Broad Spectrum Micronutrients & Vyvanse

[Wal-e]

Hello, My 15 year old son is currently on 30mg Vyvanse. I've read on here about the Broad Spectrum Micronutrients helps. He is about to embark on his year 10 exams, and is currently doing his Bronze mediallion for Surf Life saving. I've heard he is struggling a little as there is a night time course so by the time he gets to that the Vyvanse has worn off and there are many people doing many things in one room. Too hard for him to concentrate.

Wondering if anyone else has used the B.S. micronutrients while also on medication or should it be taken only while not on medication.

If you have any insight into this I would be greatly appreciative and if so also what is the best brand to use. I'm also looking at giving him the N-Actyle Tyrosin, Melatonin and Theanine 100.

Thanks

[Cjkchamp]

I’m a proponent of broad spectrum micronutrients. You definitely use them under the direction of a psychiatrist as your child is already on medications. The reason is if they work your child’s medication dose may be decreased or eliminated. Now, in our experience our son responded well to the micronutrients. They really addressed aggression, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. The positive effects on hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and attention have taken longer, but we are seeing a positive difference there too. L-theanine was recommended by our son’s psychiatrist to provide calming focus. I’m a big believer in the micronutrients!!! There are two companies, Hardy Nutritionals and True Hope. Our psychiatrist did not recommend one brand over the other. After looking at both, I selected the Hardy Nutritionals. He has been on them since February.

Now they start you off slow...one pill twice per day...then two pills twice per day...then two pills three times per day...for our son that was the magic number when thinking’s changed over a weekend.

Now I did hear what you said about your son having a lot going on. If the medication is working for him and you feel an afternoon booster is more appropriate right now then I would discuss that with the dr. But, I would definitely consider the micronutrients!!!! Wishing you the best!

[GoCougs]

Our 7 yo ADHD/ODD son is on 18 mg Strattera and is working with a regular MD (recommended by his psychiatrist) on the Walsh Protocol, which entails him taking a mix of Biotin, B6, P5P, Zinc (& Vitamin C, but his body can't tolerate the high dosage of that, so he doesn't take it). This has all leveled him out immensely but he does not like taking so many pills. Once we figured out the vomiting was caused by the Vitamin C, his biggest side effect is weight loss, over 10% of his little body weight. So, we focus on high amounts of protein all day long.

I had high hopes that we could move off of the Strattera, but at this point, I am not sure that will happen.

These are not quick outcomes though. Constant monitoring and tweaking and trying this and stopping that in order to find the sweet spot, so it can take a while and a lot of patience to find what will work with your child. I would definitely recommend looking into the micronutrients!

[Wal-e in reply to GoCougs]

Thank you. Our pediatrician had never recommended anything else to help. After being on this site I am now pushing for other alternatives to help him. I've tried all the fish oil and vitamin c's etc. But have learnt so much more from here. Thanks again.

[GoCougs in reply to Wal-e]

Our pediatrician has been hands off. Most everything has been done through or suggested by his child psychiatrist (who I found on my own). She only suggested the MD who oversees the Walsh Protocol because I was so hesitant to get on these medications. But, our son's behavior became so extreme that we finally had to go with the meds, so now the MD and the psychiatrist are working together for his care. He also has a psychotherapist he sees weekly and multiple resources at school, who are amazing.

It is so hard, but you're doing great!

[MD74]

We are in the process of the BSM's now with our 8 year old son (started the journey on September 3rd...we use and love Hardy Nutritionals). Honestly it's a love/hate relationship: we LOVE how it has absolutely improved our son's behavior and overall personality (he's back to being more like himself versus a "robot" if that makes sense). He would have these awful meltdowns constantly that would last for hours—screaming, throwing things, etc. Those are now very rare, and if he starts to get like that he turns it around immediately. He's laughing more, giving more affection, and just overall seems more alive. Now for the hate part: in school he's always struggled to even stay on-level (teacher always said he is her hardest worker giving 110% all day). Now...not so much. He's almost below level (and 3rd grade is a retention year), his focus is almost non-existent in class (and it takes almost 4 hours after school to get about 30 minutes of homework done...he's crawling around, unable to sit still). He can't seem to stay on task and it's not registering how important his grades are. The interesting thing is his medication has only been reduced 1 dose (he's Vyvanse 30 mg now, and was 40 before BSMs). I didn't think there'd be such a difference from 40 down to 30 with focus.

So we are at a crossroads with worrying about his academics since this year he is a completely different student, BUT it's been explained that it could be that since the BSMs are kicking in, his brain is starting to function on a more normal level and he now needs to learn how to focus and process more on his own naturally versus the meds doing most of the work for him (like a fog has lifted and he's aware of everything now). It's actually a great thing...but not easy to figure out when you're 8. I don't know if he will ever be completely off of medication, but the combination of BSMs and meds have great promise, and I know it can take upwards of 6 months to see some improvements in certain areas (focus I believe is one of the later benefits). I have no intention of stopping the micros—but every intention of doing what we can to help our son figure out his "new" brain.

Every child is different, and will have a different experience. I would say don't be afraid to try the BSMs under a doctor's care—and make sure your son communicates anything he's feeling—especially since it's an important year academically for him. At 15, it'll be much easier for him to let you know how he's feeling and what adjustments need to be made as you go along. I wish you both the best of luck with this, and keep us posted if you try it—would love to hear how he's doing!!

[Wal-e in reply to MD74]

Thank you so much... that gives me great insight to how it may help him. He isn't too bad a kid... lacks motivation big time and suffers a bit of anxiety we've discovered. (Not medically diagnosed) We had a pediatrician appointment last week and I asked about him taking them with medication and she couldn't really help me. But he needs something more. We are upping his dosage to 50mg after exams but if I can put him on these we could possibly stay on 30mg. I shall investigate more thank you.

[MD74 in reply to Wal-e]

It took me a while to find a doctor who was on board with the micros (most don't believe a more natural way can help), and they also don't want to have to learn about something new. Another member here was instrumental in helping us out in a huge way (THANK YOU!!) by finding some local doctors who used them. It truly is important to have a doctor monitor them. Hardy themselves (if you were to go with that brand) is also so helpful in finding doctors and have so much information to give you. I would even start with calling them and ask as many questions as you can. I had so much more confidence in the product after I got off the phone with a rep.

Ironically, I just heard back from our doctor today about some of what i described above (lack of motivation, inability to concentrate) and she pointed out it may not be the lower Vyvanse dose, but the lower fluoxetine dose (meds should be slowly reduced as needed while taking BSMs). I think she may be on to something with that. My son also suffers from anxiety and although it's yet another pill, it really has helped him (and I can only hope our current situation is as simple as going back up on it). Maybe trying the BSMs will help your son with the anxiety instead of having to add another med (but if you do, know it's worth it if they aren't struggling as much with their days). And just like you—if we can stay at a reduced dose of Vyvanse (and not have to ever increase again), and he's a MUCH happier, livelier child and succeeding—the micros are a WIN!

[Hidden]

With our 3 ADHD children we have seen positive results with Spectrum Needs by NeuroNeeds. Spectrum Needs is a broad spectrum micronutrient powder to mix with water. We also have them taking Cool & Calm, which is a Magnesium with Taurine, Gaba and L-theanine, also a powder to mix with water or juice. I wouldn't want to be without either of these products!