Adderall is a drug with much debate. There’s a plethora of clinical studies showing its effectiveness (mainly short term) in increasing mental ability, especially in those who struggle with impulsive behavior, focus, reading, spelling etc. Using it occasionally myself, I notice dramatic improvements in linguistics, reading, and improved social behavior (in the short term) until it wears off. From my own experiences and observing others using the drug I am very interested to see if this drug can be used long term, consistently, and safely to improve the life’s of those who benefit from it. As far as clinical studies demonstrating nootropics in treating ADHD type symptoms, they are not as convincing or numerous as those using amphetamines, Ritalin, Adderall, etc. Since this forum is filled with intelligent people interested in improving and preserving mental abilities, i’m curious to see if anyone has found ways of using adderall long term/consistently/little side effects/ and in a healthful way to improve one’s life. Especially those who have struggled with ADHD symptoms throughout there life.

The way I see it, consistent usage of amphetamines and methylphenidate should only be used if it's a must. Nootropics aren't as powerful as they are, but at least instead of being toxic to your body most of them also lengthen your life.

If Adderall were to be used long-term, it would have to be cycled (i.e. you would have to take breaks from it periodically). Use of NMDA receptor antagonists would be a good idea as well so as to limit the strucutral neurological damage that can occur with chrontic amphetamine use. Repeated use of catecholamine precursors would be essential as well.

I googled for "adderall tolerance".

This was the first link I got: http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10877

I used to be an active member in that forum. Adderall tolerance usually doesn't get that bad, especially if breaks are taken in between uses.

It may not *usually* get that bad, but after three years I had blood pressure of 230/130 and had a stroke.

It's one of those things that may not cause a problem very often, but it only has to screw you up once to ruin your whole day.

-- Rick

dopamine, appreciate your insight!! in regard to cycling Adderall. (Jasen) a member of this forum presents an adderall cycle that has been successful with him; “2 tablets 3x daily (adderall), but only for 3 weeks, then I stop it for 2 - 3 weeks and use L-Tyronise and a little provigil.” Was wondering if anyone has tried this cycle or any another cycle to maximize the positive brain enhancement qualities of this drug. Jasen has also had success limiting adderall tolerance by using Desmopressin a few times a day initially then a few times a week, he claims that this makes adderall become more effective is lower doses, thus limiting side effects. His claim is that “speed burns vasopressin up from your body, so replace it”. Am researching these issues as well as the use of NMDA receptor antagonists and catecholamine precursors to limit long term brain degeneration. Any thought greatly appreciate- grant
-mainly interested in those who use nootropics and brain enhancers to treat ADHD symptoms.

Re Adderall long-term: Have been on Adderall several years now. It was a med of last resort after all anti-depressants and Ritalin failed to keep me moving and functioning. I have ADD without physical hyperactivity but a very busy mind. Overwhelming problem is I can hardly force my body to do what my executive-decisions mind insists it must do--simple things such as washing dishes, brushing teeth, & maintaining clothing and living space. At first Adderall was a tremendous help, but effects waned over time. Now I'm back to seeing all sorts of tasks I really desperately want to do but can't force myself to act to accomplish them. Not quite as motionless as without Adderall though.

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