January 27th, 2016 was the last day I took dopaminergic stimulants (Ritalin/Adderall) - I stopped taking them in order to become healthier, and started taking daily supplements to heal from some of the damage caused by stimulant use and the concussion - my stack is B12, D3 and Magnesium daily. Now, May 8th is the last day of my break. I want to talk about my experience with the stimulant break and PCS symptoms.

These 102 days were horrible. I had no motivation for anything at all. I actually fear I got some brain damage from Amphetamine (Adderall), because I still don't feel normal after all these days without it. My motivation is extremely low and very few things excite me. I have also found it significantly more difficult to deal with my PCS symptoms.

I remember how different all of it was on stimulants. Exciting and thrilling. Now everything is boring and dull, things feel cold and gray.

Regarding the supplements, I don't always take them daily and miss many days. I used to take Omega 3 in the beginning but the softgels started smelling bad so I stopped - I personally noticed very good effects from Vitamin D3 and Magnesium; Magnesium can be calming (although it sometimes stimulates me), and Vitamin D3 made me happy after I took 10,000 IU. I see the supplements important to help the healing process of my brain.

I am returning to Ritalin because I currently have finals in school and just can't afford not to be medicated at this time, it's too risky. I also want to add that I never abused my medication, I took it as prescribed.

I still wholeheartedly believe that achieving an optimal state of well-being, cognitive functioning and general health is possible throughout healthy nutrition, exercise and sleep. If I'll decide to stop taking stimulants in the future (probably would), I would make sure to purchase a more extensive supplement stack and start exercising right away (I haven't exercised at all during the last 102 days) in the future break, if I'll start it.

I just wanted to share my experience with PCS and stimulant withdrawal/break. If you have any suggestions for me, please share them!

Thanks,
-ProAgonist

I've been dealing with PCS since January and I feel my only way to correctly function is with my stimulants. Without them, my brain fog is too strong and my memory issues and mental fatigue stop me from really being able to do anything. I take Vyvanse 50mg. I'm considering stopping over the summer and just resting completely by the time school starts up again. This summer is well needed for me, I haven't let my brain heal at all with the constant partying that comes with college.

You might want to read this:

http://psychcentral.com/news/2016/04...es/101209.html

You probably did not take it long enough or high in dosing to cause this problem.

But use of amphetamines is considered risky for most people anyway.

The best thing you can do right now is go on Omega-3 fish oil or Krill. We found that the most powerful supplement for our son who has ADHD.

There have been many studies over the years (some from Purdue and Dr. Stephens) that show ADHD kids have very low Omega-3's.

how much adderall were you using? ie what dosage were you on and was it extended release or regular?

Thanks for the reply. I completely understand you.


Thanks for the reply.

I'm actually returning to Methylphenidate right now, not to Adderall. Methylphenidate is much easier on the brain, since Adderall is potentially neurotoxic, and also Methylphenidate has a milder action, so it's safer for long term use than Adderall.

I'm actually not sure if Omega 3 helped me or not. I took 1g EPA and 500mg DHA every day, and I'm not sure it helped. This might be because I don't sleep well, so I'm not sure. I'm planning to try this again in my future stack, but it'd be 1g DHA and 500mg EPA instead.

I took 10mg instant release Adderall once per day. I know it's not a lot, but I'm still worried some of my long term negative effects on ADHD are from it.

Hello

Sorry to hear about your awful experience coming off the stimulants.

Did you taper off this slowly or go cold turkey?

The brain becomes adapted to these drugs and going from full dose straight to nothing is ill advised. 10% per week is a very safe taper:

Dr. Peter Breggin's 1�% taper method - Tapering - Surviving Antidepressants

You can get a compounding chemist to create new pills in smaller sizes for this purpose as most medications aren't sold in such small dosages. I used this method to taper down my Lyrica.

Despite withdrawal playing a large part in how you feel, it's quite possible these drugs improve your function and wellbeing. If so it's a matter of cost/benefit for you personally.

I am looking to go on some form of stimulant to help me get back to work - Dexamphetamine, Methylphenidate or Modafinil.