Nootropics aren’t a fad trend. They’ve been used in Traditional and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. They have become popular recently because people are catching on to their benefits, such as boosting alertness and focus, and increasing dopamine levels. Enhancing dopamine levels is one of the reasons nootropics are beneficial for people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In this blog, we explore which nootropics are most advantageous for ADHD. Plus, how and why they are effective in helping people with this condition.

What is ADHD?

To understand how nootropics help those with ADHD, let’s first look at what ADHD is.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder commonly diagnosed in childhood. Research involving brain scans suggests certain parts of the brain are smaller in people with ADHD. Other studies indicate people with ADHD have an imbalance of neurotransmitters. For instance, researchers observe dopamine levels to be far less in people with ADHD. ADHD affects people’s behaviour and it can be categorised into two types of behavioural problems, inattentiveness, and hyperactivity and impulsiveness.

Symptoms of inattentiveness include:
- Short attention span
- Easily distracted
- Forgetfulness
- Coming across as not listening
- Struggling to organise tasks

Signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity include:
- Fidgeting and being unable to sit still
- Excessive talking
- Interrupting conversations
- Being impatient and unable to wait their turn
- Lack of concentration

These symptoms can be disruptive to a person’s life. For children, ADHD can cause difficulties in school such as poor social interaction or underachievement.
Symptoms do tend to improve in adulthood but adults can still struggle with:
- Poor organisation
- Restlessness and edginess
- Inability to focus
- Difficulty dealing with stress
- Impatience
- Interrupting others

The causes of ADHD are not fully understood. Genetics are thought to be a key factor in the development of the condition. Another hypothesis is that people with ADHD have disrupted levels of the following thought-regulating neurotransmitters:

• Norepinephrine - Manages attention and regulates sleep cycles
• Dopamine - Powers motivation and is responsible for reward/gratification functions
• Epinephrine - Helps the brain think quickly under pressure and stress

Treatment for ADHD helps make the condition more manageable for individuals by relieving certain symptoms. Medication and therapy are often used in combination to treat the condition. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine are commonly prescribed to help individuals concentrate. Stimulants work by increasing dopamine levels, which boost alertness and concentration while minimising hyperactivity and impulsivity.

Are nootropics good for ADHD?

Good news, if you or a loved one experience ADHD symptoms, nootropics may help relieve symptoms! Nootropics are substances known as ‘cognitive enhancers’ and they improve cognitive functions such as memory and focus.
How can nootropics help with ADHD? Nootropics possess certain properties, which are beneficial for people with ADHD. Nootropics support the production of Norepinephrine and Dopamine and improve mental performance. Plus, they have minimal side effects.

Why don’t you grab a delicious bottle of Brite and see for yourself? Each bottle contains a blend of L-Theanine, Ashwagandha, and Guarana. These nootropics will boost your energy levels and help you focus. Our drinks are delicious and hydrating so that you can enjoy your nootropics supplements. In no time, You’ll be tempted to switch your morning cup of coffee for a Brite drink.

What nootropics increase dopamine

Without enough dopamine, our motivation and focus dwindle. Many nootropics, namely L-Tyrosine, Rhodiola Rosea, L-Theanine, and Citicoline can increase dopamine levels and boost brain function. Taking these nootropics as ‘dopamine supplements’ will help balance neurotransmitter levels without the harmful side effects of synthetic drugs.
Citicoline contains CDP Choline which promotes dopamine release and inhibits dopamine reuptake. It has also been found to encourage the growth of new dopamine receptors. Citicoline is a nootropic that has been found to boost both cognition and mood as well.
Rhodiola Rosea is a plant native to Eastern Europe and Asia and has been used in Traditional Medicine for years. It affects the immune system, reducing anxiety and fatigue, and has been found to stabilise dopamine. Rhodiola Rosea is also known to boost mental energy, which can enhance performance at work.
L-Theanine, a key ingredient in Brite drinks, is an amino acid that promotes alpha brainwaves that creates a state/sense of relaxation. It supports better sleep and improves overall cognitive performance, making it easier to focus and concentrate. The L-Theanine in Brite drinks comes from our organic matcha tea and green tea extract. Why not enjoy the benefits of L-Theanine while savouring the refreshing taste of Brite?

Best nootropics for ADHD

Nootropics are also beneficial for improving focus, and memory enhancement. The best nootropics for ADHD can be categorised into synthetic cognitive enhancers and natural nootropics.

The top synthetic cognitive enhancers for ADHD are:
Modafinil - This nootropic is used for wakefulness. It’s used to treat ADD and narcolepsy. It differs from traditional stimulants as it boosts alertness over long periods of time and doesn’t cause a crash when the effects wear off.
Piracetam - The first nootropic to be discovered by the ‘nootropics founder’ Dr. Girguea! This nootropic enhances concentration and increases energy. It derives from the neurotransmitter GABA, known to have a calming effect on the brain. GABA is used to treat depression, schizophrenia, and epilepsy as well as ADHD.

The top natural nootropics for ADHD are:
Ginkgo Biloba - This nootropic comes from a tree and has been used as a herbal remedy for anxiety and depression. It has been found to increase the attention span of people with ADHD, as it helps maintain healthy blood flow to the brain.
L-Tyrosine - There is little research to support the direct benefits of L-Tyrosine in regard to ADHD, but studies show it does improve memory. It is a crucial component for the production of neurotransmitters dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.
Ginseng - One of the most popular nootropics today. It is known for significantly boosting mental energy and memory. It also helps relieve ADHD symptoms by increasing dopamine levels.
Ashwagandha - A relatively new nootropic for the treatment of ADHD. Recent studies have found it boosts dopamine and norepinephrine. It also improves sleep quality which can be disrupted in people with ADHD.

Searching for a way to enjoy ashwagandha? Look no further, Brite drinks contain ashwagandha extract which will help you stay calm and focused throughout the day.
If you want to learn more about the power of nootropics and how they can benefit you, we have an informative guide that will walk you through all things nootropics!

If you experience ADHD symptoms please seek advice from a medical professional. If you have been diagnosed with ADHD and are on medication please speak to your doctor before taking nootropic supplements.