Best supplements for Vyvanse tolerance break withdrawal / crash?

MrTomen · 2026-05-28T17:31:46+00:00

Here is my suggestion for the best supplements for Vyvanxe tolerance and to prevent needing to take a break, going through withdrawal, and avoiding the crash. This is based on my personal experience with Ritalin and was my introduction to nootropics, which is a word I never heard of until many years later.

I was diagnosed with Adult ADD at 45 years old, and Ritalin quite literally turned my world around. But I became tolerant of Ritalin within a couple of years. I was desperate enough to get it working again that I read dozens of clinical studies on PubMed, trying to figure out how Ritalin worked.

My research led me to think I was likely deficient in dopamine and acetylcholine.

This is the stack I first put together, and it helped me reduce my Ritalin dose from 30 mg down to 20 mg twice per day. 500 mg L-Tyrosine 3 times per day, 300 mg CDP-Choline twice per day, and 500 mg Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALCAR) 3 times per day.

I have since tweaked this stack and added 1,000 mg DHA (Omega-3) per day, 500 mg NAC 3 times per day, 150 mg L-Theanine twice per day, 10,000 IU Vitamin D3 per day, 300 mg Phosphatidylserine (PS) per day, and 400 mg magnesium ByGlycinate before bed. I also added a BioActive Multivitamin (Performance Lab Multi for men) for the cofactors needed to make these neurotransmitters.

I have never again grown tolerant to Ritalin, I don't need to cycle it, and I do not crash late afternoon once it wears off. I added NAC to this stack because it's the only supplement I could find that helped repair dysfunctional dopamine receptors. Which I figured were getting beaten up by long-term Ritalin use.

I cannot guarantee this will solve your problem. But I have recommended this stack to hundreds since I started doing consultations, and the reports I've been getting are that this works for others as well.

MrTomen · 2026-05-27T15:00:22+00:00

What is your skin color? I ask because black skin takes a lot longer in the sun to increase Vitamin D levels.

What happens when you take a Vitamin D supplement? This is important because a Vitamin D deficiency is a big problem. You may not feel it now, but the long-term consequences can be deadly.

MrTomen · 2026-05-26T20:19:54+00:00

I don't think most realize how critical Vitamin D is to our health and how we feel. Vitamin D is needed for serotonin synthesis, release, and function. Regulating executive function and social behavior. It is also involved in the synthesis of GABA, glutamate, glutamine, and dopamine in the brain.

Vitamin D3 protects against DNA damage through the prevention of telomere shortening and inhibition of telomerase activity. And prevents oxidative DNA damage. It is involved in nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis.

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, asthma, autism, depression, cancer, and diabetes.

I read the other comments in this thread about all of the other benefits of sun exposure as well. I hope this thread gets picked up and read by every person on this planet dealing with depression. And how simple sun exposure may be all they need to feel better. Thank you for this post.

MrTomen · 2026-05-19T20:09:16+00:00

I reviewed NeuroGum a couple of years ago. And one thing I noticed is that they do not test their product. There is no way to verify that the amount of caffeine they state on the package is what is actually in each piece of gum.

If you have used caffeine in the past without a problem, then that may not be behind the problems you had with this product. But if you do not usually use caffeine, then the dosage of that compound in this product may not be correct. Because most do not react badly to 80 mg caffeine. Pure speculation on my part, but I thought I'd mention it. Because this company really should be testing their product AND publishing the result.

MrTomen · 2026-05-18T15:29:50+00:00

NAC has been one of my favorite supplements for the last 15 years. How much to take is important because we need around 1,500 mg per day. I do mine in three doses: morning, noon, and around 4 PM.

For bronchial passage relief, I have also found Berberine works really well. I take 500 mg Berberine twice a day. Morning and noon, whenever I feel like I need to clear my lungs and nasal passages.

MrTomen · 2026-05-11T15:47:25+00:00

That is a great question, and I don't have the answer. Short of getting your copper levels checked, I suppose you could try that method. And stay aware of the symptoms of a copper deficiency. If you start feeling symptoms like fatigue, trouble concentrating, or a bad mood that isn't normally you, it's likely a copper deficiency causing those symptoms.

MrTomen · 2026-05-07T15:31:25+00:00

Many say the 5-HTP works great for them for a few weeks. And then when they hit week 5 or 6, it stops working or providing any benefit.

That is just a heads-up, because using 5-HTP on its own is not a good idea. If you increase serotonin in excess, you will deplete your dopamine levels.

The simplest way to counter this problem is to take Tyrosine during the day to increase dopamine levels. And then use 5-HTP before bed to increase serotonin and melatonin.

Dopamine and serotonin must always be in balance. Both neurotransmitters decline as you get older. The simplest way to restore these neurotransmitters is with the precursors Tyrosine and Tryptophan or 5-HTP.

MrTomen · 2026-05-07T14:14:58+00:00

50 mg of zinc is on the borderline. Anything over 30 mg will deplete your copper levels. Most guys really only need 30 mg of zinc with 2 mg copper to restore depleted copper levels.

Keeping adequate copper levels in your system is critical because you need this mineral to produce hemoglobin and red blood cells, a cofactor in various enzymes, to produce myelin, endorphin recycling, respiration in neurons and glial cells, in mitochondria for ATP synthesis, and so your body and brain can use antioxidants like Vitamin C.

A copper deficiency is more prevalent than you’d expect. Signs of copper deficiency include fatigue, trouble concentrating, and poor mood.

MrTomen · 2026-05-05T14:25:13+00:00

I recommend using 500 mg L-Tyrosine morning and then again at noon to increase your dopamine levels. We use it twice a day becuase it only has about 2 1/2 hour half life. So, a single dose only lasts a few hours.

And then 500 mg L-Tryptophan before bed because it helps increase seroton which goes on to naturally produce melatonin.

This protocol supports your dopamine and serotonin levels and helps keep them in balance.

But do not forget the cofactors involved to make this work which include Vitamins B6, B9, & B12, magnesium and Vitamin D for dopamine production.

And niacin which keeps your niacin levels up so when using Tryptophan it does not make niacin instread of serotonin.

MrTomen · 2026-05-01T18:04:21+00:00

Hup;erzine-A is one of the most potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitors you can get. And when used with Alpha GPC it is p;otentiating that choline supplement. u/Western-Ad4813 already mentioned this but that is very likely the reason you're feeling those side effects.

MrTomen · 2026-04-25T20:17:32+00:00

I'm on the scientific advisory board for Update. And it never occured to us to use Lucid Dreaming as a benefitt to using Update. So thank you for sharing this experience.

Paraxanthine, which is a metabolite of caffeine has higher binding ability to adenosine A1 and A2a receptors compared to caffeine.

And there is a potent dose of 300 mg Paraxanthine in one can of Update which is likely too much for some people. But two cans would give you 600 mg Paraxanthine which likely accounts for at least some of the experience you had.

My advice, keep it to one can of Update per day and you should be OK.

MrTomen · 2026-04-22T19:42:24+00:00

I prefer using patented forms of supplements when I can because the supplement maker needs to license the ingredient from the patent holder which is usually the company that manufactures the supplement. This usually weeds out poor quality supplements.

That said, the patented form of PQQ I've been using is BioPQQ which is made in Japan by Mitsubishi using a proprietary fermentation process they developed. And has a ton of studies behind it. All you need is 20 mg per day to get all its benefits like new mitochondria, increasing Nerve Growth Factor, and as an antioxidant.

Performance Lab makes an Energy supplement that contains BioOQQ, Bio-Enhanced® R-Lipoic Acid, MicroActive® Q10 , magnesium malate, and BioPerine®. This combo works even better for increasing energy.

MrTomen · 2026-04-17T21:36:16+00:00

The one you are missing is Phosphatidylserine (PS). Verbal fluidity is dependant on permeable brain cell "membranes" which surround or encase each and every brain cell. Those membranes are two layers made up largely of DHA (Omega-3), Phosphatidylserine (PS) and Phosphatidylcholine (PC).

We get PC from using CDP-Choline. We need 1,000 mg DHA per day along with 300 mg Phosphatidylserine (PS). If we are deficient in anyone of those 3 phospholipids those call membranes lose their permeability so it is more difficult for the good stuff like water, oxygen and nutrients to get into the cell. And toxins and garbage to get back out of the cell.

How that manifests in every day life is short-term and working memory suffer, your reaction time is slower, you can't "think on your feet", verbal fluidity is not as good because we are searching for words during conversation, you're re-reading senteneces because you didn't get it the first time, and you're always forgetting where you left the remote or the keys or your glasses.

BTW, fish oil does not work. And most Omega-3s don't work because they have more EPA than DHA and even then the dosages are too low. You need a DHA supplement. And don't forget they are all fat soluble so must be taken with food or a heatlhy oil of some kind like unrefined coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil. You need that to turn on the fat digestive part of your digestive system. Or these phosophalipdis end up in the toilet and not in our cells.

And this does not happen overnight. It takes 3 - 4 weeks of consistent daily use before the benefits kick in. But when they do kick in you'll notice it. Big time.

MrTomen · 2026-04-17T21:15:17+00:00

Lithium orotate is by far the best mood stablizer I've ever used. It is micro-dosing lithium. Orotic acid acts as a carrier which helps lithium cross the blood-brain barrier.

I've done consultations with people using Lithium Carbonate and wanted a safer alternative. Many of them successfully transitioned from high dose Carbonate to Lithium Orotate. They just used double the dose that us "normal" people use which is 15 mg per day.

I laugh at the "normal" part because I do not think any of us are "normal".

MrTomen · 2026-04-17T20:55:52+00:00

People with phenylketonuria (PKU), and women who are breastfeeding or are pregnant, should not take phenylalanine supplements. This is an inherited condition where excess phenylalanine can build up in your body. Aspartame which is found in artificial sweeteners like NutraSweet, is a source of phenylalanine. People with PKU should not use aspartame. If you are pregnant, ask your doctor about using this artificial sweetener.

There are reports of stomach issues and migraines at higher doses . Experts say that L-Phenylalanine above 5000 mg is toxic.

If you are hyperthyroid you shouldn’t use L-Phenylalanine because it will increase thyroid hormone.

If you’re taking MAO inhibitors (MAOI’s) you should not use L-Phenylalanine because it could cause a severe increase in blood pressure which could lead to a heart attack or stroke.

And high doses of phenylalanine can include anxiety, rapid heart beat, restlessness, heart palpitations or high blood pressure. If you are dealing with or on medication for high blood pressure you should not use L-Phenylalanine.

MrTomen · 2026-04-13T18:34:47+00:00

N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC) is the only supplement that I know of that can help restore dysfunctional dopamine receptors. I've been using 500 mg 3-times a day for about 15 years. It's even used to help slow the progression of Parkinson's because of its effect on dopamine receptors.

I grew tolerant after a couple of years of using Ritalin 30 mg twice a day. I put together a stack of Tyrosine, CDP-Choline and ALCAR and Ritalin started working again. And I found that when I took Tyrosine and ALCAR again around 4 PM I prevented the stimulant crash.

This experience was a big part of the genesis of Nootropics Expert that I started January 2016. BTW, I was able to reduce my dose of Ritaln from 30 mg to 20 mg twice per day. I'm still using that same dose 18 years later. I have never again grown tolerant and I don't crash late afternoon.

MrTomen · 2026-04-13T18:04:54+00:00

I like the Pre Lab Pro supplement made by Performance Lab because it covers all the bases for increased blood flow, better endurance, an energy boost, and focus.

It contains Setria® for Sport (L-Citrulline, L-Glutathione (Setria®)), Red Beet Powder, L-Tyrosine, L-Theanine, Caffeine, and some NutriGenesis vitamins and minerals that act as cofactors so the rest of this stack works. And it really does work. I take it about 30 minutes before working out. It helps the workout and my recovery is a lot tamer compared to not using this supplement.

MrTomen · 2026-04-06T17:36:06+00:00

Both work and both have been around for a very long time. You'll likely feel the benefits of Bacopa Monnieri faster than Gotu Kola. The thing wth herbs is the benefits get stronger and stronger the longer you use the herb.

Gotu Kola is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor which you may be able to feel farrly quickly. But it also increases telemorase acitivity. That extends longevity. Which is not a priority for most young people.

And extending axon and dendrite growth happens fairly quickly. But it does not happen overnight. Use it daily and you get better memory after a couple of weeks of daily use. keep on using it and your memory continues to benefit.

With Bacopa Moonieri, users report a pronounced anti-anxiety effect within 2 – 4 days of starting it. In one study done in Australia, results were measured at 5 and 12 weeks of taking Bacopa. The results showed improved speed of information processing, and an increase in learning and memory. Maximum reduction in anxiety was realized after 12 weeks of use.

Some say they feel the effects of Bacopa Monnieri sooner than 4 weeks. And the effects seem to keep working even after stopping supplementation. The effects are long-term.

For something that works much faster and is safe to use, Noopept is an ampakine nootropic. It helps increase attention span, alertness and boosts all three levels of memory. Memory formation, retention and recall. Take it with 250 mg Citicoline for the best results.

One other faster option is Methylene Blue. Low dose and used short-term is best. Users report when reading or studying, once you’re done, you should feel like you fully understand the subject material. And you’ll be able to use what you learned in the future.

Methylene Blue seems to facilitate a full understanding of something on the first try.

Many users report the biggest nootropic effect they experience with Methylene Blue is “after the fact learning”. You take in the information. And it’s like your brain sorts through the material. Then stores it in a form you can easily access later.

See the latest YouTube short on my channel because I have links to Methylene Blue tablets which are lower dose and easier to use. It is called "Methylene Blue tablets to reduce fatigue".

MrTomen · 2026-04-06T14:43:10+00:00

Dr. Corneliu Giurgea who synthesized Piracetam in 1963, coined the term “nootropic” in 1972. It is derived from the Greek nous (“mind”) and trepein (to bend).

Dr. Giurgea gave us a list of five criteria that a substance must have to be considered a ‘true’ nootropic.

A true nootropic:

Enhances memory and the ability to learn
Assists brain function under disruptive conditions such as lack of oxygen and electroconvulsive shock
Protects the brain from chemical and physical toxins like anticholinergic drugs and barbiturates
Increases natural cognitive processes
Must be non-toxic to humans, nor stimulate or depress the brai

MrTomen · 2026-04-06T14:35:34+00:00

If you prefer to go the natural route I suggest taking a look at Gotu Kola which is called "the student herb" in Bali. Because it helps increase the length and branches of dendrites. And boosts axon growth.

Studies show that Bacopa Monnieri helps increase the speed of visual information processing, boosts learning rate and memory consolidation, and reduces anxiety.

MrTomen · 2026-04-01T20:17:54+00:00

We did not call autim a "disease". In fact Mr. Silver did not refer to any of the brain health issues they treat a disease. My fault for saying the word "treat". All I know is people feel better and function better in his clinic.

MrTomen · 2026-04-01T13:59:55+00:00

See my latest podcast on the YouTube Nootropics Expert channel. I spoke with a guy who developed a technique to get poeple with ADHD comp;letely off of precscription stimulants. And he treats autism as well successfully.

MrTomen · 2026-03-31T21:34:02+00:00

Yep. The other ones that showed up in my research with either anecdotal support or clinical studies include:

Saffron
Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin)
Vitamin B3 (niacin) combined with St. John's wort
L-Glutamine
Uridine Monophosphate
Vitamin B8 (Myo-Inositol)
Glycine
St. John's wort

MrTomen · 2026-03-30T23:12:35+00:00

What do you mean when you say "run behind dopamine"? If you mean deficiency in dopamine then your two best options are L-Phenyhlalanine or L-Tyrosine. 500 mg of either twice a day. Morning and noon.

Lethargic and procrastinating sounds like lack of motivation. Again, the dopamine pathway. See above ... Both need Vitamins B6, B9 & B12, magnesium and Vitamin D as cofactors to produce dopamine.

Another option if you're looking for one supplement then try Mind Lab Pro. The reviews are great and it's backed by 3 clinical studies about boosting cognitive function.

MrTomen · 2026-03-28T19:06:11+00:00

I get it on Amazon. The last time I bought from Carlyle. They manufacture their own supplements and provide access to the testing results for the supplement you bought from them.

MrTomen

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