I do not function without adderall. Like, don't have any motivation or ability to get out of bed, in general. I vacillate between getting a tolerance for the "instant" pills, or doing better with the extended release. It is truly a godsend, though. I do have side effects, but, they are worth it.
I don't know how you got to swing new/pro vigil. I got my psych to prescribe, but insurance company started acting ridiculous, and wouldn't cover. Out of pocket is $600/month, um, sorry but no. I got one month free from the drug company coupon, and it is a really good drug, I wish I could take it, but it isnt worth $600/mo. out of pocket good.
Couple things I would say-- make sure your Vit D is wayyy up. I have to take RX 50,000 IU/week just to keep mine in the very low range, and I still fall below sometimes. An over-the-counter pill doesn't quite cut it for a lot of people, and Vit D is one of those things that if you are low, you will feel like total crap.
You might try Wellbutrin (Bupropion), an atypical antidepressant. It has "pick me up" qualities, and while its main purpose serves as an antidepressant, it also is used for ADD. One of the only antidepressant drugs that doesn't reduce sex drive, and actually increases libido. Is also used in a different formulation for smoking cessation. It is a pretty good drug, all in all.
If you are really desperate, you could look into piracetam / antiracetam. Keep in mind these are not FDA approved drugs or anything, but there is a well-known community of people who take them as a cognitive enhancer. Research them on the internet-- you would most likely have to take with choline. I am guessing it is not something a doctor would recommend, since it is not FDA approved, but do the research yourself, there is a lot published about them by reputable medical journals/groups, and places to buy on the internet. It is a little trial and error with dosage. Some people finds it helps, other do not.
Also recommended to look into are Bacopa extract and Lion's Mane, both herbal pills that are cognitive enhancers. They will not necessarily make you less sleepy, but taken over time, they can increase your mental acuity, and help break through the brain fog. There is also quite a bit published about these, and they are relatively easy to buy online through Amazon, etc.
oh, and I recommend ZipFizz (its like a crystal light type powder you put in with your water bottle) that contains a lot of vitamins, minerals, caffeine. Gives a little pick-you-up when you need it, but you don't get the crash you get with energy drinks. Can get boxes of it at Costco or online.
