u/lowerdaboom

I've been on vortioxetine for 2 months, upped to 20mg since 2 weeks.

I'm really rooting for this one, no classical SSRI ever did a lot for me and I'm really stuck in a spiral with shitty life circumstances and feeling too overwhelmed to change something.

Thing is I'm abusing alcohol because I'm so fucking tense it feels unbearable sometimes (few beers most nights) and on the weekends often mess with stimulants or mild psychedelics. I guess I'm chronically chemically imbalancing myself. I was wondering if this might make the vortioxetine not work (properly). I mean I know the basic medical answer is "of course", but I'm interested in the nuances.

If I felt just 20% more stable I'd feel more equipped to deal with my destructive habits, too. I'm hoping the two factors (my behaviour and the meds) may become mutually reinforcing in a positive direction.

I've been taking stimulants for ADHD almost daily for ~3 years. Currently on 50mg lisdexamphetamine, but I want to try getting off them since I suspect they make me agitated and impact my social life.

I'm scared of feeling like shit, tired and unmotivated, even if stim withdrawal is said to be fairly short. Anyone got ideas/experiences as for nootropic support?

I was thinking L-tyrosine, ginseng, creatine, guayusa… Maybe some vitamins/minerals? Appreciate any input, also about life off stimulants in general, thx!