Long COVID brain fog and crashes on Adderall, somewhat better with propranolol and salt
- Condition
- Long COVID
- At worst
- Mild (working or studying, with limits)
- Ill before improving or writing
- Not stated
- Last post
- Oct 2026
In their words
- Condition: Long COVID
I’ve seen others talking about how their ADHD meds trigger their long COVID (LC) symptoms. I think I am experiencing this, too.
In context ↗ - At worst: Mild
Work is the hard part, cause that can’t be rescheduled.
In context ↗ - Now: Somewhat better
So far it’s been a few days and my brain fog has improved. I haven’t had any heart palpitations or crashes in energy, either. It appears to be helping!
In context ↗ - Began after: COVID
before I had LC, I tried Wellbutrin
Read from 10 of their posts and comments; links to the 8 this page draws on
Summary
A patient with long COVID and ADHD found their symptoms worsened on Adderall (10-15 mg): shaky weakness, temperature sensitivity, heavy limbs, brain fog as it wore off and crashes needing a four-hour nap. Cutting back gave more energy. Substantial protein-rich breakfasts and extra salt seemed to help; in October 2026, 10 mg propranolol twice daily improved their brain fog and they had no palpitations or energy crashes in the few days since.
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What they tried
What they credit
Also tried
Their words about each treatment
- Concerta · Worse
I also experienced tiredness as a side effect of the adhd meds I had as a kid - Concerta and some patch thing that went on my leg.
In context ↗ - Wellbutrin · Worse
before I had LC, I tried Wellbutrin. It made me really agitated
In context ↗ - Adderall · Worse
I’ve actually found that my symptoms are worse on days that I take my ADHD meds (Adderall). I get shaky/ weak and have fatigue crashes much more easily
In context ↗ - Coffee · Worse
Coffee sometimes helps with my adhd symptoms oddly enough. I have noticed similar LC symptom exacerbation, though not quite as intense, after having coffee.
In context ↗ - increasing protein in diet · Helped
Increasing the amount of protein in my diet seems to help, probably because it’s more complex to digest.
In context ↗ - increasing sodium · Helped
my doctor actually recommended that for me. Increasing sodium did seem to help with the weakness.
In context ↗ - omega 3, 6 and 9 · Helped
I also started supplementing omega 3, 6 and 9 which seems to improve the brain fog and my ability to focus.
In context ↗ - propranolol · Helped
So far it’s been a few days and my brain fog has improved. I haven’t had any heart palpitations or crashes in energy, either.
In context ↗
Approaches: Beta-blockers · Supplements
Their path
How ill they were on the ME/CFS severity scale, estimated from what they describe at each point, in the order they describe; they don’t give enough times to place each step. Hover or tap a point. 1 step says too little to place on the scale and is only in the table. Dates are when they posted. What the levels mean.
Show as a table
| When | What happened | Where they were | After |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | long COVID, with ADHD medication triggering symptomsI’ve seen others talking about how their ADHD meds trigger their long COVID (LC) symptoms. I think I am experiencing this, too.In context ↗ | Not stated | |
| 2026-04-05 | shaky weakness and easier fatigue crashes on Adderallmy symptoms are worse on days that I take my ADHD meds (Adderall). I get shaky/ weak and have fatigue crashes much more easily than when I do not take it.In context ↗ | Mild | |
| 2026-08-06 | on Adderall days stayed home in bed, needed four-hour naps, weak and heavyI usually have to stay home and in bed. End up needing a 4 hour nap at least and going to bed early.In context ↗ | Mild | |
| 2026-10-10 | propranolol twice daily and omega 3/6/9: brain fog better, no palpitations or energy crashesSo far it’s been a few days and my brain fog has improved. I haven’t had any heart palpitations or crashes in energy, either.In context ↗ | Mild | Propranolol (Inderal) |
Adverse events
- Amphetamine salts (Adderall)“my symptoms are worse on days that I take my ADHD meds (Adderall). I get shaky/ weak and have fatigue crashes much more easily than when I do not take it.” In context ↗ Made symptoms worse
- Amphetamine salts (Adderall)“fatigue, I usually have to stay home and in bed. End up needing a 4 hour nap at least and going to bed early. ... brain fog once the meds wear off” In context ↗ Side effects
- Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta)“I also experienced tiredness as a side effect of the adhd meds I had as a kid - Concerta and some patch thing that went on my leg.” In context ↗ Side effects
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin)“before I had LC, I tried Wellbutrin. It made me really agitated” In context ↗ Mood or psychiatric effects
Symptoms mentioned
Their words about their symptoms
- Brain fog
brain fog once the meds wear off
In context ↗ - Heart symptoms & palpitations
I haven’t had any heart palpitations or crashes in energy, either.
In context ↗ - Muscle weakness
weak and feeling heavy like my body is made of sand
In context ↗ - Temperature regulation
temperature sensitivity
In context ↗ - Mast cell (MCAS) & allergies
I have asthma and food allergies/ intolerances, too.
In context ↗ - Gut problems
some spicy foods (stomach pain, bloat, GI upset)
In context ↗
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