ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) cases have risen around the world, especially among the younger generations, in recent years. Clinical psychologists have reportedly worked with ADHD patients regularly. One of the prominent medications that doctors prescribe to their patients is Adderall. It is an effective medicine that helps patients with ADHD, but because it is an addictive drug, many Adderall alternatives are available in the market. One must have a clear understanding of how Adderall works in our body, how it works in ADHD treatment, and how it affects our body, as we look at its alternatives too. Let’s get a better understanding of Adderall.
Adderall Alternatives: Learning about the Types of Alternatives, Side Effects, and Remedies of Adderall
What is Adderall?
Adderall is a brand name for a medication that is a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, which works as a CNS (central nervous system) stimulant that reacts with chemicals inside the brain and relaxes a person from hyperactivity and impulsivity, which are common features of ADHD. Adderall is also available on the market under other names, including Adderall XR, Dyanavel XR, Adzenys XR-ODT, and Mydayis. It is a Schedule II drug, which means it should be consumed only when prescribed and has high abuse potential. Adderall has two types of alternatives. We must understand it thoroughly and realise why we can switch to the alternatives.
Types of Adderall Alternatives
As Adderall is an addictive drug, ADHD patients might need to try its alternatives, and it is available in two forms: natural adderall alternatives and prescribed adderall alternatives. Natural alternatives are also known as OTC (over-the-counter) adderall alternatives. Let’s see what the prescribed alternatives to adderall are first, then move to the natural ones.
Prescribed Adderall Alternatives
- Vyvanse: Vyvanse is considered over adderall as it is a less abusive medication, and lasts longer in our system than adderall. It is not affected by our food habits, unlike adderall, which can get absorbed in foods with high citric acid. It is available as both a capsule and a chewable tablet, making it a better recommendation by doctors for ADHD over adderall.
- Ritalin: Ritalin, brand name for methylphenidate, is a better alternative to adderall for many reasons. First and most importantly, children and adolescents can use ritalin but not adderall. Due to its lesser risk of addiction and quicker onset time, ritalin becomes a better recommended pill for ADHD with fewer side effects too.
- Strattera: Strattera is not a stimulant and a scheduled drug, which makes it automatically better than adderall. It can be a better option for patients dealing with anxiety and depression while battling ADHD, as it works consistently in our body for as long as the whole day.
- Provigil: Provigil is better than adderall because it has modafinil in it, which, unlike amphetamine, makes one feel more alert than euphoric, which in turn leads to a lesser risk of abuse. Its side effects include nausea and headache, which are not good but bearable, compared to adderall’s side effects, which include insomnia and increased heart rate.
- Focalin: Doctors prefer Focalin over adderall because it reacts much less with the brain, due to its targeted mechanism, and provides a much more soothing experience than adderall.
Natural Adderall Alternatives
- Ginkgo Biloba: Ginkgo Biloba is a highly effective herbal supplement that can help alleviate symptoms of ADHD, particularly in cases of inattentiveness. It is better than adderall due to its natural components. As it is an OTC, it can be found in every medical store, but taking consideration from a doctor is a must.
- Bacopa Monnieri: Bacopa Monnieri is another herbal alternative to adderall that works on a patient’s hyperactive and inattentive symptoms in ADHD. It generally improves restlessness and attention in individuals, and it also requires a doctor’s recommendation.
- Rhodiola Rosea: Rhodiola Rosea helps an ADHD patient to cure their mental fatigue, improve resilience, and attentiveness. Rosea and the other two herbal supplements work as neurotransmitters, enhancing the levels of dopamine and serotonin effectively, which is why they are recommended by healthcare providers over adderall.
- Caffeine (Black Coffee): Caffeinated drinks help patients with ADHD get over some symptoms, such as inattentiveness and sleepiness, yet doctors do not recommend it as an official remedy for ADHD, but it is definitely safer than Adderall.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 oils are suggested as the primary treatment of ADHD that helps to cure ADHD symptoms. But its effectiveness is sufficient to clear ADHD signs, so doctors do not recommend it.
Why choose alternatives and not Adderall?
Adderall is part of the Schedule II drug class due to its addictive and abuse potential. So, in the initial stage of ADHD, doctors’ prescription alternative option of Adderall, if these are not sufficient, then doctors can recommend Adderall. Adderall is not preferred for anyone who faces heart conditions, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, or a history of substance abuse. These people should not take Adderall. In this case, doctors can suggest an alternative to Adderall. If at any chance, doctors prescribed Adderall. They ensure their patients never fall into dependency on their medicines, and they recommend less potent medicines that can cure ADHD effectively.
Side Effects and Remedies of Adderall
The side effects of adderall can span from normal to serious, and knowing about its remedies becomes very important. Here are some of the common side effects of adderall with its solutions:
- Insomnia: After leading to an Adderall overdose, the major side effects are insomnia. If you have noticed this sign, immediately consult the doctor to change the dose timings as per the schedule.
- Dry Mouth: In case of mouth dryness and dental issues, one can chew sugar-free gum, sip cool water, or suck ice cubes, and take OTC saliva substitutes.
- Appetite loss: Having a nutritious breakfast before the morning dose and then eating a protein-rich snack after the medicine’s effect wears down is the way to go.
- Nausea: Your doctor can ask you to take OTC remedies with food in case of stomach pain and nausea.
In extreme effects such as heart issues (chest pain, passing out), allergic reactions (swelling of the skin), seizures, and suicidal thoughts, contact your doctor immediately.
Conclusion
The alternatives to adderall work much more smoothly and make an ADHD feel much better. The high risk of abuse makes adderall a poor choice, even when it has much more potency. Strattera stands out as the best solution, as it is a non-stimulant. OTC alternatives stand out, too, but they are recognised as a direct cure to ADHD. In the end, choosing adderall alternatives is the only choice to help ADHD patients without the risk of abuse.