Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depression are the most common psychological disorders. These conditions affect memory, behavior, and normal brain functioning in individuals.
The best nootropics are generally used to improve such psychological problems. They may enhance brain performance to promote behavioral patterns and healthy mood. Here is a detailed guide to the best nootropics used for ADHD and depression.
What are Nootropics?
Nootropics are natural or medicinal substances that may help improve certain cognitive impairments including ADHD and depression. These are also known as “smart drugs” or “cognitive-enhancers”.
Some health experts have found that prescribed nootropics may help improve psychiatric issues of ADHD and depression. They may reduce the symptoms of ADHD and other depressive disorders by enhancing the cognitive functioning of the brain.
Best Nootropics for ADHD and Depression
In the realm of best nootropics for ADHD and depression, the following are generally used as powerful cognitive enhancers.
Best Nootropics for ADHD
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental psychiatric condition characterized by behavioral and functioning problems. Individuals with ADHD may struggle to focus or maintain attention. Similarly, sometimes, they are also involved in hyperactivity.
The following highest-rated nootropics are generally used for relieving such symptoms of ADHD.
1. Piracetam
Piracetam is one of the best nootropics generally used for ADHD. It is a derivative of the neurotransmitter, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). More than one study has shown Piracetam as a potential therapy for ADHD.
As a powerful cognitive enhancer, it increases the blood flow to the brain. This improves the functioning and behavioral ability of an individual with ADHD.
Similarly, it may increase concentration, energy, and synaptic plasticity. Piracetam may also boost brain metabolic rate and increase cerebral oxygen availability for proper functioning.
2. Noopept
Noopept is a popular cognitive enhancement supplement. It is generally considered one of the best therapy for ADHD. Its mechanism of action is the same as that of piracetam.
To cope with ADHD, Noopept may help increase memory, focus, and brain processing. It may also help with information processing at a higher rate. This increases the response rate of a person who struggles with giving attention to something.
Noopept has a half-life of 5-10 minutes and is released quickly from the brain after administration.
3. Vinpocetine
Vinpocetine is a synthetic nootropic. It is similar to Vinca minor, a substance found in the periwinkle plant. This nootropic increases blood flow to the brain and enhances short and long-term memory.
It is one of the best nootropics for ADHD because it reduces the observable behavioral characteristics (phenotypes) associated with ADHD. This works by reducing oxidative stress and increasing oxygen supply to the brain.
A clinical study, conducted on a rat model, shows that administering 10 and 20 mg/kg for 4 weeks into a rat’s body results in changing the behavioral profile of the rat with the help of increasing the blood flow to the brain. This shows its potential use as an ADHD therapy.
4. NSI-189 Freebase
NSI-189 Freebase is potentially used for ADHD. It is a neurogenic compound that is considered one of the monotherapies for ADHD.
It is generally believed that NSI-189 Freebase may increase cognitive functioning after 28 days. This enhancement is also associated with behavioral improvements.
Increasing behavioral efficacy in ADHD patients is one of the top qualities of NSI-189 Freebase. It may improve behavior by stimulating neurogenesis and increasing hippocampal volume.
5. Fasoracetam
Fasoracetam is another best nootropic for ADHD. It is a member of the racetam family, a class of drugs known for increasing cognitive functions. Various institutes including Emory University have studied it to improve neurological disorders.
Similarly, a study conducted for 5 weeks on 30 adolescents aged 12-17 years shows that this supplement is effective in treating ADHD
It may improve symptoms of inattention that are associated with ADHD. Fasoracetam may also modulate neurotransmitter systems (e.g., GABA, dopamine) affected by ADHD. This helps individuals with ADHD to give attention in a better way.
Top Nootropics for Depression
Depression is a serious mental illness characterized by persistent low mood and loss of appetite and interest in doing something. The best nootropics that are generally used for depressive disorders are the following.
1. Tianeptine Sodium
Tianeptine Sodium is one of the best anti-depressant nootropics. It is an atypical tricyclic antidepressant drug. Its dietary supplements are widely used.
To reduce depressive states in individuals, Tianeptine Sodium may inhibit glutamate receptor activity (i.e., AMPA receptors and NMDA receptors). This helps improve energy, mood, pain, and appetite control.
2. Limitless 2.0
Limitless 2.0 is a nootropic comprised of four compounds including Noopept, Fladrafinil, Phenylpiracetam Hydrazide, and Citicoline/CDP Choline Sodium.
These ingredients of Limitless 2.0 help modulate anxiety and other symptoms of depression. Similarly, they can improve psychostimulatory effects to improve depression.
Its use for depression is best because experimental research has shown that it increases noradrenaline and dopamine levels in the central nervous system (CNS). This helps with improving the mood of a depressed one.
3. Phenibut FAA
Phenibut FAA is a derivative of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neuropsychotropic drug. This may be a good anti-depressive drug because it improves mood and energy levels during depression.
To deal with depression, Phenibut FAA decreases anxiety and has positive effects on mood. Similarly, it improves conditions such as loss of appetite, mood swings, low energy, and insomnia that are associated with depression.
4. Dihexa
Dihexa is an important anti-depressant nootropic. It helps improve mental stamina for effective brain functioning in those having depressed minds. Daily 10 mg Dihexa capsule may be effective as per research subjects.
It has been studied for boosting mental endurance as well. Similarly, it may increase short and long-term memories. Dihexa may also help eliminate depression by reducing mood swings.
5. Caffeine Anhydrous
Caffeine anhydrous is a dehydrated form of caffeine. It is also one of the best nootropics for depression. It is a psychoactive substance generally used for depressive disorders including depression. People may ingest it in food products.
This nootropic may give feelings of alertness to help with depression. Similarly, major studies indicate the strengths of the low dose of caffeine anhydrous as an anti-depressant drug.
How do Nootropics Work for ADHD and Depression?
Generally, nootropics provided by trusted and reliable sources like RCD Bio work best for ADHD and depression. These nootropics work as a cognitive enhancer in the following ways.
- Increase brain activity: Nootropics may increase brain activity by boosting neurotransmitters.
- Boost neurotransmitters: It helps increase neurotransmitter levels such as dopamine level which gives alertness.
- Protecting brain cells: Best nootropics may protect brain cells to improve depressive disorders.
- Enhance neuroplasticity: Nootropics may also enhance neuroplasticity, a process of recognizing and forming synaptic connections.
- Improve behavioral patterns: They may improve behavioral patterns in ADHD patients
- Enhance thinking: To deal with ADHD and depression, nootropics also improve memory and enhance the thinking ability of individuals.
- Improve brain performance: Brain performance is affected by ADHD and depression. Nootropics improve brain performance.
How to Use Nootropics for ADHD and Depression
Nootropics are available in various forms like pills, liquids, and powders. It is advisable to use nootropics after proper consultation with a medical doctor. Moreover, the results should also be monitored.
Conclusion
Nootropics may be used as cognitive enhancers for improving certain depressive disorders. The best nootropics for ADHD and depression are either prescribed by a doctor or available over-the-counter. The best way to use nootropics is to consult a medical doctor before taking nootropics.