Modafinil, Ritalin & NZT – effects, alternatives & caffeine
Introduction
Modafinil, Ritalin or NZT: which of these three synthetic nootropics would you choose? This article looks at them in detail, exploring the effects and side effects of Modafinil and Ritalin, as well as alternatives. We also consider combining Ritalin and caffeine and share insights into various ingredients and their effects on your body and mind.
This article is for information only and does not constitute advice.
Contents
- What is NZT? The Limitless pill
- What are nootropics?
- What is Modafinil? The Silicon Valley pill
- What is Ritalin? The student pick-me-up
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Alternatives to Modafinil and Ritalin, and their effects
- Conclusion: Modafinil, NZT or Guayusa – which works best?
1. What is NZT? The Limitless pill
NZT is a super-pill from the film Ohne Limit (titled Limitless in English), which gives the human brain extraordinary abilities.
In the film, alongside a remarkably pleasant feeling of wakefulness and the ability to work for longer, the wonder pill also brings a dramatic increase in thinking ability, greater creativity and faster, better connections between problems and solutions.
Memory is also virtually unlimited, allowing even the smallest events from the past, perceived only subconsciously, to be reconstructed in the mind in an instant.
The main advantage, then, is that everyday challenges can be handled much more efficiently by making full use of the brain’s potential.
2. What are nootropics?
Nootropics, such as the many products available on Amazon, promise a similar boost in performance through improved memory, greater endurance and the ability to stay awake for longer.
A look at the ingredients shows clearly, however, that these are more like caffeine tablets with vitamins than actual nootropics. Caffeine tablets are made from extracted caffeine powder, which can have many side effects. Read more in our article ‘Natural caffeine vs caffeine powder’. Taking a 400 mg caffeine tablet is therefore more likely to leave you with a racing heart, headaches, muddled thoughts, restlessness and, in the worst case, anxiety.
That has nothing to do with Limitless.
Caffeine is not inherently bad, of course, but the form and amount you consume play a major role. Our article on the benefits of caffeine explains its positive effects on your health. Caffeine is not inherently bad even for pregnant women; read more in the linked article and in our article on caffeine side effects.
2.1. Nootropic examples
Most clearly defined nootropics can be found in the supplements section. We looked on Amazon to share a few examples and our opinions.
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Nuri-Brain: The company sells a range of different supplements, including the product ‘Focus Brain Booster’. It promises greater mental clarity, focus and brain performance, supposedly backed by science. Its ingredients are: 130 mg of caffeine, Ginkgo biloba, tyrosine, theanine, Bacopa monnieri and vitamins.
- Our experience: 130 mg of caffeine is a good dose. The combination with L-theanine and tyrosine is also excellent, as it can balance stress levels. Bacopa monnieri, on the other hand, is said to help with ADHD and may therefore also help people without ADHD concentrate better and maintain focus.
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Zenement: This company also sells a wide range of supplements for different purposes, including the product ‘Nootropic’. Its ingredients include 40 mg of caffeine, Ginkgo biloba extract, Bacopa monnieri extract, green tea extract and L-tyrosine.
- Our experience: The amount of caffeine may be too low, and the lack of L-theanine is also less than ideal. The company does use other plant extracts, though, which are all known for improving brain function.
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N2 Natural: This well-known supplement company also offers the product ‘Memory’, which is said to improve performance, concentration and memory. Ingredients include Ginkgo biloba, green tea, Reishi, 100 mg of caffeine and vitamins, as well as anti-caking agents and copper complexes.
- Our experience: The caffeine content is about the same as in a particularly strong brew of Guayusa tea, which is strong enough. Extra green tea and Ginkgo extracts provide an additional boost. The Reishi mushroom is more for general health than focus and concentration; for those, the Cordyceps mushroom would make more sense.
2.2. Definition of nootropics
A simple definition of nootropics would be:
“Nootropics are supplements designed to improve memory, focus and concentration, as well as overall cognitive performance.”
It makes no difference whether these supplements are natural or chemical in origin, such as Ritalin and Modafinil. Combinations such as Ritalin or Modafinil with caffeine, Ginkgo extract, Guayusa or vitamins are also conceivable and would count as nootropics.
2.3. Uses of nootropics
Nootropics, also known as smart drugs, are mainly used by biohackers, entrepreneurs and students. Biohackers aim to optimise their body and mind so they can make the most of their potential. Entrepreneurs and students want that too, but are often motivated by a desire to learn more, be more productive and become more successful at work and in business.
Nootropics are also popular with athletes, as they are said to improve overall physical performance and sharpen focus, offering a major advantage during training.
2.4. Natural sources of nootropics
The ingredients in the smart drugs listed above already give you an idea of the natural sources available. To make things easier, here is a list of some of the best-known natural sources.
- Guayusa
- Ginkgo
- Green tea
- Guarana
- Caffeine
- Antioxidants
- Vitamins
- L-theanine
- Theobromine
- Theophylline
- Reishi
- Cordyceps
- Hericium
- Cocoa
- Bacopa monnieri
- Rhodiola rosea
- Ginseng
- Gotu kola
- Turmeric
- Lemongrass
- Ginger
- Ashwagandha
2.5. Synthetic sources of nootropics
- Noopept
- Piracetam
- Phenotropil
- Modafinil
- Ritalin
- Amphetamines
3. What is Modafinil? The Silicon Valley pill
Modafinil is a pharmaceutical drug that became popular in the US as a ‘super pill’ among managers, CEOs and people in similar roles. Unlike over-the-counter supplements, Modafinil is a medicine. It was originally developed to help patients with narcolepsy, or excessive sleepiness, but the pill also caught on among people who need to work 12 to 18 hours a day. Modafinil certainly does not do what NZT does in the film, but it is said to have an extremely focusing effect that makes you work like a machine.
3.1. What are the effects of Modafinil?
Anecdotal reports describe Modafinil’s effects as a kind of hyper-focus accompanied by dulled emotions, allowing people to work for 18 hours a day without being negatively affected by lack of sleep.
Understandably, this effect is very appealing to entrepreneurs building a company worth millions or even billions.
Whether the loss of emotions is a benefit, a drawback or a side effect of Modafinil is something each person must decide for themselves.
3.2. Modafinil side effects
So far, Modafinil has no known side effects that cause lasting harm to the body. This means that side effects such as weight gain, heart problems, kidney complaints and so on are not known with Modafinil. The blunting of feelings and emotions, on the other hand, can certainly be seen as a side effect, though of course it may also be viewed as a positive effect.
However, Modafinil is not a freely available nootropic. Despite having no known side effects, it must be prescribed by a doctor, and obtaining it from dubious sources simply to cope with work pressure is probably not advisable.
4. What is Ritalin? The student pick-me-up
Ritalin is a medicine approved in 1954. It was initially used to treat psychiatric disorders and is also known as methylphenidate. Placebo-controlled studies of Ritalin were not carried out until 1960; these showed that it helps with attention disorders such as ADHD, hyperactivity and impulsivity by acting on the central nervous system.
4.1. Effects of Ritalin
Ritalin is said to promote wakefulness and sharpen focus, which is why it is sometimes used by school and university students, particularly in the US, to improve academic performance and cope with pressure. Unlike Modafinil, however, it is known to have extensive side effects, which you’ll find in section 4.2 of this article.
Ritalin for studying
Before looking at the possible side effects of Ritalin, let’s consider the benefits that school and university students see in taking it to study. They describe Ritalin as improving concentration. Where there was once distraction, impulsivity and hyperactive behaviour, a quiet, focused working environment emerges, much like with Modafinil.
Nowadays, when children grow up with smartphones, social media and other increasingly fast-paced parts of life, the sense of calm and focus that Ritalin may provide can make studying feel easier and more manageable.
It is clear, however, that Ritalin is not a cure-all for ‘learning better’: it does not affect everyone in the same way, and it is not free of side effects.
4.2. Ritalin side effects and overdose
Ritalin’s side effects range from growth disorders, sweating and insomnia to cramps, an extremely rapid heartbeat and psychosis. Loss of appetite and nervousness, which are things people might hope to get rid of by taking it, are also reported anecdotally.
An overdose of Ritalin can lead to nausea, vomiting, trembling, seizures, an increased heart rate, high blood pressure, hallucinations and, in extreme cases, coma or death. It should therefore never be taken carelessly or without consulting a doctor.
The amount that constitutes a Ritalin overdose depends on many factors, such as weight, sex, age and metabolism. Usually, however, no more than 60 mg per day is prescribed.
4.3. Ritalin dosage and duration of effects
Ritalin dosage also depends heavily on the individual situation and should always be discussed with a doctor. As a general guide, children may be given 5 mg up to a maximum of 60 mg, and adults 10 mg to 60 mg.
Depending on how quickly a person metabolises it, Ritalin reaches its maximum effect after around 2 hours and wears off within 4 hours. Longer-acting versions of Ritalin are now also available. In these, the active ingredient is released over 6 to 12 hours, allowing it to be taken once in the morning instead of in several doses throughout the day.
4.4. Ritalin and caffeine: combined effects
You will often come across the combination of Ritalin and caffeine during your research. Both substances stimulate the central nervous system and may therefore have a potentiating effect. However, there is no clear body of research on the interaction between Ritalin and caffeine, and anecdotal reports range from a longer-lasting positive feeling of wakefulness to palpitations, nervousness and shortness of breath.
The most common way people take Ritalin and caffeine together is by dissolving the pill in coffee or another caffeinated drink.
Doctors generally do not recommend this combination; it should be avoided or used only after consulting a doctor.
5. Alternatives to Modafinil and Ritalin, and their effects
Modafinil and Ritalin are two very well-known nootropics, and for good reason. They may positively affect memory and thereby improve performance in everyday life, at work and in sport. However, both are prescription medicines, so taking them without a prescription should be avoided.
Fortunately, alongside these synthetic nootropics there are natural alternatives, dozens of which we have already introduced above. Besides the many nootropics on Amazon, which are very expensive, there are natural sources too. Keep in mind, though, that a single active ingredient such as caffeine may count as a nootropic, but its effects are very limited. Only a combination of selected active ingredients creates an effective supplement that may help improve memory, sharpen focus and enable you to work with greater concentration and performance.
5.1. Guayusa
Guayusa, also known as Ilex Guayusa, is a leaf from the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador. The local Kichwa people have used the leaves before hunting for thousands of years. They say Guayusa puts them in a state of relaxed alertness, allowing them to hunt for several hours without becoming tired. It is also said to sharpen the senses, including sight and hearing, making successful hunting in the jungle possible.
A look at Guayusa’s active compounds helps explain why it is described as the most effective natural nootropic. This drink, which only became popular a few years ago, is the most caffeinated drink in the world and also contains L-theanine, theophylline, theobromine and lutein, an antioxidant that affects eyesight and blue-light uptake. Lutein has been detected in particularly high amounts in Guayusa and helps keep the mind active and alert by increasing the uptake of blue light. This phenomenon is known from modern LED screens, which should be switched off or dimmed to a yellowish light about 30 to 60 minutes before going to sleep.
Guayusa is usually prepared and drunk as a tea. It is also interesting that Guayusa tea does not taste bitter and, despite its high caffeine content, has no known side effects. This gives the tea additional advantages over other caffeinated drinks.
You can read more about the effects of Guayusa’s main ingredients in our article ‘Active compounds that give you boundless energy’.
You can buy Guayusa tea in our online shop or order it on Amazon.
- Advantages of buying Guayusa from GUYA’s online shop: every pack is cheaper than on Amazon, and with our newsletter voucher you get a further 10% discount.
- Advantages of Amazon: suitable for small orders of one or two packs, as Prime customers pay no delivery charges.
5.2. Green tea and matcha
Many people don’t know that matcha is green tea that has been cultivated and processed in a particular way. Read more in our matcha vs green tea comparison.
Matcha and Guayusa are the only plants in the world in which L-theanine has been found so far. Green tea contains considerably more of this compound, but that is not necessarily an advantage, as too much theanine leads to an overly relaxed brain frequency.
Matcha in particular contains many antioxidants that may have a positive effect on memory and general wellbeing. Antioxidants are measured using the ORAC value, which is only slightly higher for matcha than for Guayusa tea. Read more about this in our matcha vs Guayusa comparison.
However, matcha’s effects are much less balanced than Guayusa’s, which has to do with how its active compounds are distributed.
We don’t stock matcha or green tea. However, you can find many different varieties at Tezen.
5.3. Yerba mate
Yerba mate is another tea from South America. It contains caffeine, theobromine and theophylline, but no L-theanine and, compared with matcha and Guayusa, very few antioxidants.
Mate, like matcha, also tastes very bitter. When choosing a quality product, make sure you don’t buy smoked mate tea, as it may be carcinogenic.
Read more in our article on mate tea and its effects.
We can recommend a trustworthy producer of mate tea, as we have met them many times at local organic fairs and have been able to satisfy ourselves of their quality. You can find Caa-Mate products on Amazon.
5.4. Cordyceps, Reishi and Hericium
We’ve covered each of these three medicinal mushrooms in separate, highly detailed articles. Each mushroom has its own specific effects and can be taken alone or together with another nootropic.
- Cordyceps: A medicinal mushroom for improving physical and mental performance. Cordyceps may shorten recovery time after exercise and increase oxygen uptake. The mushroom is also said to have the ability to improve heart health over the long term.
- Reishi: Also called the mushroom of immortality, as it strengthens the immune and cardiovascular systems and supports mental wellbeing by reducing stress and improving sleep.
- Hericium: An effective medicinal mushroom for improving digestion, strengthening the immune system and enhancing cognitive abilities.
You can find all three medicinal mushrooms in different forms—powder, liquid and cocoa blends—from our partner Smaints. We recommend the liquid, as it is very easy to combine with other natural nootropics such as Guayusa tea.
5.5. Coffee
Along with tea, coffee is probably the best-known caffeinated drink, but from a nootropic perspective it is far from the best and, on its own, is not a good alternative to Modafinil or Ritalin. The caffeine in coffee is almost unbound and therefore acts as aggressively as synthetic caffeine. Coffee also contains no significant other active compounds that could work synergistically with caffeine.
Here, too, it makes sense to combine several nootropics. For example, you could try our 50/50 blend of Robusta coffee and Guayusa tea. It quickly gives you an intense feeling of wakefulness without a racing heart, restlessness or a ‘monkey mind’. Its effects also last several hours, helping you work through tasks with concentration and focus.
If you’d like to give up coffee altogether, you can follow our guide ‘How to give up coffee’.
5.6. More natural alternatives to Modafinil and Ritalin
The effects of Modafinil and Ritalin are very intense and cannot be matched by milder nootropics such as mate and matcha, as their active compounds are not sufficiently balanced. Guayusa, by contrast, produces an almost identical effect, but without dulling the emotions.
As a single nootropic, Guayusa is therefore the best and most natural alternative to Modafinil and Ritalin.
If you’d still like to learn about other natural nootropics, you can read our free e-book, ‘Stimulant comparison’, and compare many natural alternatives to Modafinil by learning more about their effects and ingredients. You can add the free e-book to any order or download it through our newsletter.
6. Conclusion: Modafinil, NZT or Guayusa – which works best?
In terms of their effects and definition, Modafinil and Ritalin undoubtedly fall into the nootropics category, but they should not be the first choice for someone who is physically and mentally healthy. The dream of the famous NZT pill will not come true with Modafinil or Ritalin either; in the worst case, their side effects could turn it into a nightmare.
However, if you have already tried Modafinil or Ritalin and want a similar effect without the possible risks, you can turn to alternatives. These might be extract blends in pill form, which we introduced at the beginning of the article, or natural nootropics such as Guayusa, matcha, Ginkgo and yerba mate.
We do not recommend combining caffeine with Ritalin or Modafinil, as is often suggested online, because this could lead to even more serious side effects than these medicines already carry.
6.1. Personal feedback from GUYA founder Sebastian Freidank
Before founding GUYA, I experimented with Modafinil and all kinds of nootropics while I was studying. The nootropics on Amazon at the time were much less balanced than today’s products.
I preferred Modafinil to all the ‘brain enhancement’ products available at the time, as it was the only thing that let me work or study clearly and with focus throughout the day. I only stopped using Modafinil abruptly after discovering and trying Guayusa through Leonardo DiCaprio’s donation project and the behind-the-scenes footage for Channing Tatum’s film Magic Mike.
The focusing and performance-enhancing effects of Guayusa tea are astonishingly similar to those of Modafinil, but without the risk that side effects from the medicine might emerge years later.
I can only recommend that everyone try Guayusa and experiment with different doses. Its effects are astonishing and led me in 2016 to drop out of university and start a company importing Guayusa directly from Ecuador’s Indigenous communities to Europe.