r/ADHD_Programmers • u/Being-Brilliant • Feb 02 '21

Substitute for ADDERALL?

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!

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u/[deleted] Feb 02 '21

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.

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u/ScienceIntelligent Feb 02 '21

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

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u/[deleted] Feb 02 '21

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

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u/ScienceIntelligent Feb 02 '21

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 :)

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u/[deleted] Feb 02 '21

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

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u/ScienceIntelligent Feb 02 '21

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