Aniracetam vs. Adderall - How do They Compare?

Updated March 2, 2024 by | Reviewed by William Gallagher, MNeuroSci
(Estimated reading time: 3 minutes)

In this article, I'll be comparing and contrasting Aniracetam vs Adderall.

I'll go over exactly what these two smart drugs are, their benefits, side effects and how they differ from each other.

But before we get to that, let's first take a quick look at how they work in the brain.

Aniracetam Overview

Aniracetam is one of the most popular of the racetam family of smart drugs. Its mechanism of action isn't certain; it may enhance the efficiency of two important neurotransmitters, acetylcholine and glutamate.

Aniracetam is fat-soluble, which means it travels well across the blood-brain barrier and gets into your brain quickly.

It has a half-life of 2.5 hours. This means that it takes only 2.5 hours for half your aniracetam dose to get out of your bloodstream. After 2.5 hours, half the aniracetam you took is no longer active in your body.

The most common dosage range for aniracetam is between 750 mg and 1500 mg per day.

People take it in the morning or early afternoon. The effect of Aniracetam usually kicks-in almost immediately, so it's good for getting tasks done or even for taking alongside coffee to make yourself feel more alert and focused.

Adderall Overview

Adderall is an amphetamine-based medication prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Adderall has been used for more than 40 years to treat ADHD.

Adderall is just one of the many types of amphetamine drugs used to treat ADHD. Adderall has also been used for narcolepsy and obesity, and it's often combined with other medications.

The main component of Adderall is a chemical called dextroamphetamine, which is a potent central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. It's used to treat symptoms of ADHD by increasing the availability of certain neurotransmitters, including norepinephrine and dopamine.

Adderall has a half-life of about 12.2 hours, which means it can be taken just once or twice per day for sustained effects.

Adderall is sometimes used as a "study drug" by students who need to study for an exam. It's not the best choice for this purpose, however, since it can have side effects such as sleeplessness and nervousness.

Adderall may also make you feel jittery or anxious.

Adderall is a "high potency" drug, which means that it lasts longer in the brain and has a higher potential for adverse side effects.

Aniracetam vs. Adderall - Comparison of Effects

Adderall is usually prescribed for ADHD. It is a very popular medication for adults with this condition.

The effects of Adderall include:

  • Increased concentration
  • Improved attention span and ability to focus in on tasks
  • Enhanced alertness
  • Adderall can also help you stay awake for long periods of time

Aniracetam has many of the same benefits as Adderall, particularly in the way of alertness and concentration.

That being said, since Adderall is an amphetamine, it's usually harsher on the body compared to smart drugs like Aniracetam.

The effects of Aniracetam include:

  • More alertness and focus
  • Maintain clarity of thought.
  • May also help with learning new things and memory
  • Has few to no "bad" side effects, which is why it's superior compared to Adderall.

Aniracetam or Adderall - Which One Should You Use?

It comes down to your personal preferences and goals (as well as how well you tolerate each drug).

Aniracetam is less harsh on your body and has fewer side effects than Adderall. If you're looking for something with few side effects, try Aniracetam.

And if you want to work longer hours or have more stamina while working, try Adderall.

Aniracetam will make you feel more alert and focused, so it can be helpful if you're feeling tired or sleepy at work or school.

Also, aniracetam is non-toxic and non-addicting, meaning that it is safe for long-term use.

Adderall's main side effect is insomnia. This makes Adderall less desirable for some people.