Are you looking to improve your adderall recovery? Well, you’re in the right place. Here, we’ll discuss vitamins for adderall withdrawal, the role they play in your addiction recovery and the best ones out there.
Vitamins for Adderall withdrawal and benefits of taking vitamins during the detox period, can help not only with your addiction recovery but also with many other issues, such as stress, pain and anxiety.
vitamins for adderall
It’s been 4 days since I took my vitamins for adderall. And it’s kind of hard to believe that I’m almost at the three week mark. It feels like forever ago I started taking those pills. But they actually didn’t seem like any more difficult than any other supplements or pills that I’ve taken in the past. Although, there were more pills in this stack than usual so maybe that’s why it seemed like a lot longer?
It’s a scary thing if you are looking for supplements to treat adderall addiction. There are so many negative consequences that occur when a person gets addicted to prescription drugs. The pill adderall can help people cope during stressful situations, but the euphoria is not worth the risk of overdose or other harmful effects. If you or someone you love has been abusing this pill and experiencing symptoms such as insomnia, depression, mood swings and cravings – it’s time to make a change!
vitamins for adderall comedown
Most people know a little bit about vitamins, but they don’t realize how powerful they can be in a person’s life. For those who suffer from addiction, addiction recovery and addictions of all kinds; these supplements are vital.
When a person who is addicted to Adderall starts withdrawing from their medication, it can cause symptoms such as feeling bad, having trouble focusing and feeling less motivated. This is referred to as the comedown. Properly treating these symptoms will allow more time for them to recover from withdrawal so that they can better cope with their addiction when trying to quit Adderall cold turkey.
vitamins for adderall withdrawal
More than half of caregivers and adults surveyed by ADDitude said they’ve either tried, or they currently use vitamins, minerals, and other supplements to treat symptoms of ADHD — sometimes without good evidence that they work. Here’s what the science reveals about the effectiveness of the most popular supplements for ADHD such as magnesium, zinc, and vitamin B6.
By Stephanie Watson
Verified
Updated on June 2, 2021
Close up of mineral
SAVE
The ADHD medications available today are, generally speaking, very effective at managing symptoms like impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention.1 But ADHD is a complex condition that may respond best to a multi-modal treatment plan. Which is why many clinicians recommend an integrative approach supplementing medications with behavioral therapy, nutrition, exercise, and/or vitamins and minerals.
According to a 2017 ADDitude survey of 2,495 parents and 1,563 adults with ADHD, more than half of respondents said they had tried vitamins, minerals, or other supplements to treat their children or themselves. The most popular supplements noted in the survey were fish oil, magnesium, vitamins B6 and C, zinc, and iron.
The big question is: How well do supplements work? Only about 12 percent of people surveyed by ADDitude found them to be “very effective.” More than 40 percent of parents and more than a third of adults said they were either “not very effective” or “not at all effective.” Still, many respondents continued to take supplements or give them to their children.
While research shows some supplements help with ADHD symptoms, others have little evidence to support them as a solitary treatment. “In my practice, the combination of nutritional support with medications is probably the most common and most effective use,” says James Greenblatt, MD, chief medical officer at Walden Behavioral Care in Waltham, Massachusetts, and author of Finally Focused: the Breakthrough Natural Treatment Plan for ADHD.
Many of the parents and adults surveyed said they followed an integrative approach, combining stimulants or other medications with supplements. “We use them in conjunction with the Adderall and are seeing very positive results with the combination,” one parent noted in the 2017 ADDitude survey.
[Download This Free Guide to ADHD Vitamins & Minerals]
Fish Oil for ADHD
By far the most popular supplement among survey respondents was fish oil, which nearly 80 percent of parents and more than 76 percent of adults had used to manage ADHD. Fish oil contains the polyunsaturated fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are thought to influence the production and release of neurotransmitters — chemicals like serotonin and dopamine that help brain cells communicate. These fatty acids also reduce inflammation in the body. Research suggests that children with ADHD have lower omega-3 levels than do other kids their age.3
Reviews of studies on the impact of fatty acids on ADHD have found a moderate improvement in symptoms — especially from formulations containing a higher ratio of EPA to DHA.4,5,6 Although these supplements don’t work as well as stimulant drugs, given their mild side effects they can be a useful add-on to medication, researchers say.7
User reviews on omega-3s were mixed. One survey respondent said fish oil helps their son “with focus” and “makes him less distracted, better in school.” An adult wrote, “When I don’t take it, I feel really off.” But another parent “did not notice an effect at all and discontinued.”
The recommended fatty acid dose in children is 1 to 2 g/day.8 Supplements come in capsules, as well as liquids and gummies for kids who are too young to swallow pills. Some kids balk at the fishy aftertaste, or the fish burps these supplements can produce, which one parent complained led to a “daily morning battle of the wills.” One easy solution is to put the capsules in the freezer, says Sanford Newmark, MD, director of Clinical Programs and integrative pediatrician at the UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Medicine. Freezing slows the rate at which the stomach breaks down the fish oil, which cuts down on the fishy aftertaste.
[Your Free Guide to Flavorful Fish Oil]
Magnesium, Zinc, and Iron for ADHD
All three of these minerals are important for regulating levels of neurotransmitters and other brain chemicals, such as melatonin. Children with ADHD are more likely to be lacking in magnesium, zinc, and iron than are their peers. This deficiency, researchers say, might contribute to ADHD symptoms.9,10 Yet it’s unclear whether taking these supplements improves symptoms — especially in people who aren’t deficient. And few doctors routinely test for deficiencies in their patients with ADHD.11
Magnesium was the most popular of the three minerals among ADDitude survey respondents. Nearly 29 percent of parents and almost 42 percent of adults had used it. “Magnesium is not really good for attention and focus, but it is good for calming kids down,” Newmark says. He recommends it to help with sleep, and to combat late afternoon hyperactivity when ADHD medications start to wear off. One adult found that magnesium “helps to tone down heart racing, hyperactivity, and stress/anxiety.” The main side effects from magnesium are diarrhea and belly pain. Doses of less than 200 mg/day are recommended to avoid these and other adverse effects in children.12
Nearly 18 percent of parents and more than 26 percent of adults surveyed said they’ve used zinc for ADHD symptoms. A deficiency of this mineral is more common in developing nations than it is in the United States, but people who are lacking may be more inattentive and jittery.13 One Turkish study of more than 200 children with ADHD found improvements in attention and hyperactivity among kids who took zinc.14 Adding zinc to stimulant drugs might enhance the treatment effect.15 Because researchers have used inconsistent amounts of zinc in studies, no real recommendations on the optimal dose exist.16
Iron deficiency is associated with attention issues, Greenblatt says. However, he adds that no one should take iron without first having their ferritin levels tested to make sure they are deficient. As of now, there’s no evidence to show that taking iron supplements helps anyone with normal stores of this mineral.17
Some people find that minerals and vitamins work best when combined, although it then becomes difficult to tease out which ones are actually working. One parent whose son takes a mix of zinc, iron, magnesium, and vitamins B6 and C said these supplements transformed their home from “chaos” to “one of calm and routine where everything runs smoothly.” “He was cooperative and more organized. It was like we had a different child,” she wrote.
Vitamins B6, C, and D
Nearly 23 percent of children and almost 42 percent of adults have tried vitamin B6 for ADHD, according to the survey. This vitamin is involved in the metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and the transmission of nerve impulses in the brain.18 One adult noted that taking B vitamins daily “helps me feel connected to my brain.” Some supplements pair magnesium with vitamin B6, and research suggests that the combination might help with hyperactivity, aggressiveness, and school attention.19
Vitamin C was another popular supplement, with more than 21 percent of children and 30 percent of adults having tried it. Research on this vitamin for ADHD is limited, but one study found that a combination of vitamin C and fatty acids (in the form of flax oil) reduced hyperactivity scores.20
Vitamin D is another common deficiency among children with ADHD.21 Greenblatt says it’s often missed in kids, but “not everyone should go out and take a lot of vitamin D.” Researchers are still trying to determine whether supplementation improves ADHD symptoms. Early evidence suggests it might.22
Melatonin for ADHD
Sleep issues are common in patients with ADHD. Up to 80 percent of kids with the condition have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep throughout the night.23 Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the pineal gland in the brain that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles.
Research shows that melatonin helps people with ADHD fall asleep faster and sleep longer each night.24 Andrea, a mother in Louisville, Kentucky, refers to melatonin as a “godsend” for ending the two- to four-hour bedtime battles she once fought with her six-year-old son. He would resist sleep each night, “throwing himself off our bed and banging into a wall.” After giving him a melatonin gummy, “He curled in our laps so we could read him a book,” she says. “That had never happened before.”
“Melatonin is a very safe supplement, and it’s very clear that it works,” Bloch says. The ideal dose for children is 3 to 6 mg (depending on the child’s weight), given 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime.25,26 Kids who take stimulants may need a higher dose — 5 to 10 mg.27
Tips for Trying Supplements
Finding the right supplement can take some trial and error. Chantelle Pratt, a mother in Queensland, Australia, has tried various mixtures of vitamins B6 and C, as well as iron, magnesium, and combination formulas like Becozinc and Energy X on her 8-year-old son. “All have been effective, depending on what is needed at the time,” she says. “Levels typically needed adjusting every time a growth spurt occurred or any other cognitive changes occurred.”
If you’re interested in trying supplements on your child or yourself, it’s best to check with your pediatrician or primary care doctor first to make sure that it’s appropriate and you have the right dose. The majority of people surveyed — more than 60 percent — said they had researched and tried products on their own, without a doctor’s recommendation.
“You don’t want to take supplements long-term without somebody providing guidance,” Greenblatt says. He suggests finding a doctor who is trained in integrative and functional medicine, because not all pediatricians and primary care providers are well versed in the use of supplements.
Whenever you use supplements for yourself or your child, do so thoughtfully. Some people surveyed didn’t see any measurable improvement but still stuck with the pills, figuring, “they can’t hurt.” One adult respondent said they “haven’t noticed a difference taking fish oil, magnesium, B6 for the last three years, but continue to take them because I keep reading that it’s beneficial.”
Given the cost and effort involved in taking these products, you could waste money and energy by staying on an ineffective supplement. Overdoing it with too many supplements could also lower your odds of sticking with the regimen. “The more pills you take, the less likely you are to take them,” Bloch says. After all, even the best omega 3 supplement is useless if you forget to take it.
If supplements don’t seem to be working after a few months, consider stopping them. “That’s where focusing on nutrients and diet would be better,” Greenblatt says.
Also use caution when choosing a supplement brand. The FDA doesn’t regulate nutritional products like it does drugs. Look to an independent organization like ConsumerLab.com, which checks to make sure that any ingredients the manufacturer claims are in the bottle are actually there.
Finally, watch for side effects. “People can have all sorts of reactions to supplements. Iron can cause stomachaches or constipation. Zinc can cause stomach upset,” Newmark says. “Whenever you start a supplement, you should pay attention.”
The relationship between vitamins and ADHD medication is very real. Does Vitamin C make Adderall less effective? The answer may surprise you.
So, does Vitamin C make Adderall less effective? Vitamin C – either in food or as a vitamin supplement – can inhibit the effectiveness of Adderall. This is true of all forms of the drug, including name brand, generic, extended-release, and instant release. Foods that you wouldn’t suspect, such as sodas, also matter, as they contain citric acid.
Many types of vitamins actually play quite a vital role when it comes to the effectiveness of Adderall. So, let’s review in detail how Adderall interacts with other vitamins and even some minerals in your system.
Related: Adderall Doesn’t Work When I Have My Period
Adderall Vitamin Deficiency
What you might not know is that Adderall can also affect the levels of different nutrients within your body. And, when your body has fewer nutrients accessible, this can impact nearly every aspect of your health.
For medications like Adderall, the issue is mostly related to your appetite. Just like most stimulants, Adderall will reduce your appetite and overall food intake unless you’re intentionally scheduling your meals throughout the day. That means you’ll be limiting your food intake while also taking in fewer nutrients.
But, that doesn’t mean that you need to stop taking Adderall entirely if it’s helping you.
You’ll just have to put a little more emphasis on eating a balanced diet and eating meals consistently during the day. It might also help to take nutritional supplements like multivitamins to boost your nutritional intake.
Also, some vitamins, like Vitamin C, seem to interact poorly with Adderall. This can make the effects of Adderall much less noticeable, and the symptoms of ADHD much more severe.
Vitamin C and Adderall
The rule of thumb is to avoid anything with Vitamin C one hour before and one hour after taking medication. That’s because Adderall is strongly alkaline, while Vitamin C is acidic. So, Vitamin C can actually act as an “off switch” for the Adderall and impact the absorption rate within your body.
That means you’ll want to pay close attention to your diet.
Around the time you take your Adderall, make an effort to avoid foods and beverages that are relatively rich in Vitamin C. This includes oranges, bell peppers, guavas, and all citrus fruits. Schedule these foods for later or earlier in the day, at least an hour before or after you take your Adderall.
But, don’t skip out on Vitamin C altogether in fear that it’ll interact with your Adderall. That’s because your body desperately requires Vitamin C to keep your immune system functioning properly and maintain connective tissue health.
Vitamin D and Adderall
Even though there aren’t any noticeable interactions between Vitamin D levels and Adderall, there does appear to be a studied link between ADHD and Vitamin D levels. In fact, a study released in 2015 shows that Vitamin D levels might actually be naturally low in children who are diagnosed with ADHD.
That means you might want to place an extra emphasis on boosting your Vitamin D intake throughout the day. This can be achieved by consuming foods like salmon, eggs, and almond milk. Spending some time in direct sunlight or taking Vitamin D supplements are also great ways to boost your Vitamin D levels.
You need to know that Vitamin D plays a very important role in your health.
Most importantly, Vitamin D is one of the key nutrients when it comes to maintaining bone health. Proper Vitamin D levels can help you to avoid degenerative bone conditions like osteoporosis. But, improving your Vitamin D levels might also improve your overall mood, which might be impacted by your ADHD.
While Vitamin D and Adderall typically don’t interact within the body, boosting your Vitamin D levels might just help to reduce the symptoms of your ADHD like Adderall.
Zinc and Adderall
Just like Vitamin D, Zinc and Adderall don’t seem to interact when they’re both at appropriate levels within your body. Also, like Vitamin D, you can actually supplement with Zinc to improve your symptoms of ADHD.
That’s because Zinc can play a vital role in reducing the impulsivity that comes along with conditions like ADHD. And, there seems to be a little bit of evidence that points to lower Zinc levels in those diagnosed with ADHD.
In fact, you might be able to eventually reduce your Adderall dosage by improving the Zinc levels within your body. Obviously, you’ll want to talk to your doctor before lowering your dosage on your own.
But, that also means you might want to add Zinc-rich foods like shellfish, legumes, or whole grains to your diet. After all, your body does need Zinc to keep your immune system healthy and help to keep your cells functioning at an optimal level.
Zinc won’t negatively impact the effectiveness of your Adderall, but it can surely improve your symptoms and quality of life when combined.
Vitamins to Take With Adderall XR
Since Adderall XR might impact your appetite or interact with certain vitamins and minerals within your body, you want to take the extra effort to supplement with vitamins on your own. But, this is an idea that you need to approach quite delicately.
We do want to point out that you might actually be able to enhance the effects of Adderall XR by taking certain vitamins shortly before or after your Adderall XR. So, here’s a look at some vitamins you can take with Adderall XR to boost the effects of this medication.
Multivitamins: With a lower appetite, it’s very likely that you’ll be eating a lot less during the day. To make sure you’re staying current on your nutrient levels, be sure to take high-quality multivitamins on a daily basis. But, since most multivitamins contain Vitamin C, be sure to take your multivitamin at least an hour before or after your Adderall.
Tyrosine: Taking tyrosine can help to boost the effects of Adderall XR, especially when it comes to your mood. That’s because tyrosine can improve your dopamine levels that might already be quite low due to your ADHD. This can help to control your emotions.
CoQ10: This nutrient is very important when it comes to maintaining a healthy immune system and heart health. When it comes to stimulants like Adderall XR, CoQ10 can be extremely effective at keeping your blood pressure and heart rate controlled.
Magnesium: If you’re really looking to boost the effects of your Adderall XR, magnesium is very effective. It can actually help to lower your tolerance level to Adderall, meaning you won’t need to increase your dosage as often, and the effects of this medication will still be noticeable.
Make sure you check with your doctor before adding any vitamins or supplements to your routine if you’re currently taking Adderall XR.
Vitamin C Adderall Comedown
When you stop taking Adderall, you’ll begin to slowly feel the effects of Adderall comedown. In a way, you’re going through withdrawal. You might begin to feel tired, intense emotions, or a sudden desire to take Adderall again.
The effects can be intense.
But, bumping up your Vitamin C intake can actually help to reduce the withdrawal symptoms. As we mentioned earlier, Vitamin C can help to reverse the effects of Adderall. So, you might actually be helping the lingering Adderall to leave your system quicker, ending the withdrawal even sooner.
Conclusion
The connection between Adderall and other vitamins and minerals is quite interesting. Some vitamins, like Vitamin C, will make the Adderall less effective. Other vitamins and minerals like Zinc and Vitamin D can work with the Adderall to reduce your symptoms of ADHD. The best thing you can do is avoid consuming foods rich in Vitamin C too close to when you take your Adderall and bump up your intake of other vitamins to replenish the nutrients you’re low on.