Are you looking for a nootropic compound that can add an oomph to your daily schedule? You might have heard about the all-too-common Mind Lab Pro vs Adderall debate somewhere, right? Now, these two (along with Modafinil) are probably the biggest names in a world where almost everyone is looking for an edge in cognitive performance.
But how exactly do they compare? And which one is the better choice to work with?
Well, we've got a spoiler. Mind Lab Pro seems popular with those looking for a safe, gentle, yet consistent source of brain power. Adderall, as usual, does not disappoint although it comes with its fair share of side effects, as we'll explain a little later.
Mind Lab Pro: What It Is, Who Manufacturers It?
Mind Lab Pro is a nootropic stack that is produced by a British company going by the name Opti-Nutra. The fact that it is a stack means that it brings together a list of ingredients, 11 to be precise, all which are meant to "have your brain firing on all cylinders."
One good thing with Mind Lab Pro's list of ingredients is that it is entirely made up of natural ingredients. Indeed, this can be a good thing if you aren't a big fan of synthetic noots like racetams.
Also, the ingredients in this product are processed further to increase their bioavailability. This way, the manufacturer ensures that you only need to take 2 pills per day for optimal effectiveness. Again, this is kind of a big deal especially if you're used to the like of Qualia Mind that involve taking 7 capsules per day.
Adderall: What It Is, Who Manufactures It?
Adderall is a medical-grade product that was discovered in 1887 by a Romanian Chemist Lazar Edeleanu in Germany.
It's made up of neutral-sulfate amphetamine salts namely L-amphetamine aspartate, L-amphetamine sulfate, D-amphetamine saccharate, and D-amphetamine sulfate. The salts are normally mixed in a ratio of 3:1 i.e., D-isomer to L-isomer.
As a pharmaceutical-grade product, it is medically prescribed for a chronic sleep disorder called narcolepsy and a neurodevelopment disorder known as ADHD.
However, Adderall pills often land in the wrong hands and as such tend to be wrongly used off-label. Off-label users cite the substance's abilities to boost concentration and focus among the top reasons why they circumvent the law to get it.
Similarities
Much as these two are entirely different products, they do share a handful of similarities.
First off, both are categorized as nootropics meaning they have some positive effects on brain performance. Anecdotal evidence suggests that use of either of these two can help in boosting mental clarity and focus to some extent.
Another thing, both are specifically made with the need to improve brain chemistry in mind. They both improve the availability of key neurotransmitters among them serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.
To top it all up, both Adderall and Mind Lab Pro are known for their long half-lives. When taken as recommended, their effects can last all day long.
Mind Lab Pro vs Adderall Ingredients
When you compare their ingredients, that's when Adderall and Mind Lab Pro start to show their real differences. Like heaven and earth, these two are pretty far apart.
Mind Lab Pro's ingredients are fully natural i.e. specifically sourced from vegan-friendly sources. But just because the ingredients are sourced from natural sources doesn't mean that this is formula is weaker or inferior.
The product is made from premium ingredients that boast the highest levels of bioavailability (absorbability) possible.
For example, they give you the easier-to-absorb citicoline instead of the raw (natural-occurring) choline.
Also, they provide you with the more soluble N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine instead of the common L-tyrosine in its raw form.
We could go on and on but we think our point has been made. Mind Lab Pro ingredients are handpicked and processed to boost their bioavailability - which is why only two capsules of the supplement are recommended per day. Products that use raw ingredients with low bioavailability require higher dosages to achieve comparable effectiveness.
See the full list of Mind Lab Pro ingredients here.
On the contrary, Adderall is made up of four amphetamine salts as mentioned earlier in this comparison. Amphetamine salts are well-known central nervous system (CNS) stimulants.
Amphetamines are synthesized in the lab and so they are not natural. However, as a member of the phenethylamine class, amphetamines are related to naturally occurring substances such as N-methylphenethylamine. Also, the naturally occurring cathinone compound found in the leaves of the Catha edulis plant (khat) is a close cousin of amphetamine.
Amphetamine works by speeding the rate at which brain cells transmit stimuli. As such, it enhances the operations of the CNS and boosts overall brain performance.
Mind Lab Pro vs Adderall Side Effects
A critical part of comparing Adderall vs Mind Lab Pro is by looking at the health risks and potential side effects of each one of them.
All nootropics do have their fair share of side effects especially when they are synthesized in the lab.
Mind Lab Pro contains nothing but natural, vegan-friendly ingredients. However, some of its ingredients can still cause side effects. For example, when taken too close to bedtime, citicoline can cause trouble sleeping also known as insomnia.
- Common side effects of taking Opti-Nutra's Mind Lab Pro formula are:
- Sleep deprivation (common, when taken just before bedtime)
- Loss of appetite (rare)
- Diarrhea (rare)
- Stomach cramps (rare)
Adderall brings with it even greater side effects than Mind Lab Pro. In fact, the side effects of Mind Lab Pro are barely anything to worry about when compared to Adderall's.
As an extremely powerful lab-made compound, Adderall, is a double-edged sword and that why it should only be used under a prescription. Its commonly reported side effects include:
- Nervousness
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Nausea (vomiting)
- Dryness of the mouth
- Irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
- Panic Attacks
Also worth noting is that, if you happen to suddenly stop using Adderall, you may experience withdrawal symptoms among them irregular mood changes, extreme fatigue, and insomnia).
It is imperative to use pharmaceutical-grade products like Adderall under a doctor's advice. This could help you minimize some of the above-mentioned adverse effects.
Which One's Better? Mind Lab Pro or Adderall?
Comparing Adderall to Mind Lab Pro is like comparing apples to oranges. These are two totally different nootropics. In fact, Adderall is a pharmaceutical-grade product that should only be used under a doctor's prescription. Mind Lab Pro is a dietary supplement and can be bought over-the-counter and used recreationally without any legal issues.
Generally speaking, if no doctor has ever diagnosed you with ADHD or narcolepsy, you do not need to use Adderall. You're better off using supplements like Mind Lab Pro.
Looking for OTC alternatives to Adderall? We have a detailed article on that topic here.