Comment by danneu

    > I tried medication but it gives me insomnia
    > and a racing heart.

Try a lower dose. In particular, start at the minimum dose.

If you are prescribed 20mg Adderall XR or 50mg Vyvanse (or equivalent), then that's an insane first-timer dose.

Pills have risks and side-effects for sure. But so does making zero progress on your ambitions in life.

Maybe you can find something less harsh: http://www.gwern.net/Nootropics