Low energy and lack of motivation are often caused by cognitive fatigue, stress, poor sleep, and inadequate levels of essential nutrients. This is a common concern among students, athletes, and business people.
Besides the self-help tips for overcoming these aspects of life, most people rely on the effectiveness of the best nootropics for energy and motivation. Regardless, not all nootropics work similarly, and not all are formulated to target these concerns.
So, we analyzed the top 6 brands in the market to help you sit back and select the finest nootropic to upgrade your motivation and energy.
Best nootropics for energy: shortlist
- Onnit — best all-in-one nootropic for energy and working memory
- Mind Lab Pro — best nootropic for energy and productivity
- PureHealth Research — best caffeine-free nootropic for energy
- Vyvamind — excellent energy booster for high performance
- Nooceptin — great brain supplement with natural adaptogens
How to choose the best nootropics for energy and motivation?
Several aspects make the nootropics best for promoting energy and motivation. Consider the following criteria when stacking your supplements.
| Safety | Third-party tested |
| Ingredients | Evidence-based |
| Price per serving | $1.50–$2.50 |
| Manufacturing | cGMP and FDA-compliant |
- Safety. The safety of nootropic supplements may be guaranteed by third-party testing conducted by independent labs.
- Ingredients. Ingredients forming the nootropic supplements should be based on science. It’s also essential to include doses considered safe for health. Importantly, look for supplements containing ingredients for motivation and energy boost.
- Price per serving. This may help you estimate how much you will spend on your daily nootropic consumption. Try to look for nootropics offering proven meaningful benefits at a reasonable price.
- Manufacturing. This is one of the cornerstones of safety and quality. Best nootropics are manufactured in cGMP and FDA-approved facilities to ensure the absence of industrial contaminants.
Best nootropics for energy in 2023: overview
People always on the go may need more energy and support to maintain high motivation. Nootropics are one of the approaches to this matter developed to boost cognitive functioning and psychological well-being.
The following overview describes 6 highly rated nootropic brands renowned for their ingredients, manufacturing, and formulation. Their nominations on our list are grounded by the criteria summarized above.
1. Onnit — best all-in-one nootropic for energy
Onnit’s Alpha BRAIN® supplements are a great choice for enhancing working memory as they contain a proprietary blend of 4 ingredients known to support memory and focus — L-tyrosine, L-theanine, oat straw extract, and phosphatidylserine (PS).
L-tyrosine was observed in a study with young adults to increase the availability of dopamine hormone in the brain, which plays a role in memory and impulse control, as well as motivation and energy.
Onnit Alpha BRAIN® supplements contain cat’s claw, which can make your immune system more active. According to the National Institutes of Health, people with autoimmune diseases should consult their doctor before supplementing with it.
The Onnit Alpha BRAIN® capsules are vegetarian, dairy, and gluten-free. Adults are recommended to take 2 capsules a day.
Out of two options to choose from — the bottle containing 30 or 90 capsules — the second option may be more cost-effective. The latter costs $79.95 ($1.77 per serving) and will last 45 days.
Active ingredients
The 13 science-backed ingredients involved in motivation and energy are the following:
Ingredients for motivation, energy, and cognitive protection are the following:
Alpha GPC: Shown to have a tendency to improve motivation through dopamine production.: Increases dopamine and thus may play a role in enhancing motivation.
L-tyrosine: Increases focus and concentration, as well as dopamine levels.
Phosphatidylserine: FDA-approved as a safe dietary supplement, PS may support cognitive function and protect from neurodegeneration.
How it works
The scientists behind Onnit Alpha BRAIN® nootropic aimed to target brain fog and promote memory. Using these supplements may potentially maintain the brain energy required for further motivation.
You can choose the bottle containing 45 servings (90 capsules) that costs $79.95 ($2.33 per serving).
2. Mind Lab Pro — best nootropic for energy, motivation and productivity
Mind Lab Pro combines science-backed herbs and essential vitamins. These are involved in promoting blood flow to the brain, potentially accelerating cognitive performance and raising productivity.
In a couple of clinical studies, the supplementation with Mind Lab Pro has been found to improve cognitive performance, including memory and reaction times.
The neurotransmitter precursors in Mind Lab Pro nootropic help to relax, focus, and enhance learning ability. These benefits may positively affect motivation and help to avoid cognitive stress draining energy levels.
Mind Lab Pro holds a Clean Label Project certificate for being free from additives and allergens. Mind Lab Pro is vegan and third-party tested.
Active ingredients
The 11 science-backed ingredients are packed in a prebiotic capsule claimed by the manufacturer to benefit your gut.
Ingredients for motivation, energy, and cognitive protection are the following:
L-tyrosine, 175 mg: Increases dopamine and thus may play a role in enhancing motivation.
Vitamin B6, 2.5 mg: This is an essential vitamin involved in converting food into energy.
Phosphatidylserine (PS), 100 mg: FDA-approved as a safe dietary supplement, PS may support cognitive function and protect from neurodegeneration.
How it works
Mind Lab Pro claims to target multiple aspects of cognition. Importantly, it may enhance blood flow, neuroprotection, and energy metabolism.
You can obtain a one-month supply of Mind Lab Pro for $69.00 ($2.30 per serving). The recommended daily intake is 2 capsules.
3. PureHealth Research — best caffeine-free nootropic for energy
PureHealth Research supplement with mushroom formula contains notropic herbs and compounds that may help improve energy levels without caffeine.
Significantly, one of the mushrooms in this formula, Reishi, is suggested to help increase energy levels. Shiitake is observed to positively impact mood and motivation by activating GABA, serotonin, acetylcholine, and dopamine levels.
The formula is also enriched with rhodiola rosea, bacopa monnieri, and other adaptogenic herbs. Their addition may assist the body in getting used to performing under stressful conditions.
The provider of PureHealth Research nootropics claims to manufacture its products in cGMP facilities. The capsules are vegan, contain no soy, gluten, or GMOs.
Active ingredients
PureHealth Research contains 13 science-backed ingredients. Some of them are:
Panax ginseng, 40 mg: Supplementation with this herbal extract may be beneficial for mental health.
Rhodiola rosea, 75 mg: Based on scientific evidence, it may eliminate fatigue, as well as reduce anxiety by lowering cortisol levels.
Lion’s mane mushroom: Some evidence sheds light on their mood and focus-enhancing, as well as anti-inflammatory properties.
How it works
PureHealrh Research nootropic is developed to help you achieve peak performance, reduce stress, and improve cognitive function.
As a good side effect, it may also help increase energy levels and mood.
The provider recommends taking 2 capsules a day. One bottle of PureHealth Research nootropic mushroom formula costs $69.00 ($2.30 per serving).
4. Vyvamind — excellent energy boost for high performance
Vyvamind is known for its potential to deliver a quick energy boost due to caffeine anhydrous, citicoline, and brain vitamins. This nootropic may suit university students, athletes, and people working night shifts.
Caffeine may give you a quick but short-term energy boost and increased motivation to work. Citicoline was shown to support brain energy levels, sustained attention, and motivation.
All the ingredients in the supplement are third-party tested for purity and safety.
Active ingredients
Vyvamind nootropic is a formula of 6 ingredients. The ones significant for cognitive and mental energy are the following:
Vitamin B12, 50 mcg: B12 deficiency is related to fatigue, but supplementation may contribute to both cognition and energy production.
L-theanine, 150 mg: Related to improved working memory, reaction times, and calmness, as well as alertness and accuracy.
Caffeine, 75 mg: Stimulant inducing instant energy boost and self-reported motivation.
How it works
Vyvamind is a broad-spectrum nootropic supporting brain energy. The scientists developed several versions of the Vyvamind formula to offer one that is non-addictive and suits people seeking brain energy.
Adults are recommended to take 2 capsules a day. It’s also a good idea to finish the consumption minimum 6 hours before bed to avoid caffeine hindering sleep.
One bottle of Vyvamind contains 60 capsules and costs $74.99 ($2.49 per serving).
5. Nooceptin — great brain supplement with natural adaptogens
Stress is known to negatively affect motivation and drain energy levels. With this in mind, scientists behind Nooceptin added natural adaptogens to empower the body's stress resistance.
One of these adaptogens is L-theanine which was reviewed for its property to increase GABA levels in the brain to calm the hyperactive nervous system.
Nooceptin doesn’t contain caffeine, so it might be suitable for people trying to optimize its intake.
The ingredients in the supplement have been third-party tested for purity and quality.
Active ingredients
Nooceptin is a combination of 7 nootropic ingredients.
Lion’s mane, 400 mg: Believed to reduce oxidative stress and protect neuronal health, as well as improve cognitive functions.
Citicoline, 200 mg: Involved in learning, memory, and other cognitive aspects, including motivation and good mood.
Ginkgo biloba, 100 mg: Linked with reduced anxiety, as well as better memory, learning, and brain energy through increased blood flow into the brain.
How it works
Nooceptin may work by increasing the body's ability to resist stress and providing protection against neurodegeneration. The combination of adaptogens and other nootropic compounds get involved in enhanced brain energy and performance.
Nooceptin comes in a bottle containing 60 capsules and costs $69.00 ($2.30 per serving).
Comparing the 6 best nootropics for energy
| Brand | Review | Price per bottle | Price per serving | Capsules per bottle | Daily serving size | Ingredients for energy and motivation | Third-party testing | cGMP manufacturing | Vegan/vegetarian | Allergens (soy, gluten) |
| Onnit | - | $79.95 | $1.77 | 90 | 2 capsules | L-tyrosine, PS, vitamin B6, Alpha-GPC | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Mind Lab Pro | Mind Lab Pro review | $69.00 | $2.30 | 60 | 2–4 capsules | L-tyrosine, PS, vitamin B6, citicoline | Not displayed | Yes | Yes | No |
| PureHealth Research | - | $69.00 | $2.30 | 60 | 2 capsules | Panax ginseng, chaga, reishi, rhodiola rosea | Not displayed | Yes | Yes | No |
| Nooceptin | Nooceptin review | $69.00 | $2.30 | 60 | 2 capsules | Rhodiola rosea, citicoline | Available upon request | Yes | Yes | No |
| Vyvamind | Vyvamind review | $74.99 | $2.50 | 60 | 2 capsules | L-tyrosine, caffeine, vitamins B6, B12, citicoline | Available upon request | Yes | Yes | No |
How we compiled our list of best nootropics for energy in 2023
With the aim of compiling a list of the best nootropics to overcome a lack of motivation and fatigue, we analyzed the market of renowned brain supplements. To sieve out the ones compliant with high-quality standards, we considered the following criteria:
Safety
The safety of the product may be guaranteed by quality manufacturing standards — third-party testing and cGMP-certified facilities.
For people with known allergies and intolerances, it’s critical to search for nootropic supplements free from soy, gluten, and other allergens. Unnecessary additives and fillers may also be safety concerns.
Brand reputation
Returning and satisfied customers can tell us about the brand’s reputation. This factor is also an indicator of effective supplements that work for a vast amount of people.
The companies may also establish their reputation through approachable customer care, fast shipping, and transparency.
Ingredients
Choose nootropics consisting of a comprehensive list of science-backed ingredients. Particularly, if you are looking for the best nootropics for motivation and energy, look for ingredients effective for these concerns. We mentioned these ingredients in the comparison table above.
Not necessarily, but often brands may share information about sourcing the compounds in the supplement. This is another feature of the brand’s transparency about the ingredients’ quality.
Price
The prices for nootropics vary from brand to brand and are based on formulation, manufacturing, testing, and even bottle quality. Higher prices may be justified when all these aspects are of the required quality.
Yet, affordable nootropics are widely available, which also stick to the market requirements. Our list of top-rated nootropics for motivation and energy consists of affordable options to choose the one suitable for your budget.
How nootropics work to increase energy levels
The primary path nootropics work to increase energy is by enhancing blood flow and oxygen delivery in the brain. Furthermore, certain ingredients in them may influence the release of dopamine.
This “feel good” neurotransmitter peaks both when you anticipate a reward and when you receive it. Therefore, it is crucial for motivation.
Caffeine is renowned for stimulating short-term energy and alertness. Evidence from studies reports that it has the potential also to increase motivation and improve psychomotor functions.
Nootropics may also help to maintain high energy levels by supporting cognitive and mental states. Difficulty keeping calm, concentrating, and remembering may exhaust brain and body energy. In contrast, improving these abilities with nootropics can be a potential energy-saver.
One such nootropic on our list is Mind Lab Pro — clinically proven to improve memory, prevent brain fog and keep optimal energy levels.
Sharpen your focus and cognitive function with an all-natural plant-based solution.
The most powerful nootropics for energy production
Central nervous system stimulants may be the most powerful nootropics to promote energy and motivation.
People looking for an energy boost may benefit from both natural and synthetic nootropics. Doctors may also recommend prescription drugs in more critical cases of chronic fatigue, lack of motivation, and attention.
Here we discuss the following most powerful nootropics and medications:
- Modafinil
- Ashwagandha
- Rhodiola rosea
- Adderall
Modafinil
Sleepiness or fatigue throughout the day may interact with reaction times and energy production. Modafinil is a prescription nootropic drug helping people with narcolepsy — characterized by disrupted sleep-wake cycles and drowsiness.
This drug is also often prescribed off-label to support cognitive function. Most often, people compare modafinil with coffee. Although these are completely different substances, yet may work similarly by hindering sleepiness.
While coffee’s effects are short-term, studies suggest modafinil can promote wakefulness throughout the day.
Ashwagandha
There is solid evidence that oxidative stress is one of the leading causes of fatigue and low energy levels. Ashwagandha has been shown to protect brain cells from oxidative stress.
In a double-blind, randomized controlled trial, ashwagandha supplementation (300 mg twice a day) was shown to improve cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy athletic individuals, enhance antioxidant levels, and self-reported quality of life.
Moreover, both animal and human studies provide evidence for its anti-anxiety and anti-stress benefits. Another way ashwagandha may indirectly assist in energy production is by improving sleep quality. Some of the best ashwagandha supplements come in the form of gummies, capsules, and powder.
Rhodiola rosea
Rhodiola rosea is extensively used in nootropic supplements as a potent adaptogen reducing stress and anxiety. It was also demonstrated to enhance cognitive performance.
Evidence suggests rhodiola rosea to be beneficial in case of chronic fatigue impeding social and personal life. After 8 weeks of supplementation with rhodiola rosea, people suffering from prolonged fatigue reported improved symptoms.
Adderall
Adderall is prescribed to treat inattention, hyperactivity, lack of energy, and motivation in people with ADHD. It also plays a role in wakefulness due to its stimulant properties.
Adderall increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine — low levels linked with ADHD. Dopamine is the primary neurotransmitter increasing the feeling of reward and motivation. Norepinephrine is involved in enhanced attention, alertness, and memory.
However, this drug has short and long-term side effects, making people look for safer solutions. Nootropics bringing no significant side effects may be the best Adderall alternatives to consider for energy and motivation.
Who should take nootropics for energy?
The use of nootropics may have beneficial effects on energy production among the following groups of people:
- People with ADHD
- Emergency workers
- University students
- Night shift workers
- Business people
Anyone experiencing mental and cognitive fatigue may benefit from the use of nootropics. Nootropics, best for stress and anxiety, may also help people withstand correlated fatigue and low motivation due to psychological exhaustion.
Nonetheless, nootropics or some ingredients within their formula may interact with prescription drugs or exacerbate underlying health issues. Thus, it’s essential to talk with a doctor before the supplementation.
Side effects of nootropics for energy
Side effects of nootropics for energy are rare. However, there might be mild adversities in case of misuse or underlying health issues. The most common short-term effects might be the following:
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- Hypertension
- Fast heart rate
- Blurry vision
Pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with hypersensitivity should also avoid the consumption of nootropics without consulting their healthcare provider beforehand.
Keep in mind that most of the nootropics in the market contain caffeine. So, if you already consume caffeine during the day, the additional intake from nootropics may interact with your sleep, as well as lead to possible anxiety.
Side effects are also possible with the overconsumption of some natural nootropics such as:
- Cat's claw
- Huperzine A
- Rhodiola rosea
- Panax ginseng
- Caffeine
- Bacopa monnieri
If in doubt, always consult your doctor for optimal, yet effective nootropic doses for your safety.
Read more on brain supplements and their benefits
Best nootropic drinks offer a convenient way to fuel both your energy and motivation
Best nootropics to optimize brain health are involved in brain energy production
Best Adderall alternatives may be great replacements for prescription drugs
Best nootropics for ADHD may reduce hyperactivity and boost attention
Best nootropics for anxiety can play a role in stress relief and mental stability
Best nootropics for studying might improve attention, concentration and focus for students
Best memory supplements can help improve memory and reduce memory decline
Best nootropic coffee will help you start the day feeling energized and cognitively sharp
FAQ
Can nootropics boost dopamine?
Yes. Some nootropics can increase dopamine levels and stimulate motivation. Caffeine, L-tyrosine, L-theanine, citicoline, rhodiola rosea, and phosphatidylserine are some of the commonly used ingredients in nootropics to augment dopamine levels.
Is it safe to take nootropics?
Nootropics are generally safe to take, yet side effects are possible in case of misuse or overdosing. People who are already taking antidepressants, prescription “smart drugs,” or ADHD medications should particularly follow their doctor’s instructions to avoid adverse effects.
How soon will nootropic supplements start working?
The amount of time it takes to see the benefits depends on the active ingredients. While some, such as caffeine, are fast-working, others may take several weeks to produce the effects. In fact, most research studies noted the benefits after 4–8 weeks of supplementation.
Can you stack nootropic supplements?
You can stack nootropics depending on the ingredients and their amount in each formulation. It’s believed that stacking nootropics may increase the potency of the supplements. This may be true, yet the interaction or overdosing of ingredients may pose health concerns.
- Neuron. Dopamine in Motivational Control: Rewarding, Aversive, and Alerting.
- Nature Neuroscience. Stress effects on the neural substrates of motivated behavior
- The Journal of International Medical Research. The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Energy Metabolism and Well-Being.
- Phytomedicine. Rhodiola rosea in stress induced fatigue — A double blind cross-over study of a standardized extract SHR-5 with a repeated low-dose regimen on the mental performance of healthy physicians during night duty.
- Frontiers. Caffeine and Selective Adenosine Receptor Antagonists as New Therapeutic Tools for the Motivational Symptoms of Depression.
Show all references
- Nutrients. Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine Increases Motivation in Healthy Volunteers: A Single-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Human Study.
- Journal of Ethnopharmacology. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial on the effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera dunal.) root extract in improving cardiorespiratory endurance and recovery in healthy athletic adults.
Active ingredients
PureHealth Research contains 13 science-backed ingredients. Some of them are:
Panax ginseng, 40 mg: Supplementation with this herbal extract may be beneficial for mental health.
Rhodiola rosea, 75 mg: Based on scientific evidence, it may eliminate fatigue, as well as reduce anxiety by lowering cortisol levels.
Lion’s mane mushroom: Some evidence sheds light on their mood and focus-enhancing, as well as anti-inflammatory properties.
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