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Adderall is a popular medication used for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is a stimulant medication that is also approved to treat Narcolepsy. Stimulants are the first line of medication treatment for ADHD. When a person with ADHD takes a stimulant medication like Adderall, it acts on the neurotransmitters that impact the brain's reward system, motivation, and learning. This makes it easier to follow through with tasks and manage other ADHD symptoms.
Although prescription ADHD medications are safe and effective for most children with ADHD, some parents seek over-the-counter (OTC) Adderall alternatives for various reasons. With an increased number of people able to get an accurate ADHD diagnosis and recent shortages of Adderall, more and more people are seeking more easily accessible OTC Adderall alternatives.
Like with prescription medication, alternative treatments affect everyone differently, and the best option for one person might not be right for another. So, what should you know if you're looking for the best Adderall alternative for your child, or even yourself?
Let's first discuss possible reasons you might seek alternatives to Adderall. Then, we'll talk about the effectiveness and safety of over-the-counter Adderall alternatives and how to choose the best Adderall alternative for yourself or your child.
Why People Are Seeking Alternatives to Adderall
Adderall comes in two main forms: immediate-release Adderall and Adderall XR. Extended-release Adderall (Adderall XR) works longer and only needs to be taken once daily, whereas immediate-release Adderall tends to require 1-3x doses at distinct times of the day.
People tend to look for Adderall alternatives for several primary reasons, including accessibility, necessity, and preference. Let's explore why you might look for an OTC Adderall alternative.
Side effects of Adderall
Most prescription medications come with possible side effects. Some of the most common side effects of Adderall and other central nervous system stimulants include loss of appetite, an upset stomach, stomach pain, dry mouth, trouble sleeping, and weight loss.
Many people looking for the best Adderall alternatives do so due to the side effects associated with the ADHD drug. Everyone who takes any type of prescription drug will react to it differently, and some people experience more side effects than others.
Difficulty obtaining a prescription
The Food And Drug Administration (FDA) declared an Adderall shortage in 2022. Since most people get a one-month supply each time they pick up prescription stimulants, loss of access to the medication, albeit temporary, is abrupt and unsettling for people with ADHD.
When unable to access any medication, many people seek alternatives for symptom relief. ADHD can interfere with all parts of life, including school, work, social relationships, and home life. Consequently, lack of access to ADHD medication or other forms of support that work for an individual can be jarring.
The desire for natural alternatives
Some people seeking an alternative to Adderall prefer natural supplements, such as ginkgo biloba, Panax Ginseng, B vitamins (like vitamin B12), or omega-3 fatty acids.
There are a few reasons for this. Sometimes, it's personal comfort or exploration. Other times, it's because of previous experiences with medication. While some people have little to no side effects, the same isn't true for others.
Non-Medication Alternatives: Try Joon
Joon is easily the best natural alternative or add-on to ADHD medications like Adderall. It is not a supplement, so there's no possibility of medication interactions or serious adverse effects. Backed by parents, teachers, and child psychologists, Joon encourages self-esteem, task completion, and healthy routines in kids.
Joon is a game geared toward kids with ADHD and related concerns aged 6-12+. In the Joon Parent app, adults add tasks like homework, household chores, or elements of the child's routine. When kids finish their tasks, called "quests," they get rewards in the Joon Pet Game app that allow them to care for a virtual pet and continue playing.
90% of kids who use Joon finish all of their tasks.
Common Over-the-Counter Adderall Substitutes
If you search for over-the-counter products that might help with ADHD, you'll see a potentially overwhelming number of options. Some of these suggestions will have more evidence to back their use than others and you should always consult with a physician before making a decision. Here are five of the most common OTC Adderall substitutes and what we know about using them for ADHD at this time.
Caffeine
While it's generally recommended that caffeine use is limited in children, many adults with ADHD use it in a pinch when unable to access or use ADHD medication. Caffeine, like Adderall, is a central nervous system stimulant. While using caffeine is very different from taking a medication like Adderall, it's easy to find and is safe for most people in moderation.
Some research suggests that caffeine treatment for ADHD can increase attention and improve memory, learning, and olfactory discrimination; there are also studies where caffeine combined with other supplements resulted in symptom reduction.
However, caffeine is not an effective treatment for ADHD, and it is not recommended for children. A 2023 meta-analysis looking at seven randomized control trials, which are often cited as the best way to identify new potential treatments, found no significant benefits in using caffeine for kids with ADHD over placebo.
Dosage and forms
Most healthy adults can use 400 mg of caffeine per day without dangerous or negative effects. If you're considering it for your child, the suggested limit is 100 mg per day for youth ages 12-18 and none for those under age 12. Caffeine is found in many different beverages and food items.
L-Theanine
L-Theanine is an amino acid found in some types of tea leaves and other plants. A very small study on five male children aged 8-17 years with ADHD who had responded to stimulant medications found that a combination of L-theanine and caffeine improved overall cognitive performance and sustained attention while reducing mind wandering.
Another study on 98 male children with ADHD aged 8-17 found that L-theanine may improve some aspects of sleep quality in kids with the disorder. However, further research is needed.
Dosage and forms
While L-theanine is recognized as safe in the United States, supplements are not regulated within the country. Often, L-theanine supplements for kids come in gummy form, making them easier for your child to take. Ask your child's doctor what dose they recommend.
Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola Rosea is a flowered plant. Often, it is marketed as a supplement that supports brain health, energy levels, stress relief, and even work and athletic performance.
Rhodiola Rosea stimulates central nervous system activity, which is the main reason you might notice people using it as an ADHD medication alternative or as part of a natural nootropic drug blend. Research suggests that it can improve cognitive functions like attention, memory, and accuracy, but there's no research to support Rhodiola Rosea as an effective ADHD medication alternative at this time.
Dosage and forms
Rhodiola Rosea supplements are almost always found in the form of a capsule. Rhodiola Rosea has been used safely in some studies for 6-12 weeks. Ask your or your child's doctor what dose they advise if you are considering this.
Ginkgo Biloba
The Ginkgo Biloba tree, which originated in East Asia, is one of the oldest living tree species. Some studies have been done on Ginkgo Biloba for ADHD, but there has not been enough research to equate or compare it to prescription ADHD medications as a standalone treatment.
For example, a randomized control trial that combined a stimulant medication used for ADHD called Methylphenidate with Ginkgo Biloba found that the addition of Ginkgo Biloba was associated with a greater reduction of inattentive ADHD symptoms in kids and adolescents, as reported by parents and teachers. Youth involved in this study took the combination of Methylphenidate with Ginkgo Biloba or a placebo for six weeks.
Another study on 20 children with ADHD who took Ginkgo Biloba for 3-5 weeks at a maximum dose of 240 mg suggested that Ginkgo Biloba could be a clinically useful alternative treatment for the disorder.
Dosage and forms
Ginkgo Biloba supplements are most often found in the form of a capsule. Ask your or your child's doctor what dosage they recommend.
Ginseng
Ginseng is a root that many people use for its medicinal properties.
A small study on 18 children aged 6-14 with ADHD found that 1,000 mg of red ginseng (also called Panax ginseng) could decrease inattention symptoms in those with the disorder.
Another more recent study from 2020 suggests that combining Panax Ginseng with omega-3 fatty acids may improve ADHD symptoms and cognitive functions such as executive function, attention, and memory. This study was slightly larger and longer; it looked at 40 children ages 6-12 with ADHD for 12 weeks.
Still, while ginseng has some promising potential effects, much like Ginkgo Biloba, there's not enough research to mark it as an effective alternative treatment for ADHD.
Dosage and forms
Ginseng is usually taken in capsule form. Ask your or your child's doctor what dosage they recommend.
Effectiveness and Safety of Over-the-Counter Adderall Substitutes
Each possible supplement or OTC Adderall alternative you consider will come with different possible adverse effects and levels of research. At this time, we are still waiting for further research on all of the OTC alternatives mentioned above to help us determine whether they can be used to treat ADHD as a condition.
Still, some individuals and families find that they're worth trying. In that case, it's important to know what to look out for so that you can do so safely and to discuss with your doctor before starting any. Here's a little bit about what we know.
Research and studies supporting their use
One of the main downsides of using any brain pill, nootropic, or supplement is that they do not usually have enough research behind them to determine their efficacy or support their use for the treatment of ADHD. Similarly, the studies we do have on many supplements and medication alternatives typically look at the effects for a very limited amount of time (six months or less) or do not compare them directly to already well-established and approved treatments for the disorder.
Listen to your doctor's recommendation regarding how long you or your child can take a supplement or alternative for, and in what dose.
Potential risks and side effects
Although many people hope to improve attention span, impulse control, or cognitive function through OTC supplements do so because they're looking for an option with fewer side effects, many supplements do actually come with possible side effects. These are dependent on the specific supplement but may include headaches, dizziness, upset stomach, stomach pain, sleep problems, and blood pressure changes.
Interaction with other medications
Drug interactions are another potentially serious safety implication. Some drug interactions are mild; others are moderate to severe and can be dangerous. Medication interactions with various drugs used for physical and mental health, such as blood thinners, thyroid medication, and antidepressants, can occur when certain supplements are paired with medication.
Talk to your child's doctor and let them know every supplement, vitamin, and medication they take before starting an OTC medication alternative. That way, you can avoid risky interactions.
How to Choose the Right Over-the-Counter Adderall Substitute for You
What if you're interested in an OTC Adderall alternative but don't know which one to choose or how to get started? Here are some things to consider.
Consulting with a healthcare provider
Healthcare providers may be able to recommend a supplement or OTC Adderall alternative for you or your child. If the current provider you or your child sees does not have experience in the area, someone who uses a combined or integrative medicine approach may be able to help and give you an informed overview. A healthcare provider might also have a recommendation on what supplement brands they prefer.
Starting with lower doses
Supplements may cause toxicity in high doses, and the side effects are more likely to be serious. Many people start medication at a low dose and move up slowly; the same is suggested for supplements, which should be taken carefully and as directed by a medical provider. Start at a low dose to avoid severe effects.
Monitoring for any adverse effects
When you start or increase the dose of any OTC product for ADHD, it's critical that you're aware of and monitor for possible adverse effects. Even supplements that seem innocent, like maritime pine bark extract (found in some nootropic or brain pill blends), Bacopa Monnieri, oat straw, L-Theanine, or Ginkgo Biloba, could have significant adverse effects on some people.
For example, some people have allergic reactions to supplements like Ginkgo. Additionally, dizziness, headaches, sleep problems, and blood pressure changes are just some side effects that can present in those who take supplements to support brain function or reduce ADHD symptoms. Toxicity is another integral consideration for those taking vitamins or supplements.
Caffeine can cause a large set of issues when consumed in high amounts - or, for some people, small amounts. Again, kids should limit caffeine, and it's not recommended for treating ADHD in children. The body can build a tolerance to it, and headaches, withdrawals, shaking, irritability, and other symptoms are just a few of the possible adverse effects that can result from too much caffeine.
Future directions for research in behavior modification techniques
While we don't have conclusive research on what the best natural Adderall alternatives are for sure, we do have extensive research on behavioral modification and therapy techniques for children with ADHD which are both considered well-established and effective treatments for hte disorder. Specifically, parent training in behavior management is recommended for parents of kids with ADHD younger than 12 years old. In parent training for ADHD, you'll learn skills and parenting strategies that help your child succeed at home, school, and in social situations.
In the last two decades, we've made significant progress in what we know and understand about ADHD and its treatment. When parents get adequate education on ADHD and how to navigate it with a child, it can be extremely helpful.
School support and some lifestyle changes can be beneficial, especially alongside other interventions. We also know that reward systems and routines are helpful for kids with ADHD: That's where we come in.
Joon as an alternative to medication
Joon can be used with or without medication. Often, kids with ADHD have trouble with behavior or initiating, remembering, and following through with tasks. Joon helps with all of the above. It can also instill confidence and healthy or helpful routines, which are critical for kids with ADHD but can be challenging otherwise. Once kids get routines and habits down using Joon, they're more apt to continue them.
Joon was made with the ADHD brain in mind. Empower your child today—try Joon for free, or reach out to us with any questions you have about the app. Joon has over 5.5k ratings in the app store, with hundreds of reviews from parents who love it.
Conclusion and Recap
Parents and individuals living with ADHD sometimes look for alternatives to medication. Often, people seeking a natural Adderall alternative do so out of a desire for minimal side effects, a preference for natural ingredients, or ease of access.
While research continues to explore alternative treatments for ADHD, we don't yet know of an OTC supplement that mimics the efficacy of a prescription treatment like Adderall. Make informed decisions and prioritize the safety of yourself or your child by speaking with a medical provider before using any over-the-counter Adderall alternatives or supplements of any kind.
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About
Dr. Joe Raiker, PhD
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