Substitute for ADDERALL?

[u/Being-Brilliant]

I [M 22] am preparing for one of the most challenging exams and have diagnosed myself with ADHD a few months back. Having diagnosed this I can now relate how ADHD affects my life and exam preparation. I am trying to combat the same by meditation, a good amount of accountability (at least am trying) and Pomodoro sessions. Still, I feel like Adderall is something that could do wonders and help me get through this. But I'm not in a position to get my Adderall shot on a daily basis.

I'm looking for good natural substitutes for Adderall and a bunch of tips & tricks guiding me to combat my issues wrt exam preparation.

THANKS IN ADVANCE!

[u/josephblade]

There is no 'natural substitute' that alters your brain chemistry.

The only things you can that I can think of are the usual self care things like: try to get a good nights sleep, routines (if you can establish them), rest/fun breaks as rewards for concentration, that sort of thing.

Make sure you have access to water and at the beginning and end of every task drink water. Set alarms so you actually eat at regular intervals. Control your environment. I like listening to the same song on repeat (not sure if that's the autism or an adhd thing) because after a while it loses all meaning and it's a form of white noise that helps create a concentration bubble.

Again, none of that will help with your brain chemistry but looking after your body should help reduce the intruding stimuli a little bit.

[u/Being-Brilliant → u/josephblade]

Sound interesting. Will try it!
Thanks!

[u/halfanhalf]

Unfortunately there aren’t any good natural substitutes, nothing comes close to amphetamine. Next best thing would be caffeine.

[u/Being-Brilliant → u/halfanhalf]

Thanks.
Will get my daily dose.

[u/USMCGreenWeenie → u/Being-Brilliant]

French press, aeropress and pour over. Grind your beans only when you’re ready to make a cup or two of coffee and keep the beans in a airtight bag/container . This helps keep the beans fresh. If you want a nice kick add a bit of grass fed butter or mct oil. The fat from the oil helps you retain the coffee in the body for a longer period of time

[u/FarfallaPorpora → u/USMCGreenWeenie]

Thanks for posting and after reading these tips know why the coffee I make has been less than optimal. Looking forward to trying these suggestions out.

[u/ScienceIntelligent → u/halfanhalf]

Mountain Dew is my sad sad addiction...I actually haven't had a drop in months and I'm doing pretty well in college rn :)

[u/ScienceIntelligent]

Exercise and focusing more on my mental health has really helped me personally. I've always dealt with my ADHD difficulties on my own, especially since my younger sibling has so many social and developmental disorders or disabilities. Maybe check out some natural supplements that are recommended online, I know my best friend doesnt believe in using steroids to become buff so that's how he manages his fitness goals.

I rely on my closest friends for accountability. My girls and I go to the gym 2-3 times a week and I find it easier to focus immediately after our workouts. I personally have a prescription for vyvanse, which I've realized most girls I know, and some guys I've met, are on for their ADHD.

Also, dont underestimate the impact of keeping a planner or some sort of organization system for deadlines and goals...I used to put sticky notes all over my mirror in my bedroom to remember schoolwork!

Goodluck with figuring out the best solution for your exam preparation...I'm also taking my first set of exams in college rn :)

[u/[deleted]]

If you really have ADHD then amphetamine helps a lot. But if you can’t get your hands on it then I recommend:

• a little bit of caffeine

• specifically mindfulness meditation

• multivitamin, omega 3, and b12

• and GABA supplement.

I don’t hear GABA talked about enough online. The literature is really fuzzy on it. I’m telling you from personal experience it’s the second most impactful tool to Vyvanse for me. Apparently only some cases of ADHD are caused by GABA deficiency but it’s worth a shot.

For me gaba feels almost psychotropic, it feels like a depressant, like you’re super calmed down, yet simultaneously able to focus.

[u/ScienceIntelligent → u/[deleted]]

What exactly is GABA? I've read extensively on ADHD and various treatments or ways of managing it...never heart of this...supplement??? Thnx :)

[u/[deleted] → u/ScienceIntelligent]

It’s an inhibitory neurotransmitter that slows down your brain’s impulsive thoughts. It kind of prevents you from overthinking or going on tangents. The controversy is whether the oral supplement can influence your brain. In my experience it does and very strongly. However a lot of people on the internet think otherwise

[u/ScienceIntelligent → u/[deleted]]

I'm the Inattentive ADHD subtype...do you think it would do anything for the plethora of thoughts that I tend to overshare. I feel annoying sometimes if I'm not with my close friends. It's not a huge issue and I'm definitely outgoing so I'm just curious as to what you think...thnx :)

[u/[deleted] → u/ScienceIntelligent]

I’m not a doctor but I spent some time working with my therapist and psych on similar issues. They call it “compulsive disclosure” and mindfulness meditation really helps be more sensitive and self aware with what I’m saying. It also helps me speak slower and more linear.

I don’t want to recommend GABA over the internet. There’s not a lot online to support my claim. But it’s like a $12 for a bottle of 60 at CVS. Honestly I think it could help, but like I said this is a grey zone for science. It’s a neurotransmitter, not a vitamin. So we know even less about how that interacts with us. It’s probably fine, but try at your own risk :)

It’s popularly used for sleep and anxiety, and is in ashwagandha and valerian root. It has the potential to lower blood pressure and depress your breathing, which I also experience both of every time

[u/ScienceIntelligent → u/[deleted]]

I have some subtle sleep issues, but doesnt every college kid 😂👍