What helps your ADHD outside of medication?

[undertheflower]

Could we have a thread for ADHD sufferers who for whatever reason can't use stimulant medication and have found no benefit or too many side effects from other meds. I have a diagnosis and have trialled various medications but cannot take any stimulant type medication due to constant migraines.

Things on my radar are mediation and yoga but really I am interested in anything so any apps, books, podcasts, supplements, strategies, self hypnosis and anything that you have found have helped you with your adhd outside of medication.

Wow also amazing to read how much exercise helps. I got a trainer 1 session a week who also did me a plan that involved eating more calories, upping my daily steps, getting 7 hours sleep , doing a bit of cardio. It is honestyl all the little jigsaw puzzle pieces that help.

I saw an ADHD psychiatrist who told me there is some evidence the mediterranean diet helps adhd - healthy fats basically plus good protein / clean diet.

Also he recommended an antidepressant that is good for focus and motivation and good for adhders which is Vortioxetine. I never got on with sertraline or others but vortioxetine worked for me at the time I needed it.

Misty could you tell us more about your experience with Vortioxetine please?

thank you.

@EmmaEmerald I can't remember sorry. I know sertraline killed my motivation and made me anxious and was a nightmare to taper off (lots of withdrawal). It was during the pandemic. On vortioxetine I was able to focus at work, turn things around there, I think I sustained an exercise routine of sorts, no major side effects.

Thank you, that's interesting

did it affect your sleep at all?

@EmmaEmerald I don't think so.

Thanks everyone for all the great tips and advice lots to look into here interested in the heavy lifting but I'm not a gym member and have no space at home to have heavy weights so that would have to weight although I do have some hand weights and a kettlebell at home so could start with those and look at joining a gym in future.

I probably do run on sugar which I know I reach for to get me though, I don't do much caffeine though I used to be addicted to cola.

The brainzymes looks interesting but contains l-Tyrosine and Guarana which both trigger migraines for me, even the Gingko Biloba seems to cause them. Intermittent fasting and more protein sound good and the magnesium and micro dosing, I looked into this before but I have no contacts to get the necessary supplies these days.

I will try the app too Impulse brain training, I think I get dysregulated and then use bad habits like snacking on sugary things, too much internet etc as an escape so if it helps with that it could be interesting.

I have just noticed there is a board for Neurodiverse mumsnetters so perhaps I should ask on their as well at some point. I plan on putting together a big list for myself so I could do that then post it on there and people can add to it.

Thanks again!

Low carbing
Keeping things simple and not taking on too much
Having a diary on my phone

An SNRI
Decent rest periods
Vitamins, minerals and amino acids
Low sugar and refined sugars
Coffee
Fresh air
Exercise
Tobacco (nicotine) used to help me, but I gave up smoking.

I find high protein diet with lowish carbs helps a bit. I also take methylated b vitamins and folate as I have an mthfr gene mutation. Exercise does help but again its making yourself do it and keeping the routine and I just struggle with that too much.

What is an snri

Interesting as I am crap on decaf and actually got depressed when I came off caffeine

25k steps per day. Shower, teeth etc as soon as I get up, to prevent procrastination. Don't switch the computer on as I will prat around on Ebay (or MN). I don't have a phone as I'd find it too distracting.

selective noroepinephrine reuptake inhibitor

@3crazies I’ve DM’d you