ADHD

When someone received the diagnostic of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is usually placed on stimulants and non stimulants medication as well as antidepressants. The goal is to control inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity.

Alopathic approach

Stimulants medication includes: Amphetamine, Dextroamphetamine (Adderall), Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin, Focalin XR), Methylphenidate (Concerta, Daytrana, Metadate, Methylin, Ritalin, Quillivant XR)

These nonstimulants are FDA-approved for ADHD in children and teens: Atomoxetine (Strattera), Clonidine ER (Kapvay), Guanfacine ER (Intuniv).

• Side effects amphetamines: anxiety, aggitation, lower back pain, nervousness, bloody and cloudy urine, sleep problems, heart palpitations
• Side effects of methyphenidate: nausea, insomnia, headaches, vomiting, decrease appetite, irritability, anxiety
• Side effects of clonidine: mental depression, swelling of feet and legs, confusion, fatigue, hypotension, dizziness, headaches

Antidepressant are not specifically approved to treat ADHD but are usually prescribed to help with inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity.

• Side effects: nausea, increase appetite, weight gain, fatigue, insomnia, sexual problems, anxiety, constipation

The cavet with these drugs is the side effects and the danger of long term drug addiction. The prescription drugs are powerful and changes the brain chemistry. Long term usage of Amphetamines, Methylphenidate and Antidepressants cause deficiencies in neurotransmitters pathways and nutritional deficiencies.

My approach

Brain needs right balance of  amino acids as certain amino acids are the building block of  neurotransmitters.

• My comprehensive tests: gut bacteria, vitamins, amino acids and minerals deficiency, neurotransmitters,  heavy metal testing, mold and genetic testing.
• DNA methylation test gives an understanding in the methylation pathways to help create a personalized nutritional protocol.

Next the protocol is personalized and include combination of botanical extract with amino acids that calm the brain and provide focus. Many plants extract have a modulating effect on the neurotransmitters and feed into the Serotonin, Dopamine, GABA pathways. Orthomolecular therapy (amino acids therapy) which has been used for many years to nourish and re balance neurotransmitters pathways and here bellow is my book recommendation to learn more.

Recommended Reading

“Nutrient Power Heal your Biochemistry and Heal your brain” by Walsh, PhD