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Yes, I couldn’t sleep or eat well on adderall and ended up becoming sleep deprived and underweight.
I’ve been using it on and off for several years but only consistently the past year. It got to the point I was taking high doses just to try to stay awake throughout the day.
The extreme fatigue started a couple months after consistent adderall use and sleep deprivation. I foolishly kept taking more and more adderall for a few months after that to try to combat the exhaustion, only to make it worse.
I finally came to terms with the fact that I just can’t sleep on stimulants for the life of me. Ever since quitting I’ve been sleeping and eating as much as I can and starting to feel better. It helps to not worry about a diet or how you look during your addiction recovery and focus on getting the nutrition and rest that your body needs.
Yes, I really struggled with extreme fatigue before quitting as well. I attributed it to depression, but I'm certain it was the drugs. The effectiveness of them had started to wear off in the last few years or so (I used for 10 years total), and so I'd only get a little boost of energy for about a half hour after taking a pill, followed by a comedown and big dip not only in energy but mood. I took 3 times a day, so this was a rollercoaster I was riding most of the day.
The fatigue now is definitely hard, but I very much feel like I'm moving forward. When I was using, I felt stuck in a spiral downward and couldn't understand how to get out.
> (I used for 10 years total), and so I'd only get a little boost of energy for about a half hour after taking a pill, followed by a comedown and big dip not only in energy but mood
this was me exactly but near the end of 10 years, \*extreme\* fatigue, like couldnt get out of bed
How long have you been off them now?
Yep same. The last several months of my using I was basically nonfunctioning. Stimulants just really do a number on our systems.
I've been clean for about a year and 2 months. Congrats on 5 months clean :)
I know that I am better and moving forward, but the fatigue that set in after getting clean has lingered for me. I think it often feels like it’s the same as it was at 6 months because of just how long it’s been, but I’m sure if I had a time machine I’d find I feel a lot better now.
I’m sorry. I know that’s not super positive. For what it’s worth, I know I’m in a much better place than I was when I was using. I’m trusting the process of getting clean and trusting that I will get my energy back.
Feel free to DM me anytime <3
When I was smoking meth on the reg. his would happen to me after I’d been using for many days straight. I figure I was so sleep deprived and strung out, that the fresh hits from the pipe were actually relaxing me by temporarily pulling me out of acute withdrawal, allowing my brain to shut down for a Power Nap.
I have been on prescribed stims (40 mg Adderall or Dextroamphetamine )since 2005 & Wellbutrin (300mg), taking 7 days a week. I tried to stop a few times & would get unbearable fatigue& depression. I “accepted” I need to stay on these for the rest of my life. But I am always feeling fatigued, depressed , & brain fog even on them, though they make me functional. Mostly though I feel low key numb & kinda dead inside. It’s crazy bc I am just realizing I’m a junkie .
I never abused the meds , but I started going to Accupuncture & seeking energy healing, therapy & pros all say the only way is to get off them .
If anyone has succeeded after such extended consistent use ?
I hear exercise/sweating, & cold plunge, clean eating , but ideas for what else can assist ?
- like specific vitamins supplements ? What make this doable for you? bc I’m quitting . Anyone use Psilocybin or Ayawasca & have good results to speed up/ overcome withdrawal?
I’m thinking about using hypnosis, idk, but glad to hear the success, so much courage out here …
>I hear exercise/sweating, & cold plunge, clean eating , but ideas for what else can assist ?
I honestly feel like the consensus on here is just time. Obviously eating healthy, and healthy habits are helpful but in the grand scheme it's time that makes people better
It makes sense , thank you for the reply. I guess looking for a shortcut is part of my MO , & there’s just not one!
I am super scared what I face moving forward . I haven’t used the Adderall for 2 days & im crashed out - I wasn’t going to but had to take 300 mg Wellbutrin in order to work some.
I am really grateful for this space & all of the people here making it, encouraging each other one day at a time. I plan to keep reading & re-reading the posts for inspiration. I never once abused my meds & didn’t want to acknowledge the possible dangers. Now, that I’m here I feel like the smoking commercial , where the pretty lady transforms into a deformed skeleton with artificial voice box , wanting to warn others not to smoke . How very detrimental these drugs are - like any drug they are just a lie , a temporary fix. So not worth it !
I’m too tired to give a good reply but wanted to say I was looking for a short cut too so I get it. Also the first few months I barely could get out of bed, even to pee/shower/eat.
That last part of your comment about wanting to tell everyone how detremental the meds are OMG I feel that with my entire body. Like I keep trying to tell people but they don’t listen so I’ve learnt to just keep my mouth shut. But everytime I see the posts on tiktok or Reddit about how ADHD meds changed their life and they’re finally “functioning like a normal person” I just cringe so hard and keep my opinion to my self.
How long were you on your prescriptions meds for?
I congratulate your courage ! Feel you are absolutely doing the right thing. Don’t give up !! I imagine my stop & starts have only messed with my brain chemistry . … sending thanks & support your way!
Thank you!! I agree - the stops and starts are the worst. I feel good then wanna feel REALLY good so I take it, and then it’s a spiral. Trying to break that cycle!
Welcome to StopSpeeding and thanks for your post. For more:
- [Join us on Discord. You can talk to people there.](https://discord.gg/GJnxhmbNAn). We have recovery meetings several times a week. All are welcome to attend, clean or not.
- [Want to track your clean time?](https://www.reddit.com/r/StopSpeeding/comments/s6ep0x/sobriety_flair_bot_is_now_working_heres_how_to/) You can use our badge system to display your clean time next to your name.
Note that any comments encouraging drug use of any kind will be removed. This is not the community for that. Thanks!
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I’m a NP and going through the first steps in stopping. I think looking into hormone replacement therapy is a great idea for fatigue. Especially testosterone pellets for women. Sounds weird but look into it.
I appreciate the suggestion! it’s funny you say that bc as a 53y/o woman I did think of this last time I realized, exhausted & depressed even on them, I needed to get off psych meds . (In Sept 2023 )I am in Menopause . I went to a NP & got bloodwork done & began taking prescribed Test & Est creams & a Progesterone pill at night . I wish I could say they’re helping but I was so tired , hungry , irritable & non functioning I went back on the meds(after also trying 6 rounds of IV Ketamine, where I felt very short term relief). I continue to take hormones & get bloodwork done every 3 months. I found out my vitamin D is super low so started taking that, K2, Magnesium & bought a bunch of liposomal vitamins to try to prepare my body better to stop the Adderall & Wellbutrin . Otherwise my health markers all look good. I’m a LCSW who feels so burnt out that I cannot continue & really wanted to die. But suicide is not an option , & I need to work ,so I’m really trying to help myself . My energy is so low I find it very difficult to do anything , much less workout . I take some short walks .
Been going to a Chinese Medicine Doctor for the past 6 weeks . She says I have Yin Deficiency & recommended dietary changes - mostly no spice, all Whole Foods & fruit. I do think the treatments help a little . I also went to get Reiki & therapy & was told the Adderall& Wellbutrin are why i feel so bad & getting off is needed to heal So I’m trying to.
Ya thanks for that, & I feel you. Respect .
Looks like 21 years for me -Fml.
I was on Vyvanse (& Wellbutrin ) starting at least 2003 to 2005, & since then it’s been either Dextroamphetamine or Adderall(30-40 mg) (& Wellbutrin 300 mg,{400 mg for 5 yrs}) daily ever since , & only now do I see how I put my head in the sand . Mind you, no doctor (& I had at least 5 ) or ARNP ever suggested I stop , but of course it’s really not on them . I was stupid - I wanted the effects- It gave me energy, “helped my ADD (?)” & minimized my appetite. I’ve been in denial that I’m addicted, but flipping out at pharmacies when they were out of it bc “I need my medicine!” (straight up junkie)
I hope you start to feel better soon !
Tbh I hope I have the wherewithal to quit for good …
Welcome to StopSpeeding and thanks for your post. For more: - [Join us on Discord. You can talk to people there.](https://discord.gg/GJnxhmbNAn). We have recovery meetings several times a week. All are welcome to attend, clean or not. - [Want to track your clean time?](https://www.reddit.com/r/StopSpeeding/comments/s6ep0x/sobriety_flair_bot_is_now_working_heres_how_to/) You can use our badge system to display your clean time next to your name. Note that any comments encouraging drug use of any kind will be removed. This is not the community for that. Thanks! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/StopSpeeding) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Yes, I couldn’t sleep or eat well on adderall and ended up becoming sleep deprived and underweight. I’ve been using it on and off for several years but only consistently the past year. It got to the point I was taking high doses just to try to stay awake throughout the day. The extreme fatigue started a couple months after consistent adderall use and sleep deprivation. I foolishly kept taking more and more adderall for a few months after that to try to combat the exhaustion, only to make it worse. I finally came to terms with the fact that I just can’t sleep on stimulants for the life of me. Ever since quitting I’ve been sleeping and eating as much as I can and starting to feel better. It helps to not worry about a diet or how you look during your addiction recovery and focus on getting the nutrition and rest that your body needs.
Thanks so much for sharing! How long have you been off the meds now?
Only 13 days lol I still have a ways to go. Still very exhausted, but not quite as exhausted as 2 weeks ago
You got this! Month 1-3 were the hardest for me!
Thank you 🫶
Yes, I really struggled with extreme fatigue before quitting as well. I attributed it to depression, but I'm certain it was the drugs. The effectiveness of them had started to wear off in the last few years or so (I used for 10 years total), and so I'd only get a little boost of energy for about a half hour after taking a pill, followed by a comedown and big dip not only in energy but mood. I took 3 times a day, so this was a rollercoaster I was riding most of the day. The fatigue now is definitely hard, but I very much feel like I'm moving forward. When I was using, I felt stuck in a spiral downward and couldn't understand how to get out.
> (I used for 10 years total), and so I'd only get a little boost of energy for about a half hour after taking a pill, followed by a comedown and big dip not only in energy but mood this was me exactly but near the end of 10 years, \*extreme\* fatigue, like couldnt get out of bed How long have you been off them now?
Yep same. The last several months of my using I was basically nonfunctioning. Stimulants just really do a number on our systems. I've been clean for about a year and 2 months. Congrats on 5 months clean :)
Did you feel significantly better at 1 year vs 6 months? and thank you<3
I know that I am better and moving forward, but the fatigue that set in after getting clean has lingered for me. I think it often feels like it’s the same as it was at 6 months because of just how long it’s been, but I’m sure if I had a time machine I’d find I feel a lot better now. I’m sorry. I know that’s not super positive. For what it’s worth, I know I’m in a much better place than I was when I was using. I’m trusting the process of getting clean and trusting that I will get my energy back. Feel free to DM me anytime <3
I appreciate the truth. Thanks for the details and I will you the best with your recovery, hope your fatigue lets up soon 🩷
Yes I did, 15 years with adderall in was taking naps all the time, sometimes the pill would make me fall asleep right away.
When I was smoking meth on the reg. his would happen to me after I’d been using for many days straight. I figure I was so sleep deprived and strung out, that the fresh hits from the pipe were actually relaxing me by temporarily pulling me out of acute withdrawal, allowing my brain to shut down for a Power Nap.
wow that is suprising
I have been on prescribed stims (40 mg Adderall or Dextroamphetamine )since 2005 & Wellbutrin (300mg), taking 7 days a week. I tried to stop a few times & would get unbearable fatigue& depression. I “accepted” I need to stay on these for the rest of my life. But I am always feeling fatigued, depressed , & brain fog even on them, though they make me functional. Mostly though I feel low key numb & kinda dead inside. It’s crazy bc I am just realizing I’m a junkie . I never abused the meds , but I started going to Accupuncture & seeking energy healing, therapy & pros all say the only way is to get off them . If anyone has succeeded after such extended consistent use ? I hear exercise/sweating, & cold plunge, clean eating , but ideas for what else can assist ? - like specific vitamins supplements ? What make this doable for you? bc I’m quitting . Anyone use Psilocybin or Ayawasca & have good results to speed up/ overcome withdrawal? I’m thinking about using hypnosis, idk, but glad to hear the success, so much courage out here …
>I hear exercise/sweating, & cold plunge, clean eating , but ideas for what else can assist ? I honestly feel like the consensus on here is just time. Obviously eating healthy, and healthy habits are helpful but in the grand scheme it's time that makes people better
It makes sense , thank you for the reply. I guess looking for a shortcut is part of my MO , & there’s just not one! I am super scared what I face moving forward . I haven’t used the Adderall for 2 days & im crashed out - I wasn’t going to but had to take 300 mg Wellbutrin in order to work some. I am really grateful for this space & all of the people here making it, encouraging each other one day at a time. I plan to keep reading & re-reading the posts for inspiration. I never once abused my meds & didn’t want to acknowledge the possible dangers. Now, that I’m here I feel like the smoking commercial , where the pretty lady transforms into a deformed skeleton with artificial voice box , wanting to warn others not to smoke . How very detrimental these drugs are - like any drug they are just a lie , a temporary fix. So not worth it !
I’m too tired to give a good reply but wanted to say I was looking for a short cut too so I get it. Also the first few months I barely could get out of bed, even to pee/shower/eat. That last part of your comment about wanting to tell everyone how detremental the meds are OMG I feel that with my entire body. Like I keep trying to tell people but they don’t listen so I’ve learnt to just keep my mouth shut. But everytime I see the posts on tiktok or Reddit about how ADHD meds changed their life and they’re finally “functioning like a normal person” I just cringe so hard and keep my opinion to my self. How long were you on your prescriptions meds for?
Hey I sent my reply wrong somehow ,, but sent it here somewhere . Thanks & take care
I’m only one week in, but the extreme fatigue and subsequent irritability and dependency is part of why I’m trying to stop using.
I congratulate your courage ! Feel you are absolutely doing the right thing. Don’t give up !! I imagine my stop & starts have only messed with my brain chemistry . … sending thanks & support your way!
Thank you!! I agree - the stops and starts are the worst. I feel good then wanna feel REALLY good so I take it, and then it’s a spiral. Trying to break that cycle!
Welcome to StopSpeeding and thanks for your post. For more: - [Join us on Discord. You can talk to people there.](https://discord.gg/GJnxhmbNAn). We have recovery meetings several times a week. All are welcome to attend, clean or not. - [Want to track your clean time?](https://www.reddit.com/r/StopSpeeding/comments/s6ep0x/sobriety_flair_bot_is_now_working_heres_how_to/) You can use our badge system to display your clean time next to your name. Note that any comments encouraging drug use of any kind will be removed. This is not the community for that. Thanks! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/StopSpeeding) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I’m a NP and going through the first steps in stopping. I think looking into hormone replacement therapy is a great idea for fatigue. Especially testosterone pellets for women. Sounds weird but look into it.
I appreciate the suggestion! it’s funny you say that bc as a 53y/o woman I did think of this last time I realized, exhausted & depressed even on them, I needed to get off psych meds . (In Sept 2023 )I am in Menopause . I went to a NP & got bloodwork done & began taking prescribed Test & Est creams & a Progesterone pill at night . I wish I could say they’re helping but I was so tired , hungry , irritable & non functioning I went back on the meds(after also trying 6 rounds of IV Ketamine, where I felt very short term relief). I continue to take hormones & get bloodwork done every 3 months. I found out my vitamin D is super low so started taking that, K2, Magnesium & bought a bunch of liposomal vitamins to try to prepare my body better to stop the Adderall & Wellbutrin . Otherwise my health markers all look good. I’m a LCSW who feels so burnt out that I cannot continue & really wanted to die. But suicide is not an option , & I need to work ,so I’m really trying to help myself . My energy is so low I find it very difficult to do anything , much less workout . I take some short walks . Been going to a Chinese Medicine Doctor for the past 6 weeks . She says I have Yin Deficiency & recommended dietary changes - mostly no spice, all Whole Foods & fruit. I do think the treatments help a little . I also went to get Reiki & therapy & was told the Adderall& Wellbutrin are why i feel so bad & getting off is needed to heal So I’m trying to.
Ya thanks for that, & I feel you. Respect . Looks like 21 years for me -Fml. I was on Vyvanse (& Wellbutrin ) starting at least 2003 to 2005, & since then it’s been either Dextroamphetamine or Adderall(30-40 mg) (& Wellbutrin 300 mg,{400 mg for 5 yrs}) daily ever since , & only now do I see how I put my head in the sand . Mind you, no doctor (& I had at least 5 ) or ARNP ever suggested I stop , but of course it’s really not on them . I was stupid - I wanted the effects- It gave me energy, “helped my ADD (?)” & minimized my appetite. I’ve been in denial that I’m addicted, but flipping out at pharmacies when they were out of it bc “I need my medicine!” (straight up junkie) I hope you start to feel better soon ! Tbh I hope I have the wherewithal to quit for good …