Stimulants/Adderall with PCS
 

Hey all,
I'm a long time lurker of neurotalk, this is my first post.

8 months ago had a moderate concussion, 2 weeks later I felt back to 100%. Regrettably I went out and had drinks with friends 2 weeks after concussion, full return of symptoms.

I've done lots of Vestibular Therapy, all sorts of supplements(Omega's, Magnesium, multivitamin, turmeric, and more)
8 months later I'd say I am 99% recovered. Very occasional dizziness, specifically with quick movements.

I have been talking to my doctor and psychiatrist about trying adderall or vyvanse. I'm a 21 year old senior in college, struggling to keep up in school right now.

My doctor seems to think it won't be a problem for me, but as we all know some doctors don't know everything, especially when it comes to concussions.

Anyone have experience with adderall, vyvanse, or any other stimulants with PCS?

I don't want a return or relapse of symptoms, but think it could really help me in school.

Thanks all

First, I would say avoid stimulants if you possibly can, because your brain is still developing (until age 25?).

Beyond that, my understanding is that Provigil might be the safest, followed by Ritalin/Concerta, followed by Adderall/Vyvanse. I believe of those three, your brain is more prone to permanently rewiring itself after extended use with Adderall/Vyvanse (which are the same thing, Vyvanse is just time released). For sporadic use, I find just 15-30mg of pseudoephedrine (sudafed) can work well for me.

Wellbutrin, while considered an anti-depressant is also stimulating. And in my case, Zoloft worked really well — it literally felt like someone flipped a switch back on in my brain, that had been shut down by the injury.

Everyone is of course different. Provigil is amazing for me, for a day at a time, but by the 2nd or 3rd day I get dizzy and loopy. Concerta was really phenomenal for 2-3 months (which is how long I’ve been on it) but seems to be losing its efficacy now. I haven’t tried Adderall/vyvanse.

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Personal accounts of how a drug affected a person can be useful (their experience in specific drugs), but remember - different people react differently to drugs, which is why there is such a variety.

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I’m really sensitive to stimulants. Psych prescribed Wellbutrin and then Ritalin for my PCS. I was bouncing off the walls, unable to complete a thought let alone any work, then crashing horribly when the stuff finally wore off. I found I was better off self-dosing with tea and/or coffee as needed, which my GP told me is known as “bio-hacking.” So much cheaper—and tastier—than a shrink and Rx meds!

Nicotine kinda helps me with school work. I bought a juul but I don't know if it slows recovery