Transitioning Into Spring: Nootropics vs. Adderall For ADHD Management
The start of spring often provides a boost of much-needed energy, but can also present new challenges in school or at work. If you experience symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, you might want to consider options for promoting concentration and reducing restlessness. Stimulants are the leading type of prescription ADHD medication, but the side effects of these drugs often lead patients to seek out alternative treatments. Find out whether Thesis nootropics can be effective for managing the symptoms of ADHD.
Understanding ADHD
ADHD is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder that affects children and adults. Inattentive type ADHD presents difficulties focusing and staying on task, while hyperactivity involves excessive movement and impulsivity. Combined type ADHD involves symptoms of both of the preceding types.
Several types of medication can manage ADHD symptoms. Adderall and other stimulants bind to dopamine and norepinephrine receptors in the brain to increase neurotransmitter levels. This type of medication is widely prescribed for ADHD, but can have side effects. Non-stimulant prescription medications typically work more slowly and may not be effective for all patients. Alternative treatments include ADHD over the counter medication and dietary supplements called nootropics.
Benefits Of Nootropics
Nootropics are commonly referred to as “smart drugs” based on the observed benefits of these substances for supporting cognitive function and concentration. Hundreds of ingredients that range from functional mushrooms and plant extracts to amino acids and vitamins can be considered nootropics.
While some nootropics, such as caffeine, have stimulant properties, these substances are generally recognized as safe at low-to-moderate dosage levels. Nootropics typically do not have the side effects associated with stimulant medications that contain amphetamines. Most nootropics are also available over the counter.
How Do Nootropics Work
Some nootropics have been shown to enhance cognitive performance. In the limited number of published studies on nootropics, these substances seem to support comprehensive brain function rather than directly altering neurotransmitter activity. The effectiveness of these treatments is largely anecdotal, as the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate dietary supplements in the same way as prescription drugs or clinically-tested non habit forming anxiety medication.
Some nootropics can have cumulative effects that increase over the course of days or weeks of taking these treatments. The long-term effects of taking nootropics are not well known. A holistic anxiety medication that specifically targets the activity of the S-100B protein in the brain could be preferable to stimulant drugs and nootropics. Whereas nootropics are only suitable for adults, a homeopathic antibody-based treatment can be safely dosed for children as young as five, teens and adults.
Tips for Managing ADHD
Whether you choose to manage ADHD symptoms by taking prescription medications, nootropics or an antibody-based treatment, you can obtain the best results by taking a holistic approach. Getting proper nutrition and sufficient sleep can help you derive more advantages from any approach to ADHD management. You might also keep a journal to track the benefits and side effects of treatments. Taking a mindful approach to managing ADHD symptoms can help you achieve your goals this spring.
