Amphetamines and Lucidity

**LifeIstheDream** · 03-06-2013 03:02 AM

Hi, this is my first post on this forum, and I'm really enjoying the conversation here! I'm glad to have found it.

I've kept a record of my dreams for about eight months now, in attempt to obtain lucidity more often. I've only been successful three times.

For about a year to date, I've taken Adderall 20-30mg, a prescription amphetamine for ADD, for those who don't know, and I was wondering if it would have any affect on obtaining lucidity. I notice many differences in my daily life when I'm not on it, and my reality seems much more pure and natural. I find it very hard to be fully aware of everything that's going on in my waking life while on it. I feel that taking Adderall is impeding my ability to get lucid.

Has anyone else encountered problems with lucidity because of amphetamines?

**sonicwhite** · 03-06-2013 03:40 AM

I take ritalin.....And used to be a meth head. I have ADD, lack of attention, that's all. But, coming down off of them, like if your doc ripped them from you and you have to withdrawal you would prolly have alot of lucid dreams....I don't know why it's like that but, when I was smoking meth and lost my marbles and ended up in jail, I was coming down bad and, I mean bad and I had some almost every night for two months....lucid dream's about the end times..............to me what it felt like...but, I do not suggest that you stop. Do what your doc say's...That's no reason just to obtain lucidity.

**creo44** · 03-08-2013 07:25 AM

I'm not on any prescription nor am I an expert on the topic but I have been studying neuroscience/pharmacology for a few years so this thread caught my interest. Prescription drugs that treat ADD/ADHD often target neurotransmitter release/re-uptake/precursors. These can have an effect on many aspects of a person's life outside of the condition initially prescribed for. Specifically- many such drugs interfere with REM cycles and sleep quality in general, impacting the frequency and latency of dreams.

That being said, as sonicwhite mentioned- dont stop taking medication if it is not safe to do so. Perhaps there are other ways to counteract any negative effects medications have on the ability to lucid dream?

**LifeIstheDream** · 03-08-2013 02:36 PM

Oh, wow. I just figured I was being forgetful when I felt as if I wasn't having as many dreams as usual after taking adderall. This makes a lot of sense!
It's not a big deal if I stop taking it - it's really only a performance enhancing drug - so I can focus in school better. I have a lot of problems focusing, but that doesn't mean I can't still get things done. I never take it on weekends.

When I fall asleep after a day of taking it, I feel so much less aware than the hyper awareness it gives me during the day. This makes a strong difference between my dreams and reality, making it harder to determine whether or not I'm dreaming.

**LifeIstheDream** · 03-08-2013 02:40 PM

Originally Posted by creo44

Perhaps there are other ways to counteract any negative effects medications have on the ability to lucid dream?

By this do you mean taking supplements like vitamin B6 or melatonin to alter my rem cycles?

**paigeyemps** · 03-09-2013 09:10 AM

**moved to Lucid Aids**

**~~Alyzarin~~** · 03-09-2013 03:12 PM

Stimulants are very, very bad for your chances of getting lucid, especially because most of them also cause significant norepinephrine release. Both this and dopamine to an extent as well will drastically lower your chances of clarity in dreams and also directly suppress REM sleep. They'll also make your quality of sleep much poorer, so even if you do get lucid it's likely to be less significant.

Originally Posted by sonicwhite

I take ritalin.....And used to be a meth head. I have ADD, lack of attention, that's all. But, coming down off of them, like if your doc ripped them from you and you have to withdrawal you would prolly have alot of lucid dreams....I don't know why it's like that but, when I was smoking meth and lost my marbles and ended up in jail, I was coming down bad and, I mean bad and I had some almost every night for two months....lucid dream's about the end times..............to me what it felt like...but, I do not suggest that you stop. Do what your doc say's...That's no reason just to obtain lucidity.

It's most probably like that because stimulant withdrawal causes very large amounts of prolactin to be in your system. Prolactin has a REM-enhancing effect.

**LifeIstheDream** · 03-09-2013 04:11 PM

Originally Posted by creo44

It's most probably like that because stimulant withdrawal causes very large amounts of prolactin to be in your system. Prolactin has a REM-enhancing effect.

So, as I am on a break from my medicine this whole week for spring break, does this mean that my withdrawal will enhance the length of my dreams for this week, and my chance for lucidity will be increased? :O

**~~Alyzarin~~** · 03-09-2013 04:55 PM

Originally Posted by LifeIstheDream

So, as I am on a break from my medicine this whole week for spring break, does this mean that my withdrawal will enhance the length of my dreams for this week, and my chance for lucidity will be increased? :O

It's possible.... It may not be nearly as intense as what sonicwhite got because meth is stronger than Adderall and the doses he used were almost assuredly much larger and more frequent than what you're on, but if you've been taking your dose every day then there could be some kind of boost. It should be easier for you to do it than when you are taking your dose, in whatever case.

Keep in mind that when I say stimulant withdrawal, I mean like... when you're to the point of being physically and mentally ill because you're not on the drug. That's when those really high prolactin levels show up. It's not something you should ever consider chasing or thinking of as a viable option for lucidity. But you probably will get some lessened but similar effect.

**LifeIstheDream** · 03-09-2013 05:48 PM

Originally Posted by Alyzarin

It's not something you should ever consider chasing or thinking of as a viable option for lucidity. But you probably will get some lessened but similar effect.

I'm not using my lack of medication as an induction technique, I just want to know if it's a significant factor in obtaining lucidity. You've answered this question already, and I thank you.
I've been getting really close to lucidity and I feel as if the amphetamine is getting in the way.

**~~Alyzarin~~** · 03-09-2013 05:51 PM

Yeah, that is likely the case. I couldn't imagine getting lucid very easily on amphetamine.

**sonicwhite** · 03-09-2013 07:25 PM

I don't think it is wise for you to stop just to obtain lucidity....And I know your going to be on break and stuff but, how long have you been taking adderall. Because chances are your going to get very sick because of the coming down.....And, in turn you may have lucid dreams but, they may also be nightmares which in my case they where because of the pain of withdrawal....Now if you can handle those withdrawals....well more power to ya....Most ppl who are on those type meds have to be on them all the time but, I'm not bashing you....just don't want you to do thru some pain that you didn't have too.

**LifeIstheDream** · 03-10-2013 04:40 AM

I've been taking adderall for about a year to date. On days I don't take it, I feel a very strong mental, but not physical, urge to take it when it isn't entirely necessary that I do. I've taken it regularly for the duration of the year, skipping some weekends and some weeks for a break...I can handle the withdrawal. I sometimes really feel uncomfortable taking it, and desire more than anything to stop. I think it's a good thing that I stop for the week, for the sake of my mental sanity, and for the sake of obtaining lucidity. I'm sure if I feel any pain this week, I can take it. I've experienced plenty of pain in my past....I'm just going to hope for the best and above all, GET LUCID!!