Natural Alternatives to Concerta for ADHD

Concerta is a medication prescribed to children and adults with ADHD to reduce their symptoms and improve focus. Concerta is a brand name for the drug called methylphenidate.

Concerta is similar to Adderall in that it is a stimulant medication. Most users of Concerta report a high level of effectiveness in reducing ADHD symptoms, but side effects do occur. Some patients may find that natural alternatives to Concerta are just as effective without the side effects. Other patients may prefer to use a combination of medication and natural remedies to control ADHD symptoms.

Studies Supporting Alternatives to Concerta

Many studies support the use of alternatives to Concerta. A few of these studies are mentioned below:

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

In 2006, researchers examined the effects of an omega-3 supplement on children with ADHD. Many children and adults in the United States are deficient in omega-3 fatty acids. During the study, some children were found to have reduced ADHD symptoms after supplementing with omega-3, but not all children had the same results.

Zinc

A study from 2005 examined the possible results of supplementing with zinc for children with ADHD. Most children had reduced ADHD symptoms after taking zinc supplements, although not all children had the same results. It is common for a child with ADHD to be low in zinc. Low zinc intake is linked with mimicking the symptoms of ADHD and causing attention issues.

SAME

SAME (S-adenosyl-L-methionine) is an active form of methionine. In a study from 1990, adults with ADHD were given SAME by mouth. During the 9-week trial, 75 percent of the study participants reported reduced ADHD symptoms and no serious side effects.

Natural Alternative to Concerta – Behavior Therapy

Most doctors recommend receiving behavior therapy in addition to any medications or supplements taken for ADHD. Children with ADHD have the biggest improvements when they take a combination treatment plan that includes both medication or supplement treatments in addition to behavior therapy. Behavior therapy can help coach a child with ADHD to think through things, giving them strategies to reduce impulsive and hyperactive behavior on their own. Behavior therapy can also help guide children through the appropriate steps they can take to manage schoolwork, keep organized, and navigate relationships in a healthy way. Many behavior therapists also coach family members and parents on the best way to handle the symptoms of ADHD without frustration or anger.

Alternatives to Concerta – Vitamins and Herbs

Many individuals with ADHD report a reduction in symptoms when they take natural supplements to help control symptoms. The following herbs and vitamins may help control the symptoms of ADHD without the need for Concerta or other medications or may provide additional support for these traditional medications.

Noopept

Noopept is a form of neuropeptide that helps support brain development, memory, mood, and concentration. Noopept also helps support tissue growth in the brain, which can help fight age-related brain deterioration and memory loss.

B Vitamins

Many adults and children with ADHD are deficient in B vitamins. It is unknown if a person with ADHD has trouble absorbing B vitamins or just requires a higher amount to function at optimal levels. A B vitamin supplement is effective in reducing ADHD symptoms. B vitamins are also water-soluble, so there is no danger of overdosing on the vitamin.

Zinc and Copper

A large number of children and adults with ADHD are also low in zinc. A zinc deficiency has many of the same symptoms as ADHD, including learning difficulties, concentration issues, “brain fog,” and lethargy. In extreme cases, an extreme form of zinc deficiency can cause mental problems. Zinc must be taken along with copper supplements to prevent your body from absorbing too much zinc at once. Look for zinc supplements that also include copper to protect your body from side effects.

DMAE

DMAE is a natural form of choline (found in eggs) that is essential for brain health. DMAE helps reduce natural aging in the brain, and it also helps improve mental clarity and memory. GABA GABA is a neurotransmitter that carries other chemicals from place to place in the brain. A reduced amount of GABA in the brain increases your chances of feeling mental health issues, like depression and anxiety. A person with ADHD is more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression, which means GABA supplements can help keep these unwanted side effects at bay.

Iron

A person with ADHD is also more likely to have low iron levels. Researchers are not sure why ADHD is often linked with other nutrient deficiencies, but children and adults with ADHD are also more likely to have anemia, caused by an iron deficiency. Don’t take iron supplements unless you have taken a blood test that specifies that you are low in iron, as it is possible to take too much. Consult with your doctor and get a blood test before taking iron supplements, but if you are low in iron, adding more iron in your diet could help manage some ADHD symptoms.

Alternatives to Concerta – Complete Supplement Blends

As you can see, there are many supplements that have been shown to improve some symptoms of ADHD. Taking all of these supplements individually would not only take a long time, but it would also be cost-prohibitive and possibly dangerous. Several herbal companies have created focus blends of herbs and vitamins designed to help reduce the symptoms of ADHD and improve attention, focus, and reduce hyperactivity.

Alternatives to Concerta Are an Option

Giving medication that may have side effects and dependency to children is a scary idea for many parents. Most parents research their options carefully before deciding to medicate their children with ADHD. A child with ADHD struggles to focus, concentrate, and be calm like other children, making school, work, and often relationships, harder. Many parents recognize the need to treat ADHD with some form of medication or supplement, but there are natural alternatives to Concerta and other habit-forming ADHD medications. If you’re on the fence about medicating your child with ADHD, or find that your child is in need of additional help even after taking medication, these natural treatments for ADHD may be just what your child needs to succeed and thrive in the classroom and at home.