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Want To Learn How To Focus Without Adderall? We Review The Best Alternatives To Adderall For Studying

Best Alternatives To Adderall For Studying At A Glance

Best Broad Spectrum Study Aid

Vyvamind

Need a fast-acting, broad-spectrum study aid? Vyvamind is a 100% natural and non-addicting supplement blend that contains vitamins B6 and B12, citicoline, l-theanine, and l-tyrosine along with 75 mg of caffeine.

Best Caffeine Supplement

Caffeine Anhydrous Capsules By Bulk Supplements

Caffeine users only want two things: purity and value for money. Bulk Supplements offers 100 gelatin capsules for only $11.96, and each capsule provides 200 mg of caffeine anhydrous.

Best Phenylpiracetam

Phenylpiracetam By Pure Nootropics

Phenylpiracetam is one of the most popular over-the-counter nootropic compounds used to treat attention disorders. Each bottle of Phenylpiracetam by Pure Nootropics contains 90 veggie capsules, with each capsule providing 100 mg of phenylpiracetam.

Editor’s note 5/28/22: This product is currently sold out. We will update this review when it becomes available.

Maeng Da Thai Kratom Powder (White Vein) By Kraken Kratom

Best Kratom

Maeng Da Thai Kratom Powder (White Vein) By Kraken Kratom

Between 2-3g of this kratom feels like a double cup of espresso, minus the jitters. and longer-lasting. White vein kratom interacts with your serotonin receptors which is ideal for increasing creative and lateral thinking.

Best 5-HTP

5-HTP By Pure Nootropics

5-HTP, also known as 5-hydroxytryptophan, is a type of amino acid that the body produces naturally. It is involved in serotonin production, an important neurotransmitter that facilitates electrical signals between nerve cells, contributing to mood, focus, and alertness.

Best L-Tyrosine

L-Tyrosine By Thorne

This amino acid is a precursor of dopamine and noradrenaline, two neurotransmitters involved in concentration. For this reason, l-tyrosine is increasingly used as a natural and much healthier alternative to Adderall.

30% of U.S. students admit to having used Adderall to study at some time to improve their grades. We are talking about a compound of the amphetamine family, an excellent stimulant, and an immediate-acting nootropic.

However, addiction to this and other concentration-enhancing medications is a real problem. The main cause is irresponsible Adderall use, which oftentimes stems from misinformation. 

In the following article, we will review the most important aspects of Adderall and compare other alternatives to increase focus.

What Does Adderall Do To Your Brain?

Adderall is a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts. The enantiomers in this compound have a high affinity for dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine receptors. Thus, crudely, Adderall is responsible for delivering these hormones to the corresponding receptors.

Although it is not entirely clear, robust theories suggest that the origin of ADHD and other attention disorders lies in the dysregulation of these neurotransmitters. By binding to these neurotransmitters, amphetamine salts will work in dopamine centers, increasing concentration, focus, and mental clarity.

The first few times, Adderall can cause euphoric effects and make you feel in “god-mode.” However, it is not a good idea to chase this feeling, as it will commonly fade out after the first few uses.

What Does Adderall Feel Like?

Adderall is undoubtedly beneficial for those who need it.

People with ADHD suffer daily consequences, and it’s easy for the condition to overtake many aspects of their lives. For example, ADHD can cause a shortened attention span, easy distractibility, social anxiety, and many other serious consequences.

For people with ADHD, Adderall will bring benefits such as:

  • Heightened alertness
  • Improved focus
  • Decreased restlessness
  • Longer attention span 
  • Higher energy levels

What Happens When You Take Adderall And You Don’t Need It?

Unfortunately, many Adderall users do not suffer from any psychological condition and simply use it for recreational purposes. This is not a good idea—amphetamines have a high dependence potential for recreational users and build tolerance quickly.

That said, we are not demonizing Adderall or amphetamines. You probably won’t suffer any consequences if you use Adderall recreationally just once.

The issue is that many amphetamine addicts started off thinking they’d just take it once.

On the other hand, if you are a student and do not suffer from ADHD, your best bet is to start practicing for your exam a few days before and not count on this pill. This is because studies show that Adderall may actually impair the performance of students without ADHD.

Can You Overdose On Adderall?

It is possible to overdose on Adderall, but the lethal dose is very high: 20-25mg per kilogram of body weight. This means that an 80 kg person would have to take 1.6 grams of Adderall to reach this point.

However, there are reported cases of overdose with much lower amounts. Therefore, it is not recommended to exceed the prescribed dosage under any circumstances.

On the other hand, combining Adderall with certain drugs or substances may increase the risk of overdose and side effects. For example, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and CYP2D6 inhibitors increase the risk considerably.

If you take any other medication or substance regularly, you should be honest about it to your doctor.

Is Buying Adderall Online Illegal?

Yes, buying Adderall online is illegal unless you have a prescription. Almost everywhere globally, you need a prescription to access this and other medications, such as methylphenidate, to treat ADHD.

How To Focus Without Adderall

Adderall can have negative consequences even on people living with ADHD, so more and more of them are turning to other options.

There are several ways to increase concentration without Adderall. Some include other less invasive treatments and you can even boost your focus without taking anything. Preliminary studies indicate that mindfulness meditation can be an excellent tool for combating ADHD symptoms. 

Caffeine, kratom, and other supplements appear as more forgiving options in terms of dependency potential and side effects within the natural options available. 

In the next section, we will look at these and more alternatives to Adderall for increasing concentration.

Caffeine Vs. Adderall

Caffeine makes us feel more productive, sharper, and even more creative. This has a very easy-to-understand neurochemical explanation.

In our brain, a hormone called adenosine reduces our nervous activity by binding to P1 receptors. These receptors, also known as adenosine receptors, act like caffeine and process it as if it were adenosine.

The difference is that caffeine will not make you sleepy, as it will not reduce your neural activity. However, while caffeine is attached to these receptors, adenosine (which does make you sleepy) cannot. 

Due to this phenomenon, caffeine is an excellent alternative for people with ADHD, bringing benefits such as:

  • Ease of entering flow states increased
  • Ability to concentrate for longer periods
  • Less frequent distractions

Finally, 100 grams of coffee has about 40 mg of caffeine, but this is difficult to measure accurately. Therefore, if you consider including caffeine in your ADHD treatment, an anhydrous caffeine supplement will be the best option.

Phenylpiracetam Vs. Adderall

Phenylpiracetam, the stronger cousin of piracetam, is a nootropic, vasodilator, and stimulant. This compound is a neuronal membrane stabilizer involved in cognitive processes, such as learning, memory, and attention. It also decreases platelet aggregation and cerebral capillary vasospasm.

This compound improves the fluidity of neuronal membranes, which allows a better output and input of signals sent by the cells. This makes us think sharper, process information more efficiently, and increase our concentration.

Phenylpiracetam may be a safer and potentially less addictive alternative to Adderall. That said, overdosing may involve side effects. For increasing concentration, it is recommended to take 300-500 mg per day, spread over 2-3 servings.

Kratom Vs. Adderall

Mytragina speciosa, also known as kratom, is a therapeutic herb native to Southeast Asia. This option is quite different from the rest of our list as it is not a chemical and is not synthetic.

Kratom contains two active alkaloids: mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Although their names are similar, both have different characteristics.

The alkaloid of interest here is 7-hydroxymitragynine, a serotonergic alkaloid that interacts with H5T2A receptors. This alkaloid is mainly concentrated in white-veined kratom strains.

This is important, as red- or green-veined kratom will probably not do the job we are looking for.

Finally, interestingly, kratom is more stimulating at lower doses. So to get the desired effects, start with doses between 2-3g.

5-HTP Vs. Adderall

5-HTP, also known as 5-hydroxytryptophan, is a type of amino acid that the body produces naturally. It is involved in serotonin production, an important neurotransmitter that facilitates electrical signals between nerve cells, contributing to mood, focus, and alertness.

Thus, 5-HTP supplements have been increasingly used as a way to try to increase serotonin production and facilitate the treatment of some common psychological disorders, including ADHD.

L-Tyrosine Vs. Adderall

L-tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid. This means that the body can synthesize it, and it does not need to be ingested directly through the diet. Even so, our tyrosine levels may not be high enough, and we may need to resort to food or supplements to stabilize them.

This amino acid is a precursor of dopamine and noradrenaline, two neurotransmitters involved in concentration. For this reason, l-tyrosine is increasingly used as a natural and much healthier alternative to Adderall.

Some of the benefits of l-tyrosine for people with ADHD are:

  • Enhanced mental performance
  • Increased memory
  • Increased alertness

The Best Alternatives To Adderall For ADHD

Best Fast-Acting, Broad Spectrum Study Aid

Vyvamind

Vyvamind’s natural ingredients have been clinically proven to boost brain energy, increase cell membrane formation, and significantly improve performance in memory, visual tracking and reaction speed tests.

Basically, Vyvamind is a combination of the leading natural nootropics with a pinch of caffeine – there’s just enough of each ingredient to achieve their desired effects without the risk of experiencing major side effects.

Each serving contains Vitamins B6 and B12 (2.5 mg and 50 mcg, respectively), Citicoline (200 mg), L-theanine (150 mg), L-tyrosine (300 mg), and caffeine (75 mg).


Best Caffeine Supplement

Caffeine Anhydrous Capsules By Bulk Supplements

If you are looking for a caffeine supplement to treat ADHD, Bulk Supplement’s caffeine anhydrous capsules are the way to go.

This supplement doesn’t have any funky features to try to stand out from the rest. Caffeine users only want two things, purity and value for money.

Bulk Supplements offers 100 gelatin capsules for only $11.96, and each capsule provides 200 mg of caffeine anhydrous.


Best Phenylpiracetam

Phenylpiracetam By Pure Nootropics

Phenylpiracetam is one of the most popular over-the-counter nootropic compounds used to treat attention disorders. This is due to the neural benefits it brings, facilitating signal processing at the brain level.

When it comes to such delicate compounds, there is a fundamental factor to consider: lab tests. If these are not present, you will never know if you are consuming what you are being sold.

In the case of Pure Nootropic’s phenylpiracetam, this will not be a problem as you can find the corresponding certificate of analysis for this product and all others.

Each bottle of Phenylpiracetam by Pure Nootropics costs $16.00 and contains 90 veggie capsules, with each capsule providing 100 mg of phenylpiracetam.

Editor’s note 5/28/22: This product is currently sold out. We will update this review when it becomes available.


Maeng Da Thai Kratom Powder (White Vein) By Kraken Kratom

Best Kratom

Maeng Da Thai Kratom Powder (White Vein) By Kraken Kratom

Kratom is for you if you are trying to increase your concentration but gave up Adderall and other stimulants because of their side effects.

Kraken Kratom’s Maeng Da Thai White Vein is an excellent choice. This premium vendor is endorsed by the American Kratom Association (AKA). This is a good sign, as it means that the lab tests of Kraken’s products are reliable and deliver the expected results.

Between 2-3g of this kratom feels like a double cup of espresso, without the jitters and longer-lasting. In addition, by interacting with your serotonin receptors, white vein kratom is ideal for increasing creative and lateral thinking.

Kraken Kratom offers several quantity options. From 28g for $9.99, an ideal choice for getting your feet wet, to 455g for $127.99, a bulk option ideal for the experienced.


Best 5-HTP

5-HTP By Pure Nootropics

5-HTP will not cause the side effects of medications like Adderall, nor is it as expensive as other natural nootropics. 

For only $12.99, you will be able to access this serotonergic amino acid that’s proven to aid ADHD symptoms effectively. Each purchase comes with 90 capsules, each containing 100mg of 5-HTP.

This is an economical, natural, and side-effect-free option. It is not the ultimate cure, but it is a great tool to include in your arsenal.


Best L-Tyrosine

L-Tyrosine By Thorne

Tyrosine is another amino acid that has a long list of benefits for ADHD patients. In addition, it increases exercise performance, which also benefits those with ADHD collaterally.

L-Tyrosine by Thorne contains 90 capsules and is available for $22.00. Each capsule contains 500mg of l-tyrosine and it is recommended for adults to take 1 capsule three times daily.

One thing to keep in mind with this supplement is that it may take a few weeks for the benefits to appear fully. Don’t be impatient, and the wait will be worth it: the improvements will be evident when they settle in.


Looking for another option? Check out our article on Flmodafinil.


Editor’s note: we are regularly updating this review. If you see any problems, weird interpretations of the data, or just want to say hi, please reach out to hello@the-unwinder.com.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

About the author

Phil Dubley is a full-time nerd & content writer. He has a passion for various topics, including fitness, nutrition, cannabis/CBD, natural herbs and supplements, and more. In his five years as a writer, Phil has worked with countless clients around the world. The primary mission of his work is to make scientific and rigorous information accessible to everyone.

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