Harm Reduction With Adderall & Stimulant Use

Harm Reduction With Adderall & Stimulant Use: Nutrient Depletion, Supplements, and Safer Support

The purpose of this blog is to provide education on Adderall and stimulant use. If you are consuming 400–600 mg of caffeine a day, this may apply to you as well.

Adderall is a common medication used to treat symptoms of ADHD, and it can be a life-changing treatment. However, like any other pharmaceutical, it doesn’t come without risks.

One of the most common issues associated with Adderall use is nutrient depletion. Essential vitamins and minerals may not be absorbed properly when using Adderall, and this can induce even worse symptoms over time if not addressed.

Taking certain daily supplements is recommended for both ADHD patients and people using Adderall. In fact, symptoms of nutrient deficiencies such as B vitamins, vitamin C, and magnesium can be extremely similar to those of ADHD. Paying attention to your nutrient needs can drastically improve your quality of life with ADHD.

What Vitamins Does Adderall Deplete?

Constipation, headaches, nausea, brain fog, trouble paying attention, and impulsiveness—believe it or not, these can be symptoms of both vitamin deficiency and ADHD.

Adderall is most commonly associated with these deficiencies:

• Magnesium

• B vitamins (particularly B12)

• Vitamin D

• Vitamin C

• CoQ10

Like any pharmaceutical medication, Adderall can induce changes within the body (some desired, some not). Side effects in the form of nutrient deficiency are not only common but should be anticipated.

My recommendation is to stay ahead of Adderall-related vitamin deficiencies by eating a nutrient-dense diet of whole foods. For well-known deficiencies (like vitamin D and magnesium), it’s prudent to take daily supplements that make up for the lack of these nutrients in our food supply.

This is a list of medications and supplements that, over the years, I have found to be helpful for patients. “Rx” indicates a prescription medication.

• Memantine (Rx) – can work well to reduce tolerance

• Selegiline (Rx)

• L-Tyrosine (after) – helps replenish dopamine, which can even out the highs and lows

• Omega-3 fatty acids (before/whenever) – general brain health

• Vitamin D (morning) – mood

• Inositol – reduces nail biting, hair pulling, and other obsessive symptoms

• B12

• B6

• Piracetam

Supplements

Take these supplements to increase the effects of Adderall and reduce the comedown.

Before

10–30 minutes before:

• Magnesium Glycinate: 1 × 200 mg pill (2,000 mg magnesium glycinate, equivalent to 200 mg elemental magnesium)

• R-ALA: 1 × 100 mg (reduces neurotoxicity)

• ALCAR: 1 × 500 mg (reduces neurotoxicity)

• L-Theanine: 1 × 200 mg (helps prevent tolerance buildup; also helps reduce anxiety, paranoia, and irritability)

• CoQ10: 1 × 100 mg (extremely long half-life antioxidant with beneficial effects on mitochondrial function)

• 1–2 Tums, or ½ teaspoon of baking soda mixed in a glass of water (potentiates Adderall due to reduced stomach acidity)

During

Make sure you eat and stay hydrated with electrolytes.

Optionally, dose one of each: magnesium, R-ALA, and ALCAR during.

After

To help you go to sleep more easily and feel better tomorrow:

• Magnesium Glycinate: 1 × 200 mg pill (2,000 mg magnesium glycinate, equivalent to 200 mg elemental magnesium)

• R-ALA: 1 × 100 mg (reduces neurotoxicity)

• ALCAR: 1 × 500 mg (reduces neurotoxicity)

• Vitamin C: 1,000–2,000 mg (the acidity of vitamin C helps reduce the effects of Adderall, making it easier to sleep)

• Melatonin: 5–10 mg roughly 30 minutes before bed (note that this is a higher dose used for antioxidant properties; typical dosages are 0.5–1 mg)

If you are on a significant Adderall or stimulant spree, get your levels checked and minimize your caffeine intake.

Many of my patients take short or long drug holidays. For them, I have different stacks, and I will list one below:

• Modafinil 200 mg / armodafinil 150 mg / Noopept 30 mg (prescription medication) – optional

• Alpha-GPC 300 mg

• L-theanine 800 mg

• Caffeine 200 mg

• L-tyrosine 500 mg

• Creatine 10 g

• Taurine 5 g

• Ginkgo biloba 120 mg

Adderall can be a life-changing intervention for people struggling with ADHD. However, it’s important to understand the risks and do everything you can to prevent them, and to support your whole body when pharmaceuticals are being used.

This is general information that needs to be tailored to each individual. Please reach out and make an appointment if this pertains to you so we can tailor this to your specific needs.

Thank you for reading!

If this information resonates with you, schedule a consultation with KC Primary Care to review your current medications, supplements, and overall health so we can tailor a safe, individualized plan for your needs.

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace individualized medical advice. Supplements and medications can interact with other treatments and may not be appropriate for everyone. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication or supplement regimen.