[Please ignore the "Editing a post in" in the the title, I copy/pasted the title from an identical posting in the wrong forum]
I've been prescribed Adderall since April of last year, I'm weary of the long term physical and neurological effects for some time and have long since decided that I cannot remain on it daily forever, the intestinal side effects have now become overbearing to the point that I think I need to stop taking amphetamines sooner than expected.
I'll list all of the supplements I take daily and the side effect I take them for, then will elaborate on the specific effects of Adderall that seem unsurmountable and what I'm looking for a in a replacement drug/supplement regimen. tl,dr further down.
[format: Supplement - Side Effect - Supposed Efficacy
1(symptoms made worse)-3(No change)-10(necessary for normal functioning)rating of dependency/efficacy]
[>] = taken before starting Adderall
-Chelated Magnesium - Build up of tolerance, muscle cramp - I've haven't had to increase my dose in months(increasing it no longer has feel good effects so there is no point, however the effects are definitely sedated compared to the first 2-4 months of daily use)
7/10
-5HTP -[>]Depression- I actually can't remember when I first started taking 5HTP, but I stopped a month or so ago and became very depressed, despite the Adderall, within days of starting 5HTP, my mood improved dramatically
9/10
-CDP Choline-Sporadic mood effects of Adderall-Honestly I can't feel a definitive difference but I don't feel worse, I could probably stop no problem
3/10
-L-Glutamine-I'd just read a lot of good things about it taken in conjunction with Adderall-Prevents me from feeling suicidal on off days, massive improvement, negligible effects on Adderall days
9/10
-Potassium Citrate-Digestion and muscle cramping-Massive improvement in digestion, immediately relieves a certain kind of stomach pain(hard to explain, I have many unique stomach pains and this stopped one of them), eliminated all cramping, significantly reduced muscle spams, and improved blood circulation in body peripheries(fingers, toes)
10/10
-Soluble Fiber-Stringy, forced diarrhea and constipation-Reduces stomach gurgles, does not really stimulate bowel movements, very had to discern when and how much to take
6/10
-Vitamin C(as Ascorbic Acid)-Insomnia-definitely seems to speed the comedown process, I feel better when taking it in the morning(not with Adderall)
7/10
-Sodium Bicarbonate-Decreased effects of Adderall-Absolutely increases efficacy of Adderall, but has unpredictable effects on stomach, sometimes stimulates bowel movements following constipation(good thing), sometimes produces bloating
7/10
-Cetrizine-Prostate inflammation from Adderall-Only taken for a few days, big improvement so far, no longer have feeling of bloated, beating(like a pulse) prostate on my left side, so longer experience pain urinating, penis no longer perpetually shrivlled, i was very surprised at how well this has worked
10/10
-L-Theanine-Speedy agitated feeling-Relaxes me but also seems to make me a little anti-social, I don't measure the dose and abuse it at times, definitely eases the Adderall comedown but I don't need it
7/10
-B12(methylcobalamin)-Honestly can't remember, read it was good in conjunction with Adderall-I remember thinking it helped early on, so much anymore, haven't taken a break to know if it helps or not
3/10
-Zinc Picolinate-[>]Weak immune system-I used to get sick nearly every year with no exceptions, I haven't been sick in the past 2 years and cold like symptoms clear with a good nights rest
10/10
-Biotin probiotic-Variable digestion issues-I no longer have a sick bloated feeling after dinner each night, big improvement, however my intestines don't seem to empty any quicker
10/10
-Pancreatin(pancreatic enzymes)-Feeling of undigested food in stomach, particularly poor digestion of meat-Basically the same as Biotin, but more variable, some days I seem to need it, other no so much
8/10
The following I take or have taken in the past, they aren't listed as I don't believe they have impacted Adderrall efficacy or side effects in any significant way:
Fish Oil, Diphenhydramine, Glucosamine w/MSM,Electrolye replacement pills, Selenium Beatine HCL
Thank you to anyone that has made it this far, with the listed supplements I have surmounted every side effect from Adderall except for a certain class of intestinal pain. I'll eat(I've simplified what I eat on Adderall, sample meal: rice protein shake with mango, greek yogurt, some of the above supplements, almond/rice milk, maple syrup + rice cereal w/almond milk, raisins, and walnuts or peanut butter, sometimes with pancreatin and a probiotic, sometimes not, doesn't seem to make a difference anymore), maybe have a 'norma' bowel movement, feel fantastic for 3-7 minutes, then experience a lot of bloating and stomach gurgling(it likes I'm cleared, then something 'moves' down the digestive tract and causes more new irritation),the feeling of gas(But not being able to produce any or not nearly enough) often so bad, that despite the Adderall, I'll have to lie down for 15-60 minutes as the discomfort prevents from doing anything productive.
Exercise(I hit a punching bag) temporarily quells the spasms but then it starts after exercising. This one side effect is killing my productivity and my mood. When I try to take a day off of Adderall I get constipated until I take Adderall, and eventually the same stomach problems occur. Something I found interesting is that when I smoke weed on off days, the stomach problems cease(I remain constipated, but comfortable), when I smoke weed when having the problems and when on Adderall the bloating becomes much worse for hours.
I have taken caffeine less than three times a week for the past month(before that it was probably twice daily), I often end up binge eating to force a bowel movement, sometimes this helps temporarily.
My latest theory as to the cause is the Adderall causing pelvic spams, something to do with my sympathetic nervous system not being able to function with or without Adderall anymore, it functions minimally when off Adderall, and spastically when on it. I haven't looked too much into this yet as it seems the only answer will be to discontinue using stimulants
tl,dr: Adderall is impairing digestion to the point that the after effects of eating anything is physically crippling, even when I eat simple foods(rice, high glucose foods), I am not able to have normal bowel movements. I'm completely dependent on Adderall to maintain a positive attitude at work, taking a lower dose than I do now(30-50mg daily, brand name) has a lazy, anxious effect on my mood, I stutter and am antisocial. I'm looking for something I can buy or be prescribed that does impact digestion while proving the following effects. What I'm looking for, in order of necessity:
-Positive mood
-Focus
-I'm comfortable doing things alone on Adderall, not sure if this can be lumped in with focus
-Energy(I want to sleep ever 4 hours on days off from Adderall)
-Appetite suppressant(would be nice, not necessary)
-(I hope this is allowed)I no longer feel sustained effects from MDMA, even on Adderall off days, it'd be nice to have that reversed
Somethings I'm considering:
Ritalin/Dexedrine(I don't understand why Adderall vs. Ritalin have different digestive effects, but I've read anecdotes online from people who have been on both)
Modafinil
Piracetam
Thank you to anyone that took the time to read this, particularly if you are able to make suggestions.
Edited by Bulbasaur, 06 March 2015 - 06:14 AM.