Question: Would 5-HTP Be A Good Alternative To Adderall For A 12 Year Old Boy With ADHD?
My 12 year old son has had the diagnosis of ADHD for 9 years and has gone through a number of medications. He currently takes Adderall and it seems to work fairly well to control the behaviors however, it does where off at night. Do you think that he can take 5-HTP along with Adderall or instead of Adderall.
Answer #1
Yes, I'm certain it would work. (I have the same problem and it works for me, I used Ritalin as a kid). The only thing I would want to be certain of is that since melatonin can affect GH (growth hormone) levels and thusly shouldn't be used by children, this (as a precursor, and therefore potential increaser of melatonin) should be appropriately concerned. However, if this pill you're taking can have the same hormonal response, then why not go with the natural alternative???
Answer #2
The best treatment for someone with ADHD that is most often overlooked is an all natural diet with NO ARTIFICIAL FOOD COLORING OR FLAVORING. Take out any Fruit Loops, colored popsicles, yellow cheeses etc. Read the labels on food. The only soda that is all natural is 7-Up. Stay away from orange juice and peppermint. Instead of candy bars, if he must have chocolate, give him bakers chocolate. Fritos are OK too.
I almost started my son on medication for ADHD 10 years ago at my doctors strong suggestion. My son was probably one of the worst cases around. I read a book about taking all artificial colors and flavors out of the diet. It was by Dr. Feingold I believe. My son did a complete 180 in a week's time. It was like a miracle. Because of this, I became a registered nurse and counsel and educate people on alternative medicine.
Many doctors don't even want to listen to these options, never mind educating their patients. I had a psychology professor who didn't know anything about the effect of these chemicals on children. I have a daughter who has the same condition. I wouldn't have known except I gave her Kool-Aid one day and had to deal with her for hours after. Please try this before you try any more drug therapy. I promise you will cry, out of complete happiness and relief.
Answer #3
My personal opinion (no I'm not a doctor) is that 5HTP is not a good alternative to Adderal, and I don't think you should give your son both at the same time. These are the reasons why.
5HTP works on the serotonin. It works as an SSRI (select serotonin re-uptake inhibitor). It can be compared to St. John's Wort and Prozac. Your son has ADHD. SSRI's are used for balancing out serotonin which affects moods. The ingredient in Adderal is like prescription speed. They use the amphetamine to help a person focus on a specific task. 5HTP does not relate.
You should not combine the two, simply because using synthesized medicines and herbal or natural medicines is not wise. I would suggest talking to your doctor about the usage of both of them combined, or the use of 5HTP for your son's problem. Just keep in mind that his opinion may be biased because the majority of doctors prefer people to use prescription medicine.
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