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7 Best Nootropics For Energy & Motivation 2023
Updated on
- Written by Alycia Watts, Former Health Writer
Medically reviewed by
Kathy Shattler, MS, RDN
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- Vegan & gluten-free
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Modafinil
- Helps with depression
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In today’s fast-paced world, you may find it hard to keep up. It seems like there is always a deadline to meet or a project to accomplish. If you are experiencing brain fog or finding it hard to concentrate, you may be lacking the energy and motivation to perform daily tasks.
That’s where nootropics come into play. Nootropics are available in several different forms with one common goal of improving cognitive performance. Some require a prescription, while others are available over the counter. These brain supplements may interest you if you lack energy and motivation and can not seem to get going. Let’s take a look at some of the best nootropic supplements on the market.
Best Nootropics For Energy & Motivation On The Market In (December. 2023)
- NooCube – Editor’s choice
- Qualia Mind – Best Money-Back Guarantee
- Modafinil – Best Nootropics for Energy
- Alpha Brain– Best Stackable Nootropic
- Brain Powher – Women-Focused Nootropic
- NeuroFuel – Most Budget Friendly
- Noopept – Most Fast-Acting
What Are Nootropics?
So what are nootropics? Nootropics, also known as smart drugs, are dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals used to improve mental performance and cognitive function. They claim to provide various cognitive enhancements. They boost mood, memory, and focus and increase energy and motivation in healthy adults.
There are two types of nootropics[1], natural and synthetic. Natural nootropics are naturally produced in nature or herbs derived from things like plants and mushrooms. A natural nootropic is known for improving cognitive function while also creating a healthier brain. In comparison, synthetic nootropics are lab-created compound nootropics.
Synthetic nootropics or prescription drugs are not available in nature. They are typically regulated and require clinical trials to prove safety and effectiveness. Both natural and synthetic nootropics have one common goal of helping you reach peak cognitive performance.
So you mean I can take a nootropic supplement and have unlimited energy? If you are not maintaining a healthy lifestyle, most nootropics supplements will not fully provide key benefits. But if you are eating healthy[2] and taking care of your body, adding nootropic supplements to your diet can help reach optimal results.
Nootropics for Energy & Motivation
Many people like you need that extra boost to keep you going in today’s busy society. There are many different nootropics on the market today that are developed to offer cognitive benefits. Combining nootropic ingredients synergistically to boost effects is known as “stacking.”
Nootropics are filled with brain-boosting ingredients developed to improve cognitive function. Please note that these natural or synthetic substances are not all evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. You should always consult your primary physician before taking a new supplement and outweigh any risks or benefits.
Many nootropic stacks contain supplements that are proven to work together to increase energy, like caffeine. Caffeine[3] is a stimulant commonly used to increase energy and feel more alert.
What is energy? Energy is the ability to do work. If you are feeling drained and unable to focus, nootropic stacks promise to enhance your brain health and allow you to reach peak performance.
How Do Nootropics Help With Motivation?
Nootropic supplements can help you become more motivated in several ways. They include several different ingredients focused on brain health.
One study[4] completed on college students taking Rhodiola rosea, a natural nootropic, concluded that they noticed an improvement in physical stamina, increased mental fatigue, and overall well-being. Typically if you feel better, you do better and have more motivation to get moving or study for that big test.
Let’s take a deeper look at our top 7 nootropics that are great for increasing energy and motivation.
7 Best Nootropics For Energy in 2023
NooCube
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If you live a busy lifestyle and cannot keep up with it all, NooCube can work for you.
- Clinically backed natural ingredients only
- Safety is a top priority
- GMO-free
- May have to increase to 3-4 pills a day for effectiveness
- Results may start to wear off over time
Noocube is a smart drug targeted to support and enhance focus, combat mental fatigue, improve memory, and boost brain function. It only takes two capsules starting out, and you will feel key benefits within thirty minutes. This nootropic is unique because it does not use any caffeine, avoiding any unwanted feelings of anxiety or jitters. It is sometimes identified as the best nootropic on the market.
Qualia Mind
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They are so confident in the mental benefits of their product they offer a 100-day money-back guarantee.
- In-depth research[6] and development by top scientists.
- 100-day money-back guarantee
- Pricey and high dosage quantity.
- May cause restlessness.
Qualia Mind is a 100% vegan and gluten-free nootropic stack promising more energy and less procrastination. They report being the only company utilizing complexity systems science to approach formulation. Complexity systems science[5] is a combination of complexity and dynamical systems used to interpret, analyze and characterize system behavior as a whole. This nootropic includes 28 ingredients containing vitamins and amino acids. The combining ingredients work together to amplify drive and productivity, promote mental clarity, and support long-term brain health.
Modafinil
If you work for a competitive company that requires long-lasting energy, this nootropic prescription is for you.
- FDA[8] approved
- Low chance of becoming dependent on medication
- Successfully treat chronic fatigue and other sleep disorders
- Effective as a cognitive enhancer
- Requires a prescription.
- It has a controversial potential for abuse[9].
Modafinil is a prescription medication that is prescribed to help keep you awake. If you suffer from chronic fatigue or lack energy and motivation, Modafinil may be suitable for you. Typically Modafinil is used as an off-label smart drug to keep you awake and has limited negative effects. It is prescribed to increase mental performance. A controversial use is as a medication frequently abused[7] on college campuses just before exams due to its ability to enhance cognitive performance.
Alpha Brain
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If you want to enhance cognitive functions such as improved memory, focus, and mental speed, Alpha Brain is the right nootropic for you.
- Can be stacked with other Alpha products for overall health
- Gluten, dairy, nut, and caffeine-free
- Expensive if taken regularly
They advertise their product as the ultimate way to get “in the zone” and perform at your best. The product works by creating more alpha brain waves and supporting the production of neurotransmitters.
Brain Powher
If you are on the hunt for a nootropic stack that offers complete cognitive performance, then Brain Powher is a good option.
- Contains all-natural ingredients
- 100% money-back guarantee
- Contains caffeine
Brain Powher is a nootropic developed using all-natural ingredients. Its main goal is to improve mental clarity and boost brain performance.
NeuroFuel
NeuroFuel is a quick-acting nootropic stack formulated to eliminate brain fog, improve concentration, and increase energy.
- All-natural formula
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO.
- Has to be taken regularly for consistent benefits.
NeuroFuel is the world’s first open-source supplement company providing ingredient traceability and third-party lab testing. Users often report symptoms of increased motivation, improved concentration and alertness, and enhanced mood.
Noopept
A study[10] concluded that Noopept shows significant improvement in cognitive brain function in stroke patients.
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Helps you cope with anxiety and depression
- Can cause sleep disturbances if taken too late in the day.
- Has limited clinical evidence.
If you are looking to boost motivation, increase cognitive function, and be more productive, Noopept promises just that. Noopept has a fast-acting formula that makes it ideal for high-energy workouts or time-crunched studying. Some individuals even add Noopept with their pre-workout to aid in peak performance and physical and mental energy.
7 Best Natural Nootropics
Caffeine
Caffeine is the most popular natural stimulant affecting the central nervous system. It is found naturally in coffee, tea, and chocolate and is added to energy drinks and soft drinks. Most people use caffeine to feel more awake and increase energy.
The FDA[11] suggests that healthy adults should not exceed more than 400 milligrams of caffeine per day. Some side effects include dehydration, anxiety, and restlessness.
Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola Rosea is a plant grown in cold parts of Europe and Asia used for centuries. The root of the plant is used to create a natural nootropic supplement. It is known to help boost brain function, reduce stress, combat fatigue, and reduce anxiety and depression. Rhodiola Rosea is typically taken in capsule or tablet[12] form dosing at 200-600mg per day.
A study on one hundred subjects being treated for chronic fatigue[13] taking 400mg a day displayed improvement in fatigue symptoms just after one week of treatment.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Acetyl-L-Carnitine is a natural dietary supplement found in your local health stores claiming to increase mental energy and muscle strength. It is suggested to have benefits in brain function within various diseases affecting the neurological system.
Research[14] has shown acetyl-l-carnitine to have benefits in neuroinflammation, which is a prominent symptom in neurodegenerative disease.
Lion’s Mane
Lion’s Mane is a mushroom traditionally used in Chinese medicine that is available in supplement form. It has been proven to improve brain energy when taken regularly. In addition, It works well in conjunction with other nootropics.
A study[15] completed on thirty Japanese patients over 16 weeks showed a significant increase in cognitive function while taking Lion’s Mane regularly.
Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba is derived from dry leaves from the plant, creating a herbal supplement. It is one of the most popular natural nootropics on the market. Studies have shown that Ginkgo biloba has helped improve brain function and helps create a feeling of well-being.
A study[16] from 2017 concluded that Ginkgo biloba taken daily for at least five months had beneficial effects for patients with dementia.
L-Theanine
L-theanine is a naturally occurring amino acid found in tea and some mushrooms. It can also be taken in pill form and is used for cognitive function. It has shown to be effective if you have trouble focusing for long periods or gathering your thoughts. It also has other cognitive benefits of relieving anxiety and controlling stress.
L-theanine has a potential risk for mild side effects like headache and drowsiness.
Huperzine A
Huperzine A is a chemical derived from Chinese club moss. This substance has been used to treat Alzheimer’s disease in China. It naturally increases acetylcholine[17], a neurotransmitter that plays a vital role in the brain.
It is used to help improve memory and support brain functions.
Potential Side Effects
You may wonder how safe nootropics are and if they have negative effects. Nootropics are considered relatively safe, especially natural forms. But when consuming any supplement, whether natural or synthetic, you can have risks of potential side effects.
For the most part, any known side effects are mild and go away over time. If you experience any concerning side effects, we recommend you quit taking the product immediately and consult your doctor.
Some side effects to look for include:
- Feeling restless and not being able to fall asleep
- Becoming immune to the dose and losing effectiveness
- Risks of interaction with other supplements or drugs
- Mild symptoms of headache, anxiety, racing heart, and high blood pressure can occur.
Final Thought
All and all, nootropics have many brain-boosting benefits, including increasing energy and helping you become more motivated. There is a wide variety to choose from, but the seven listed above are our top choices. They have been proven to work for healthy people, and are developed by teams of scientists[18].
Make sure to outweigh any risk, but if you lack drive and cannot seem to find the energy to complete your task, nootropics are worth a shot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nootropics, or smart drugs, are dietary supplements that may help increase energy, improve cognitive performance, and help you become more motivated to accomplish goals.
Generally, yes, nootropics are safe to consume. Always talk to your doctor before taking any new supplements or medications to provide medical advice.
Yes, nootropics are legal. Just make sure you have a valid prescription from your care provider for any regulated nootropics. You can purchase a majority of natural nootropics over the counter.
It depends on the nootropic. Some natural nootropics take time to build up in your system before becoming effective. At the same time, some nootropic stacks produce key benefits within thirty minutes. The product should identify a timeframe.
You should take nootropics as often as the product advertises or as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Never take more than the dosage listed on the product.
No, natural nootropics are not regulated by the FDA. There are prescription nootropics that the FDA regulates.
Nootropics are recommended for anyone seeking to improve cognitive performance, enhance memory, increase the ability to focus or concentrate, and improve mood.
Some nootropics can stack well with other supplements, but you should always research your product and ensure that it does not have any adverse interactions with other supplements or medications. Most companies recommend combining products with a healthy lifestyle for the best results.
+ 18 sources
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Written by:
Alycia Watts, Former Health Writer
Medically reviewed by:
Medically reviewed by:
