ADHD Supplements

Hello there, ADHD girlie. I originally wanted to comment this on your Reddit thread, but that group does not allow discussions about non‑prescription supplements, so I am sharing my own experience here instead. This is not advice or recommendations. It is simply what I personally take, how I respond to it, and what I have noticed.

1) Intuniv (Prescription)

This is the only prescription I use, and I do not take it consistently. For me, it works because it is not a stimulant and does not affect my brain chemistry the way typical ADHD medications do. I notice calmer evenings, less anxiety, more confidence, better memory, and a smoother sense of focus in my prefrontal cortex. (The prefrontal cortex also controls anger, anxiety, emotions, stubbornness, and the urge to be defiant.) I started with half a milligram because a full milligram made me lightheaded, and you take it before bed.

Research link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36944092

A natural parallel I have tried is Ginkgo Biloba. It gave me a similar sense of increased blood flow. (You would need up to a full gram of ginkgo to equal the effect of Intuniv 1 mg.)

More ginkgo info: https://www.goodrx.com/well-being/supplements-herbs/ginkgo-biloba-dosages

You have to be careful not to combine too many things that affect circulation, so you can't take Alpha Brain with this. Otherwise you could get lightheaded. I never experienced headaches from either of these. I will react if someone smokes with a vape pen on me. That will cause a headache from the BP changes nicotine adds.

2) 5‑HTP

This supplement feels similar to an antidepressant, so I treat it the same way and start with very small amounts. I do not take it often, and when I do, I only take about one fifth of a pill because I do not want to alter my brain chemistry. I just sometimes want to feel more confident and upbeat, and a low dose gives me that effect.

It is an amino acid derivative, and my body responds strongly to it, so taking too much gives me headaches. I only use it a few times a week, and I can stop and start without any issues. I usually open another supplement capsule and sprinkle a tiny bit of this inside. It takes some experimenting to figure out what feels right for you and what you actually like about it.

Interesting read: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12013068

3) Benfotiamine (Vitamin B1 derivative)

This version of B‑1 crosses the blood–brain barrier more easily than regular B1, and for me it increases drive, energy, and cognitive function. The catch is that if I take too much, I cannot sleep because my brain keeps solving problems. I once took two a day for four days and turned into a hyper‑functional robot.

Now I start with a few doses spread out over a week and see how my body reacts. You do not need that much, but for people with chronic fatigue, starting with two pills in the morning can sometimes nudge the brain into feeling active again. That was the case for me when I first started this supplement journey.

I suggest experimenting with it, but only in the mornings and never in the evening. Benfotiamine is a fat‑soluble form of B‑1, while thiamine is the basic water‑soluble form that comes before it in the metabolic chain.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vppzm2NsIYo

4) Phosphatidylserine

After experimenting with this one, I now take a full pill morning and night. I started out by taking portions to save money, but it did not seem to have the same oomph as a full pill. I operate much better by having it twice a day. I cannot explain what it actually does, but I believe it simply allows the brain to function more healthfully. Nothing shocking or sudden. It just works.

5) Keto (Lifestyle)

Keto has improved my stress tolerance and overall brain function. The hardest part is the sugar detox, because it genuinely feels like coming off a drug. It took two weeks for my body to fully break the grip that sugar had on it, and those first days are rough. I had to wean myself off to avoid headaches.

I made a video about that a long time ago: https://tinyurl.com/KetoCrash

6) My ADHD Amazon List

If you are curious about the exact items I personally use, here is my list:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/264VP5AF3SSZQ?ref_=wl_share

I did not include things like Fish Oil, Magnesium or electrolytes. I feel like people without ADHD should already be taking those. I also recommend Nutritional Yeast.

Let's Talk About Intuniv AKA Guanfacine

1. Effectiveness: Intuniv has shown a significant improvement in ADHD symptoms, with response rates ranging from 70% to 80% (Source: Google). Initially used in the UK to treat children with ADHD in 2009, it has since become more popular in the US and is now being prescribed to adults as well.

2. Personal Rating: I would give Intuniv a five-star rating! It has been AMAZING for me, and I highly recommend it to others.

3. Mechanism: Intuniv acts as a vasodilator, opening blood vessels specifically in the pre-frontal cortex.

4. Dosage and Administration: To take Intuniv, it's recommended to take it before bed as it helps improve sleep quality. It can also lower blood pressure, so it is advised to start with 0.5 mg and gradually increase to 1 mg or possibly 2 mg, based on your body size. I weigh 150 pounds, and my usual dosage is 1 mg.

The response rate is approximately 70%-80% improvement in ADHD symptoms or difficulties. (Source: Google). Intuniv was first used in the UK to treat kids with ADHD in 2009. It has since been used more often in the US, and now it's being used by adults.

5. Improvements that I Noticed

• Being more articulate: My ability to express myself verbally has significantly improved.

• Vivid dreams: I experience vivid dreams that allow me to work through anxieties, which improves my daily life. I remember these dreams for quite some time.

• More energy throughout the day: I've noticed an increase in energy, especially near the end of the workday.

• Remembering long-ago memories: For example, I recalled the names of college classmates from 20 years ago.

• Flow in writing: Writing feels more effortless, and I can compose short stories again without constantly going back to fix errors.

• Less body aches and pains: This is especially noticeable if you're older.

• Waking up easily: I often wake up before my alarm, feeling decent and not dreading going to work as much.

6. Side Effects: The only side effect I've experienced is low blood pressure when someone vapes near me. This makes me feel light-headed, and I need to wait 20 minutes before driving or doing any physical activity. It's important to note that this won't happen to everyone—it's specific to me since my blood pressure is naturally low.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2526381/#:~:text=After%208%20weeks%20there%20was,change%20by%20the%20placebo%20group

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My Reddit Posts

 Thank you for this group

I am always annoyed that I am not allowed to talk about any of the natural alternatives to stimulants on the ADHD group. It's infuriating. I thought I would help by giving you guys a break down of my own style currently. Started experimenting with nootropics and supplements. Kept what worked. Quit what didn't.
- First I went on the keto diet. (Had no idea this would help! It does!)
- Starting taking Benfotamine. (Helps a ton with fatigue, but I no longer need it as my body heals.)
- Starting taking Alpha Brain. (Helps a ton! Totally recommend.)
- Tyrosine (I only take to supplement my nootropic stack)
- Phosphatidylserine (I split pill in half. Take half morning, half night).
- L-Phenylalanine
- Saffron (I take 2-4 depending on how much focus I need daily)
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/264VP5AF3SSZQ?ref_=wl_share
I'm also taking Intinuiv (ADHD prescription) open to more nootropics for my stack. :D

CranberryEccstatic

Are you still taking these supplements?

OP

Hey there! Yes. I'll answer 1 at a time:

• Keto - Yes, Keto almost 4 years now. My brain is still repairing itself. Going great!

• Alpha Brain - No. I don't take it at the moment. Occasionally take my Intuniv, but not regularly now.

BRAIN PILL *
I mix my own pill to take daily by adding these things. I bought shells on eBay to make these myself. I did it to save money, but it's also worked well for not overstimulating me on too much "stuff".

• Benfotamine - Yes, but it's mixed into a daily "brain" pill, so about 1/6 the normal potency.

• Tyrosine (W/Iodine)- Yes, but it's mixed into that daily "brain" pill, so about 1/5 the normal potency.

• Phosphatidylserine - Yes, but it's mixed into that daily "brain" pill, so about 1/5 the normal potency. (I still take 1/2 a pill at night. Night is more important for brain healing.)

• L-Phenylalanine - Yes, but it's mixed into a daily pill, so about 1/6 the normal potency.

• NAC - It wasn't in the previous list, but I put some in my Brain Pill. About 1/8 the pill is NAC.

• Saffron - Yes! I now take one a day, and skip work days. On days I need to focus, I take 2. My focus is WAY UP, and functionality is good.

• The things I've seen most improvement with are Phosphatidylserine, SLEEP and SAFFRON. Everything else just seems to supplement those. Motivation is way up! Positive attitude is way up! I seem to have balanced myself with this setup.

• Note I add Lion's Mane to my Brain Pill, but it's only twice a week and not very much. It's very powerful and will keep you from sleeping if you have high doses. I'm sensitive to it.

I also take Fish Oil (3 morning, 2 night), DIM and Green Superfood Pill: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/264VP5AF3SSZQ/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_5

Xenina's Keto Starbucks Favs

Feel great and lose it with Keto!

1. To lose weight, and feel great: I drank 2 venti drinks daily, and did not eat very much for the 3 months where I lost the most weight. I quickly lost 30 pounds. I did a little speed walking, and lifted weights. Most days of the week I ate at 10:30 am and then at 3:30 pm. After kicking sugars, I felt wonderful, and had a ton of energy! You can do this too. (Make sure to get  potassium. I use Dr. Berg mix. If you do, you'll avoid the keto flu completely!)

2. I used to take sugar-free vanilla in drinks, but since they charge for it now, I just use Splenda. You'll need to wean yourself, not just off the sugar, but also off the "sweetness" addiction you have. The longer you are on keto - the easier this is!

3. I don't often eat at Starbucks. Even their egg bites have fillers. All fast food underestimates carbs and calories. (Sauces are the worst violators.) Vitamin water is basically sugar.

4. Keep in mind that if you are new to keto, and you're not used to having a lack of sugar, you may want to add 1-2 packets of sugar or Splenda to sweeten some of these drinks in the beginning. Why? I had bad migraines after 2 days of no sugar. It is a drug, and you might have to wean yourself off it. It's worth your time. Just take less sugar every day, until you've replaced all your sugars with alternatives. (It took me about 2 weeks.)

5. Sugar free vanilla, splenda or stevia packets all have about 1/2 carb per packet. Keep your whole day under 20! (Your body might attempt to go back into ketosis when you have not eaten in 5 - 8 hours, but if you're new to keto, it could take 2 days to get back into ketosis.)

6. When you fall out of keto: You might break out, or feel tired. Keep going though! The pimples will go away again. Tomorrow is another day! Drink some bone broth to encourage keto. 

7. Good news! You're fat adjusted?  The longer you are in keto, the more flexible your diet becomes, as your body will stay in keto (even if your carbs are near their limit). We call this being "fat-adjusted". My body now allows about 32 grams of carbs before it kicks me out. Your body will now want to stay in ketosis, so you can eat more carbs.

8. Costs: Keto orders are usually cheaper than regular Starbucks drinks, even with customizations!  Also, Splenda and Stevia packets are free, and widely available at most restaurants,  especially Starbucks  Just ask. It really is worth it in the long run to just add Splenda (or Stevia) anytime that you aren't getting enough sweetness for your taste. It's important to your brain that you have enough sweet flavors when you are new to keto. Keep things tasty enough that it will be attractive enough for you to drink it every time. Keep extra packets on hand, but keep it limited. 

9. After your body and brain have adjusted to these sweeteners, you can use less sweetener. Most everything will taste better! Overall,  it is worth the sacrifices and extra effort to make keto work for you. 

10. I keep going back to Starbucks, even when I make my own drinks are home. If you really love them, you might want to invent your own "trenta" recipes. Trenta are actually pretty affordable, if you drink a lot of Starbucks.

1. The Keto Frappucino

(3 carbs)
Venti iced Americano

With extra, extra heavy cream

Four splendas
Light ice
Blended
With whipped cream

2. Keto Decaf Frappucino

(3 carbs)
Venti decaf Americano

With extra, extra heavy cream

Four splendas
Light ice
Blended
With whipped cream

3. Keto Pink Drink

There's no caffeine in this drink, and it's very affordable, so why not just get a trenta size and hydrate yourself? (Trenta is one step larger than venti.) You can add the freeze dried strawberries, but that's 6-10 carbs.  It's up to you where you want to spend those precious carb points.

(2 carbs)
Trenta passion tea

With extra, extra heavy cream

Four splendas
Light ice

4. Keto Chai Latte
(2 carbs)
Venti chai tea
With breve as warm heavy cream

Four splendas

5. Keto Thai Iced Tea

(5 carbs) 
Venti half iced coffee, and half black tea 
Add 2 sugar-free cinnamon dulce

With extra, extra heavy cream

Two splendas
Light ice