List of the Best Nootropics for ADHD in 2024

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) cannot be cured completely, but the good news is that it can be managed and improved with the right medication or therapy – a combination of both is always best. In this guide, we’ve listed some of the best nootropics that can help improve the mental health of people suffering from it.

We’ve also mentioned places where the high-quality versions of the drugs that can be trusted to be safe and effective can be bought.

Basic Info About ADHD

Before anything else, it’s important to understand that individuals living with ADHD can go on to become very successful in life. Entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson, comedian-actor Howie Mandel, and Ingvar Kamprad, the founder of Ikea – just to name a few.

Now that that’s out of the way, ADHD is a mental disorder that affects children and continues into adulthood. As the name implies, it is characterized by hyperactivity and difficulty in paying attention no matter how hard the patent tries. Without treatment, this condition can bring about difficulty at school or work, low self-esteem, trouble maintaining relationships, and impulsive behavior [1].

Although this condition cannot be cured, its symptoms can be managed, especially if it is spotted early. Let’s take a look at some of the symptoms in adults and children.

Symptoms of ADHD in Children

• being inattentive;
• forgets about daily activities;
• carelessness;
• tends to daydream;
• restlessness;
• fidgets or bounces around when sitting.

Symptoms of ADHD in Adults

• impulsiveness;
• poor planning;
• disorganization and problems prioritizing;
• hot temper;
• problem multitasking;
• frequent mood swings;
• trouble coping with stress.

These symptoms typically go unnoticed, as they’re often similar to those caused by other conditions. Consequently, detecting it requires a medical diagnosis. In fact, many adults living with ADHD do not know they have it; they only know they find focusing on and completing tasks very challenging [2][3].

It may be a great idea to visit a doctor for diagnosis if you notice any of the aforementioned symptoms.

Do Nootropics Help for ADHD?

Some of the major symptoms of ADHD are a lack of focus and extreme difficulty concentrating. In most cases, the drugs used to treat the symptoms typically contain stimulants, as they help improve focus, improve mood, and boost concentration. This is where nootropics come in; many of them contain stimulants (or work like them) and do a great job of countering some of the aforementioned symptoms.

So yes, nootropics help for ADHD, but it all depends on the one you use. We talk about the best nootropics for ADHD in the sections that follow. Read on.

Natural Supplements for ADHD Treatment

Are there natural supplements that are effective for ADHD treatment? The short and long answer to this question is yes, there are. These products contain ingredients that help boost motivation and increase focus, and interestingly, without nasty side effects.

Let’s take a look at some great natural supplements that ADHD patients may find helpful.

Probiotics-Enhancing Supplements

Several studies, including one led by microbiologist Jerone Raes, have shown that gut health plays a strong role in the release of dopamine – a neurotransmitter linked with mood and concentration [4]. Thus, taking supplements such as CogniBiotics from BiOptimizers can help boost concentration and improve mood in patients with ADHD.

Magnesium-Based Supplements

Magnesium-rich supplements play an important role in several hundred metabolic processes that impact physical and mental health positively. While this is an established fact, it’s easy to suffer a deficiency as magnesium is limited in modern food sources. Magnesium Breakthrough is a good product that does a great job improving mental health, as it contains 7 different forms of magnesium that work effectively.

Omega-3s-Based Supplements

Omega-3 is a fatty acid found in fish oil and salmon. Several studies indicate that it plays an important role in mental function and development [5]. There are also claims that it can help to improve focus, behavior, and overall cognitive abilities in certain individuals with cognitive impairments. Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega is a trusted product as it is certified by Friend of the Sea, an organization that checkmates the quality of seafood.

Although the aforementioned products can be obtained through eating lean protein, fruits, and vegetables, it can be a tad difficult to get them in the quantities needed to play their respective roles.

Top 7 Nootropics for ADHD in Adults

Without beating around the bush, here are the top 7 nootropics worth considering for ADHD treatment.

Modafinil

Modafinil belongs to a class of drugs called wakefulness-promoting medications. Although it is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat sleep disorders such as narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder (SWSD), and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), it is commonly used off-label to treat ADHD and boost cognitive function.

Modafinil has been used by millions of people all over the world, and reviews regarding its safety and effectiveness have been very positive. It may interest you to know that it has very few side effects and such a low potential for addiction that Oxford and Harvard’s researchers deemed it “the world’s first safe ‘smart drug.’”

If you intend to take a nootropic product for ADHD treatment, modafinil is definitely one of the best products to consider as it can be of great help for adult patients. It is available in generic forms and mostly comes in 100 mg and 200 mg doses.

Armodafinil

Armodafinil also belongs to a class of drugs called wakefulness-promoting medications. It has a similar chemical structure to modafinil, works in a similar way, and provides equal, if not a higher, level of effectiveness.

Studies have shown that armodafinil produces slightly stronger effects compared to modafinil. Its 150 mg tablet was comparable in effects to a modafinil 200 mg tablet, indicating that it is 1.33 times more potent than modafinil. Armodafinil is also available in generic form, and it comes in 50 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, and 250 mg tablets.

Alpha Brain

Alpha Brain is a nootropic product designed to boost short-term memory and motivation, improve focus, and ultimately increase performance. It contains several cognitive-enhancing ingredients, such as Bacopa monnieri, L-theanine, and alpha-GPC, among other ingredients that play an important role in promoting brain health. Alpha Brain has a good number of positive reviews – a good indication of its effectiveness. Since its release to the market, 1 million+ bottles have been sold.

Although this product is safe and effective, it is not without side effects. Some users have reported experiencing severe diarrhea, dizziness, and nausea.

Neuro Peak

This is a relatively new natural nootropic product developed to reverse stimulate the brain, eliminate brain fog and excessive daytime sleepiness, and promote brain health. Neuro Peak is produced by Zhou Nutrition, a company that specializes in the manufacturer of nutritional supplements supported by science-based evidence.

This product is safe and likely to produce really positive results if used exactly as recommended. Its effects typically last for 4-6 hours but may vary from individual to individual.

Qualia Mind

This is a nootropic dietary supplement that comes packed with a unique blend of several mental-health-boosting ingredients, including herbs, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. However, its formula is based on two major ingredients that improve memory and reaction time – they include Bacopa monnieri and citicoline. Qualia Mind’s effects typically kick in within 20 to 30 minutes after administration and last for 8+ hours. It is safe, well-tolerated, and may help increase focus if taken according to its manufacturer’s recommendation.

Mind Lab Pro

Mind Lab Pro (MLP) has a high safety profile and very few to no side effects. It is a “smart drug” developed to promote brain health and improve brain health. Its primary ingredients include vitamin B6, Bacopa monnieri, and L-theanine, among others. Because of its minimal side effects, MLP is relatively safer for long-term use.

Gorilla Mind Rush

Gorilla Mind Rush is a safe nootropic dietary supplement that provides 8+ hours of concentration with minimal risk of adverse effects. It was also developed to improve memory and boost overall mental health. It has a ton of positive reviews from people who’ve used it – an indication that it is both safe and effective. This product is likely to provide great results if used correctly. Seek help from your doctor if you’re unsure of how to use it.

Where to Buy Good Nootropics Over-the-Counter?

Several stores offer nootropics for sale over the counter; however, not all of them can be trusted for high-quality pills. It is advisable to always only buy from tested and trusted vendors that have a proven track record of selling quality pills and rendering great services. But how can you tell?

Well, there are a couple of things to be on the lookout for. One of the first things to make sure of is that the vendor has a ton of positive reviews on trusted review platforms such as Yotpo and Trustpilot. What’s more, it is advisable to go with vendors that provide a genuine 100% money-back guarantee, fast shipping, and offer free samples so that customers can try out its products without spending a lot of money.

Some of the vendors that tick all the boxes include ModafinilXL.com, BuyModafinilOnline.com, Afinil.com, FreeModafinil.org, and BuyArmodafinil.com. Do well to do a price comparison before deciding which vendor to go with, as their prices and profitable offerings vary slightly.

The aforementioned vendors only sell modafinil, armodafinil, and their respective generic versions such as Modalert, Waklert, Modavinil, and Armodavinil, among others, that cost about 5X less than the brand-name counterparts. On the other hand, the dietary supplement nootropics such as Alpha Brain, Qualia Mind, and the others on our list can be found on their manufacturer websites and on Amazon.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to treating ADHD with nootropics, there are several options available. However, it is always best to go with products that have been used by many people and have a ton of reviews. That way, you can gauge how safe the product is and set your expectations right. Going by this concept, modafinil and armodafinil make the finest options; if you do decide to give them a try, be sure to source them from a trusted pharmacy. Do well to consult your doctor or healthcare provider before starting treatment with any medication.

References

1. What is ADHD? Retrieved: April 6, 2021. Cdc.gov.
2. Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – Symptoms and causes. Retrieved: April 6, 2021. Mayoclinic.org.
3. ADHD: Symptoms, Types, Testing, and Treatment. Medically reviewed by Hansa D. Bhargava, MD. Retrieved: April 6, 2021. Webmd.com.
4. Scientists Find a Possible Link Between Gut Bacteria and Depression. By Jane Recker. Retrieved: April 6, 2021. Smithsonianmag.com.
5. How Omega-3 Fish Oil Affects Your Brain and Mental Health. Written by Keith Pearson, Ph.D., RD. Retrieved: April 6, 2021. Healthline.com.