People are often looking for alternatives for Adderall that are natural and have fewer side effects. That’s why brain supplements and nootropics have become so popular. One of the top-selling so-called memory and brain supplements is Prevagen. Below, we cover how Prevagen compares to Adderall and everything else you should know, including potential Prevagen side effects. 

What is Adderall?

Adderall is a prescription, brand-name medication. The medicine is primarily used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Sometimes, but much less often, it’s also used to treat narcolepsy. 

Adderall is a combination of amphetamine and an ingredient called dextroamphetamine. These two ingredients stimulate the central nervous system, affecting brain chemicals. 

While it is a medication used in health care, Adderall is risky. It may be habit-forming, and it’s considered a drug of abuse. 

Along with being potentially habit-forming, prescription stimulants can also cause stroke, heart attack, or sudden death in people with heart disease, elevated blood pressure, or a heart defect. 

People shouldn’t use stimulant drugs if they suffer from a history of alcohol or drug addiction, any heart conditions, an overactive thyroid, or severe anxiety. 

When someone uses Adderall as prescribed, it can reduce the symptoms of ADHD, such as improving focus and impulse control. 

Some people also misuse Adderall, whether they have a prescription or not. For example, college students will often use Adderall to stay awake for long periods and study. It’s also a drug of abuse in very demanding career fields, particularly among young professionals. 

What is Prevagen?

Prevagen is a supplement that’s marketed as helping improve memory decline in older people without dementia or Alzheimer’s. Prevagen has two over-the-counter ingredients. One is vitamin D, and the other is called apoaequorin. 

Apoaequorin is a protein derived from glowing jellyfish. 

Researchers discovered that apoaequorin could bind to calcium. They included it in Prevagen because there’s some evidence that high and dysregulated brain calcium levels can lead to memory loss when we age. By binding to the calcium in the brain, in theory, Prevagen could help restore memory. 

There are quite a few problems with Prevagen to be aware of, though. 

Primarily is the fact that apoaequorin isn’t well-studied. Prevagen side effects are considered mild, and it’s believed to be fairly well-tolerated by most people, but since research is limited, it’s not possible to say for sure what long-term side effects. 

Additionally, since it’s a protein, most of the apoaequorin in Prevagen would likely be broken down in the GI system. That means it won’t cross the blood-brain barrier, so it’s unlikely to be very effective. 

How Does Adderall Compare to Prevagen?

Adderall and Prevagen don’t compare to each other in any significant ways. Adderall is a potent prescription stimulant. You would notice its effects right away. Prevagen is not a nootropic. It’s a slow-acting natural supplement that may help memory. 

If you’re looking for a natural alternative to Adderall, Prevagen is not the best option. 

Some natural supplements may be closer to the effects you’re looking for, including:

• Citicoline is a substance that’s the same as a natural precursor to phospholipid phosphatidylcholine. Phospholipids can help the brain function properly, and they can heal brain damage. In Japan, citicoline is the basis of a medicine used to help people recovering from strokes. Citicoline is not toxic and usually well-tolerated, so it is a safer alternative to Adderall. 
• Methionine is an amino acid that our body needs to build brain chemicals. You can supplement with the active form, which is called S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine or SAMe. 
• Some people with symptoms of ADHD may have low levels of certain minerals, so improving their levels could help reduce symptoms. This is because some minerals are required to make neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. You might consider supplements to improve certain mineral levels, are iron, magnesium, and zinc. 
• A combination of vitamin B-6 and magnesium may help improve focus. Vitamin B-6 helps your body make serotonin. Serotonin is responsible for your mood and how calm you feel. Vitamin B-6 might work with magnesium to balance brain chemicals and help improve mental focus. 
• Gingko Biloba is an herbal supplement that may help with memory and improve blood flow to the brain. There’s evidence it can also help with ADHD symptoms. 

If you’re looking for a natural alternative to Adderall, Prevagen is not likely your best option. The two don’t compare to each other in significant ways, and Prevagen may not even be effective in helping memory. The supplements listed above are better natural Adderall alternatives but speak to your doctor before trying any supplement.