When people first learn about smart drugs and nootropics, often one of the first categories of compounds that are mentioned are the racetams and other related cholinergic enhancers. Cholinergics work primarily by up-modulating the production of acetylcholine which is the learning and memory neurotransmitter. Memory is a vital part of success. Regardless of what jobs or tasks you’re attempting improved memory is likely to aid you in it’s achievement. Memory is just one facet of cognition though. When it comes to optimal performance, motivation is as key an ingredient as memory. In this article we’ll be discussing some of the top nootropics for improving your motivation.

Motivation and Focus

Motivation, energy and focus often go hand in hand. Without motivation to fuel you in your endeavours, any amount of potential will remain just that, nothing more than potential. B-vitamins, caffeine and energy drinks are a popular choice for improving levels of motivation, energy and focus but there are certain supplements that could be more likely to improve your get up and go.

In previous articles we have gone into certain supplements that are suited towards mood, memory and motivation. Dopamine, Norepinephrine and Serotonin are catecholamines, also known as the mono-aminergic neurotransmitters.  Catecholaminergics and MAO inhibitors are two classes of nootropics that are especially suited to the task of firing off your will. Catecholamines are the class of neurotransmitters that are especially related to mood, stress relief and motivation.

Phenylpiracetam

If you’re looking for a nootropic that works double duty improving acetylcholine production as well as improving levels of motivation, Phenylpiracetam, also known as Phenotropil in Russia where it was initially developed, may be a good one to try out. Phenylpiracetam is a racetam so, with ample choline in your diet or via supplementation, it may stimulate your learning and memory. In addition to the cholinergic properties it is also somewhat dopaminergic and is known as one of the “speediest” racetams, but is also highly motivating. Dopamine is responsible for focus, motivation and reward-feedback cycles.

Phenylpiracetam is basically a piracetam molecule with an added phenyl group. The phenyl group not only adds an energizing and motivating aspect but also makes it far more bio-available. It is estimated to be some 60 times more potent than piracetam by volume. Instead of taking grams of the supplement, as is the case with piracetam, a couple hundred milligrams should be enough for most people’s use. Be advised, however, phenylpiracetam is more likely to build up tolerance than piracetam, so it is best for occasional use.

Recommended Usage

A typical phenylpiracetam dosage runs from 100 to 200mg. A dose of this size can be taken 2 to 3 times per day. Daily dosage, however, should not exceed 200 to 600mg.

Adrafinil

Technically adrafinil is not a nootropic. It is, however, a cognitive enhancer and a smart drug. Adrafinil metabolizes into modafinil after being processed in your body. Modafinil is marketed as a narcolepsy drug, on-label. Unlike caffeine, ADHD drugs or other classic energizers or “uppers” it is not a CNS stimulant. As a result, it and related compounds in the -finil family bare considered “eugeroics” meaning “good energizers.” Adrafinil may be a mood booster, like other motivating nootropics.

In addition to that it is a potent motivating compound that may inspire laser-pointed focus for up to 16 hours. Be advised, if you are prone to insomnia adrafinil may not be a good choice. It takes some time to fully metabolize before it has an effect so it may last even longer than prescription modafinil which lasts from 12-16 hours itself . Another warning about adrafinil, due to the fact that it metabolizes in the liver, do not drink alcohol when you’re on an adrafinil regimen and regular use may put some strain on the liver. If you do use it, it is best to do so sparingly and getting blood work and enzymes checked may also be helpful. Adrafinil is technically primarily histaminergic as far as mechanism of action, but also has some dopaminergic effects. Scientists are still discovering how the -finil family works.

Recommended Usage

Adrafinil should be taken only once a day and as early as possible. If taken under an empty stomach it may metabolize more quickly which could decrease the potential to cause insomnia. A single dosage of around 150-300mg is recommended but in case you are sensitive to the compound it may be a good idea to start around 100mg just in case. If 100mg doesn’t offer the desired effects, rather than redosing wait until at least the next day before trying with 50mg or more on top of your original dose. Remember it can take 3-4 hours before you experience the full effects of adrafinil.

Sulbutiamine

Technically, sulbutiamine is more of a “souped-up” B-vitamin. It is a form of thiamine that has been altered so it more easily passes through the blood-brain barrier so that it can reach the brain. Once again, sulbutiamine happens to be a dopaminergic. Sulbutiamine works in part to enhance the density of certain dopaminergic receptors. Sulbutiamine may improve mood, energy and fight fatigue and especially so for those who have B-vitamin deficiencies or methylation issues. Sulbutiamine and other nootropics that inspire motivation, focus and energy can be especially helpful for study sessions.

Sulbutiamine may boost mood as mentioned before. B-vitamin deficiencies can result in mood related issues and issues with mood can have a deleterious effect on focus, concentration, alertness. Once again, often this is all tied to catecholamines and specifically dopamine.