ADD and ADHD are challenging to treat. Depending on the severity, your child may be taking prescription medication. Many parents are becoming increasingly concerned regarding the potential side-effects associated with these medications.
Nootropics are not only being used to increase cognitive abilities, but are also being used to target various ailments, diseases, and disorders. The appeal of nootropics, are the limited side-effects in comparison to other medications on the market.
Since nootropics typically work with your natural brain chemistry, side-effects are minor and often rare. ADD and ADHD research is continually progressing, which is exciting. More modern methods are introducing nootropics, which help control various symptoms.
What Exactly Is ADD and ADHD?
Both ADD and ADHD are cognitive deficits that affect both adults and children. Symptoms are generally associated with hyperactivity, impulsive behavior, and inattention. Since these conditions are so prevalent in children, it is the most common reason that a child is referred to a psychologist.
Although the cause of ADD and ADHD is still unknown, it is seen across both genders. It also exists across every country and culture which has been studied. Although it can affect both girls and boys, boys are three times more likely to develop this condition.
Children are most often diagnosed, which continues into adulthood. Individuals with this disorder tend to have learning difficulties and spurts of anxiety. In some cases, this leads to serious behavioral issues, including criminal activity, while increasing one’s risk of accidents.
Today, most individuals are given Adderall or Ritalin to combat their symptoms. Unfortunately, these common medications create a long list of potential side-effects. These options are amphetamines, which are technically related to methamphetamine.
When individuals take these medications for an extended period of time, they increase their risk of ‘burning out.’ This is why many parents are looking at alternatives for their children, and maybe even themselves. Luckily, various nootropics are available that can counteract these symptoms.
The Role of Nootropics
As mentioned, there are various nootropics available on the market that can help combat the symptoms of ADD and ADHD. There are nootropics that target different, specific areas. Some nootropics will boost motivation, while others will improve one’s attention span. You can get very specific in terms of the effects you’d like to achieve.
Another benefit is increased mental energy. When you have higher levels of mental energy, you can perform tasks more effectively. Some nootropics boost alertness, which is an area that individuals with ADD and ADHD can benefit from.
Focusing on prescription medications again; Adderall works by increasing the level of neurotransmitters within our brain. When neurotransmitter levels are increased, your cognitive functioning will improve. Although they do help eliminate symptoms, they tend to create negative effects once the benefits have worn off.
Although nootropics also target neurotransmitters, they are not considered stimulants. They increase energy, motivation, and concentration levels more naturally. Nootropics can generally be taken without a prescription, which makes them more accessible. They are also not habit-forming, which is critical for individuals of all ages (especially children).
Stacks to Combat Symptoms of ADD and ADHD
Since different nootropics create different effects and benefits, stacks are highly beneficial. A stack is simply two or more nootropics taken together. This explains the term ‘stack,’ as nootropic effects are stacked up together. The following stacks are some of the best choices regarding ADD and ADHD.
Stack One: Piracetam, Alpha GPC, and Fish Oil
This stack is fairly basic, which is why it’s recommended for new users and children. It includes Piracetam, Alpha GPC, and fish oil. Piracetam is a nootropic that belongs to the racetam family. It was the first nootropic ever developed, providing benefits ever since.
It targets the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, as it directly influences learning, memory, and attention. It also increases the level of nutrients and oxygen in the brain. This is due to an increased blood flow, leading to higher energy levels.
Alpha GPC is used a choline source. Since choline is a precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, it’s extremely important. Although we can consume choline within our diet, many individuals are deficient. If you’re deficient in choline, you’ll be deficient in acetylcholine. This could hinder your cognitive processes.
Last, fish oil helps to balance this stack out. Fish oil is known for its high levels of omega-3. This fatty acid cannot be produced in the body, which is why it needs to be consumed through diet and supplementation. Fish is known as ‘brain food,’ and for good reason. By adding fish oil to your stack, you make the other ingredients more effective.
Stack Two: Aniracetam, Huperzine, Acetyl-L-Tyrosine, and Choline
This stack is more powerful than the first. This is why it’s recommended that you start with a more basic stack to begin. Aniracetam is in the same family as Piracetam, but is a more powerful version. It works by increasing the level of attentiveness experienced.
Although this option is more powerful than Piracetam; there are even more powerful options from this same category, including Oxiracetam and Phenylpiracetam. A racetam source and Huperzine both increase the level of acetylcholine. This leads to improved attention spans and memory. Both of these benefits are directly related to ADD and ADHD symptoms.
Including tyrosine allows you to increase the production of various neurotransmitters that improve one’s mood, energy, and focus. Some of these neurotransmitters include norepinephrine, dopamine, and epinephrine. Once again, a choline supplement is vital for continued acetylcholine production. Including this in your stack will make the other nootropics work even better.
Stack Three: Adrafinil or Modafinil, Acetyl-L-Tyrosine, and a Choline Source
This stack is the most powerful, which is why it should be used within more severe cases. Both Modafinil and Adrafinil work in the same way. Modafinil is slightly more powerful and often requires a prescription. This is why Adrafinil is preferred by many, as it’s easily accessible.
Modafinil was first developed for sleeping disorders, such as narcolepsy. Is works as a stimulant, but not in the same way as traditional ADD and ADHD medications. Since it helps boost energy levels and increase one’s attention; it’s an optimal choice for ADD and ADHD patients.
Nootropics are a safe and effective way to combat symptoms of ADD and ADHD. If you have any concerns, speak with your healthcare professional. They will be able to help you. Do not be afraid to ask questions, especially regarding the prescription medications that either you or your child are currently taking.
