
There are many tips and tricks across the internet and social media to increase your motivation and productivity. However, to see the most success, it is best to play to the body’s natural motivation-driver, dopamine.

## What is Dopamine?
Dopamine is a type of chemical released by the brain called a neurotransmitter, which means that it helps nerve cells send signals to each other. These messages that dopamine sends make you feel satisfaction, pleasure, and motivation. Because of this, dopamine is often considered to be the hormone that makes you feel “good.”

There are many things that can trigger a rush of dopamine, such as shopping, sex, or smelling cookies as they bake.

Dopamine does more than just make you “feel good,” though, playing a role in the following body functions:
- digestion
- blood flow
- heart and kidney function
- executive functioning
- mood and emotions
- memory and focus
- pain processing
- motor control
- sleep
- stress response
- pleasure and reward-seeking behavior
- pancreatic function and insulin regulation

## Dopamine’s Effect on The Body and Behavior
Dopamine is an integral part of the brain’s reward system, playing a role in reinforcement. When an action causes a release of dopamine, it makes it more likely for you to repeat that action. Eventually, your body can get to the point where just anticipating an action that has previously been associated with pleasure can raise dopamine levels<Ref id="dopa1"/>.

Going back to the way that baking cookies can trigger a dopamine release, if you enjoy eating cookies as a comfort food, your brain may release more dopamine when you smell them baking. Then, when you eat the cookies, your brain is flooded with dopamine, which helps to reinforce this craving.

Dopamine creates a cycle of motivation, reward, and reinforcement.

When you have the right amount of dopamine in your body, you will likely feel focused, motivated, alert, and happy. These feelings are ideal for planning, learning, and productivity.

However, when dopamine levels are low, you will have difficulty concentrating, may feel less motivated and enthusiastic, and may have poor coordination or movement difficulties.

## Dopamine and Motivation
Many people associate dopamine with pleasure, but in reality, it is a brain chemical that does more than respond to rewards; it encourages you to seek them.

This is because the brain craves this sense of reward, so when it learns that a particular action leads to a pleasurable feeling, it releases dopamine as a way to encourage you to repeat this action. Additionally, your brain uses this dopamine release to determine if a mental task is worth the effort<Ref id="dopa2"/>.

Knowing this, it is possible to utilize dopamine as the motivation neurotransmitter to improve your productivity<Ref id="dopa3"/>. By making something like crossing an item off your to-do list pleasurable, you can trick your brain into releasing dopamine, making you more likely to repeat these actions and be more productive.

## Key Takeaways
The neurotransmitters produced by the body play essential roles in many different functions. Dopamine is one neurotransmitter commonly considered for its ability to make someone feel good, yet it also plays a large role in motivation.

Dopamine serves as the driving force behind motivation, with the brain seeking the rush of dopamine released by certain actions. By manipulating your dopamine levels, you can increase your productivity and motivation.











Dopamine plays a critical role in one's motivation. Therefore, it's imperative to understand the role of dopamine if you want to optimize your motivation.

The Role of Dopamine in Motivation


Your motivation to do work is mostly controlled through dopamine. Controlling your dopamine release will make you more likely to stick to your goals.


Motivation

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Caffeine can safely be safely consumed several days each week. Avoid consuming caffeine every day to prevent caffeine dependency and tolerance.

Regularly


## What is caffeine?
Caffeine is the world’s most widely used psychoactive substance and has been around since time immemorial. It is a naturally occurring compound in different parts of a variety of plants native to various parts of the world. This means we can find it in drinks derived from those plants like tea, coffee or maté. Although some people consciously consume caffeine for its benefits, for most people it is so much of a habit, it has become part of their culture.

## Where does caffeine come from?
According to legend, caffeine has been used as early as 3000 BCE when a Chinese emperor discovered tea by accident.<Ref id="caffeine01" /> On the other side of the world the earliest evidence of caffeine from cocoa beans was found in a Mayan pot from 600 BCE.<Ref id="caffeine02" /> Modern use of caffeine began when people started drinking coffee and tea on a daily basis. Although accounts differ, drinking coffee originated somewhere around Yemen and had spread through North Africa and the Middle East to Europe by the end of the 16th century.<Ref id="caffeine03" /> Around the same time tea was introduced to western culture by the Chinese and popularized in Europe through trade by the Dutch East India Company.<Ref id="caffeine04" />
With the advent of modern chemistry during the age of revolution, caffeine was first isolated from coffee in 1819 by the German chemist Friedlieb Ferdinand Runge.<Ref id="caffeine05" /> Two years later, Pierre Jean Robiquet first analyzed and described the properties of caffeine. Yet it would take another 74 years before Hermann Emil Fischer discovered how caffeine could be synthesized from its chemical components.<Ref id="caffeine06" /> Part of which, he was awarded a Nobel Prize for in 1902.

## What are the effects of caffeine?
Caffeine works mainly by suppressing adenosine receptors, a compound which induces a relaxed or sleepy sensation in the central nervous system (CNS).<Ref id="caffeine07" /> To a smaller extent, cafeïne has effects on a variety of other neurotransmitters including dopamine<Ref id="caffeine08" /> and serotonin.<Ref id="caffeine09" /> Both of these mechanisms contribute to a breadth of health benefits for which there is ample evidence.
When taken orally, the effects of caffeine usually can be felt after an hour and lasts for three to four hours. Many of the effects of caffeine depend on the user’s tolerance. Daily caffeine users may therefore be unable to benefit from these effects.

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<Column>

### Cognitive
- Improved reaction time
- Reduced fatigue
- Increased wakefulness
- Improved concentration
- Improved motor coordination

</Column>
<Column>

### Physical
- Improved power output
- Improved endurance
- Increased adrenaline
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased cortisol
</Column>
</DoubleColumnGrid>


## How to use caffeine?
Caffeine can be taken through beverages rich in caffeine, by supplementing your own drinks with caffeine powder or in pill form. Though all three have different pros and cons, all caffeine intake should be tailored to individuals.
Caffeine from beverages are widely available and easy to use but differ in caffeine content from drink to drink and might also include unwanted micro- or macronutrients.
Caffeine powder might be easy to add to whatever drink or food you want, but it can be risky if not handled with care. Multiple people have died of an accidental overdose.<Ref ids={["caffeine10", "caffeine11"]} />
Caffeine pills are less risky, widely available but might offer less possibilities in the way of really fine-tuning your preferred dosage.

## How much caffeine to use?
Different effects require different amounts of caffeine but if you have never taken caffeine before it can be wise to start with a low dose of 100 mg. 200 mg is often used as a fat-burning supplementation and an increase in strength occurs at higher doses of 500 mg and above.

## Interactions of caffeine
Even though caffeine is safe enough for billions of people to drink on a daily basis, caffeine is a stimulant just like amphetamines or cocaine. Taking multiple stimulants may increase the strain on the heart and bring about a greater risk of heart failure.

- Caffeine increases the neurotoxic effects of MDMA <Ref id="caffeine12" />
- Caffeine does not affect the effects of alcohol but alcohol does diminish the effects of caffeine<Ref id="caffeine13" />
- Caffeine is eliminated from the body faster 56% when also smoking tobacco.<Ref id="caffeine14" />
- Contraceptives like the birth control pill can slow the elimination of caffeine from the body<Ref id="caffeine15" />

### Popular combinations
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- [Caffeine and L-theanine](/interactions/caffeine-and-l-theanine)
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</Column>
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Caffeine is a potent and popular nootropic that has a myriad of benefits, including increased focus, wakefulness and motivation.

Half-life

Total

Caffeine

Buy high-quality Alpha-GPC capsules on iHerb

Buy Alpha-GPC

Alpha-GPC should be consumed on a daily basis to reap the most benefits.

Daily



## What is alpha-GPC?

Alpha-glycerophosphocholine is a compound naturally occurring in the brain and (in trace amounts) various foods. It is famous for being an efficient choline prodrug.<Ref id="alpha-GPC02"/> Choline is an essential nutrient,<Ref id="alpha-GPC01"/> meaning it needs to be obtained from the diet since the body is not capable of producing it or producing it in sufficient quantities.<Ref id="alpha-GPC03"/> Choline has multiple roles in the human body, among others it makes up part of our cell membranes and is required to produce the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

## Where does alpha-GPC come from?

Alpha-GPC is produced naturally by several animals, humans included. It is also produced synthetically to be used for oral supplementation. Acetylcholine is used by bacteria, fungi, and various animals which is a testament to its versatility. Acetylcholine was first noted by Adolf von Baeyer in 1867 who named it _acetylneurin_.<Ref id="alpha-GPC07"/> Later, in 1921 the concept of neurotransmitters came to light and by 1926 Otto Loewi had deduced acetylcholine could be categorized as such.<Ref id="alpha-GPC08"/> Ten years later, in 1936 he and H. H. Dale were awarded the Nobel Prize for their work on acetylcholine and nerve impulses. <Ref id="alpha-GPC09"/>

## What are the effects of alpha-GPC?

Alpha-GPC works mainly by giving the body a source of choline from which it can synthesize acetylcholine. It therefore works primarily by increasing the concentration of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the body and brain. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter involved in the activation of muscles. It also plays a role in the autonomic- and the sympathetic nervous system<Ref id="alpha-GPC04"/> and it is the primary transmitter of the parasympathetic nervous system.<Ref id="alpha-GPC05"/> Furthermore acetylcholine plays a role in the parts of the brain responsible for, amongst others, arousal, attention, memory and motivation.<Ref id="alpha-GPC06"/> All of its purported benefits can be ascribed to it versatile role in our nervous system

<DoubleColumnGrid>
<Column>
### Cognitive

- Increased wakefulness
- Improved concentration
- Improved motivation
- Improved memory
- Reduced cognitive decline

</Column>
<Column>
### Physical

- Increased power output
- Increased endurance
</Column>
</DoubleColumnGrid>
## How to use alpha-GPC?

Although alpha-GPC is available in food, the amounts in which are nowhere near the preferable dose. Therefore it is best supplemented in a standard pill form. Pills containing alpha-GPC are available in most countries as a legal dietary supplement.

## How much alpha-GPC to use?

<DosageWarning/>

Most of the available pills range from 300 to 600 mg in the amount of alpha-GPC they contain. Studies on countering the cognitive decline of alzheimers or a recent stroke used a daily dose of 1000 mg for 28 days.<Ref id="alpha-GPC10"/> Studies testing the change in physical performance of athletes used a dose of 600 mg prior to exercising.<Ref id="alpha-GPC11"/> A boost in physical performance might be best achieved by taking a single ‘higher’ dose to create a peak in the amount of acetylcholine available during exercise. For the cognitive benefits of alpha-GPC it may be best to take a ‘lower’ dose multiple times per day to maintain increased levels of acetylcholine.

## What are the side effects of alpha-GPC?

There are no known serious side effects of alpha-GPC. A small number of users may experience a mild headache or teeth grinding. Taking alpha-GPC might exacerbate the symptoms of trimethylaminuria (also known as fish odor syndrome) in people suffering from it.

## Interactions of alpha-GPC

<InteractionWarning/>

alpha-GPC possible interactions with MAOIs which could be dangerous. Combining alpha-GPC with prescription MAOIs should be avoided.<Ref id="alpha-GPC12"/>









Alpha-glycerophosphocholine (Alpha-GPC) naturally occurs in the brain and is known for being an efficient choline prodrug when consumed as a supplement.

Alpha-GPC



## What is modafinil?

Modafinil is a synthetic compound primarily used to improve alertness, wakefulness and attention in people suffering from a lack thereof.  <Ref id="modafinil01"/> Modafinil is one of the substances produced by the body from the prodrug adrafinil. Both drugs have very similar structures and effects. Since modafinil can also be synthesized directly, it was tested as an alternative to adrafinil and appeared to be more potent. Therefore it was favored over adrafinil which got discontinued in 2011. <Ref id="modafinil02"/>

## Where does modafinil come from?

As a synthetic compound, it is synthesized by a pharmaceutical company. This was first done by Michel Jouvet from the French company Laboratoires Lafon. <Ref id="modafinil03"/> It was quickly discovered as a more effective alternative to adrafinil and has been marketed in France under the name modiodal since 1994.


## What are the effects of modafinil?

Modafinil works, similar to <LinkSubstance id="adrafinil">adrafinil</LinkSubstance>, mainly by neurotransmitters orexin and glutamate. Orexin has a role in regulating arousal, wakefulness and appetite.<Ref id="modafinil04" /> Glutamate is involved in a plethora of bodily functions including learning and memory.<Ref id="modafinil05" /> Modafinil was also found to influence dopamine transport in the body which may explain all of its effects.<Ref id="modafinil06" /><Ref id="modafinil07" /> Notable effects include improved focus, learning and memory. When taken orally, the effects of adrafinil usually can be felt after an hour and last for six to twelve hours. Adrafinil has a low addictability <Ref id="modafinil08" /> and people using it are unlikely to build up tolerance. <Ref id="modafinil09" />

<DoubleColumnGrid>
<Column>

### Cognitive

- Reduced fatigue
- Increased wakefulness
- Increased memory
- Increased focus
</Column>
<Column>
### Physical

- Increased activity
</Column>
</DoubleColumnGrid>

## How to use modafinil?

Like most synthetic drugs modafinil is available in powder and pill form both having different pros and cons. Pills tend to be easier to use and more available but offer less possibilities in the way of really fine-tuning your preferred dosage. Powders on the other hand, might offer more versatility and fine tuning but can be less user-friendly.

## How much modafinil to use?

<DosageWarning/>
There are varying reports on how much modafinil to take but it is comparable to adrafinil When it was used as a medicine to treat narcolepsy 200 mg was prescribed twice daily. A study on user reports indicated dosages ranged from 50 mg to 2700 mg. When trying out adrafinil for the first time it can be wise to start with a lower dose of 100 mg and, depending on the experienced effects, increase or decrease the dosage accordingly.

## What are the side effects of modafinil?

There are potential unwanted effects of modafinil, ranging from mild to serious. Less than 10% of users experience a headache, nausea and decreased appetite. Some people experience more serious side effects like anxiety, insomnia or diarrhea. Reports about overdosing on 5000 mg of modafinil indicated no serious long term side effects.<Ref id="modafinil10" />

## Interactions of modafinil

<InteractionWarning/>
Modafinil decreases the efficacy of opioids. Potentially leading to withdrawal symptoms. Modafinil may also have an adverse effect on hormonal contraceptives.








Modafinil is a synthetic compound primarily used to improve alertness, wakefulness and attention in people suffering from a lack thereof.

Modafinil

Sporadically



## What is adrafinil?

Adrafinil is a synthetic compound primarily used to improve alertness, wakefulness and attention in people suffering from a lack thereof. <Ref id="adrafinil03" /> Adrafinil is a prodrug, which means it is used by the body to convert into a different substance. One of those being: <LinkSubstance id="modafinil">modafinil</LinkSubstance>. Both drugs have very similar chemical structures and effects. Since modafinil can also be synthesized directly, it was tested as an alternative to adrafinil and appeared to be more potent. Therefore it was favored over adrafinil which got discontinued in 2011.<Ref id="adrafinil04" />

## Where does adrafinil come from?

As any synthetic compound, it is synthesized by a pharmaceutical company. This was first done by Assous and Gombert from the french company Laboratoires Lafon in 1974.<Ref id="adrafinil01" /> It wasn’t until later they discovered it could increase activity levels in mice. <Ref id="adrafinil02" /> After studies on various animals showed similar effects it was tested on humans in 1977. It reached the market in france some seven years later in 1984<Ref id="adrafinil01" />

## What are the effects of adrafinil?

Adrafinil works mainly by influencing the neurotransmitters orexin and glutamate. Orexin has a role in regulating arousal, wakefulness and appetite.<Ref id="adrafinil09" /> Glutamate is involved in plethora of bodily functions including learning and memory.<Ref id="adrafinil10" /> Adrafinil’s metabolite modafinil was also found to influence dopamine transport in the body which may explain all of its effects.<Ref id="adrafinil05" /><Ref id="adrafinil06" /> Notable effects include improved focus, learning and memory. When taken orally, the effects of adrafinil usually can be felt after an hour and last for six to twelve hours. Adrafinil has a low addictability <Ref id="adrafinil07" /> and people using it are unlikely to build up tolerance. <Ref id="adrafinil08" />


<DoubleColumnGrid>
<Column>

### Cognitive

- Reduced fatigue
- Increased wakefulness
- Increased memory
- Increased focus

</Column>
<Column>
### Physical

- Increased activity
</Column>
</DoubleColumnGrid>

## How to use adrafinil?

Like most synthetic drugs adrafinil is available in powder and pill form both having different pros and cons. Pills tend to be easier to use and more available but offer less possibilities in the way of really fine-tuning your preferred dosage. Powders on the other hand, might offer more versatility and fine tuning but can be less user-friendly.

## How much adrafinil to use?

<DosageWarning/>

There are varying reports on how much adrafinil to take. When it was used as a medicine to treat narcolepsy 600 mg was prescribed twice daily. A study on user reports indicated dosages ranged from 50 mg to 2700 mg. <Ref id="adrafinil11" /> When trying out adrafinil for the first time it can be wise to start with a lower dose of 300 mg and, depending on the experienced effects, increase or decrease the dosage accordingly.

## What are the side effects of adrafinil?

There are potential unwanted effects of adrafinil, ranging from mild to serious. Less than 10% of users experience a headache, nausea and decreased appetite. Some people experience more serious side effects like anxiety, insomnia or diarrhea.


<DoubleColumnGrid>
<Column>
### Cognitive

- Anxiety
</Column>
<Column>
### Physical

- Dehydration
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
</Column>
</DoubleColumnGrid>

## Interactions of adrafinil

<InteractionWarning/>

Adrafinil is metabolized into modafinil which decreases the efficacy of opioids. Potentially leading to withdrawal symptoms. It is also used popularly in combination with noopept.


Adrafinil is a synthetic compound primarily used to improve alertness, wakefulness and attention in people suffering from a lack thereof.

Adrafinil



## What is Kratom?

Kratom is a psychoactive plant also known as _Mitragyna speciosa_. Its latin name comes from the fact that its leaves resemble a miter. It has been used in herbal medicine for at least a couple of centuries and is possibly the most widely used drug in Thailand.<Ref id="Kratom01"/> Although there are anecdotal reports on supposed benefits there are limited studies to support this. To prepare it for consumption, Kratom leaves are often dried. It can then be chewed or crushed to brew tea. It is also available in capsules or pills.<Ref id="Kratom02"/> Kratom has been used traditionally to relieve pain, increase energy and appetite.<Ref id="Kratom03"/> It has also been used for asthma, cough, deworming, diarrhea, fever and stomach ailments. Sometimes even to prolong sexual intercourse.<Ref id="Kratom04"/> Kratom is increasingly gaining popularity in western countries in Europe and North America where it is used as a nootropic. There are some indications that Kratom may be detrimental to your health, as such Kratom is illegal in some countries.

## Where does Kratom come from?

_Mitragyna speciosa_ grows in Southeast Asia from Myanmar through Malaysia to Papua New Guinea but can be cultivated anywhere under the right conditions.<Ref id="Kratom01"/> It was first described a Dutch botanist by the name of Pieter Korthals in 1839. It has been renamed several times before being given its current and final name _mitragyna speciosa_ by George Darby Haviland in 1859.<Ref id="Kratom04"/> It has not only been used as traditional medicine but it also played a part in the culture and religion of Thailand.

## What are the effects of Kratom?

Kratom has been used to treat a wide range of afflictions with varying success. Like with <LinkSubstance id="ashwagandha">ashwagandha</LinkSubstance> the effects of kratom must be attributed to a broad spectrum of different molecules. The main active compounds are different alkaloids of which at least 25 have been identified, including mitragynine and 7-HMG. <Ref id="Kratom05"/> Some of these compounds are known to interact with the body’s serotonin and adrenaline system. Thereby having stimulant and depressant effects, producing sedation, pleasure and decreasing pain.<Ref id="Kratom06"/><Ref id="Kratom07"/> Kratom has also shown promise in animal studies on alcohol<Ref id="Kratom08"/> and opioid withdrawal,<Ref id="Kratom09"/> pain suppression<Ref id="Kratom10"/> and opioid tolerance prevention.<Ref id="Kratom11"/>
Kratom effects are different among different species of _mitragyna speciosa_ and are dose dependent. Therefore the alleged effects might differ from product to product.<Ref id="Kratom05"/>

<DoubleColumnGrid>
<Column>
### Cognitive

- Increased energy
- Increased sociability
- Increased alertness
</Column>
<Column>
### Physical

- Reduced pain
- Increased perspiration
- Reduced appetite
</Column>
</DoubleColumnGrid>
## How to use Kratom?

Kratom is available in various forms, as supplemental pills, finely ground plant material or even dried leaves. Pills have the easiest way to dose but a limited ability to be finetuned. Powders seem to be the most widely available. Whole leaves are hard to come by in a lot of places. Powders are popularly used to brew tea which will have a very bitter taste. It can therefore be favorable to mix it with a flavoring like lemon juice or honey. All kratom forms can differ in effects from strain to strain which has to be considered accordingly.

## How much Kratom to use?

<DosageWarning/>

User experience reports on kratom indicate using a teaspoon dose which corresponds to between 2 and 4 grams of powder. Higher doses ranging from 5 to 15 grams will have different effects. Potentially more anesthetic; comparable to other opiods like morphine or hydrocodone. Higher doses are also associated with more side effects and risks like addiction and withdrawal.

## What are the side effects of Kratom?

Users report various side effects associated with frequent or high dose kratom use, ranging from mild to very serious. Common side effects include appetite loss, constipation, erectile dysfunction, nausea. More serious side effects can include addiction, decreased breathing, seizures and psychosis.
Prolonged use of kratom can negatively impact liver function possibly leading to hospital admission.<Ref id="Kratom12"/> Furthermore it can lead to, amongst others, anorexia, insomnia, tremors, hallucinations and paranoia.

## Interactions of Kratom

<InteractionWarning/>

There are several substances which have dangerous interactions with kratom, some of which have led to fatalities in the past. Avoid combining kratom with carisoprodol, modafinil, propylhexedrine, datura stramonium, fentanyl, diphenhydramine, <LinkSubstance id="caffeine">caffeine</LinkSubstance>, morphine, O-desmethyltramadol, alcohol, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, nitrous and tramadol.<Ref id="Kratom13"/><Ref id="Kratom14"/>
Grapefruit can affect the metabolism of certain opioids and may increase the duration and toxicity of a kratom dose.


Kratom is an addictive substance that may reduce pain, increase relaxation and also increase sociability.

Motivation

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