This amino acid acts in the central nervous system calming nervous brain activity. There are extensive studies on the effects of caffeine on cognition, alertness, and athletic performance. The world’s most popular stimulant, caffeine reduces drowsiness and sedation by inhibiting adenosine (a nervous system depressant) from reaching receptors in the brain. When taken with phenylalanine, vitamin B6 can improve cAMP levels, and dopamine synthesis. Vitamin B6 is involved in the production of neurotransmitters. Vitamin B6 (as Pyridoxine Hydrochloride) – 5mg Some people experience a harmless “flush” when taking niacin-containing supplements. Vitamin B3 acts within the adrenal system to synthesize a number of sex- and stress-related hormones, along with serotonin, a neurotransmitter acting on the central nervous system and the GI tract. It’s only available with a prescription.Addium Nutrition Label The Ingredients Vitamin B3 (Niacin) – 30mg
Ritalin is a smart drug that enhances information processing, memory and attention. Ritalin is a powerful stimulant that should only be taken as prescribed and monitored closely for abuse. It can also cause hallucinations, psychosis, seizures, heart arrhythmias and high blood pressure, particularly when taken in high doses ( 79, 80, 81, 82). The most common side effects of Ritalin include insomnia, stomach ache, headache and loss of appetite ( 79).
Like Adderall, Ritalin is widely abused, especially by people aged 18–25 ( 78). It’s typically well tolerated, but may have the opposite effect and impair thinking if an excessive dose is taken ( 77). In healthy adults, Ritalin improves short-term memory, information-processing speed and attention ( 75, 76). However, it does not contain amphetamines ( 74). Like Adderall, it’s a stimulant and increases dopamine and noradrenaline concentrations in your brain. Ritalin is another prescription drug used to manage symptoms of ADHD and narcolepsy. SummaryĪdderall is not available without a prescription but does appear to improve brain function in healthy adults and those with ADHD. Recreational Adderall abuse can also cause more severe side effects, such as heart attack, especially when mixed with alcohol ( 71, 72, 73).Įvidence that Adderall enhances mental performance is strong, but it should only be taken as prescribed. The side effects of Adderall abuse include anxiety, low sex drive and sweating ( 70). It’s important to note that these drugs are not without side effects.Īdderall is widely abused on college campuses, with some surveys indicating that up to 43% of students use stimulant drugs without a prescription ( 69). They also reduce appetite ( 66).Ī review of 48 studies found that Adderall significantly improved people’s ability to control their behavior and enhanced short-term memory ( 67).ĭepending on the dose and type of pill prescribed, the effects last up to 12 hours ( 68). The amphetamines found in Adderall make people feel more awake, attentive and optimistic. It’s most commonly prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD) and narcolepsy, but it’s increasingly taken by healthy adults to improve attention and focus ( 64).Īdderall works by increasing the availability of the brain chemicals dopamine and noradrenaline within your prefrontal cortex, an area of your brain that controls working memory, attention and behavior ( 65). However, it should only be taken as prescribed.Īdderall is a prescription medication that contains highly stimulating amphetamines. Modafinil is a prescription drug that can reduce drowsiness and improve brain function in healthy adults, particularly those who are sleep deprived. Though modafinil is generally considered non-addictive, instances of dependence and withdrawal have been reported at high dosages ( 62, 63). While modafinil appears to have strong nootropic effects, it’s only available via prescription in most countries.Įven when prescribed, it’s important to use this drug responsibly to avoid negative side effects. It also enhances executive functioning, or the ability to properly manage your time and resources to accomplish your goals ( 60). Several studies have shown that modafinil significantly reduces feelings of fatigue and improves memory in sleep-deprived adults ( 59, 60, 61). Yet, animal studies suggest it has a lower risk of dependence ( 57, 58). Its stimulating effects are similar to those of amphetamines or cocaine. Commonly sold under the brand name Provigil, modafinil is a prescription drug that is often used to treat narcolepsy, a condition that causes uncontrollable drowsiness ( 56).
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