If you have ever been pushed to reach a deadline in nursing school or have ever had to cram an entire semester worth’s curriculum overnight, you have probably heard of drugs that use the benefits of a chemical known as amphetamines.
Amphetamines
These drugs have a very specific domain of action and should always be used under the guidance of a physician. The flipside is that, if these drugs are used by someone with no such ailment, it transforms to function as a super-drug that can amp up your mental performance by manifolds. No boon comes without a bane, and amphetamines are no exception to this rule.
Nootropics
Unless you want to gamble with possibly fatal side effects of amphetamine, Nootropics are the way to go. Not only are they safer, but most products allow a specific effect which is time bound and therefore do not cause dependence (this varies from person to person, and the consultation of a physician is recommended).
Nootropics are brain supplements which help an individual formulate clear thought processes, multi-task, reduce brain fatigue, bounce between ideas without losing their focus, and overall increase their work efficiency, thus, their benefits to the student community are several.
- Piracetam
This is one of the first nootropics to be used and provides a mild boost to brain function if used under moderation. Although it has only a few side effects, it is not FDA-approved. - Alpha GPC
Choline is a compound that is intrinsically produced by the body. It converts into a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, this process of catalyzed by substances such as Alpha GPC and CDP choline. It increases the memorizing ability and clarity of thought. - L- Tyrosine
Tyrosine is an essential amino acid that helps in replenishing the body’s store of epinephrine, which functions as a neurotransmitter. It helps the brain perform under duress by enhancing cognition. - Omega 3 supplement
It is common knowledge now that polyunsaturated fatty acids are beneficial for health. In fact, one of the primary reasons breast feeding is advocated in neonates and infants is because mother’s milk is rich in DHA which is intrinsically related to the development and functioning of the human brain. Since it one of the most organic compounds available for this use, everyone could partake of it to enhance their brain cell fluidity and level of alertness. - Caffiene and L- Theanine
These substances work synergistically, cutting out on each other’s undesirable effects and therefore, leaving you calm, composed and focused without the jumpiness one tends to feel after an overdose of caffeine. - Vitamin D
It is, in fact, considered to function as a hormone in tandem with a few others to perform its role as one of the most important constituents of our body’s homeostasis mechanism to maintain the health of our bones. Its deficiency has been linked with depression, mood swings and reduction in work efficiency, especially with those who spend a majority of their time indoors (especially students) - Vitamin B12
Another essential source of nutrition for our brain and nerves is Vitamin B12. Its deficiency is more common in older individuals due to malabsorption, but even affects younger people who have gone in for a totally vegetarian way of life, since the main source of this vitamin is from animals. Tingling sensations in your extremities might be a warning sign for you to get your Vitamin B12 (and folic acid) levels checked to prevent neuro-degeneracy. Vitamin B complex supplements are advised. - Antioxidants
They function as scavengers for free radicals which are produced in the body as by-products of the various metabolic pathways that occur in your body. Like all wastes, these radicals are harmful for the body and are implicated in causing several health issues. Antioxidants taken as supplements can aid the body to eliminate these harmful by-products and enhances its functional capability. Several antioxidants with herbal components are also available now, often over the counter. - Vipocetine
Usually available only with a prescription, it was one of the break-through drugs for Alzhiemer’s disease. It increases the blood flow to the brain and thus, elevates the mood and performance of the individual.