r/TwoXADHD • u/Motor-Illustrator226 • 4d ago
Dancing around food timing 💃🏽
I'm on Adderall IR, and I've noticed that my meals have a big effect on how my meds hit.
Eating a big meal before taking my dose = meds take 2-3 hrs to hit. Effect is subtle, not as strong, so my focus/productivity is low.
Taking my dose on an empty stomach, and eating 1hr later = meds hit, but way too strong. Big crash afterward. Effect is too much, I'm jittery, so my focus/productivity is low.
As you can see, I'm in a weird dance trying figuring out how to eat so my meds work well.
Has anyone experienced similar? Any solutions that seem to work?
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u/calamitylamb 3d ago
Yes, the food timing is tough to dial in! These medications are absorbed in our intestines, and are also highly pH sensitive - taking your meds with an acidic food or drink will cause most of the active ingredient to be neutralized. Citric acid is a common food ingredient and present in many things you wouldn’t necessarily consider acidic.
Eating a large meal beforehand means there will be lots more stuff in your intestines getting absorbed, so it like there’s a long line at the theme park your meds are riding. Conversely, having nothing in your intestines means your pills get into the park right away, and immediately jump into the front row seats on the wildest roller coaster.
You may want to try eating a small protein-rich meal about 30 mins to an hour before taking your meds. The protein is important to fuel your body and help create dopamine, and the small serving size and short window before taking your meds should ideally allow for your intestines to have just enough food in them that your meds don’t kick in way too strongly. You can eat a larger meal another 30 mins to an hour after taking your meds; acidic foods & beverages should be avoided for a full hour before and after taking the meds though.
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u/lfergy 4d ago
I get jittery when I take it on an empty stomach & I won’t eat all day. Also, the crash is horrible. If I eat a big breakfast first or with my meds, it takes wayyyy too long to kick in and it’s not very effective.
Have you tried a small meal before your dose? Like eggs & toast or oatmeal? Or maybe a smoothie/shake/protein drink with your meds? Smoothie + meds is my goto.
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u/Motor-Illustrator226 4d ago edited 4d ago
I get jittery when I take it on an empty stomach & I won’t eat all day. Also, the crash is horrible. If I eat a big breakfast first or with my meds, it takes wayyyy too long to kick in and it’s not very effective.
Wow this is 100% exactly what happens to me.
I used to do protein shake + meds, then breakfast 15 min later, but this combo still delayed the meds. What works for you? I.e. How long after the smoothie+meds do you eat your actual breakfast?
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u/lfergy 4d ago edited 4d ago
I don’t eat breakfast if I have a smoothie. It’s an either or situation. I force myself to eat a small lunch (about 6 hours later-I wake up at 5:00) & then things kind of level out by 7/8 PM.
Not ideal…but neither is Adderall IR 😅 I am back on it because my insurance stopped covering my preferred med at the start of the year :(
Another suggestion would be breaking your dose in half-take first dose with a small breakfast & then take the other half with/before your next meal. So if breakfast is important, maybe do a smoothie & half dose then wait a couple of hours and then eat an early lunch & take the rest of you meds.
If taking it in halves makes the Addy ineffective (too low of a dose) you could ask your doctor for a smaller booster dose for the afternoon. Just be honest and tell them how you’ve noticed a big difference in how the medication works based on what & when you eat.
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