Low energy and lack of motivation are often caused by 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
- Mind Lab Pro — best nootropic for energy and productivity
- Onnit — best all-in-one nootropic for mental fatigue, focus, and memory
- Mind Vitality — best nutrient-rich nootropic for increased energy and motivation
- Vyvamind — excellent energy booster for high performance
- Nooceptin — great brain supplement with natural adaptogens
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Best nootropics for energy in 2024: overview
People who are always on the go may need some additional support to maintain their energy levels and motivation. Developed to boost cognitive function and psychological well-being, nootropic supplements may be one of the approaches to this matter.
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.
Comparing the 5 best nootropics for energy
| Brand | 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) |
| Mind Lab Pro | $69.00 | $2.30 | 60 | 2–4 capsules | L-tyrosine, PS, vitamin B6, citicoline | Not displayed | Yes | Yes | No |
| Onnit | $79.95 | $1.77 | 90 | 2 capsules | L-tyrosine, PS, vitamin B6, Alpha-GPC | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Mind Vitality | $89.99 | $2.99 | 90 | 3 capsules | Bacopa monnieri, L-tyrosine, Lion’s mane, rhodiola rosea, ashwagandha | Not displayed | Yes | Yes | No |
| Vyvamind | $74.99 | $2.50 | 60 | 2 capsules | L-tyrosine, caffeine, vitamins B6, B12, citicoline | Available upon request | Yes | Yes | No |
| Nooceptin | $69.00 | $2.30 | 60 | 2 capsules | Rhodiola rosea, citicoline | Available upon request | Yes | Yes | No |
1. Mind Lab Pro — best nootropic for energy, motivation, and productivity
Mind Lab Pro combines several science-backed ingredients, potentially supporting 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.
Mind Lab Pro holds a Clean Label Project certificate for being free from additives and allergens. It is vegan-friendly and third-party tested.
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.
Active ingredients and their benefits
The 11 science-backed ingredients are packed in a prebiotic capsule.
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.
2. Onnit — best all-in-one nootropic for energy
The scientists behind Onnit Alpha BRAIN® nootropic supplement aimed to target brain fog and promote memory. Individuals who feel fatigued and have difficulties with concentration and memory may want to consider trying Onnit’s Alpha BRAIN®.
In addition to other beneficial compounds, it contains a proprietary blend of 4 ingredients known to support memory and focus — L-tyrosine, L-theanine, oat straw extract, and phosphatidylserine (PS).
Onnit Alpha BRAIN® supplement contains 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 ($2.33 per serving) and will last 45 days.
Active ingredients and benefits
Out of 13 science-backed ingredients, the following ones are involved in motivation, energy, and cognitive function support:
L-tyrosine: As L-tyrosine plays a role in dopamine production, it may have an indirect role in improving motivation and memory.
Alpha GPC: A precursor to acetylcholine — a neurotransmitter responsible for learning and memory, as well as motivation
3. Mind Vitality — best nutrient-rich nootropic for increased energy and motivation
Mind Vitality offers a 17-ingredient nootropic formula enhanced with B group vitamins and antioxidants to help improve energy levels along with supporting brain health.
Significantly, the formula is also enriched with adaptogenic compounds such as bacopa monnieri, rhodiola rosea, ashwagandha, and L-tyrosine. Their addition may assist in managing your stress response and associated fatigue.
The provider of Mind Vitality nootropic claims to manufacture its products in cGMP facilities with all-natural, non-GMO, vegan, and science-backed ingredients.
The provider recommends taking 3 capsules a day. One bottle of Mind Vitality costs $89.99 ($2.99 per serving).
Active ingredients and their benefits
Mind Vitality contains 17 science-backed ingredients. Some of them are:
Bacopa monnieri, 300 mg: Supplementation with this herbal extract may be beneficial for addressing fatigue, as well as providing anxiety and stress relief.
L-tyrosine, 250 mg: Based on scientific evidence, it may support cognitive functions, especially working memory, under stressful and demanding tasks.
Lion’s mane, 500 mg: This is a functional mushroom, which has demonstrated effectiveness in enhancing mood and memory in a limited number of human studies.
4. Vyvamind — excellent energy boost for high performance
Vyvamind is a broad-spectrum nootropic that may support brain energy metabolism and improve cognitive function. This nootropic may suit university students, athletes, and people working night shifts.
Caffeine may give you a quick short-term energy boost and increased motivation to work.
All the ingredients in the supplement are third-party tested for purity and safety.
Adults are recommended to take 2 capsules, preferably early in the day, as they contain caffeine, which may hinder your sleep.
One bottle of Vyvamind contains 60 capsules and costs $74.99 ($2.49 per serving).
Active ingredients and their benefits
It 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 energy production.
L-theanine, 150 mg: Related to improved working memory, alertness, reaction time, and accuracy, as well as calmness.
Caffeine, 75 mg: It is a stimulant inducing instant energy boost and self-reported motivation.
5. Nooceptin — great brain supplement with natural adaptogens
Stress is known to negatively affect motivation and drain energy levels. Several natural adaptogens are added to Nooceptin to empower the body's stress resistance.
One of these adaptogens is L-theanine, which was suggested in animal studies 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.
Nooceptin comes in a bottle containing 60 capsules and costs $69.00 ($2.30 per serving).
Active ingredients and their benefits
Nooceptin is a combination of 7 nootropic ingredients.
Lion’s mane, 400 mg: According to cell and animal studies, it may reduce oxidative stress and protect neuronal health. Moreover, there is some evidence to suggest that it may improve cognitive functions.
Citicoline, 200 mg: Involved in learning, memory, and other cognitive aspects, including motivation.
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 we compiled our list of best nootropics for energy in 2024
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 quality of manufacturing standards, including third-party testing and cGMP-certified facilities, contributes to the safety of the product.
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. 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.
Our list of top-rated nootropics for motivation and energy consists of reasonably priced options to choose from.
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. Independent third-party testing contributes to the safety of nootropic supplements.
- 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 that contain science-backed ingredients 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.
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 to increase motivation and improve psychomotor functions.
Nootropics may also help to maintain energy levels by supporting cognitive and mental states.
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 have a negative effect on alertness. 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, they may work similarly by hindering sleepiness.
While coffee’s effects are short-term, studies suggest modafinil can promote wakefulness throughout the day.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha has been shown to protect brain cells from oxidative stress, which is linked to fatigue and low energy levels.
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 that may help reduce stress and anxiety. It was also demonstrated to enhance cognitive performance.
Evidence suggests Rhodiola rosea 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 of these neurotransmitters are 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, as well as physical dependence. This leads people to look for the best Adderall alternatives that may include natural compounds to support mental energy and motivation.
Although nootropic supplements are also associated with some side effects, they are non-addictive, and typically regarded as safer options.
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
Some people experiencing stress and associated cognitive fatigue may benefit from the use of nootropics best for stress and anxiety.
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?
Preliminary yes. Some nootropics can increase dopamine levels and improve motivation. Although shown in limited studies, caffeine, L-tyrosine, L-theanine, citicoline, Rhodiola rosea, and phosphatidylserine are some of the commonly used ingredients in nootropics to play a role in dopamine production.
Is it safe to take nootropics?
Nootropics are generally safe to take, yet side effects are possible. People who are already taking medications should particularly follow their doctor’s instructions to avoid adverse effects.
How soon will nootropic supplements start working?
The time it takes to see the benefits depends on the active ingredients and individual health characteristics. While some nootropics 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. This should be done after careful research of ingredients or a consultation with a healthcare professional. Remember, the interaction or overdosing of ingredients may pose health concerns.
7 resources
- 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.
- 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.
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