Introduction

[NerdyCatGurl]

Hi this is the first time for me to join a group like this. I wanted to talk to other people who were like me today I feel like I had the worst off day ever. I've been taking Adderall extended release and I was having some short-term memories you know the kind of where you can't remember if you lock the door, brush your teeth or as in my case forgot to turn off The Broiler in my oven five times this year. My doctor increased my Adderall to an extra 10 mg instant release so a total of 40 in the morning, but I have been the most grouchiest moodiest person, this week I just don't know what to do I feel like I'm just so tired of trying the medications to make me feel better. I feel like I'm so hyper focused at work I can't leave I work till 9 on a Friday night what's wrong with me lol...

[Eclecticentric77]

The reason the medication does not work to its full potential for a large amount of people, and why it creates a myriad of negative side effects or stops working like it used to, is because your neurotransmitters get depleted after continuous stimulant use. Not to mention the high amount of oxidation that is not fought off. Different supplements help bring back up those depleted neurotransmitters (Dopamine, Serotonin, and Norepinephrine) (differences among those vary depending on the stimulant med) and also help your body and brain fight and heal itself from continuous stimulant use. Unfortunately supplements are rarely if ever recommended to people taking ADHD medication. This is something I hope to change. The combo of medication/supplements I take has thankfully changed my life for the better, and I have graduated with a BA in Psychology, and am now entering grad school to become an MFT Psychologist and hope to help out tons of others out there struggling, like I was.

These Supplements help greatly with multiple things, and have helped me and some of the clients I have seen that suffer from negative side effects.

1. N-Acetyl Tyrosine: This supplement helps boost Dopamine and Norepinephrine, those are the two neurotransmitters most stimulant medications work with. The crash that happens after the medication wears off is because those two neurotransmitters are lower temporarily, which is why people experience irritability, sadness etc. I take N-Acetyl Tyrosine an hour or 30min before my medication wears off and thankfully have not experienced the crash of medication ever since. Depletion of those two neurotransmitters is one of the reasons why stimulant medication stops working, and this supplement really helps out in that regard.

2. I take a supplement called R-Alpha Lipoic Acid which is known to one of the most powerful antioxidants out there. It really helps the medication work to its full potential while fighting off oxidation. Stimulant medication creates a large amount of oxidation that is not good for the body, and that can cause physical discomfort as well as mood swings because of it. This supplement helps my body feel at ease, and helps me mentally to mellow out.

3. L-Tryptophan: this supplement is helpful for increasing Serotonin levels, since people with ADHD lack this neurotransmitter as well, especially the Hyperactive and Combined Type subtypes of ADHD, it is highly beneficial. This supplement brings up the mood, and helps the body relax.

4. CoQ10 to keep his heart rate and blood pressure from rising and staying at a safe level. This is common with stimulant medication.

5. A good multivitamin with antioxidants.

If any of this sounds helpful and of your interest, you can click my pic and it will take you to my profile where I have a link in my bio that includes all these supplements as well all the ones I personally take. I am not selling anything, the link will take you to a helpful google word doc I made that includes information on each supplement/how they help people with ADHD, what places sell it, and how much it costs. Hope this helps.

[happy_kitty]

Hello, NerdyCatGurl, I must say I like your name. I just wanted to say that there are other options. I also got tired of taking medication to solve my problems. I've been off meds now for a year and a half. It’s been a bumpy road but im now about to complete my first year of college. Depending on where you live you may find a councilor who can help you with day-to-day tasks such as planning focusing and socializing. Other things you can do include regular exercise(this helps with the hyperactivity), eating healthy(this helps brain function), and meditation (this helps with a lot if things). A free app called headspace is great if you want to learn how to meditate, its way easier than people think and it really helps.

Hope this helps! Best of luck!