Energy. It's something that we need to accomplish our goals and also to simply stay alive. If you walk into any convenience store, you'll see rows and rows of energy drinks, energy shots, and other energy boosting products. In this post, we're going to look at the best nootropics for energy.
Whether you just need a little midday pick-me-up or you're looking for something to keep you energized all day long, there's a nootropic that can help. Here are the five best nootropics for energy.
The Best Nootropics For Energy
Most of us could use a little extra energy from time to time. The nootropics on this list are said to do just that. Perhaps you're already familiar with some of them. Maybe you've even got the first on pumping through your veins as you read this!
1. Caffeine
We can't list the best nootropics for energy without mentioning caffeine. It's used by millions of people around the world daily to increase energy and alertness.
Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant found naturally around the world in a variety of plants. There are around sixty different plant species known to contain caffeine, including the coffee bean and tea leaves.1 They have been used for centuries and continue to be widely used today.
The safety and effectiveness of caffeine has been well established. Studies show that it reduces fatigue and drowsiness2, and improves wakefulness, reaction time, concentration, and motor coordination.3
It's no secret that caffeine can increase energy. There's a good chance that you have some in your system right now. But sometimes caffeine can cause jitters, anxiety, and a crash several hours later. If you're one of the people that experience these caffeine side effects, you may benefit from taking L-theanine with your caffeine.
Taking l-theanine with caffeine can reduce or even eliminate the anxiety, jitters, and crash that often come with it.4 You'll experience the same increase in energy but without all the nasty side effects.
You can learn more about caffeine and l-theanine here: L-Theanine and Caffeine – The Perfect Combo.
2. Modafinil
If you're interested in nootropics, you've definitely heard of and maybe tried this one. Modafinil is one of the most popular energy-boosting nootropics used around the world today.
This well-known nootropic is sold as a prescription drug in several countries but can also be bought online from secure sellers like ModafinilXL (you can read our ModafinilXL review here). It has been shown to increase wakefulness, energy, attention, and learning.5
Modafinil is one of the most popular nootropics being used around the world today. It has plenty of research to support its safety and effectiveness. A very similar nootropic, armodafinil, is also popular in the nootropics community.
You can learn more about modafinil here: Modafinil – A Powerful and Popular Nootropic.
3. Uridine Monophosphate
Uridine is a nucleotide that is found naturally in the body and also in a number of different foods.6 Uridine monophosphate is a supplemental form of uridine with a variety of benefits that can cross the blood-brain barrier.7
One of the main benefits of supplementing with uridine monophosphate? You guessed it: increased energy. Uridine users report a number of potential benefits, including an increase in energy and motivation, a decrease in anxiety, and a general improvement in mood.
These reports aren't surprising since uridine is known to improve the way dopamine works in certain parts of the brain.8 Dopamine is a neurotransmitter known to play a role in mood, anxiety, motivation, and energy.
You can learn more about uridine here: The Benefits of Uridine Monophosphate.
4. Mucuna Pruriens
This is a tropical plant that grows naturally in some parts of the world. It has been used for centuries to increase energy, motivation, and mood, while decreasing anxiety.
Mucuna pruriens, also known as velvet bean, contains the amino acid levodopa (L-dopa).9 L-dopa is a direct precursor to the neurotransmitter dopamine. As mentioned above, dopamine is known to play a role in energy, motivation, mood, and anxiety.
Another thing that mucuna has been shown to increase is human growth hormone (HGH).10 Between the increased dopamine and human growth hormone, it's not surprising that users of mucuna often report increased energy and motivation, improved mood, and reduced anxiety.
You can learn more about mucuna here: Mucuna Pruriens for Anxiety, Motivation, and Mood.
5. Phenylpiracetam
Last but not least on our list of the best nootropics for energy is phenylpiracetam. This is an analog of the first nootropic ever created, piracetam. Phenylpiracetam is popular in the nootropics community because it has several benefits, including increased energy.
This Russian nootropic has been scientifically shown to increase energy, improve mood and memory, and reduce anxiety.11 It has been extensively researched overseas and shown to be both safe and effective.
Many nootropic users find that phenylpiracetam works great on its own. However, a lot of users like to stack it with other nootropics. Phenylpiracetam works well with most other nootropics, including the other racetams.
You can learn more about phenylpiracetam here: Phenylpiracetam – The Best Adderall Alternative.
Conclusion
To survive and thrive in today's world, you need a lot of energy. Fortunately, with the help of the nootropics listed above, you'll never have to worry about not having enough energy ever again.
Everything on our list of the best nootropics for energy has been scientifically studied and shown to be both safe and effective at recommended dosages. However, if you're taking any prescription medications, it's always a good idea to check with your doctor before starting any nootropics.
You may also like some of the other posts in our Best Nootropics For series:
- The Best Nootropics For Motivation
- The Best Nootropics For Focus
- The Best Nootropics For Mood
- The Best Nootropics For Anxiety
- The Best Nootropics For Creativity
- The Best Nootropics For Social Anxiety
- The Best Nootropics For Studying
To learn more about nootropics, sign up for the Nootropics Zone newsletter. You'll get the free gift, The Ultimate Nootropics Quick Reference Guide.
References
1Scott, Gayle N. (2013). Which plants contain caffeine? Medscape. Retrieved May 5, 2018 from https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/780334
2Nehlig, A., Daval, J.L., & Debry, G. (1992). Caffeine and the central nervous system: mechanisms of action, biochemical, metabolic, and psychostimulant effects. Brain Research Reviews. 17(2):139-70.
3Bolton, S. & Null, G. (1981). Caffeine psychological effects, use and abuse. Orthomolecular Psychiatry. 10(3):202-11.
4Camfield, D.A., Stough, C., Farrimond, J., & Scholey, A.B. (2014). Acute effects of tea constituents l-theanine, caffeine, and epigallocatechin gallate on cognitive function and mood: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrition Reviews. 72(8):507-22.
5Battleday, R.M. & Brem, A.K. (2015). Modafinil for cognitive neuroenhancement in healthy non-sleep-deprived subjects: a systematic review. European Neuropsychopharmacology. 25(11):1865-1881.
6Uridine. (n.d.). Wikipedia. Retrieved May 5, 2018 from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uridine
7Cansev, M., Watkins, C.J., van der Beek, E.M. & Wurtman, R.J. (2005). Oral uridine-5′-monophosphate (UMP) increases brain CDP-choline levels in gerbils. Brain Research. 1058(1-2):101-8.
8Wang, L., Pooler, A.M., Albrecht, M.A., & Wurtman, R.J. (2005). Dietary uridine-5′-monophosphate supplementation increases potassium-evoked dopamine release and promotes neurite outgrowth in aged rats. Journal of Molecular Neuroscience. 27(1):137-45.
9Galea-Debono, A. Jenner, P. Marsden, J., Parkes, D., Tarsy, D., & Walters, J. (1977). Plasma DOPA levels and growth hormone response to levodopa in Parkinsonism. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry. 40:162-167.
10Root, A., & Russ, R. (1972). Effect of l-dihydroxyphenlalanine upon serum growth hormone concentrations in children and adolescents. Journal of Pediatrics. 81(4):808-13.
11Zvejniece, L., Svalbe, B., Veinberg, G., Grinberga, S., Vorona, M., Kalvinsh, I., & Dambrova, M. (2011). Investigation into stereoselective pharmacological activity of Phenotropil. Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology. 109(5):407-12.
[This article was originally published on May 5, 2018. Updated February 18, 2022.]
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