Using Nootropics to Supplement Traditional ADHD Treatments

Note: I recently wrote an article for Answers.com called “Nootropics for ADHD: Are They Safe?“. Kallum Mitterer, part owner of a company called Peak Nootropics, offered to write an article for ADD Moms about this subject. Before you decide to try these supplements, I would suggest reading both articles and doing additional research.

ADHD is a terrible condition that many of us live with. We treat ourselves with stimulant drugs that are not only unhealthy but also addictive. This is usually the only way to deal with the problem however there are other remedies that may help us supplement these therapies.
Many people look at nootropics as a source of treatment for ADHD. Nootropics are supplements or drugs that increase mental focus and clarity. Nootropics such as piracetam have been studied to be effective remedies for ADHD.

Nootropics are a very broad range of supplements and drugs. To be involved in the nootropics family, the supplement or drug must possess some certain qualities. For one, to be considered a nootropic the substance must increase some aspect of mental performance. Nootropics should also help protect the brain or improve some biological aspect of the brain. A true nootropic should also be low in side effects, tolerance and addiction potential.

Several nootropics have piqued the interest of the ADHD community. The racetam nootropics have been studied the most. There are also other groups of nootropics such as the ampakines that may be beneficial buy they are newer have not been studied to the extent of the racetams.

Piracetam & ADHD

Piracetam is the longest known member of the racetam family. It works by increasing the efficiency of the acetylcholine receptors. The acetylcholine neurotransmitter is related to learning and memory as well as focus and other aspects of mental performance. It is believed that piracetam works primarily by stimulating the reuptake of acetylcholine.

One well documented study suggests that piracetam may have beneficial effects on children with ADHD. This particular study involved 80 children aged from 8-11 and was divided into two groups as well as a control. The children who received the highest dose of piracetam, showed the most benefits. This shows that piracetam may have beneficial effects for people suffering from ADHD.

Other Nootropics & ADHD

The only real well published study on racetams and ADHD was the one involving piracetam. The other racetams also have similar effects with much higher potencies. Why there isn’t more study into this is unclear. Some of the great candidates from possible benefits of ADHD are phenylpiracetam and pramiracetam. Phenylpiracetam has stimulant effects and is known to be 30-60 times more potent than piracetam.

Other nootropics such as sulbutiamine may also be interesting. Sulbutiamine also had stimulant effects as a nootropic but has a different method of action than the racetams. It affects D1 and D2 dopamine receptors which are believed to be part of the problem in people suffered from ADHD.

The truth is, nootropics may not be as effective as drugs like Ritalin however they may have merit in helping reduce the symptoms of ADHD. It is nice to have an alternative for those not wanting to be on nasty drugs all the time. Often nootropic users will “stack” their nootropics in order to find a perfect combination for their own brains chemistry. Using nootropics is something you wish to explore as a partial or even full alternative to traditional ADHD drugs

If you would like to learn more about the types of nootropics, their functions and how they may help you, please visit this site. It has a lot of great information and resources for both nootropics beginners as well as advanced users.

Sources:
Piracetam ADHD