Adderall, Stimulants & Modafinil for ADHD: Short- & Long-Term Effects | Huberman Lab Podcast

Adderall destroyed my life. Literally

Dr Huberman
Check out Justin Sungs work. He would be would be able to add value to our comment on learning tools

Ironically these videos to help ADHD folks is recorded while IGNORING the fact that most ADHD folks or usual folks won't have so much time and focus to go through it 😅😮

One gram per pound per day? Id never poo again :) That would require like half an acre of celery fiber per day, and i pove celery! (Though now i think about it, is celery and peanut butter magical for those without allergies?)

I normally don't sit through 2 hour informative talk... but you got my attention... and I have experienced much of what you described. Thank you very much.

100s of mg of vyvanse? it says the range is 30-70 mg.

I am a relatively recent subscriber to your podcast and I am so SO thankful for your clear and concise dissemination of scientific literature! 💖 I do have 2 questions that have been eating at me about stimulant meds and I'd love it if you could shed light on them for me. One is that I am prescribed Adzenys XR-ODT and it is labeled as "Amphetamine". You went into detail about Dex and Levo amphetamines but what exactly is this? Is it some sort of freebase amphetamine and not an amphetamine salt? Question number 2 is way more personal and I'm afraid you won't want to answer due to you not being a psychiatrist, let alone MY psychiatrist, but it has to due with the cardiovascular effects of stimulant drugs. My direct family members have had heart attacks or strokes and I, myself, have had a coronary ablation due to SVT/A-fib. I currently have a clean bill of health with excellent bloodwork and blood pressure. However, if I measure my blood pressure right after the stimulant takes effect it is significantly higher; sometimes in the hypertensive range! When the medication starts to wear off, it is totally back to baseline but it is still rather worrisome to me. In your opinion (one that is simply based on your interpretation of the literature and is not binding, advisory, or final in any way) are these effects simply transient and not horribly detrimental towards my lifespan or should I really work with my psychiatrist on finding other options? ALSO it's important to note that the only reason I'm coming to your doorstep with this second question is because after asking these questions of 3 psychiatrists and 2 GPs, I've only ever received a shrug in response.

I highly doubt you'll have the time to read and respond to all of this, but once again thank you so much for all you do. Your videos and podcasts have been exceedingly helpful for me in re-obtaining a sense of balance, harmony, and success in my life.

Does anyone else see the irony of putting up a two hour video about ADHD? I think Huberman needs to see a psychiatrist. That or lay off the amphetamines for a while.

Recently received a prescription for methylphenidate, i have been diagnosed with ADHD since a young age, i have went un-medicated for nearly 25 years. I find myself very nervous yo take this medicine. I do not know what it would be like to have my brain function or even be quiet 🙃 any advice

I have signs of ADHD and C-PTSD. I was always a person 'with lived experience'. I steered clear of street drugs, and also the clinical kind. Because i was chemical free I could use St John's Wort. I experimented with dosage and take a low dose- SJW can be purchased in our supermarket. It also grows prolifically in the valley here.

It is unbelievable to me that these meds don’t affect growth in children. The side effects of these medications is impaired sleep and suppressed appetite. How can a chronic lack of sleep and nourishment not affect growth and development?!

Sorry to all the speed addicts justifying their addiction in the comments but adderall and drugs like it are 100% speed. And one of the main reasons doctors are so willing to diagnose and prescribe it are copays. Who is never going to miss a copay? Someone who desperately needs a drug they're addicted too. There needs to be an oxycontin like intervention in this country with MDs about the insane amount of overprescribing that has now hooked a huge percentage of people on powerful stimulants.

Ive been diagnosed and seen many psychiatrists never have Ihad it explained so well (I guess drs time is money though lol). I have been through most of the medications before settling on vyvanse but I had no idea it was most similiar to the dexedrine (not XR) I was prescribed on a trial basis my firs year of uni. Thank you for talking about holidays my physicians were basically split on recommending them

I take Modafanil for sleep work shift disorder. My circadian rhythm is so out of wack working days and nights shift. I never get to fall asleep at the same time and I'm always tired because my body is so confused.
Also if I fall asleep at my job on overnights, I get multiple neglect charges. Am I at risk for taking Modafanil everyday?

I've been on it everyday for 5 months and plan on taking it everyday until I get settled with a steady schedulev.

A doctor that spouts opinions and pushes prescription drugs on social media - yeah sounds about right for capitalist America 🇺🇸

I knew it! I always told my doctors that I feel my Ritalin still working the next day I don’t take it even a couple of days after quitting it They always disagreed. They have been told that it doesn’t fix the brain like ssris do and it only works when you take it but my experience was different! I hate doctors who gaslight their patients instead of being curious, and maybe open a book or two to search and update the information they have been taught in university. I knew it. It was doing something longterm for my brain ‘s plasticity despite that it could be a neurotoxin (not sure)
I don’t take the stimulants anymore tho due to the side effects and I’ve found that pure nicotine works better for my adhd and ocd without giving me anxiety, paranoia, the jitters or the zombie like state i get from stimulants.

my adhd ass cant even finish this video (i gave up on 32mins)

I take Guanfacine and Ritalin for my ADHD and the Guanfacine makes a HUGE difference! I can wake up so much easier in the morning when I take it the night before. I also have high blood pressure from years of untreated anxiety, so I was able to lower another medication and replace it with guanfacine which was nice. My doctor did not pass on the huge warning about alcohol. I pretty much don't engage with alcohol at all anymore, but I appreciate your information that I should probably completely cut it out.

Very informative doc. I always enjoy your content. I was diagnosed at a pretty early age with attention deficit disorder. I’m assuming now they just categorize it all as ADHD but the medication they put me on was called strattera. which wasn’t mentioned here. It made me feel absolutely terrible lol. Stoped taking it about 2 months in and never started anything else. I would have liked to hear the efficacy and side effects of that particular medication. All the same great video as always sir.

Would be great if you could do a discussion on Tourettes & Tic disorders. Many people with ADHD often have this as well and then mixing stimulants with certain medication that suppress tics is a grey area from experience. This would be valuable to alot of people as you explain very well how conditions work. The information and research out there for this is pretty poor. Thank you for giving valuable information to the world.

Adderall helps me a lot. The benefits out weigh the side effects. There is too much stigma against these medications. Including the assumptions of drug abuse and europhoria seeking

I was misdiagnosed with ADHD and prescribed adderall for 20 years. A brain scan showed that it’s actually PTSD, severe depression, and anxiety. My ADHD symptoms are being caused by my mood, not damage to my prefrontal cortex. Willing to bet this is the case in many other ADHD diagnoses, especially those in their 30’s and 40’s being told they have it for the first time.

Thanks!

Here are some ways to take action on the key points to improve your life:

* *Be aware of the benefits and risks of stimulant medication.* If you have ADHD, talk to your doctor about whether stimulant medication is right for you. If you do decide to take medication, be sure to take it as prescribed and monitor yourself for any side effects.
* *Consider combining medication with non-drug treatments.* Behavioral therapy and lifestyle modifications can be very effective in managing ADHD. Talk to your doctor about what combination of treatments might work best for you.
* *Get regular check-ins with a qualified psychiatrist.* This is especially important if you are taking stimulant medication or if you have any concerns about your side effects or progress.

Here are some specific tips for improving your focus and attention:

* *Get enough sleep.* Most adults need 7-8 hours of sleep per night. When you're well-rested, you're better able to focus and concentrate.
* *Eat a healthy diet.* Eating nutritious foods helps to fuel your brain and body. Avoid processed foods and sugary drinks, and focus on eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
* *Exercise regularly.* Exercise is good for your overall health and well-being, and it can also help to improve your focus and concentration. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
* *Take breaks.* When you're working on a task for an extended period of time, it's important to take breaks. Get up and move around, or do something else that you enjoy. This will help to refresh your mind and body so that you can return to your task with renewed focus.
* *Minimize distractions.* When you're trying to focus on a task, try to minimize distractions as much as possible. This means turning off your phone, closing unnecessary tabs on your computer, and finding a quiet place to work.

It's important to remember that everyone is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. Experiment with different strategies to find what works best for you. And don't be afraid to ask for help from a doctor, therapist, or other qualified professional.

I’m all over the place. It is so tiresome.

Thank you for your excellent info. As someone who has undiagnosed ADHD behaviours and also a son who may have it, I still have a few concerns/questions. My understanding is that even for competent psychiatrists, the diagnostic criteria is primary observational or self-reported. We completed a questionnaire for our son before a neuropsychologist assessment and it was obscure, difficult to give accurate answers. Are experts any closer to creating a more medically-based diagnostic tool to be more sure of a diagnosis? I’m aware of conditions that have behaviours that overlap with ADHD so I can’t be sure a diagnosis would be correct.

Also, I do wonder if we are medicating for a brain wiring difference, just for the person affected to fit in with a society structure that isn’t built for neurodiverse individuals. We expect kids to sit still all day and learn at school when they want, and need, to move and where the content is boring as hell. I’d argue we have a society built on an obsession with efficiency and productivity (especially in Western societies), that is at odds with the enjoying life and being creative, so people with ADHD need to be medicated to keep up with these standards for that aren’t actually very healthy to begin with for human beings.

Of course, that said, I get frustrated with finding it hard to stay on task or finish what I start. I’d like to change that. But I’d also feel less stressed about getting things done if there wasn’t so much pressure from my lifestyle, society or environment. I’m sure ADHD had an excellent purpose for humans as hunter-gatherers. Probably the ones who were hyper aware of their environments and able to hyper-focus on hunting. It’s like we’re medicating just to be able to fit in with a broken society. No one seems to question that at all. Maybe the person isn’t broken, everything else is.

Just some food for thought!

Me adhd tryna listen to this podcast without losing in it

ADDERAL CURED MY SINUSITIS AND ALLERGY REACTIONS TO MY DOGS. literally over the past 3 days. Gone. All symptoms gone
What an amazing side effect. Apparently Aderal is like Sudafed on ‘roids. I do agree with him though adderal can cause psychosis in the short and long term. It makes people extremely reactive to things they would otherwise be able to brush off. This drug is a blessing and a curse

"There are more drugs to treat ADHD than any other psychiatric condition"
In Russia we have like... ONE

I don't even know where to get help because here this is illness only for "weird, hyperactive kids" and I just have to "try harder"...

Fantastic episode. Curious why you didn’t bring up atomoxetine as one of the other non-stimulant options. Does anyone here have any experience with that drug? Our 13 year old son with ADHD was prescribed this drug after experiencing a little mood change after low dose Adderall. Seems to be helpful but hard to say how much and whether we should switch back to a stimulant. Thank you.

Most people not suffer with the availability of treatment but due to it's high cost

I'm curious but quite honestly I don't think I can sit through a 2 hr plus video. My ADHD wouldn't allow it. I unfortunately start losing interest after the first half hour 😞

They should officially rename ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) to (Attention Disregulation and/or Hyperactivity Disorder) At 53 min Huberman describes the effect of Adderrall perfectly. The reason we feel a calming effect is because our typically overactive mind suddenly becomes decluttered with random thoughts and gets organized. It's like if you're looking for a radio station and you keep hitting stations that are jumbled with other stations and then suddenly a clear channel comes in. Bingo. That's what a stimulant does to an ADHD mind. And then we can just do what we're supposed to do instead of feeling like a deer in the headlights all day.

I have an analogy to how my focus is. I'm like a truck when it comes to attention; slow to accelarate, but very powerful when in full go mode, and very hard and painful to stop my focus once in it. You can stop it, but the effort it takes to switch gears and pay attention to something else is immense.

I wish he talked about Evekeo. Most docs don't even know about it. It's a 50/50 D and L molecule. Adderall didn't work as well as Evekeo for me and I wonder how such a small shift could make such a big difference. And what about Adderall XR? How similar is it to Vyvanse?

Does the neuroplasticity also work for adults? (assuming a diagnosis in adulthood)
I'm confused as usually people stay on the medication for years or indefinitely.

What happens when the medication wears off?
What I learned from another episode suggests, that because of the medicines dopamine spike later the dopamine level will drop below baseline (without any medication).
So essentially I get even less productive in the evenings?

My country has an extremely backwards view on drugs, the only available adhd medications are ritalin but ONLY for children and modafonil for adults. These are also prohibitively expensive and getting diagnosed and prescriptions is an absolute nightmare. We're being forced to accept medical marijuana by the EU but our politicians are throwing all the beaurocracy they possibly can at it. And when I say medical marijuana I just mean using substances from it for medication production. We've also recently made the punishments for marijuana posession much harsher. It's literally drug war 2.0 but with our heads in the sand so we don't see what happened in America. I'm very seriously considering moving because of all these reasons, but I can't just leave my friends behind. We've been very good friends for 14+ years, I wanna see them constantly.

I am prescribed Modafinil for chronic fatigue. It really helps me with little to no side effects. However, I’m interested to be more educated on the long term side effects. So thankful for this podcast!!

Ritalin worked for me but messe with my sleep cycle.
Modafiniil worked for me but it made my gums feel weird, and it kind of affected my personality the same way that Dayquil does. It removes my social filter and makes me more thin skinned. A bad combination in any work environment!
But I got great scores on two IT certification exams thanks to the extended focus of Modafinil.

Anecdotally, my menstrual cycle has been perfectly normal since starting Concerta about 6 months ago, minus one skipped period which happens to me occasionally after traveling long distance.

One of my unanswered questions: is the brain getting proper rest when someone takes a nap while under the effect of a stimulant medication? Or does the noradrenaline significantly reduce sleep quality?

Love ya Huberman! I can always count on you for the truth!

Felt the need to add this as well: No doctor (at least in my country) is going to take their time and explain all of this to their patient. Thank you for putting out this for the public.

I was always told "you'd be so successful if you just put your focus on the right things".

Adhd meds was like going from listening to seven different radio channels at the same time, to all of a sudden being able to focus on one. 🥲

Are the transcripts for these episodes on the huberman premium subscription yet?

Such an informative episode especially the focus (no pun intended) on kids. I have an 8 yr old recently diagnosed & the truth is ADHD runs so incredibly deep & impossible for people to understand if they are not dealing with it themselves either personally or with a child. Your podcasts on this topic specifically, shines a little more light onto the empathy everyone should have on neurodiverse kids (& their parents) & how important it is to have a society support these kids more. Thank you Andrew.

Thank you so so much! I'm currently on the road to a diagnosis at 39 and I'm very anxious (but also hopeful) about the medication and knowing all this is definitely helpful, though not sure my psychiatrist will appreciate it if I end up asking all the questions :P