Adderall is a prescription medication that is classified as a stimulant. The non-medical use of the drug is fairly common among healthy individuals to improve mood and attention levels. But taking Adderall for long periods can have multiple negative side effects.

In this piece, we will discuss some facts about the drug Adderall and look at some natural alternatives to Adderall.

Key Takeaways: OTC Adderall 

The following are the key takeaways from this article.

• Adderall is a synthetic stimulant used for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms and narcolepsy. 
• Adderall affects the central nervous system and alters the flow of various neurotransmitters. In healthy individuals, it can boost brain functions and generate a feeling of euphoria. This has resulted in its misuse.
• Possession of non-prescription Adderall is illegal. However, there are unclassified online pharmacies that sell Adderall.
• The cost of the positive effects of Adderall comes in terms of multiple psychological and physical side effects. Some of these are depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, cardiovascular issues, and heart failure.
• Nootropics are some of the best Adderall alternatives that can boost brain functioning through natural ingredients. Some of the best brain boosting supplements, or Adderall alternatives, are Mind Lab Pro and NooCube.

What Is Over The Counter Adderall?

The commercial variety of Adderall contains d-amphetamine and l-amphetamine salts in a 3:1 ratio. Generally, it comes in the form of a tablet or a capsule and is taken orally.  Some variations of the drug, like Adderall XR. come with a time-release formula.  

Adderall is FDA-approved for use in medical conditions like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms and narcolepsy, a specific sleep disorder. 

Amphetamine is a synthetic drug that can affect the functioning of the central nervous system and improve brain function [1]. Once the drug reaches the brain, it can trigger the release of specific neurotransmitters like dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. These molecules are termed catecholamines and they also act as hormones.

Some effects of the drug include elevated mood, extended wakefulness, higher alertness, and a feeling of well-being. This is the reason that many college students use Adderall to improve performance during stressful periods. Quite often, Adderall is considered equivalent to other “smart drugs” or “study drugs”.

However, sustained use of amphetamine can reduce the feelings of alertness and generate psychotoxic effects. This can result in various forms of hallucinations and delusions. Serious side effects can also involve fever, weakness, cardiovascular issues, and worsening mental health conditions. Sudden stoppage of Adderall can also lead to withdrawal symptoms for which there is no treatment.

Note, Adderall should be used with the right level of control and under the guidance of a qualified medical practitioner. 

Can You Get Over the Counter Adderall?

It is not easy to buy over-the-counter Adderall without a prescription since it is illegal. However, there are unclassified online pharmacies that sell the drug without the need for prescriptions [2]. 

These rogue sites are easily available through search engines and they also offer purchases through cryptocurrency. There are no quantity limits on the amount of Adderall that can be purchased either.

Even though Adderall is a controlled substance, these illegitimate online pharmacies keep attracting customers and remain a public health hazard.

The idea of non-prescription Adderall may sound tempting, but there’s a reason why it’s a controlled substance. Bear in mind that as these distributors are illegal, you don’t know what you’re buying — you risk taking pills that may contain other potentially dangerous compounds.

What Is the Closest Thing to Adderall Over the Counter?

The closest thing to Adderall is natural alternatives that can boost brain function and are mostly safe for consumption. Nootropics are one such form of natural supplement that can be marked as a natural Adderall alternative.

In reality, no natural supplement can replicate the exact effects of Adderall. However, being derived mostly from plants and roots these substances do not have adverse side effects like Adderall. 

These natural Adderall alternatives can also improve cognitive functions and have positive effects on brain health. They can also enhance mental clarity, improve concentration levels, and stabilize mood.

That said, the amount of research conducted on these natural cognitive enhancers is limited. The full range of their effects related to long-term use is still unclear. Also, there are chances of potential drug interactions and some minor side effects. It is always best to consult a medical professional before consuming any supplement.

OTC Adderall Alternatives: 4 Best Nootropics 

Some of the best natural Adderall alternatives from the current market are discussed below. 

1. Mind Lab Pro

Mind Lab Pro comes with 11 potent nootropics that can improve cognitive health and brain performance in people from all walks of life. The supplement is said to target 11 different pathways of the mind to enhance cognitive function. It also helps in enhancing attention span and focus while boosting neural performance.

Mind Lab Pro is completely natural and contains no stimulants like caffeine. This makes it free from adverse side effects like the ones related to amphetamine salts. Some of the major components are Citicoline, Phosphatidylserine, Lion’s Mane Mushroom, and Bacopa Monnieri. 

Research has pointed out that these ingredients have positive effects on cognitive function and can improve blood flow to the brain cells. This comprehensive range of natural chemicals does not deliver a surge of unnatural mental energy like the synthetic components of Adderall.  They can enhance the cellular energy levels in the brain in a natural manner and boost focus abilities.

In addition, Mind Lab Pro also contains essential vitamins like Vitamin B6, B9, and B12, which have multiple health benefits.

There is a whole range of positive Mind Lab Pro reviews that shows it is effective. However, it has no serious side effects like Adderall. The brand also ensures high standards and good manufacturing practices to ensure quality. Overall, it is one of the best Adderall alternatives in the market.

Pros

• Mind Lab Pro delivers long-term brain health
• The ingredients are free of gluten and synthetic additive
• It can help in countering the aging effects on the brain
• Comes with a 60-day money-back warranty

Cons

• Somewhat expensive 
• Not recommended for adults below 18 years of age and pregnant or nursing women.

 2. NooCube

NooCube has multiple earth-based ingredients that enhance memory and stimulate the brain to function better. It delivers a smooth climb of mental clarity that helps in improving productivity. The manufacturers claim that NooCube is safe for health and does not result in jitters.

Some of the main ingredients include Astragalus extract, oat straw, L-Tyrosine, L-Theanine, Ginkgo Biloba, and Bacopa Monnieri. The positive effects of all these components have been proved through research. 

NooCube functions by helping the brain to make faster neural connections. It also has anti-inflammatory effects that may assist in the healing of brain cells from oxidative damage. This can also prevent cognitive decline in the long run.

Adderall affects the levels of dopamine that can impact the pleasure center of the brain. On the other hand, NooCube naturally boosts the levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine to help with memory and cognition. Hence, it does not lead to addictions.

Besides, NooCube does not produce a fast boost in mental energy levels like Adderall. The full effects of NooCube are experienced with extended use of 4 to 12 weeks.

Some of the top neuroscientists developed the formula of NooCube and it has undergone extensive clinical testing. Unlike Adderall, NooCube is also free of stimulants and does not have negative effects like dizziness, headache, insomnia, or psychosis. At present, it is one of the top natural Adderall alternatives in the market.

Pros

• It contains 100% natural ingredients 
• Free of caffeine and all other stimulants.
• Independent studies support some benefits of the ingredients
• It comes with a 30-day refund policy

Cons

• Available only through the NooCube.com website
• Only suitable for adults

3. Performance Lab Nootropics

The Mind from Performance Lab claims to boost brain power and help in recovering from exhaustive mental tasks. Since it helps in enhancing performance in high-pressure environments, it can be a natural alternative to study drugs like Adderall.

All four components in the Mind supplement are plant-based. These include Citicoline, Phosphatidylserine, L-Tyrosine, and maritime pine bark extract. This combination promotes brain cell regeneration and neural development to ensure long-term brain health and memory retention.

The use of Mind does not result in any peaks or crashes in your mental state, or the euphoric highs that are caused by the use of Adderall. As a result, it has none of the serious side effects that are related to uncontrolled Adderall use. There are no chances of getting addicted to the supplement either.

The amino acid L-Tyrosine, used in Mind helps to restore the depleted levels of catecholamine related to stress. However, being a natural product, it does not result in a sudden rise in the neurotransmitter levels like the effect of Adderall. 

Performance Lab also states that Mind has been tested safe for long-term daily use. While it promotes mental alertness, it is free from stimulants and does not cause jitters.

The Mind is one of the few nootropic pills with a potent formula that can have a positive effect on overall  brain function. Most Performance Lab reviews mention that it offers great value to users looking for a safe drug that has cognitive benefits. Admittedly, it is one of the best natural Adderall alternatives you can pick.

Pros

• It supports full spectrum cognitive function
• Aids in recovering from stress burnout 
• Can improve brain phospholipids levels and neural regeneration
• Generally well-tolerated and safe for long-term use

Cons

• It contains no vitamins to boost overall health
• Not for users below 18 years and pregnant, or nursing women.

4. Qualia Mind

Qualia Mind is designed for enhancing long-term cognitive health along with clarity, focus, and productivity. It helps in the synaptic formation between neurons and supports mitochondrial function in brain cells. The product was developed after hours of research by top scientists and it is an effective nootropic for an energy boost.

Qualia Mind comes with 28 different natural herbs, amino acids, and multiple vitamins like Vitamin C, D3, B6, and B12. Some of the important ingredients are Bacopa Monnieri, L-Theanine, Ginkgo Biloba, Rhodiola Rosea, and DHA. All these components are proven to have positive effects as mind boosters and make Qualia Mind one of the most effective nootropics for memory.

Independent studies conducted on Qualia Mind have proven that it can develop mental performance [6]. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs like Adderall, it is free from side effects like sleepiness, anxiety, dizziness, etc. There are no reports of users developing physical and emotional dependence on Qualia Mind either.

That said, Qualia Mind comes with a huge range of ingredients and this may not be suitable for long-term consumption. The daily dosage of 7 pills is also on the higher side. Overall, Qualia Mind may not be the best nootropic in the market, but it is much safer than synthetic stimulants like Adderall.

Pros

• Enhances Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) generation
• Helps in memory retention and maintaining brain health with age
• It is 100% vegan and gluten-free
• It comes with a 100-day refund guarantee

Cons

• Not all ingredients are proved to be effective
• It contains Huperzine A which may have some side effects with daily use

Adderall vs Nootropics 

Nootropics made from natural ingredients have many advantages over Adderall. Keep in mind, Nootropics are no substitute for Adderall as a drug for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. 

Listed below are some of the major differences between the two.

• The natural nootropic brain supplements have no serious short and long-term side effects like Adderall. With extensive research being done by the top manufacturers, the quality and efficacy of nootropics are improving each day. This makes them a safer Adderall alternative for improving brain functioning and cognitive performance.
• The individual ingredients used in nootropics have been proven to have positive effects on cognitive performance without any associated dangers. In most cases, they do not affect the pleasure center of the brain like Adderall. However, there are no in-depth studies on the combined effect of a host of ingredients used in a nootropic supplement.
• Nootropics may offer neuroprotective benefits that can improve brain health. Components like L-theanine, an amino acid,  can prevent age-related damages by boosting blood flow and help in the regeneration of nerve cells [5]. Adderall has no such effects.
• Adderall affects the sympathetic nervous system by the generation of epinephrine or adrenaline [7]. This results in clarity, focus, and sustained flight-or-flight response. In the long run, this can have various negative effects on the system. Nootropics have no such effects.
• Unlike Adderall, you do not need a prescription to buy nootropics. Since they are not drugs or OTC medications, they can be used in non-prescribed circumstances. On the other hand, buying Adderall without a prescription is an unlawful offense.
• Nootropic stacks do not lead to addiction. The supplement manufacturers mention that some rare cases related to psychological or emotional responses may happen. But unlike Adderall addiction, nootropics can not override the willpower of a user.
• Continued use of Adderall can lead to the development of tolerance for the drug. In time, more Adderall will be needed to get the required levels of cognitive enhancement and mental energy. Natural nootropics do not have such effects.

What Nootropic Is Most Like Adderall?

Basically, nootropic supplements and Adderall are two different products that function in entirely different ways. None of these supplements can be compared to Adderall in terms of overall physical and mental effects.

When it comes to delivering the same benefits in terms of mental performance, nootropics do not result in euphoric feelings or sustained flight-or-flight responses. However, nootropics can improve mental focus and act as a brain booster.

If you are looking for the best Adderall alternative, Mind Lab Pro is the top choice. With 11 potent natural components that have proven benefits on brain health, it is the most highly recommended among the Adderall alternatives you can pick.

Dangers of Adderall Addiction

For patients who are closely monitored by healthcare experts, there are no risks from Adderall as the dosage is controlled. However, with uncontrolled use, there are multiple negative effects of Adderall addiction on health. Some of these are listed below.

• Due to its effect on the central nervous system, side effects like nervousness, restlessness, dizziness, insomnia, slowed speech, and headaches can occur.
• Other effects may include blurred vision, heavy sweating, and dryness of the mouth and eyes [3].
• It can also cause loss of appetite, abdominal pain, weight loss, and constipation.
• It may lead to a rise in body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure levels. Long-term abuse in heavy doses can lead to a stroke or a heart attack [4].
• Other serious side effects include uncontrollable shaking or seizures.
• Psychological symptoms can include depression, anxiety, paranoia,  disturbing thought patterns, and reduced mental performance. There can also be a feeling of “being on the edge” or jittery.
• Some individuals can also experience an allergic reaction to Adderall. This can include rashes, itching, and blistering skin.

Signs of Adderall Abuse

Some of the common signs of Adderall abuse are listed below.

• Being overly talkative
• Unusual excitability
• Social withdrawal
• Aggressive or impulsive behavior
• Unusual sleeping patterns
• Exhaustion
• Excessive weight loss and reduced appetite
• Memory loss
• Mental disorientation
• A decline in personal hygiene
• Overworking or over concentrating

FAQ 

Here are some frequent queries related to Adderall

What Is Comparable to Adderall?

When it comes to the treatment of patients suffering from ADHD there are a few drugs that can be used instead of Adderall. There are over-the-counter nootropics with natural supplements that can boost mental energy without the dangerous adverse effects of Adderall.

Can You Get Adderall Without a Doctor?

No. Purchasing Adderall without a prescription from a doctor or buying an amount beyond the prescribed limits is not permitted legally.

What Is the New Adderall?

Modafinil is a drug that promotes wakefulness and is used to treat narcolepsy patients. Due to its mood and memory-enhancing effects, it is being used by healthy individuals and is often termed the new Adderall. Modafinil can have multiple adverse effects and should not be consumed unless prescribed by a physician.

What Medications Are Similar to Adderall?

There are other stimulant medications like Ritalin that are used for the treatment of ADHD and can have the same effects as Adderall.  Beyond that, there are a few non-stimulant and non-addictive alternatives. One such medication is Strattera. It is approved by the FDA for the treatment of ADHD.

Conclusion 

It is evident that long-term use of Adderall in heavy doses has potentially dangerous side effects. This makes the natural Adderall alternatives like nootropics a safer option for enhanced cognition.

At the same time, Nootropic supplements are not FDA-approved and there is not enough research on their long-term effects. To be on the safer side,  it is best to use such supplements under medical supervision.

References

1. “Amphetamine.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Database, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Amphetamine. 
2. Penley, Benjamin, et al. “Characteristics of Online Pharmacies Selling Adderall.” Journal of the American Pharmacists Association : JAPhA, American Pharmacists Association®. Published by Elsevier Inc., 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7476499/. 
3. Sussman, Steve, et al. “Misuse of ‘Study Drugs:” Prevalence, Consequences, and Implications for Policy.” Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy, BioMed Central, 9 June 2006, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1524735/. 
4. Sichilima, Tangu, and Michael J Rieder. “Adderall and Cardiovascular Risk: A Therapeutic Dilemma.” Paediatrics & Child Health, Pulsus Group Inc, Mar. 2009, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2690554/. 
5. Guo WL;Qu WR;Zeng LN;Qi ZP;Huang C;Zhu Z;Li R; “l-Theanine and NEP1-40 Promote Nerve Regeneration and Functional Recovery after Brachial Plexus ROOT AVULSION.” Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30553451/. 
6. “Safety and Efficacy Study of Qualia Mind on Cognition in a Healthy Population – Full Text View.” Full Text View – ClinicalTrials.gov, clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04389723. 

Heal, David J, et al. “Amphetamine, Past and Present–a Pharmacological and Clinical Perspective.” Journal of Psychopharmacology (Oxford, England), SAGE Publications, June 2013, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3666194/.