If you are living or traveling to India and have ADHD or another medical reason that requires Adderall, you better familiarize yourself with the laws surrounding this medication beforehand. Adderall is essentially a medical form of amphetamine, which makes it a highly controlled substance in most parts of the world. 

Is Adderall legal in India?

Adderall is not legal in India at this point in time. If you are traveling with your prescription, leave it at home. While unknowingly arriving with your Adderall prescription is unlikely to land you in jail, it’s definitely a hassle you do not want to deal with at the border. You’re better off leaving it at home and looking for the closest thing to Adderall over the counter while in India.

There are alternative medications similar to Adderall, but they require a prescription written by a licensed physician. You may be able to see a doctor, explain your medical condition and show proof of your prescription to Adderall, but this doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed a substitute. 

If you’re only staying in Punjab or another region of India for a short period of time, this might be worth it. If that applies to you, then there are some alternatives you can consider trying for the time being until you return home or head to a country where Adderall is legal. 

Alternatives to Consider

Don’t panic—there are alternative methods you can employ to help your body deal with the lack of Adderall. These aren’t 1-for-1 replacements, but they might just be enough to help you deal with your ADHD or other medical diagnosis. Before arriving in India, you should discuss these alternatives with your general practitioner, as well as any possible downsides from being off Adderall for an extended period of time. 

Try Specific Diets

There’s no proof that sugar causes ADHD, but it can lead to hyperactivity as the sugar and carbohydrates enter your bloodstream, causing your blood sugar to spike. To avoid the jitters or inability to focus, avoid excessive sugary products and instead look towards more fibrous foods like fruits or oatmeal. 

Natural Supplements

There are plenty of natural supplements you can use as an alternative to Adderall. Not only are these regularly available at pharmacies without prescriptions, but they’re typically not habit farming like Adderall and cheaper. Some of these may be hard to find in smaller sub-regions, but they should be available at stores in any large city in India. 

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: You can typically find this in fish oil. Omega-3 has been found to benefit people in the region of hyperactivity, attention, and impulsivity.

• Zinc: A mineral that is commonly found in foods, adding additional amounts of zinc to your diet can be a great way to combat hyperactivity. 

• Vitamin D: This is a great all-around vitamin that shouldn’t be skimped on by anyone, especially if you’re about to go cold turkey on your Adderall prescription.

• Ginkgo Biloba: This herb has been used for thousands of years to improve cognitive function and focus. It doesn’t work for everyone, but some people swear by it, making it an option to check out.

• St. John’s Wort: Often recommended to those with ADHD, this herb is actually more useful for mood disorders. If you were taking Adderall for something related to mood, bring up St. John’s Wort with your doctor. 

Getting Better Sleep

Oftentimes, exhaustion is a slippery slope. You lay awake all night and can’t sleep, leading to restlessness, irritability, and the inability to focus the next day. Getting a good night's sleep has been proven to improve focus and decrease hyperactivity. Always aim to get an optimal amount of sleep every night. Consider turning off or putting your mobile devices away at least an hour before you plan on sleeping. 

Exercise Regularly

Another piece of advice that is great for anyone, regardless of their Adderall prescription—exercise regularly. This doesn’t have to be a session at the gym if you’re on vacation. Long walks around a city or hikes can easily be your exercise. Exercise helps your brain release chemicals that boost alertness and help you focus, potentially helping to mitigate the symptoms of ADHD and other medical conditions Adderall aims to help. 

Engage in Yoga and Meditation

This might not seem like the best way to deal with a lack of Adderall, especially if you have a hard time focusing, but yoga and meditation can be great ways to clear your mind and become less hyperactive. If you’ve never done either, it can be hard at first, but there are plenty of tutorials on YouTube that can help you get started. They’re both low-cost, too, if not free. You simply need a quiet area and a comfortable place to sit down. 

Wrap Up

At the end of the day, you’ll be unable to legally get Adderall in India. That said, there are some over-the-counter alternatives you can seek out to try and replace your prescription. Still, you should always consult with your doctor or whoever wrote your Adderall prescription, as there are lots of serious things to consider when stopping or pausing a medication.