Do people find a protein breakfast helps with ADHD meds? If so when do you eat, before, with or after?

[Vicster111]

Hi I was on concerta 54mg, I found this was too high a dose for me, got a major crash around 3.30 every day and was getting bouts of anxiety throughout the day and constant from about 3pm. I've started elvanse 30mg today to see how I go with that. Been reading a good high protein meal helps the meds work better and can eliminate many of the side effects including anxiety. I'm just not sure whether to eat before, after or with the medication? Anyone have any experience or tips around this? Also I can't eat breakfast, I never have so I've bought HUEL black edition complete meal shakes, 40g of protein in one shake. Just not sure when I should drink it. Had it an hour after taking the elvanse today. So far I feel totally fine. I'm hoping no crash later

[krh0130]

100%. I’ll make scrambled eggs, at least, and I have a much easier and better day.

[Vicster111 in reply to krh0130]

I do love eggs actually 😋 and they've plenty protein. Do you have them with meds or after?

[krh0130 in reply to Vicster111]

Kinda with. my little routine is wake up, use the bathroom, drink some water and take my medicine if I don’t do it first I’ll forget and my brain chemicals get outta whack and I’m mentally challenged. I also take 4 other meds for anxiety and chronic pain. But if i make sure i put protein in my belly first thing, I am so much more balanced. And not hangry before lunch time.

[Vicster111 in reply to krh0130]

I'm going to try get a routine too as I think when I do things differently each day it impacts my meds and how I feel. I take Propranolol for anxiety and couple of other meds for pain. I'll just make sure I get a routine that works and stick to it. Thank you 😊

[krh0130 in reply to Vicster111]

I used to take that but switched to clonidine. I also take tizanindine for back pain but together they keep my heart rate low. I take gabapentin for nerve pain throughout and have been taking it since 2015. I’m a wreck without my meds. I like eating alot of candy (Nerds gummy clusters are fun to eat) I will drink alot of peach monsters vs water I will only get jittery if I don’t eat eggs

Getting into a consistent routine is my 3 month goal. I just happen to know my body pretty well.

[Vicster111 in reply to krh0130]

I take amitriptyline for back pain, so think that helps me too. I'm trying to cut down on that as I don't think I need it as much now but it helps with sleep and anxiety too. My heart rate and blood pressure are pretty good too thankfully. I'm definitely going to try and keep my routine the same, it's a great tip and something I think would benefit me a lot! I'm just starting to discover what body wants/needs are now I think.

[krh0130 in reply to Vicster111]

Sending good vibes your way. You’ve got this!

[Megabar in reply to Vicster111]

I would give the each new routine at least a week before switching. Give yourself to know exactly what routine really messed up. Because the first day of a new routine something just happens that never ever happens. So you need to make sure that it wasn’t just a one day thing that happened. It happened that day and never again. If I have 2 days with a pair of earrings at I don’t wear them anymore. My is just each new routine longer than a day

[Vicster111]

Ah thank you 😊 right back at ya!

[Mamamichl]

hello! Good questions. If possible, have it on your belly already before taking the med. you have an upset stomach if you wait till after. I eat either before or during. I’m not a morning person either when it comes to eating. I like to say my stomach doesn’t wake up until 10am.

[Vicster111 in reply to Mamamichl]

Haha my stomach doesn't wake up until around lunchtime! I've been taking a HUEL shake just after my meds and so far seems to be working, my elvanse seems to be lasting up to 12 hrs and no side effects.....so far so hope this lasts. I am used to taking medication on an empty stomach to be fair so maybe not for everyone. I will maybe try taking it with my meds tomorrow or before although I would have to prepare it the night before as I'm useless until my meds kick in 😕 vicious circle! Thank you 😊

[Mammad1379]

It really depends on your diet goals. If you feel that the meds reduce your appetite by a huge margin and you are losing weight I'd say you better eat foods that are very calorie-dense before taking meds. Also, keep in mind for something like concerta it takes a minimum of 1h30 before the drug starts acting.

If however, you have no dietary worries, your eating time does not affect the meds at all. I was on Concerta 54mg for a year, some days I ate a big breakfast, and most days I didn't eat until 1 PM. If the meds don't reduce your appetite you can basically eat anytime you want to.