamin, you are correct in your analysis.
Hi David. I wonder if you might recommend a combination for me. I have adult ADHD, and social anxiety disorder, feel like they are really playing up a lot and feel heavy brain fog a lot of the time and very low moods. I am not currently on any GP meds, tho I have tried many different things. A friend mentioned trying Ashwagandha and that’s how I stumbled upon your article, but tho I have heard of the nootropics discussed, I am not very well read on any so any advice, a starting place even would be great. I also have massive massive issues with memory recall and finding words, its gotten worse and worse over the years and its really affecting my life now. I need my wit back and motivation. Heavy procrastinator atm!!
Nat, put together a stack based on the suggestions in this article: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/. That may take care of your social anxiety as well.
If it does not come back and I’ll suggest trying a couple other things to try.
Hi David! So coluracetam also helps with motivation?
Jay, it should help with motivation because it ‘acts’ like an ampakine nootropic. This is based on anecdotal evidence however and not clinical trials.
Hi David! So Oxiracetam should be lasting longer in my system right? I’ve read on wikipedia that half life of Oxiracetam is 8 hours and Aniracetam 1-2,5h is that correct?
Borys, that sounds about right.
Greetings David! I have a very devastating problem with procrastination. I the past I’ve did braveman test and it showed me 74% dopamine and 64% ACH deficiency. After taking EVERYTHING in dosages the same as you for dopamine and ACH I was able to improve my deficiency. Now my dopamine is 51% and ACH 53% according to braveman test. But still I feel like not doing enough I should do. My two questions are:
1. Should I further try to increase dopamine and ACH using for ex. Huperzine and L-Dopa?
2. Do I have to wait couple weeks for AMPA receptors to get activated? I use racetams occasionally for ex. 10-30mg Noopept or Aniracetam every 3 or 7 days, Ampa receptors need contiuned use to give any benefits????
Thank you David!
Aleksander, more is never every better so be careful that you do not exceed the maximum dose for each supplement you are using. Adding L-DOPA to L-Tyrosine will not help and may make things worse.
Dosage for L-Tyrosine 500 mg 3-times per day. Morning, noon and later afternoon. And whatever you are using for choline it is 300 mg 3-times per day.
You can try doubling the first two doses for each supplement and see how you feel. But it is 3-times per day of daily use that will get you to where you wan to be. If that does not work let me know and we’ll figure something else out.
For AMPA receptors you can try Rhodiola Rosea and Resveratrol.
And if you are going to use Noopept and/or Aniracetam they need to be used twice per day and every day to get the most benefit.
Can I take aniracetam,noopept and prescription vyvanse together daily?
Gabby, yes you can as long as you are using a good choline supplement as well.
Thank you so much, you’re the only person who could answer my question, thank you.
Hi David, your reference ‘Glutamate AMPA-Receptors’ being stimulated? What stimulates these – l-glutamine?
Phil, the nootropic supplements I have listed under the section above called “Best Nootropics for Motivation“. And it’s not L-Glutamine.
Thanks, really should have read that properly!
Hi David are there any natural dopamine reuptake inhibitor out there?
Jason, the only “natural” dopamine reuptake inhibitor I know of is Cocaine but I don’t recommend it.
What about sabroxy, polygala and catuba bark?
I consider Sabroxy to be a “smart drug” and not a natural nootropic supplement so will not be reviewing it.
I am edited my review for Polygala Tenuifolia and hopefully it will be published within the next week.
And I do not think there is enough clinical evidence for Catuaba Bark as a nootropic supplement. As far as I can tell it is used primarily for increasing libido.
Could you please explain why Sabroxy is a smart drug? Isn’t it the dried bark of the Indian trumpet tree (Oroxylum indicum), which would make it natural?
Abdul, I stand corrected because you are right. I should write a review for Sabroxy. Thanks for bringing this to my attention.
Hi, David
just wanted to give an update about your advice you gave me on the last conversation we had on this topic. I’ve been giving my 16 year old son L-tyrosine and Rhodiola Rosea first thing in the morning and he is doing great! I wanted to thank you for being so generous in suggesting that combination for him. It’s simple and his mood has improved greatly in two weeks!
We all come for advice but not always give you much feedback 🙂
Here is mine!
Thank you again and I appreciate your help!
Thank you Daria. Much appreciated.
Hello David, I have noticed that Tryptofan makes me wake up in the middle of the night, even with doses of only 200 Mg, but it helps me fall asleep, the problem is that it makes me wake up, Why this happens to me and how could it solve it ? (I already consume 400 mg of magnesium glycinate and it does not prevent me from waking up)
Carlos, L-Tryptophan is funny like that. It works for some and not for others. Not sure why …
Waking up in the middle of the night typically has to with a drop in blood sugar. Try a tablespoon of “raw” honey before bed. And try using Lemon Balm, L-Theanine, and even CBD Oil before bed. You will find full review of each here on Nootropics Expert.
Thank you very much David, lastly I would like to know if any of the mentioned nootropics are soluble in fat or can I take them with water?
Potasium Citrate, Tart Cherry, Alpha Lipoic Acid, N-Acetyl L-Cysteine
Carlos, all are water-soluble except Alpha Lipoic Acid which is both water- and fat-soluble.
Thank you for your generosity Master, you already have heaven earned by helping so many people like me. I would like to know just one more thing, if L Tryptofan is not for me because of what I told you, how else can I safely stimulate Seratonin? Because I consume Tyrosine during the day and I want to keep the Seratonin balanced and I do not want take 5 htp
Carlos, a far better option for increasing serotonin is L-Tryptophan. Much easier to dose compared to 5-HTP and far safer.
Nothing else directly stimulates production of serotonin.
Hi, David
I am so happy to have found your blog. This is wonderful! I have 16 years old twins and they’re both involved in sports. I do understand that they’re still “underage” for nootropics, however I find it a bit intriguing when it comes to kids and medication. Regular doctors do not hesitate to stuff drugs on kids, so my question is: why not to try nootropics on teens?
Here are my son’s issues:
He plays baseball and practices about 4 hours a day for 5 days a week. Two games in the same day once a week. He complains of low motivation. He has thought on quitting baseball several times. Sometimes we feel that he is “depressed” and he has reported feeling drained and not willing to do things. He loves baseball.
(My daughter has other issues but I will send you a question on a different article).
After coming upon this article I realize that the stress, fatigue, lack of motivation and all can be directly related to energy levels. He is drained at the end of the day.
Am I making the right connection here?
I have been giving him L-theanine at night along with zinc before he goes to bed. He seems to be improving his overall mood because he seems less irritable. His mood is getting better. But I think that he could have a bit help when it comes to energy.
Would you suggest starting him on any of the nootropics above, if I’m making the right connection?
Sorry for the long comment.
Thank you!
Daria, L-Tyrosine and Rhodiola Rosea may be OK because they’re natural and won’t mess with the development going on in young brains.
I’d avoid experimenting with the any of the racetams however at that age.
Thank you for your reply!
That was my main concern since he is only 16. I noticed that L-thianine is helping along with zinc at bedtime. But I will try tyrosine and rhodiola.
I will let you know how that goes.
Thanks for the answer.
Hi, David
I have one question about L-tyrosine and Rhodiola Rosea for my son. Nootropics are best when taken on empty stomach in the morning, however how should I administer these two to my son? Give them together in the morning before eating anything or split them with Tyrosine in the morning and Rhodiola before bed (because of its calming efefcts)?
I am also giving him 200mg L-thenaine + 10mg of zinc at night and I do see great improvements in his behavior. He is calmer and more at ease with himself.
I would appreciate your input on the timing for L-tyrosine and Rhodiola. The dosages are 350mg of L-tyrosine and 200mg of Rhodiola Rosea (with 3% rosavins) that I’m planing on giving him.
Thank you!
Daria, L-Tyrosine increases dopamine and Rhodiola Rosea boosts serotonin AND norepinephrine. I recommend using them both twice a day during the day. And not before bed.
You are great! Thank you!
So are you Daria. Thank you!
Hi david
I am really glad to come to your website and realize there is something wrong with my brain. The stuff you mention in this article exactly fits me.
“Depressed people do not feel like doing anything and that’s because of low dopamine levels”. More dopamine in the insula is associated with a reduced desire to work. Even if it means earning less money. Unwilling to learn! Slackers and that is me!
I have bad gastrointestinal problem have realize what is wrong with me and I heed your advise to heal my leaky gut and took Performance Lab Prebiotic and i have seen great good results after one week. I don’t get diahorrea after every meal. All the above has lasted me for 20 years!
I also take NutriGenesis® Multi for Men and Performance Lab
Energy, Mind Lab Pro and high quality B complex. The next thing i am fixing now is my BDNF and leaky brain. I am currently on Magnesium DHA , N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC) and recently started Berberine .
I am also having minor depression and would like to get motivated again. I have tried NALT, Lithium orotate, L dopa but the effects were minimal.
i am thinking of getting of Sam-E after reading your review as it is a potent nootropics for depression or should i continue to use other nootropics to boost my bdnf + leaky brain ( Reservatrol, Tumeric, )
or stimulate glutamate AMPA-receptors. (iodine,Rhodiola Rosea
)
sorry for my long post. I really want to find a way out of my depression and motivation after 20 years.
Wong, the good news is you are making progress. So don’t be too hard on yourself. A real “slacker” would not even come to Nootropics Expert!
Instead of NALT you may have better luck with 500 mg L-Tyrosine twice per day. I do not recommend using L-DOPA to try and raise dopamine. And too difficult to dose and most people dealing with your kind of issues have more success with L-Tyrosine.
Have you seen my post on healing a Leaky Brain? https://nootropicsexpert.com/how-to-heal-a-leaky-blood-brain-barrier/ One supplement not on that list but will be added as soon as I have time to do it is Quercetin which has been shown to have the unique ability to heal a leaky gut/leaky brain. https://nootropicsexpert.com/quercetin/
It take time to heal a messed up microbiome but it sounds like you are making progress. You do need to activate AMPA receptors for motivation. And Rhodiola Rosea and Resveratrol are your best options if you don’t want to use any of the racetams.
But do continue to use nootropics to boost BDNF and heal a leaky brain. This is an ongoing, long-term project that you’ll be doing for years. But month by month things should improve.
SAM-e works for some people and not for others. It’s worth trying. But I highly recommend trying 500 – 1,000 mg L-Tryptophan before bed and see if that helps. Also try 500 – 1,000 mg of GABA before bed as well. And see if that helps.
One last thing. There is plenty of recent evidence that depression can also be caused by inflammation. See this post and scroll down to the section on how to get inflammation under control: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-supplements-for-brain-fog/
Thanks for the helpful advise.
Anyway I forgot to mention I do feel very minor side effects like bloating , gas,constipation and feel like vomiiting after supplementing with berberine for 1 week but i realize my tummy get bigger and there are obvious fats around my waist just within 7 days of taking 500mg ,3 times a day.
Is this because of “Berberine affects muscle protein synthesis and causes muscle atrophy” or the probiotic that i am taking? Change the brand i am taking or it just don’t suits me.
Wong, one of the known side effects of just starting Berberine can include cramps, diarrhea, gas, constipation or stomach pain. It’s likely because Berberine is a potent natural ‘antibiotic”. That “fat” you are describing is more than likely bloating.
So you’ve two choices. Keep using Berberine until those side effects subside which they likely will. Or drop it as a supplement altogether. If you decide to continue try dropping to one dose of 500 mg per day and see how that feels. Then work up to 3-times per day slowly.