Adderall Alternatives

[hotdog!]

The psychiatrists who deal frequently with ADHD usually prefer to the stimulant drugs. In practice, they are not addictive when used as directed. They work better than the other drugs. Their side effects are mild.

As the mom of a son with ADHD who is in the thick of trialling meds to help his symptoms, this is exactly what I keep reading. Stimulants in general, Adderall specifically, works well for a lot of people, including kids. It has been used and studied for decades, proven safe and effective, so it's a popular choice.

The problem lately is there are crazy shortages for a lot of ADHD meds, esp. the stimulants. I think more adults and kids are getting diagnosed and medicated and supply simply cannot keep up with the surge in demand.

 

[keangkong]

As the mom of a son with ADHD who is in the thick of trialling meds to help his symptoms, this is exactly what I keep reading. Stimulants in general, Adderall specifically, works well for a lot of people, including kids. It has been used and studied for decades, proven safe and effective, so it's a popular choice.

The problem lately is there are crazy shortages for a lot of ADHD meds, esp. the stimulants. I think more adults and kids are getting diagnosed and medicated and supply simply cannot keep up with the surge in demand.

Oddly enough, the shortage has not affected me. My pharmacy has consistently shipped generic Adderall XR to me without there being any problems. I kept reading about them, however, they didn't affect me. It's not like I'm particularly skilled or particularly lucky; I believe me being unaffected was simply random. I used to try non-stimulant alternatives to Adderall XR. With the exception of other stimulants, they were all poor replicas.

 

[Nikki nik]

I have ADHD, but for some reason all of the doctors I see are against stimulants even though I've never had an addiction problem (besides food). I don't think any of the nootropics give the same stimulant effect. there's phenylpiracetam (I think QSC has it) and pramiracetam are supposed to be stimulants but I never could feel if they were working or not. Modafinil will make you feel awake so if fatigue is a reason you can't get things done it will help there.

I am giving it a go this week hopefully. Waiting on appointment confirmation for med therapy. I am thinking about Vyvanse or Adderall

 

[scarywood75]

QUOTE="Spartan2469, post: 97, member: 90"]

I remember reading a discussion about a peptide or something else being sourced from china that can be used as an adderall alternative. Does anyone happen to know what that is?

[/QUOTE]

Coke, but I suggest getting it from Colombia

 

[hotdog!]

Oddly enough, the shortage has not affected me. My pharmacy has consistently shipped generic Adderall XR to me without there being any problems. I kept reading about them, however, they didn't affect me. It's not like I'm particularly skilled or particularly lucky; I believe me being unaffected was simply random. I used to try non-stimulant alternatives to Adderall XR. With the exception of other stimulants, they were all poor replicas.

It really depends on your area. Some people say wealthier, lower density areas have more stock. Some people swear by Wal-Mart, who surely can command huge quantities. Others say small family owned pharmacies are more reliable than the big-box CVS, Walgreens, etc.

 

[chmuse]

Coke, but I suggest getting it from Colombia

Just take Sudafed. Easier to get and works as a mild stimulant.

This is not medical advice.

 

[scarywood75]

Just take Sudafed. Easier to get and works as a mild stimulant.

This is not medical advice.

It's certainly easier to find lol

 

[keangkong]

Just take Sudafed. Easier to get and works as a mild stimulant.

This is not medical advice.

I took Sudafed before for congestion. It does nothing to improve the symptoms of ADHD, at least for me.

 

[chmuse]

I took Sudafed before for congestion. It does nothing to improve the symptoms of ADHD, at least for me.

Before or after you'd been on stimulants? It's a very mild stimulant, Adderall blows it out of the water. But it's a lot safer than coke. Nicotine and caffeine are other options.

From what I understand Sudafed and Claritin-D abuse is not uncommon in undiagnosed ADHD.

 

[keangkong]

Before or after you'd been on stimulants? It's a very mild stimulant, Adderall blows it out of the water. But it's a lot safer than coke. Nicotine and caffeine are other options.

From what I understand Sudafed and Claritin-D abuse is not uncommon in undiagnosed ADHD.

When I took Sudafed before being on Adderall XR, I didn't notice any improved focus.

ADHD treatment definitely merits going through official channels, meaning a licensed prescriber and a real pharmacy. The most effective treatments are usually schedule two controlled substances. That means the drugs are very illegal when obtained through illicit channels. The pills are not super costly. A 90 day supply of the maximum strength pills should cost you about $35 using a GoodRx coupon. Whether you believe that you need a medical doctor for diagnosis and treatment -- and I think you do -- the legal difficulties mean you should stay away from schedule two controlled substances not dispensed to you by a pharmacy.

About six months ago, when I went to see my psychiatrist, the receptionist demanded that I pee in a cup. I didn't understand why; I obviously was going to test positive for amphetamines. (No, it's not like meth. People don't typically get addicted. Doctors who treat ADHD usually believe the side effects are less than the non-stimulant medications.) I did as instructed. When I saw the doctor, I asked him why. He said the California DEA forces him to conduct such tests. He said the purpose was to make sure that I wasn't selling the Adderall to others. That thought had never occurred to me - I had become so much better at my job as a lawyer and just life in general by using Adderall that there is no way I'd stop using unless there is was major medical thing requiring that I stop. I do in fact have ADHD and was diagnosed long before there was Adderall. My understanding is that while some folks use Adderall who don't have ADHD and find that it improves focus, that there are many more difficulties experienced by those who use it if they don't have ADHD. Since I do have ADHD, I have no personal knowledge of what it's like to use it for a person who doesn't have ADHD.

 

[Nikki nik]

It really depends on your area. Some people say wealthier, lower density areas have more stock. Some people swear by Wal-Mart, who surely can command huge quantities. Others say small family owned pharmacies are more reliable than the big-box CVS, Walgreens, etc.

I noticed my Wegmans Pharmacy having meds that were out of stock everywhere else

 

[Nikki nik]

W

When I took Sudafed before being on Adderall XR, I didn't notice any improved focus.

ADHD treatment definitely merits going through official channels, meaning a licensed prescriber and a real pharmacy. The most effective treatments are usually schedule two controlled substances. That means the drugs are very illegal when obtained through illicit channels. The pills are not super costly. A 90 day supply of the maximum strength pills should cost you about $35 using a GoodRx coupon. Whether you believe that you need a medical doctor for diagnosis and treatment -- and I think you do -- the legal difficulties mean you should stay away from schedule two controlled substances not dispensed to you by a pharmacy.

About six months ago, when I went to see my psychiatrist, the receptionist demanded that I pee in a cup. I didn't understand why; I obviously was going to test positive for amphetamines. (No, it's not like meth. People don't typically get addicted. Doctors who treat ADHD usually believe the side effects are less than the non-stimulant medications.) I did as instructed. When I saw the doctor, I asked him why. He said the California DEA forces him to conduct such tests. He said the purpose was to make sure that I wasn't selling the Adderall to others. That thought had never occurred to me - I had become so much better at my job as a lawyer and just life in general by using Adderall that there is no way I'd stop using unless there is was major medical thing requiring that I stop. I do in fact have ADHD and was diagnosed long before there was Adderall. My understanding is that while some folks use Adderall who don't have ADHD and find that it improves focus, that there are many more difficulties experienced by those who use it if they don't have ADHD. Since I do have ADHD, I have no personal knowledge of what it's like to use it for a person who doesn't have ADHD.

Wow. Thanks. I'll be starting very soon. Good to hear how it helps you with your daily living. This is what I have been missing all my life. I'm finally giving it a go.

 

[chmuse]

When I took Sudafed before being on Adderall XR, I didn't notice any improved focus.

ADHD treatment definitely merits going through official channels, meaning a licensed prescriber and a real pharmacy. The most effective treatments are usually schedule two controlled substances. That means the drugs are very illegal when obtained through illicit channels. The pills are not super costly. A 90 day supply of the maximum strength pills should cost you about $35 using a GoodRx coupon. Whether you believe that you need a medical doctor for diagnosis and treatment -- and I think you do -- the legal difficulties mean you should stay away from schedule two controlled substances not dispensed to you by a pharmacy.

About six months ago, when I went to see my psychiatrist, the receptionist demanded that I pee in a cup. I didn't understand why; I obviously was going to test positive for amphetamines. (No, it's not like meth. People don't typically get addicted. Doctors who treat ADHD usually believe the side effects are less than the non-stimulant medications.) I did as instructed. When I saw the doctor, I asked him why. He said the California DEA forces him to conduct such tests. He said the purpose was to make sure that I wasn't selling the Adderall to others. That thought had never occurred to me - I had become so much better at my job as a lawyer and just life in general by using Adderall that there is no way I'd stop using unless there is was major medical thing requiring that I stop. I do in fact have ADHD and was diagnosed long before there was Adderall. My understanding is that while some folks use Adderall who don't have ADHD and find that it improves focus, that there are many more difficulties experienced by those who use it if they don't have ADHD. Since I do have ADHD, I have no personal knowledge of what it's like to use it for a person who doesn't have ADHD.

Sorry, I have a habit of being deeply unserious. I, too, am afflicted by The ADHD. My bipolar just takes precedence, and my current psych considers stimulants contraindicated in bipolar patients (plus she just doesn't do schedule II's as a rule.)

Pseudoephedrine is a mild stimulant. It won't work like Adderall does, especially as it doesn't work the same, chemically.

[Imported image pending local asset: attachments-1000013197-webp.5251]

Straterra, another ADHD medication, is also a medication that primarily operates via norepinephrine.

Nicotine is also a mild stimulant.

NCBI link

Another one

Caffeine seems to be more debated.

Scientific consensus is it's ehhhh or a bad idea.

I'm having trouble finding the specific study I'm remembering other than referred to on ADHD websites, and I don't want to link nonspecific studies to you as I know you value properly done research. From what I've seen hanging around online and with my ADHD friends, caffeine helps the cognitive symptoms, but amplifies physical; it seems, anecdotally, to better help those with Adhd-PI.

Adderall is absolutely a medication you should get from your doctor, both for legal and medical reasons.

 

[bguz1200]

Since we're talking homemade stimulants, I've been mixing primatene (or bronk-aid) and caffeine pills for a boost, for many years. Has helped with energy, appetite suppression, and of course, weight loss.

It's called the ECA stack. It's been around for decades in the bodybuilding world.

Ephedrine pills were my first grey market purchase from overseas.

 

[heatherL]

When I took Sudafed before being on Adderall XR, I didn't notice any improved focus.

ADHD treatment definitely merits going through official channels, meaning a licensed prescriber and a real pharmacy. The most effective treatments are usually schedule two controlled substances. That means the drugs are very illegal when obtained through illicit channels. The pills are not super costly. A 90 day supply of the maximum strength pills should cost you about $35 using a GoodRx coupon. Whether you believe that you need a medical doctor for diagnosis and treatment -- and I think you do -- the legal difficulties mean you should stay away from schedule two controlled substances not dispensed to you by a pharmacy.

About six months ago, when I went to see my psychiatrist, the receptionist demanded that I pee in a cup. I didn't understand why; I obviously was going to test positive for amphetamines. (No, it's not like meth. People don't typically get addicted. Doctors who treat ADHD usually believe the side effects are less than the non-stimulant medications.) I did as instructed. When I saw the doctor, I asked him why. He said the California DEA forces him to conduct such tests. He said the purpose was to make sure that I wasn't selling the Adderall to others. That thought had never occurred to me - I had become so much better at my job as a lawyer and just life in general by using Adderall that there is no way I'd stop using unless there is was major medical thing requiring that I stop. I do in fact have ADHD and was diagnosed long before there was Adderall. My understanding is that while some folks use Adderall who don't have ADHD and find that it improves focus, that there are many more difficulties experienced by those who use it if they don't have ADHD. Since I do have ADHD, I have no personal knowledge of what it's like to use it for a person who doesn't have ADHD.

This happened to me in Washington State, too!!! My med reviews used to be every 90 days ... then at one appointment, my doc said I didn't need to come back for 6 MONTHS!! (I have been on Adderall for over 20 years ... with med reviews every 90 days.) The first appointment of the new 6-month med review schedule, my doctor tells me I have to submit a U/A!! First time EVER my doctor has ever requested a U/A! He said the UA was mandatory for this one and he'd probably have to make me do one once every 12-18 months. I asked why and he said the same thing ... it was to make sure I was taking the Adderall and not selling it. I was shocked. Never in a million years had I thought of using a U/A to prove someone was taking their meds in a positive way. Nor has the thought ever crossed my mind to sell any of them.

As for the Sudafed - that damn near puts me to sleep. Not as fast as Benadryl, but it definitely does not give me any kind of rush or anything. That's where I think people that don't actually have ADHD are easy to pick out of a crowd. What makes most people hyper or gives them a rush, brings calmness and focus to people with accurate ADHD diagnoses.

 

[chmuse]

This happened to me in Washington State, too!!! My med reviews used to be every 90 days ... then at one appointment, my doc said I didn't need to come back for 6 MONTHS!! (I have been on Adderall for over 20 years ... with med reviews every 90 days.) The first appointment of the new 6-month med review schedule, my doctor tells me I have to submit a U/A!! First time EVER my doctor has ever requested a U/A! He said the UA was mandatory for this one and he'd probably have to make me do one once every 12-18 months. I asked why and he said the same thing ... it was to make sure I was taking the Adderall and not selling it. I was shocked. Never in a million years had I thought of using a U/A to prove someone was taking their meds in a positive way. Nor has the thought ever crossed my mind to sell any of them.

As for the Sudafed - that damn near puts me to sleep. Not as fast as Benadryl, but it definitely does not give me any kind of rush or anything. That's where I think people that don't actually have ADHD are easy to pick out of a crowd. What makes most people hyper or gives them a rush, brings calmness and focus to people with accurate ADHD diagnoses.

The UA isn't unusual at all. It's how they cover their butt if the DEA comes knocking to question their volume of schedule II scripts. You get it with people on pain medications, too.

I think I see where the disconnect is occuring. Stimulants often act paradoxically in those with ADHD. That's why coffee can put someone with ADHD to sleep. I call them caffeine naps. So if you have primarily inattentive ADHD, stimulants can slow your brain enough for you to actually focus on one task, instead of bouncing from one to another.

 

[GimmeABreak]

The UA isn't unusual at all. It's how they cover their butt if the DEA comes knocking to question their volume of schedule II scripts. You get it with people on pain medications, too.

I think I see where the disconnect is occuring. Stimulants often act paradoxically in those with ADHD. That's why coffee can put someone with ADHD to sleep. I call them caffeine naps. So if you have primarily inattentive ADHD, stimulants can slow your brain enough for you to actually focus on one task, instead of bouncing from one to another.

Wouldn't someone selling their meds just take a dose the day of their visit just in case they had to do a UA? Stupid rules.

 

[chmuse]

Wouldn't someone selling their meds just take a dose the day of their visit just in case they had to do a UA? Stupid rules.

Only if you know it's coming. They're supposed to be random, like for truckers. (Edit: I misread, but yeah that's the smart thing to do, hence why they won't always tell new patients blatantly that it's a requirement.)

It really is mostly to cover the prescribers ass. It's their proof they're trying to prevent diversion.

 

[keangkong]

This happened to me in Washington State, too!!! My med reviews used to be every 90 days ... then at one appointment, my doc said I didn't need to come back for 6 MONTHS!! (I have been on Adderall for over 20 years ... with med reviews every 90 days.) The first appointment of the new 6-month med review schedule, my doctor tells me I have to submit a U/A!! First time EVER my doctor has ever requested a U/A! He said the UA was mandatory for this one and he'd probably have to make me do one once every 12-18 months. I asked why and he said the same thing ... it was to make sure I was taking the Adderall and not selling it. I was shocked. Never in a million years had I thought of using a U/A to prove someone was taking their meds in a positive way. Nor has the thought ever crossed my mind to sell any of them.

As for the Sudafed - that damn near puts me to sleep. Not as fast as Benadryl, but it definitely does not give me any kind of rush or anything. That's where I think people that don't actually have ADHD are easy to pick out of a crowd. What makes most people hyper or gives them a rush, brings calmness and focus to people with accurate ADHD diagnoses.

Like you, I would never have considered the possibility that anyone would think I wasn't taking the Adderall. It helps my functioning greatly. I imagine how much easier law school would have been if I was taking a stimlulant at the time.

 

[Dee X]

Here's a fun spin on the thread.

What if your country banned Adderall, what would you take instead?