Drugs that *actually* work for ADHD & Getting Shit Done

Every biohacker has an origin story. A time and a place that they decided to take extreme agency over their personal health and to be willing to do whatever it takes to find what they need in order to accomplish their goals.

I was diagnosed late with ADHD, after it had debilitated numerous aspects of my life for the entirety of my life. Relationships, education, the gift of a creative brain yet zero drive to actually bring anything into fruition. In that respect ADHD can be a living nightmare, looking outwards from a mental prison that you didn't deserve to be in. Watching others make their dreams come true because they can do the work whilst your brain eternally holds you hostage.

Things don't have to be this way.

After years of self-experimentation, I've assembled everything that actually made a tangible difference for me. Are things perfect? No. With ADHD, there will never be a combination of drugs that make every single day a dream; making peace with this is a big step towards changing things. I still have off days like anybody else. However when I need to lock in and move mountains, I've got the tools to get the job done and blow away the competition.

Many of these depend on one's individual biochemistry, what works for me may not work for you; these are solely my lived experiences. Assume for every drug on this list there's a chance you may not be a significant responder, yet there will be other people whom it is life-changing. There's simply no way of knowing until you try. Let's get to it.

TLDR: Modafinil is the closest thing to the Limitless pill we have, Bromantane benefits a number of areas of life, Selank and Semax are modest but solid tools best stacked together, Mexidol is a "soft" locking in tool, Pinealon makes every area of cognition just that bit sharper, and Epitalon can fix your sleep schedule.

Prescription Stimulants

You're likely reading this as traditional ADHD stimulants have failed you, or you aren't able to legally access them, so I'll keep this section modest.

I've tried the two mainly available types, Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) and Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse, Vyvanse), both legally through my prescription as someone actually with ADHD, no LARPing.

Methylphenidate - This drug never sat right with me from the off. I never felt any real cognitive enhancements, and after about two weeks of being titrated up I developed a concerning feeling in my chest, like a heaviness around my heart. I stopped after only 3-4 weeks of use. ECGs and bloods thankfully confirmed nothing of concern, although the feeling took another couple of weeks to go away.

Lisdexamfetamine - My first real success with ADHD medication. The honeymoon period, that first few weeks (months in some people) where everything just works. You feel ecstatic, you get chores done, performance at your job improves. It's a little like finally being let out of the aforementioned mental prison and living like the neurotypical. However, this will run out at some point and it becomes something you do every day, and the same habits that were debilitating in the first place will start to come back to varying degrees. Taking a prodrug of amphetamine just to scroll Reels is a very real possibility once you're out of the honeymoon phase.

Now, the downside beyond the honeymoon phase. Regular amphetamine usage will make them less responsive, just like any drug. Your dopamine system will continue to change - actual dopamine response increases greatly on the meds, but dopamine production decreases even whilst you're still taking them.

You may wonder, if they're so effective why would you ever stop taking them? Well, for me I successfully ran Elvanse for around eight months without issues, and it meaningfully improved my life. I took a break from it of around five weeks over Christmas, and when I restarted taking it in January I had a raft of bad side effects that had never happened before. Red flushing spots that persisted, chest discomfort, skin turning blueish in places and new visible signs of ageing. Something had changed and I had no way of knowing what, just that the drug I was enjoying had turned on me and would've continued to cause significant harm if I continued using it.

Withdrawal from amphetamines can be awful, and it was for me. As we'll cover, this is one area where the drugs that work for me now really win big. Within a week of stopping Elvanse, I started to develop some very negative thoughts which grew into complete anhedonia. For about six weeks after, I had zero desire to live. Everything felt dull, bleak and I had some seriously dark, scary days. If you're in that place for any reason, please talk to someone first.

This was my origin story. I spent hours a day researching things I could take to feel like I didn't want to end things, and how I could build a sustainable system moving forward to get as many of the benefits of amphetamines with the smallest possible downside. The result? After years of tinkering, I now have a strong roster of things that just work. I can generate dependable productivity as needed without meaningful side effects. Isn't that the dream? Let's take a look at what I'm running.

My Stack for Annihilating Workloads and Moving Mountains

The first foray outside the world of known, established Western medicine can be intimidating. Hell, the first time I ordered Bromantane I felt like I was buying narcotics, even after weeks of research. You're stepping outside of a system that you've been told is to protect you, so feeling apprehensive is completely normal. In retrospect, Bromantane is mild and with an excellent safety profile, but it felt like a giant leap of faith at the time.

These are the big needle movers that I've found work meaningfully. We'll look at what they are, how I run them, what you should expect to feel, the pros, cons, potential risks and where to source them.

THE MODAFINILS (MODA AND ARMODA)

The Limitless pill? Not quite, but one of the closest things we have, and probably the finest example of the individual biochemistry issue mentioned earlier. In short, variations in the enzyme CYP3A4 are usually attributed with dictating whether you respond to either Modafinil or Armodafinil. Without genetic testing there's no way of knowing which variation you have and which you'll get on with. I feel like nobody discusses this, but you really need to try both for this reason.

MODAFINIL & ARMODAFINIL:

What are they? Central nervous system stimulants and wakefulness promoters, used to treat narcolepsy

How do they feel?

• Feeling of wakefulness, being "switched on" mentally

• Tunnel vision on your work. Something diverts you, you snap back to it instantly

• Multiple hours of high quality work without distraction. Depending on dose this can be as high as 8-10+ hours

• Appetite suppression similar to amphetamines

• Lift in motivation, desire to get work done

• Quietens ADHD "head noise", allows for a calmer thinking environment

For me, I don't respond to Modafinil, it does almost nothing for me. Armodafinil however, gives me around 4-6 hours of fiery, intense focus and a feeling of alertness for the rest of the day, and that is only on a half dose. As with any medicine, one should start small and move up as needed.

Risks:

• As it is used to treat narcolepsy, it will keep you awake if you're sloppy with when you take it. Take it within an hour of waking, and figure out the lowest dose that allows you to get the work you need to do done so you don't affect your sleep

• Similar to amphetamines, the appetite suppression can lead to undesired weight loss if not managed. If you have a few pounds to lose, this can be a plus. Also dehydration can be an issue. Ideally have a high protein breakfast and keep fluids at hand throughout the day

• Headaches can occur for some as the Modafinils increase the demand for choline in the brain, similar to the grogginess that one can get from Cyproheptadine. A diet high in choline (dairy, eggs, organs etc) can be enough, but if you find yourself having issues then something like Alpha-GPC can top you back up

• The serious risk worth noting is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) which is an extremely rare reaction to a number of medicines. Developing any new rashes in the first few weeks means you need to stop immediately and see a doctor

• The Modafinils can also impact the metabolism of a number of medicines, both speeding up and slowing down effects. Users of hormonal contraceptives, immunosuppressants, antivirals, sedatives, antidepressants, blood thinners and anticonvulsants should research further before starting

Dose, Timing & Summary

As with anything new, start small (50-100mg) and titrate up depending on response. Take within an hour of waking, earlier the better. The dose I personally run regularly is 125mg of Armodafinil (half an ArmodaXL). I could go higher, but my workload doesn't validate it. 125mg is plenty enough for me to charge through hours of work on demand. I don't use it every day, just on the days where there's a lot to do.

So no, it isn't NZT-48, but if there's any one drug that gets you remotely in the same postcode, it's Modafinil. For someone looking to power through the hard work, this is the one.

BROMANTANE:

What is it? Soviet-era actoprotector developed to boost physical and mental endurance under stress

How does it feel?

Unlike the Modafinils, Bromantane is a slow burn. It works by increasing one's natural dopamine production over time, hence making it a highly logical fit for ADHD, where dopamine production is impacted. Once it saturates over a period of weeks, here's how it can feel:

• Colours become more vibrant, a big sign of dopamine levels being restored

• Increased physical resilience across the board, hence why WADA bans it. Performance ceiling for both cardio and lifting increases and you bounce back quicker

• Better task initiation, small annoying jobs are no longer off-putting. More gets done, and in a more timely fashion

• Modest increase in drive and motivation

Risks:

• The fact that Bromantane is only prescribed in Russia and the vast majority of research comes from Russian medical bodies means that there is still a lot that is unknown about the exact mechanism of action and a lack of long term human data

• Some report insomnia, or difficulty sleeping, and high doses (200mg+) can cause headaches

• Some also report an increase in irritability and mild digestive changes

Dose, Timing and Summary

Russian pharma dosing is between 50-200mg per day, run in courses of two to four weeks. Among biohackers it is often run for six to eight weeks, which is what I've always done. It had a profound impact on a number of areas and I never went above 50mg a day. I will be experimenting on using higher doses in the near future. It can be mildly stimulating for some, so take it in the morning or early afternoon to avoid potential issues.

I've never had anything other than a good experience with Bromantane and it is a favourite of mine. It was my first foray into nootropics, and made a meaningful increase in the ease of my daily life. I had zero side effects and will continue to run it moving forward.

SELANK & SEMAX :

What is it? Russian developed peptides used as anti-anxiety medications and for increased focus, mental energy and stress resilience

Why are these one entry? For me these are both very subtle, worth trying individually but very commonly run together as they are highly complementary. Some users report big benefits, so again it appears to be an individual biochemistry issue.

How do they feel?

Selank:

• Modest but noticeable anxiolysis without heavy sedation, although slightly sedating for some

• Reduction of racing thoughts

• Elevated BDNF levels, supporting neuroplasticity

• Immune support from Selank's parent peptide, tuftsin

Semax:

• Subtle increase in social fluidity - jokes, quips and remarks come out a little smoother

• Subtle increase in focus and working memory

• Used in Russia for neuroprotective purposes, recovery after ischemic strokes. Suggestion it may protect neurons from oxidative stress

• Mildly mood elevating

Risks:

• Selank in particular is known for causing hair shedding and in some cases it can affect the hairline

• Similar to Bromantane, neither has huge long term safety and efficacy data outside of Russia

• Potential for dizziness and headaches

• Can individually or paired cause over-stimulation, jitteriness etc or sleep disruption if taken too late

Dose, Timing and Summary

My dose for these has been 285mcg of each, or two of each on days where I need a little extra help. I never found them stimulating but some do, so assess your individual response first. These have been a steady "daily driver" on days where I need to do a little work that I don't fancy doing, or for social events for anxiolysis and increased social fluidity. Solid, good risk profile and worth trying. Unremarkable for me personally, but they do enough of a job to warrant a space in the rotation.

MEXIDOL (EMOXYPINE SUCCINATE):

What is it? Russian drug and antioxidant structurally similar to Vitamin B6, used as an antihypoxic and neuroprotective agent for stroke recovery, anxiety, substance withdrawal symptoms and more

How does it feel?

• Mexidol increases cerebral blood flow and microcirculation, meaning it can improve performance in memory, mental endurance and attention

• This for me has also given me a feeling of warmth sometimes, similar to how aspirin or magnesium can, but not as strongly as T3

• Light anxiolytic without sedation

• Can be lightly stimulating

• Not really tangible, but mechanism of action neutralises free radicals and supports cell respiration. Should make the brain healthier, even if you can't feel it acutely

Risks:

• As with others, evidence base is almost entirely Russian

• Can cause minor GI discomfort

• Drowsiness or lethargy reported at high doses

• Can significantly increase the effects of benzodiazepines, sleep medications, anxiolytics and antidepressants

• Contraindicated in liver or kidney dysfunction, in pregnancy, severe lactose intolerance or lactase deficiency as many tablets contain lactose. Lactose not an issue in powder form

Dose, Timing and Summary

For me Mexidol is a great near-daily driver as a supportive part of the stack. I take one standard pill, 125mg most days. The stimulation can be a little much when stacked with others, so only add one thing at a time when you're stacking, and be aware it could impact sleep if taken late. When I ran my "all-out" social fluidity stack of Pinealon, Epitalon, Semax, Selank and Progesterone things were near perfect, but adding Mexidol on top made it a bit over-stimulating and uncomfortable. That is a pretty big stack that I wouldn't recommend anyone starting all at once, but it serves as an example of how one thing can tip you over the edge.

PINEALON:

What is it? Russian developed (Khavinson) peptide for wider cognitive support, pineal function and sleep-wake cycle regularity

How does it feel?

• Feeling of everything cognitive performing a little better. I best describe this as "having the bolts in your brain tightened".

• The best individual social fluidity enhancer on this list

• Thoughts come about more cleanly, memory recall feels faster and cleaner

• Slight benefit to task initiation and creativity

• Possible long term brain health benefits

• Deeper, higher quality sleep with vivid, memorable dreams

Risks:

• Again, evidence base almost entirely Russian

• Bioregulator class of drugs, whilst very promising are severely understudied, even by Russian standards. Almost all evidence is from Khavinson's own work in vitro and rodent models

• Long term effects pretty much unknown

Dose, Timing and Summary

I love this stuff and will be commencing my next cycle shortly. It can be cycled for 10-30 days at a time then left to take a break for equal to or longer than the administration phase. For me, this is the widest scope cognitive enhancer I've tried yet other than Bromantane, it just doesn't have the physical benefits Bromantane has. Even better cycled with Epitalon.

As with all Khavinson work, discussion on timing and dosing varies. I was using 1.4mg per dose. There's no harm in having more, but Khavinson's own work alluded to there being limited and non-exponential benefit in higher doses. Most Western research chemical companies dose significantly higher than the original Russian doses. I personally found the best timing to be earlier in the day, as I did notice acute cognitive benefit on the days I took it, without stimulation.

The benefits have somewhat persisted and on the whole I feel sharper mentally than when I started it, even two months after my first cycle. I'll be very interested to see what the next cycle brings. Highly synergistic with Epitalon.

EPITALON:

What is it? Russian developed (Khavinson) peptide for pineal gland function, supports natural melatonin production and sleep patterns

How does it feel?

• Acutely, not a huge difference day to day except from getting tired earlier

• Significant improvement in sleep pattern regulation. I've had severely inverted sleep ever since my early teens and Epitalon was the only thing that improved it

• Went from sleeping at 4/5/6am to sleeping around 1/2am. Being up at stupid hours now feeling significantly more tiring and less natural

• Not felt but proposed to activate telomerase, protecting chromosomes for healthy and possibly slowed ageing

Risks:

• Again, evidence base almost entirely Russian

• Bioregulator class of drugs, whilst very promising are severely understudied, even by Russian standards. Almost all evidence is from Khavinson's own work in vitro and rodent models

• Long term effects pretty much unknown

Dose, Timing and Summary

Similarly to Pinealon, the debate is far and wide on optimal practice. I was taking 285mcg Epitalon but my next cycle will be 3mg, taken several hours before bed. Highly synergistic with Pinealon, as you're attacking two angles of the sleep issue - both the depth and quality, plus addressing the circadian issues prominent in ADHD. I got the longest and highest quality sleep whilst on cycle with these and for a while after. It can be cycled for 10-30 days at a time then left to take a break for equal to or longer than the administration phase.

SOURCES:

These are all products and vendors I personally use and trust. Do your own due diligence as the market is flooded with low quality vendors - don't put your health at risk.

Modafinil (Free samples here)

• USA

• UK** **

• EU

• AU

Armodafinil (Free samples here)

• USA

• UK

• EU

• AU

Bromantane:

• USA (10% off with code "ZYGO")

• UK, EU - PGLchem

Selank:

• USA

• UK, EU - Semaxpolska

Semax:

• USA

• UK, EU - Semaxpolska

Mexidol:

• USA, UK, EU - RuPills

Pinealon:

• USA (10% off with code "ZYGO")

• UK, EU - Semaxpolska

Epitalon:

• USA (10% off with code "ZYGO")

• UK, EU - Semaxpolska

SUMMARY

By deliberately stacking compounds which address the mechanistic issues within ADHD (or general laziness towards work), we can break down the barriers and finally start to tap into the resources we know we have. Hell, I wrote this in one sitting off an Armodafinil and a Mexidol.

You don't have to battle your brain every day. A couple of correct decisions when it comes to enhancement can open up a whole new world of opportunity for you - my ability to work has never been better and my life has transformed hugely because of it. Just imagine what you can achieve once you have no limit?

Take the cognitionpill, anon.

Not medical advice.