Using vayarin for add

[Bellcabdoc]

I am thinking about using the natural supplement vayarin for my daughter's add. Any experience?

[MunchkinMommy537]

I posted this a couple weeks ago:

My son has tried at least 7 or 8 different medications in hopes to find one that works. We ended up going to a neurologist who recommended a supplement called Vayarin. It’s a specially formulated fish oil supplement that is shown to help with emotional regulation in kids with ADHD. We were desperate to try anything that might work, and shelled out the $150 for a 3 month supply (not covered under insurance because it’s a supplement 😕). Gave it to him regularly for 3 months, and didn’t really see a difference in his energy level. He had since gotten on Prozac and Abilify for anxiety, and was doing great in school, so we decided we weren’t going to refill the Vayarin. His last dose was Saturday night: Monday his teacher noticed a slight decline in his behavior. A week later he was suspended. Talking to his doctor, she said that was what she had heard about people who had stopped taking Vayarin when it was working. We refilled the rx, and within a day he was back to having good days.

Moral of the story: if something is working, even if you aren’t sure what combination it is, don’t change it.

[Kstorm78 in reply to MunchkinMommy537]

I’d like to hear any experience as I am choosing not to medicate my son.

[MunchkinMommy537 in reply to Kstorm78]

Since it’s a supplement it’s not medication and is completely safe. It’s a specially formulated fish oil supplement. Unfortunately, since it isn’t medication, insurance won’t cover it, and it’s about $50 a month. We didn’t notice a change in our son’s hyperactivity, but it definitely helps with his emotional regulation. He is also on Prozac and Abilify for anxiety, so we are still using traditional medication as well.

[Jamielynnmc in reply to Kstorm78]

Really? Why is that? ADHD is just like any other illness. So if your child had diabetes, a heart condition etc you wouldn’t treat them for that either? I was a child undiagnosed with adhd until I was an adult and I struggled every single day of my life. I would’ve given anything for help but back then it wasn’t really a “big thing” because I could behave and wasn’t a huge behavior issue I was just “lazy” when it came to school work. No matter how hard I tried to cram stuff into my brain...it wouldn’t stay and by high school I gave up!!! I spent most summers in summer school and barely passed. Finally!!!! Someone listened. In my 20’s I started medication and got into nursing school. Graduated at the top of my class and was chosen to receive a statewide scholarship for academic excellence. When my daughter started showing signs just before kindergarten we got her tested and it was a lengthy process by multiple dr’s and she has it as well. To me it was a no brainer. I wanted to set her up for success and she started meds. Guess what? She is gifted in 1st grade and her teachers say she doesn’t act like a child with adhd because she can now focus and her behaviors are better. I’d much rather give my child medicine if it means she can thrive and hold her head high and not feel like I felt growing up. So please, reconsider not medicating your child....I’m not doubting you are a good parent ...I’m just saying as a person who struggled growing up and never feeling smart etc because I needed help, I never want any one else to feel that way. Especially because I’m sure your child is super amazing !!

[HonestAbe in reply to MunchkinMommy537]

I started taking it myself a few months back. I noticed within a week that the side effects of stimulants went away. I've struggled for years with side effects, I wish I hadnt waited so long to try this and will probable always continue to take it. From what I'm told by my daughter's psychiatrist, its really not to replace the medication but to be added to the medication.

[MunchkinMommy537 in reply to HonestAbe]

Unfortunately it’s no longer available in the US so it’s a moot point anyway. We actually had my son on it for a couple years with decent results. It sucks it’s not an option anymore

[HonestAbe in reply to MunchkinMommy537]

Accentrate is actually what I'm taking. Its what my doctor now recommends. Its excellent. Does not replace medication.

[Justpeace in reply to HonestAbe]

This is very interesting. I hope I could pick your brain on this subject?

I am assuming that you are an adult and can you please elaborate on this "buffering out" some of the side effects of your medications.

[HonestAbe in reply to Justpeace]

Yes, I’m in my 50s.

I’m very sensitive to everything - meaning that I am hyper-in-tune with my body and definitely aware of anything I notice in my surroundings (things I can taste, smell, hear etc.).

So taking stimulant medication can make me more aware of everything and or allow me block it out.

I do better on a higher dose of medication however sometimes I might not eat what I should or forget to hydrate, etc. and headaches can be a side effect. I have noticed that taking the Accentrate with my stimulant has eliminated those headaches. I’m guessing it helps lubricate the blood?

I feel as though the Accentrate allows me to utilize the medication I need without it’s possible side effects becoming more of a “distraction”.

I hope this helps. Feel free to be specific with questions if you like.

[Justpeace in reply to HonestAbe]

My son also complains of getting headaches when coming off the meds. He also says that his Focus becomes worse than when he is not on meds. He describes it as getting mush brain. he also does not want to be around people.

Have you ever experienced any of those feelings?

[Sullivan47]

I use it for both boys works great for emotional issues like, over sensitively, easily angered