Stimulants are a big part of life for many people. How many people do you know that can’t start their day without a big cup of coffee? Caffeine is easily the most common stimulant used around the world.

Prescription stimulants have gained widespread popularity over the past 20 years. Drugs like Adderall and Concerta are handed out like candy to students in grade school all the way up until college. Unfortunately, these types of stimulants often have tons of side effects and can be highly addictive.

More and more people are turning to nootropic stimulants to help them stay focused and motivated. Fortunately, there are a number of nootropic stimulants that have a lot of the same benefits of prescription stimulants, but without a lot of the side effects.

If you’re looking for drugs that are going to get you high, then you’re in the wrong place. That’s not what nootropics are all about. Some nootropics work on the same brain chemicals as prescription stimulants, but they work in a different way. But if you’re looking for stimulating nootropics that will help you feel focused and motivated, while at the same time improving memory and learning, then you’re in the right place.

We’re going to take a look at the most stimulating nootropics. Most of these aren’t technically classified as stimulants. But they all have stimulant-like qualities. These nootropics provide a whole host of benefits, including increased focus, motivation, learning, memory, mood, and reduced anxiety. But, unlike prescription stimulants, these have fewer side effects and are considered to be non-addictive.

The Top 3 Nootropic Stimulants

1. Modafinil (and armodafinil)

This is a powerful nootropic that has many stimulating properties, but with far fewer side effects than things like Adderall and Ritalin.¹ Modafinil is classified as a eugeroic² (wakefulness-promoting agent) and helps users to focus and to stay motivated, awake, and alert.

If you asked 100 nootropic users what their favorite smart drug is, the most common answer you’re gonna get is modafinil. It’s been extensively studied, shown to be very safe at recommended dosages³, and works great for most people.

The usual starting dosage when using modafinil for cognitive enhancement is between 100 and 200 mg.⁴ This should be taken early in the day to avoid difficulty sleeping at night. If you are taking modafinil to help you stay up all night, however, this obviously won’t be a problem.

A newer, extremely-similar nootropic stimulant called armodafinil has also become quite popular over the past few years. It is chemically similar to modafinil, has the same benefits, and the same safety record.⁵ The only things that make armodafinil different than regular modafinil are that the effects last a little longer and a slightly-lower dose is needed. Other than that, users find them to feel very similar.

There are several places you can buy modafinil and armodafinil online. However, the quality of their products and their prices vary greatly. That's why we published this post about the best, most-trusted places to buy modafinil and armodafinil online. ModafinilXL is our #1 recommendation, as they have the best prices, products, shipping, and customer service.

If you want to learn more about modafinil, check out this detailed, well-researched post: Modafinil – A Powerful and Popular Nootropic. To learn more about armodafinil, check out this post: Armodafinil for Cognitive Enhancement.

2. Phenylpiracetam

This is a very powerful nootropic that is said to be very stimulating. In fact, it is generally considered to be the best legal alternative to Adderall. For a lot of users, it has many of Adderall's benefits with none of the side effects.

Phenylpiracetam can improve memory, focus, motivation, learning, mood, and anxiety levels.⁶ But, unlike drugs like Adderall, it does all of this without most of the side effects or the potential for addiction. Phenylpiracetam is so effective at improving both mental and physical performance that it's been banned from most major sports.⁷

The recommended phenylpiracetam dosage is anywhere from 100-200 mg, 1-3 times a day.⁸ A lot of people find that it works best when it is taken with a choline source, like Alpha-GPC. Several online nootropic stores carry phenylpiracetam. We recommend Pure Nootropics, a trusted company that has been around for years.

Phenylpiracetam is considered to be safe when taken within the recommended dosage range. It has been extensively studied and has a long history of use as a prescription medication in Russia and other countries. You can learn more about the benefits of phenylpiracetam here.

3. Noopept

This is one of the best all-around nootropics available. It can improve cognitive abilities, gives a pleasant mood boost, and can also have some anti-anxiety effects.⁹

Noopept is not technically a stimulant. It does have a lot of the stimulant-like qualities, though. It can improve focus, mood, motivation, memory, learning, and anxiety levels. Unlike prescription stimulants, Noopept is not addictive and has few side effects.¹⁰

If you’ve never used any kind of stimulant before (other than things like caffeine), then I would recommend you try Noopept before the others on this list. It is probably a little bit milder, for most people.

The recommended Noopept dosage is between 10 and 40 milligrams. You should always start with a low dose and work your way up as needed. Many people experience great benefits with just 10 milligrams. Learn more about Noopept here.

Conclusion

As with all supplements, you should always check with a licensed healthcare provider before taking anything new. Side effects from these nootropic stimulants are rare but can occur. If you experience any side effects, stop taking whatever is causing them and they should go away within a day or two.

If you haven’t already, make sure to get our guide: The Ultimate Nootropics Quick Reference Guide. You can get it for free right now by signing up for the Nootropics Zone newsletter.

References

1Pigeau, R., Naitoh, P., Buguet, A., McCann, C., Baranski, J., Taylor, M., Thompson, M., & Mack, I. (1995). Modafinil, d-amphetamine and placebo during 64 hours of sustained mental work. Effects on mood, fatigue, cognitive performance and body temperature. Journal of Sleep Research, 4(4):212-28.

2Provigil prescribing info. (1998). Retrieved January 21, 2019 from http://www.provigil.com/pdfs/prescribing_info.pdf

3Battleday, 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.

4Examine.com (n.d.). Modafinil. Retrieved January 21, 2019 from https://examine.com/supplements/modafinil/

5Darwish, M., Kirby, M., Hellriegal, E.T., & Robertson Jr., P. (2009). Armodafinil and modafinil have substantially different pharmacokinetic profiles despite having the same terminal half-lives: analysis of date from three randomized, single-dose, pharmacokinetic studies. Clinical Drug Investigation, 29(9):613-623.

6Zvejniece, 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.

7Prohibited List. (2016). World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), Retrieved January 21, 2019 from https://www.wada-ama.org/sites/default/files/resources/files/wada-2016-prohibited-list-en.pdf

8Examine.com (n.d.). Phenylpiracetam. Retrieved January 21, 2019 from https://examine.com/supplements/phenylpiracetam/

9Examine.com (n.d.). Noopept. Retrieved January 25, 2019 from https://examine.com/supplements/noopept/

10Neznamov, G., & Teleshova, E. (2009). Comparative studies of Noopept and piracetam in the treatment of patients with mild cognitive disorders in organic brain diseases of vascular and traumatic origin. Neuroscience and Behavioral Physiology, 39(3):311-21.