10 Best Adderall Alternatives: Natural Remedies For ADHD

Many people struggle with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but do not like taking a drug for the condition. The most commonly prescribed medication to treat symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is Adderall or “d-amphetamine.” This medication speeds up activity in the brain and helps people with attention problems to concentrate. The reason most people take this medication is because it has been studied for years, is one of the safest psychiatric medications, and is the most effective option for managing symptoms.

However, not everyone likes to take drugs to treat a condition like ADHD when there are natural alternatives that can be pursued. Some people don’t like forking over money for drugs and others don’t like the fact that they are conditioning themselves to become functionally dependent on a medication for symptom relief. For these reasons, some people want to know the best natural alternatives to Adderall for ADHD.

Adderall Alternatives: Natural Remedies for ADHD

Keep in mind that natural alternatives may not be as effective as a drug like “Adderall,” but they can still help manage symptoms. If you take the time to make some lifestyle changes and consciously work on your condition, it is possible to be managed successfully without a psychostimulant medication. Even for severe cases of ADHD, if you consciously work on your condition and find out which natural options work for you, the condition can be successfully managed – arguably better than whilst on medication.

1. Transcendental Meditation

Studies were conducted using Transcendental Meditation (TM) and after 3 months of meditation, symptoms of ADHD were significantly reduced. Participants showed significant reductions in stress, anxiety, and hyperactivity symptoms. It makes sense that meditation would help with ADD and ADHD simply because certain types of meditation practices actually increase activity in parts of the brain involved in focus, learning and memory. With consistent practice, a meditation practice could really reduce your symptoms.

Source: http://cie.asu.edu/volume10/number2/

2. Aerobic Exercise

Since exercise has been found to boost brain power in a number of different ways, it is no wonder that exercising can help minimize symptoms of hyperactivity and inattentiveness. People with ADHD get “hyperactive” as a result of having excess energy. In order to let out the energy, it is recommended to get involved in a consistent aerobic exercise program. For more information, read about the psychological benefits of exercise.

Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22895892

3. Omega-3/Omega-6 Fatty Acids

Individuals supplemented with n-3 PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acids) experienced significant reductions in ADHD symptoms. These need to be taken daily for a few months because the effect may not be immediate. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study individuals achieved and maintained symptom control. Omega-3/Omega-6 fatty acids can be obtained from things like Fish Oil, Krill Oil, and various types of fish.

There is various controversy surrounding the effectiveness of these supplements, but many have found that they work wonders. The key with these is consistency over the period of 90 days and then re-evaluate symptoms. If they work, great. If not, save your money.

Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2661342/
Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18448859/

4. Caffeine

Although there isn’t any scientific research behind the usage of caffeine for ADHD symptoms, some people find that it helps. Obviously this isn’t going to work as well as a psychostimulant for managing symptoms, but if you are heart-set on going medication-free for awhile, using caffeine for some extra mental energy could be helpful. Research has been done on animal models with ADHD and caffeine was found to help improve spatial learning tasks.

Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15877934

5. Neurofeedback

In the cases of many individuals with ADHD, they have slower than average brain wave activity. In order to speed brain waves up in the brain, scientists have figured out a way to hook electrodes up to the scalp and actually train people to speed up brain activity. This training attempts to uptrain slower brain waves such as theta and alpha into the beta brain waves range – primarily involved with focus.

The success rates associated with neurofeedback are up for debate. Additionally, this practice can be considered both expensive and time-consuming because in order to achieve results, the individual must attend many sessions. Most insurance companies do not cover this treatment. If you are interested, this could be something to consider.

Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15357015/

6. Pycnogenol (French maritime pine bark extract)

This substance has been used in children to help treat ADHD symptoms and has been found effective in numerous studies and reviews. Although not all researchers are convinced that this stuff works, some credible studies have shown that it can work. It may be something to try, especially if you are looking for a natural treatment option in children.

Pycnogenol is an extract from the bark of the French maritime pine and consists of phenolic acids, catechin, taxifolin, and procyanidins. In children this was supplemented at doses of 1 mg/kg/day – so if you are an adult, you may want to experiment with a higher dosage. Just one month’s worth of daily administration of this substance significantly reduced hyperactivity, and improved attention, and visual-motor coordination and concentration.

Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16699814

7. Monoamine Amino Acid Precursors

Monoamine amino acid precursors have been proven to be effective in cases with ADHD. They can help increase the amount of various neurotransmitters in the brain. If taken in the correct amounts under a controlled protocol, theorhetically it is possible to reduce attention-deficit symptoms while maintaining healthy brain functioning. All monoamines are derived from amino acids like tyrosine, tryptophan, and thyroid hormones. These are thought to play crucial roles in emotion, arousal, and cognitive function.

L-Dopa
L-Tyrosine
L-Tryptophan
5-HTP

It should be noted that it is recommended to work with a professional if you are considering a formula with several (or all) of these substances to help treat your ADHD condition. Although many are available over-the-counter (OTC), they can still have a powerful effect on mental functioning and should not be improperly used.

Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3035600/

8. Zinc (Supplementation)

Taking Zinc has been shown to be effective at reducing symptoms of ADHD. Supplementation of Zinc is especially helpful amongst individuals that have low zinc. If you already have low levels of zinc in your body, this could be a reason for experiencing ADHD symptoms in the first place.

However, even if you don’t have lower-than-average levels, supplementation of this substance has been studied and seems to be a legitimate supplement to try. Obviously this is not going to work for everyone, but it may work like magic in people that are unaware that they have low zinc levels.

Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21309695

9. Magnesium + Vitamin-B6 Supplementation

The supplementation of Mg-B6 has been studied in a group of 40 children with classic ADHD. It was found that supplementation of Vitamin-B6 and Magnesium significantly reduced the classic symptoms of ADHD after 2 months of treatment. This may be an effective treatment option for people with low levels of these vitamins.

It was noted that when treatment with Mg-B6 was stopped, the participants experienced a relapse in symptoms of ADHD. It should be known that if you have low levels of magnesium, this could be the root cause of your symptoms. However, even if you are not deficient in these vitamins, supplementation may prove to be therapeutic after a couple of months.

Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16846100

10. Lifestyle changes

Although lifestyle changes can be difficult to make, if you have a condition like ADHD, you may need to shape up the way you are living in order to successfully manage your symptoms. Do you need to try all of the natural treatments on this list? Certainly not. It’s all about finding out what works for you and what doesn’t.

If you don’t want to take Adderall or any other psychostimulant medication to manage your symptoms, you can find something else that will work. It may not be easy, but you can figure out a lifestyle that works well to either fit your symptoms, reduce them, and/or both.

Source: http://quittingadderall.com/natural-adderall-how-to-feel-tweaked-out-all-day-without-popping-a-pill/

Reader discussion (12)

Previously published reader comments are preserved below. New comments are not currently being accepted.

MdstudentJune 22, 2014
I have ADHD and I found coffee in the morning and afternoon really helps my concentration. I take extended release methylphenidate also. But, it's not enough to take the medicine, I have to make lifestyle changes. I use a calendar, have a morning routine, and have a lot of other tricks along the way to make my ADHD symptoms work for me.
joyJanuary 10, 2016
Mmh just wondering what are your tricks and morning routines to stay ahead of the game? :) I find my ADHD to be a little hard to manage at times, especially the disorganization part. Thanks! :)
KeonaJune 3, 2016
I use dry erase boards, timers, and steno pads. I break everything down into 15 minute increments. It's a lot. But most importantly I allow flexibility and try to remember that trying is all I can do.
TsviOctober 18, 2014
Thanks for the cool list, defiently going to try some :)
Kevin StudentNovember 27, 2014
I'm also a college student, and I saw these helpful tips while I was googling for natural alternatives to Adderall. It's helpful that'd you've included some ingredients as well, especially with the listing of different supplementation, vitamins, minerals, and amino-acids. I believe Adderall on campuses has really grown to be a huge problem, at least in mine. Although, I think you should be more specific in terms of Caffeine though in the article. It'd be great if you could mention natural sources versus lab sources. Where should the caffeine come from? Because I think products like Red-Bull, Monster, and Starbucks espresso shots are costly and also unhealthy for college students. Whereas I believe green tea would be a positive source. But I'm sure you would know better. I'd really like finding out more about that aspect of the article. I'd also like to say that I've really looked into and tried different products geared specially towards being natural alternatives to Adderall. My roommates and I take Limidax now, and I take Limidax since it provides a natural and healthy boost in focus and concentration. It makes sense too why now, since it has the ingredients you mentioned in your article.
Morgan NewallJanuary 18, 2016
Just to chime in re: Caffeine sources - by far the healthiest (research and personal experience) is Mate: 'Mate, also known as yerba mate, chimarrão or cimarrón, is a traditional South American caffeine-rich infused drink, particularly in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, the Bolivian Chaco and Southern Brazil, and in southern Chile'. It also has a unique neurological affect in my experience and helps much more than Coffee/Energy drinks (sugar is nearly always a bad idea, IMHO).
LisahJanuary 18, 2016
My struggle is having the opportunity to drift. In other words, on my job, I have so many options of what to do each day, I struggle with actually concentrating on 1 thing, and getting it done! It seems if I have a definite task, it is easier to focus and accomplish it. But with nothing definite, or not having the same task to repeat ovee and over, I drift off easily and frequently!!! I don't know if that makes sense!!! But organizational skills would be helpful, if only I were gifted with organization!!! Any tips???
GLOOMJanuary 19, 2016
Read the book "The One Thing" by Gary Keller... Pick one thing, finish it, and don't let yourself jump to another task before one is complete. Best of luck.
HeathMarch 11, 2016
I've always been thought to have ADHD when I was a child, but for what ever reason my parents never put me on medication. Now that I'm older, I've noticed myself (and have had people point out) symptoms of ADHD. Taking medication isn't an issue, however, I've never been dependent on any medication so I'm worried I may be forgetful when first taking medication. I'm also not too fond on taking meds that have serious side effects - I believe I'm a hypochondriac as well ad I become paranoid if I think something is amiss. I really would hate to focus intensely on that paranoia. I arrived at this site not intentionally seeking natural remedies to Adderall, but alternative medications. However, meditation seems like it would be the most effective in terms of natural remedies, however, I've attempted meditation and I find it nearly impossible to do it - given I don't really `know` how to, per se. Anyway, I feel like I already have a negative connotation of Adderall, so taking it would probably make me severely uncomfortable. Is there a medication that provides focusing results similar to Adderrall? Maybe a combination of medication and meditation can help me adjust to going completely medication free.
LaurenJune 23, 2016
I have high blood pressure, and this has been a real challenge for me. I love love love my methylphenidate! It truly works. I have 2 pills, one for 27 mg and after taking that alone for a few weeks, I noticed a slump in the afternoon in concentration and found myself sitting and staring into space. My doctor added a 17 mg methylphenidate and combined I have felt better than ever on these. But my BP hovers around 165/100 even with Losartan 100 mg so my only choices are non-stimulants at this point or upping my Losartan or combining other BP meds. So my doctor told me to go off the Methylphenidate and she gave me an RX for Strattera. I haven't even opened the bottle! OMG so many people have written about all the horrible side effects (weeks of vomiting and diarrhea!! NO THANKS!!) so I'm afraid to even try it. And it's $100 a month! I'm going to return it and get my money back. My doctor said last resort is Wellbutrin, which I have just Googled and think it's not for me either. Today out of desperation I took just the 17 mg Methylphenidate so I can function. I already eat very clean and take lots of vitamins, but thanks to this website, I've added Magnesium and Zinc today and plan on buying the pine bark and the amino acids and giving them a try. I love the stimulant meds but can't take them because of my high blood pressure. Anyone else have this problem?
IonaAugust 21, 2016
My son takes guanfacine for his ADHD, it is a non stimulant med, he's only 7... He was taking adderall but I had to remove him from it because he wouldn't sleep at night and when he would finally crash he would sleep all day and wet the bed. I am all for natural ways to remove him from meds completely... I am so going to talk with his doctor about some if these. He has been taking fish oil but I don't see any major improvements.
AmyFebruary 2, 2017
I take adderall daily. I start by a high dose in the AM then take an additional small dose at lunch time. I'm very organized, super clean and can get things done even when I don't take it, my big issue is at work I can't focus so I have to take it our ill just sit and space out for 7 out of the 8 hours. I'm looking for an alternative as adderall makes my mouth dry, rapid heart beat, always having to clear my throat and I swear it makes me moody and irritable when its leaving my system. I suffer from depression as well so its very hard for me to find something natural without taking a million pills. I already take B complex, C, D and elderberry. If anyone one has and suggestions I would love to hear. Thank you.