I am diagnosed with ADHD last week. My psychiatrist prescribed me Strattera (Atomoxetine).
I have heart arryhtmia and learned that it is not recommended to use Straterra if you have heart arryhtmia. Also I learned that sudden deaths and stroke have been reported in adults taking atomoxetine at usual doses for ADHD. Because of that, I am afraid of using Strattera and ADHD medications in general.
I thought that maybe I can reduce the symptoms without side effects using supplements. I researched the vitamins/supplements mentioned in this article:
It looks like some people experienced positive results after taking these supplements. Based on that, I would like to take these supplements after asking about doses/side effects to a health professional.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Zinc
Vitamin D
Vitamin B12
Iron
Magnesium L-Threonate
Inositol
When I searched for experiences after taking one of these supplements I encountered a lot of posts. But I didn't see many results when I searched for results of taking these supplements together.
So what on your thoughts about this diet? I am not expecting it to fix my ADHD completely. But can I reduce the effects of ADHD after taking these supplements?
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I’m not an expert but would say you need to alert your psychiatrist of this. Have they missed your heart condition? This seems like a very clear contraindication to me. I wouldn’t attempt tinkering with anything given the risk to your life!
I take supplements and they help me. I also take small dosage of Wellbutrin plus I need to exercise every day. The latest supplement that I could tell an immediate difference in concentration was Memory and Focus by Garden of Life.
Hi, I took Atomoxetine for a year for mild ADHD inattentive type and stopped due to insomnia and also glad I stopped because I had some abnormal results at my annual physical that I never had before. I take a multivitamin that has some of the supplements below. And fish oil. I cannot drink coffee, so when I stopped Atomoxetine, I decided to try using Keith’s ceremonial grade cacao daily at smaller amount than many use. I have felt very good and focused, though I am still experimenting on amount due to my sensitive bladder. Probably why my primary care doctor did not want me on stimulant ADHD medicine. When under great stress, I don’t do well no matter what I use and kind of in that place right now. Working full time and in an art program going at a fast pace. Too much for me and glad I could slow down (I will have access to the videos ongoing and had to let go trying to keep up with others). 2 Tbs. cacao was too much. 1 1/2 Tbs still too much. Going to try 1 Tbs (14 grams) and see how I do. I am almost 53, woman, 142 lbs. Work with your doctor on Iron intake because it accumulates in body. If interested in ceremonial grade cacao (ceremonial is key), also work with/inform your doctor. It lowers blood pressure generally, but also increases blood flow to the brain. It affects mood in a great way due to theobromine and magnesium, all good, but you want to be careful with your heart condition. It has lots of magnesium and other nutrients and ceremonial grade keeps the fat so they are absorbed well in the body. It is expensive ($50/lb.) but so is Atomoxetine, so I hope I can lower stress, calm my pelvic floor muscles, and find the right dose of Keith’s ceremonial grade cacao, it is wonderful! I am loyal to Keith’s due to high quality and what I experienced taking occasionally with councilor friend in past. Can’t speak to other brands. I wish you the best luck in finding what helps you.
I've also noticed that stress and anxiety make my ADHD more difficult to deal with. Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) have helped me.
I love chocolate, and have been seeing articles and videos about the potential benefits of cacao. I hadn't heard of Keith's ceremonial grade cacao before.
I am a Nutrition Scientist and wanted to mention that "iron accumulation," known as Hemochromatosis is primarily a genetic disorder. There are cases of it that are not genetic, however they are due to a different disease that has a side effect of iron accumulation. Luckily, it is easy to have your iron status measured by your Physician, via a routine blood test.
Thank you for clarifying that about the Iron. I was actually tested for Hemochromatosis as part of the abnormal ANA results on my physical, the result fortunately was negative. I am glad I am seeing a therapist now for the stress because I am realizing how anxious I am and that is what is affecting my pelvic floor and bladder. He wants to try the Wise Mind DBT technique with me. I hope it helps. Goodnight.
I have had a lot of issues around Pelvic Pain. I was diagnosed in 2007 with Endometriosis (after having two kids, they marveled at how I even got pregnant. I told them, the "normal way" lol!) and had surgery to remove the lesions. Didn't work. Endo grew right back, and I got sent to Specialist and Gynecologist. (expert in the field and a surgeon!) who helped me. She determined I had IC (Interstitial Cystitis, a disease of the bladder, now called "Painful Bladder Syndrome"), as well as Pelvic Pain Syndrome; which included a very tight pelvic floor. I worked with a Physical Therapist in gynecology, who helped tremendously and taught me how to help myself. in 2010 I had another surgery: Endo clean out, a hysterectomy and cervix removed.
This helped me learn more: cut and paste the link below
My Gyno Specialist and the PT in her office both worked and studied at Stanford, with the authors of the "headache in the pelvis" book.
The "wise mind DBT" program sounds really good. I took a program for Chronic Pain through my HMO (medical insurance and hospital) and it changed my life. It focused on Mindfulness techniques and a bunch of other skills that help maximize the brain's plasticity, leading to change in my thoughts and behaviors. It happens slowly, so I had to really stick with it and give myself a lot of grace (not easy for me).
Thank you, saved link to my “bladder” collection. I had a severe UTI in 8/2021 (Type B Strep) and the urologist sent me to the pelvic PT. Resumed her exercises recently and might have to do them more faithfully. I just got out of PT for neck and shoulders, so doing the pelvic ones on my side lying down. My issue is the relaxing the tightness as you said. I might need to go back to PT and might request that. The NP at urologist tested for infection (negative) and kind of annoyed me about bladder irritants (have IBS and have given up so much food for both that I have lost over 20 lbs.) but I might need to ask for this referral to revisit PT a few times. The pain isn’t that bad now that I am making the definite connection, and listening to my body. I have fibroids but think they aren’t major ones, need to look at ultrasound and CT scan results from all those tests I had that the Drs. Weren’t worried about results. I do like the therapist but told him “uh, no” in response to his secondary to ADHD diagnosis of possible Dependent Personality Disorder.” Am willing to hear him out but it doesn’t seem like BITCH me at all, LOL! Feel misunderstood, but maybe I am not fully understanding either. Will have to learn more. I definitely lack confidence right now for my art, but come on, just don’t get his concluding that. If you want to start checking out my art, I have started sharing, is there a way we can direct message on this site? I am following you now and will keep posted, good to have a friend in this situation!! : )
Taking supplements can address nutritional deficiencies, which might help improve attention somewhat.
The very that I was able to treat my ADHD with supplements alone was less than 10% as effective as ADHD medication has been for me.
Besides stimulants or atomoxetine, other medications used to treat ADHD include guanfacine (Intuniv) and Wellbutrin. There are more medications approved to treat ADHD now than ever before, but most are not well known. It may take time for your doctor and/or psychiatrist to find a good alternative.
If your ADHD is mild, maybe you'll be fine only taking supplements and getting coaching. But if your ADHD has a significant impact on your life, then it may be in your best interest to find a medication that helps treat your symptoms adequately.
(I am on atomoxetine, and it has significantly improved my life, but I do not have any heart condition besides a benign heart murmur. I had an EKG for it a few years ago...no anomalies.)
I know about the studies with atomoxetine. I understood it to be a slightly higher risk of heart problems for people with certain conditions. I believe it was deemed to be lower risk than stimulants might pose, but it's been a while since I looked into it, and I'm just a layman anyway.
DO FOLLOW UP with your doctor and psychiatrist. The psychiatrist may have taken your heart condition into consideration when prescribing atomoxetine. You may not even need an appointment...see if you can leave them a message. Think of your doctor and psychiatrist as your treatment team. It's in their best interest and yours if they coordinate about your care, at least by sharing relevant information with each other.
Try to get more Omega 3's from the food you eat each day.
If you are not a big "oily, high fat fish eater" you can try other foods. Yes, Fish is the best source, because it contains actual EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)= the two Omega 3 Fatty Acids you need.
The other foods (vegan and vegitarian) contain ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) which the human body converts to EPA and DHA. The conversion rate is limited, approximately 15% of the ALA you consume is converted to EPA and DHA. But the content of ALA per serving is quite high, so the amount converted will meet your EPA and HDA needs when these foods are eaten regularly in your daily food intake.
List:
Seaweed and Algae: "Nori" is the black seaweed covering on sushi rolls, and is also sold as "seaweed snacks" that are crunchy and salty, great way to skip chips (no nutrient value) or add to salads. Sprulina and chlorella are two algae you can eat.
Chia Seeds: Make sure you get ground/smashed ones, other wise they pass right through the digestive track, like corn 🙃 You can put ground Chia seeds in smoothies, baked goods, casseroles, you name it. Not a strong flavor, just added fiber and Omega 3 fatty acids
Hemp Seeds: Get some omega 3s and more fiber, protein, magnesium and manganese too
Walnuts: more Omega 3's
Edamame (these are young soy beans) get some Omega 3s and guess what? not only high protein, but a COMPLETE protein, like eggs and meat.
Kidney beans: more Omega 3s
Soybean Oil: mild oil you use for more Omega 3s and Vitamin 2, magnesium, potassium, folate and vitamin K
Wheat Germ: more Omega 3's plus vitamins B1, B6, folate and more fiber too! Put it in smoothies, on top of cereal or oatmeal, in baked goods, mixed in bread crumbs then added to meatloaf or on top of casseroles , I even put it in the breading I use on fish and chicken!
WHEW! Had to get that all out of my head! It is clear I made it through college because I switched majors till I found something I am really passionate about: Nutrition Science, Metabolism, Physiology and Exercise Science. My personal "deep dive" favorite and it helps me see how my ADHD has helped me in my life.
I, too, cannot take the ADHD meds due to a serious heart condition I developed from chemo, after about a year. We tried seven different drugs to help me, and I do have some relief from the duloxetine (Cymbalta) which was originally prescribed for neuropathy but is an antidepressant. I have tried various supplements available over the counter, always with the approval of my cardiologist. What I learned is that I parted with significant funds for no discernable difference. There is a renowned doctor in the US, Dr. Daniel Amen, who has devoted his life to ADHD study and treatment. He's the one who discovered 7 distinct types of ADHD using SPECT brain scans. He has dietary recommendations and supplements which may help you. Look him up online, there is a lot of info available to help you decide if that may be a route for you.
I am responding from my point of view, as a Nutrition Scientist for over 30 years. When it comes to vitamin and mineral supplements (these are called "Micronutrients") to help with conditions of any type, the best place to start is your eating habits. Supplements were created to alleviate deficiencies. If you are concerned you are deficient in the vitamins (Vitamin D and B12) and minerals (zinc, iron, magnesium) consider having your primary physician run a blood panel to determine if you have any deficiencies before you try supplements.
If you find you are deficient, ask for help improving your daily food choices, so you are eating foods that contain the micronutrients you are low on. This is ideal for many reasons, the strongest one is that you will easily absorb the micronutrients from your food. Supplements are not absorbed well by humans, and this can lead to some pretty uncomfortable side effects. For iron, taking iron pills will lead to severe constipation, and that is no fun! Same with Vitamin D. Magnesium (any type) also has side effects, typically the other end of spectrum: diarrhea and abdominal cramping.
Omega 3's are often supplemented via fatty fish oil. You can eat them from a variety of other food sources, if you don't eat much fish typically.
With Inositol, I have read research that it can help in in children with ADHD, yet studies were poorly constructed and the number of subjects in the studies were very small. Plus, other studies showed ADHD symptoms worsened with Inositol supplementation! Inositol is a carbohydrate (a sugar). It is readily available in foods you eat such as fruit, beans, whole grains and nuts. Looking at your daily food intake you can consider changing your macro nutrient percentages (carbohydrate, protein and fat) so you eat more carbohydrates from whole, unprocessed foods to help your brain (it is the organ using the Inositol).
Your doctor may refer you to a Nutritionist or Dietician, who can help analyze your food intake and make changes to support your brain.
I think that the STIMULANT medications are worse for your heart, ESPECIALLY if you have other, certain criteria.
There are other, non- STIMULANT ADHD drugs to try.
To SilverbackG above, many of the supplements are not well regulated, don't necessarily contain exactly what they say they do (more or less than labeled) and they aren't always delivered well even if you are able to absorb them.
I don't think I knew you could test for those micro nutrients.
Also, I've read over & over that our first & best defenses are Structure & Routine.
I have a Terrible awful time trying to do this to & for myself, so any kind of job is good.
I'd also read that some people have certain things they struggle with, & the story of the woman who took 1 or 2 pills a month before certain events that were focus-issues for her.
Diet, exercise, routine, structure, & support are so critical for us!
It really depends on the type of arrhythmia and if you have structural heart problems such as ischaemic heart disease/cardiovascular disease, heart failure, valve disease, cardiomyopathy, septum defects, etc. Lots of people have "arrhythmia" and none of the above so their arrhythmia is mostly benign and can be ignored.
Speak with your GP. They can find out exactly what you've got and what you need. Here in the UK just wanting to know your various blood levels of XYZ with having no symptoms of deficiencies doesn't get done and I understand why. It all costs money. Eat well instead.
Btw I wouldn't want to do without my stimulant. I would want to see scientifically proven contraindications before I say no to ADHD meds generally, whether stim or non-stim and would prefer a stimulant over atomoxetine. My perspective as a medic.
Thanks a lot for your informative response. The name of my heart condition is Type 1 Brugada Syndrome. I haven't experienced anything seriously until today. I will speak with a GP again, I have learned a lot of things thanks to this forum. I will try to find a medication that is appropriate for someone who has Brugada syndrome.
I provide info on supplements previously in your post. I am intrigued by your case, when I was doing my bachelor's degree (long ago, lol) I was completing a degree in Nutrition Science and Biochemistry, yet ended up doing a lot of work and research on humans in Cardio Physiology. I worked in the Human Performance Lab, doing EKG testing and other measures of cardiovascular health. Years after, I went to graduate school for my Master's, in Exercise Physiology and Nutrition Science.
I just deep dove (as we ADHD brains do) into learning about Brugada Syndrome, since it was never mentioned in my education, it is quite rare and often found later in adult life. I found a one clinical case study, here is the link to copy and paste:
Note: this is not a research study, it is reviewing one individual who had a late diagnosis for ADHD , and since he was a working medical doctor, they ran every possible physical test, including an EKG. The heart test indicated an ST elevation at the right precordial leads (V1–V3), suggesting the Brugada syndrome.
The benefit of the article for you: go to the "Discussion" section, and they detail the medications for ADHD and it gives a few options that are not stimulants. Also, it gives a strong recommendation for CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and if the doctor prescribes the CBT you can get the help and coaching you need at hopefully a reduced cost or as part of your medical insurance.
You can use this with your doctor, and get referred to experts in the field to help you right now!
I was diagnosed in April 2022 at age 56 with ADHD. I had been under the care of a Psychiatrist since 2010 for depression (MDD) and anxiety (GAD) and was never evaluated for ADD or ADHD. The Psychiatrist said "I never suspected you had it, you are so "together" and successful in life." Sigh. 😒 (that is me, Masking level = A+)
I am a fighter, and pushed hard till my insurance (an HMO in California) approved CBT with and ADHD focus on adults. I got a prescription for weekly sessions for an entire year, with the option of more in the future.
I hope you get all the help you need and quickly. You deserve all you desire till you feel strong and healthy as yourself. We all do.
Thank you so much for your helpful replies! I had read this article as well. I will email authors because they might discovered some new information since they published this article. Also I will share the information you shared with my doctor. Best regards...
Absolutely fascinating! So really, she would need an implanted defib prior even to Atomoxetine! Wow! How could that slip through the net?! Busy Traffic, are you reading this?? Call your cardiologist! Don't just go off in search of a suitable drug!!! Seems no physician worth their weight was involved in the decision to prescribe you Atomoxetine.
Aren't you under a cardiologist for follow ups?? If it's Brugada I would have thought you would consult them regarding safety of any ADHD treatment. A GP wouldn't touch that with a bargepole!!
Lion's Mane mushrooms helped my anxiety and focus. It's not as effective as stimulants were for me but it's better than nothing and I haven't experienced any side effects.
The extreme side effects of Strattera are rare and not likely to occur. And those reports might simply be that someone was taking the meds and died without Strattera being a factor. Just that they were on it, they statistically may have had to count it. But I don't know if they determined Strattera to be a contributing cause or not. Just that, it may not be clear. Either way, give your doc a call and mention it to them.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids - often know as fish oil supplements.I have been on Lovaza which is highly purified EPA and DHA mentioned in the link you had. FDA regulated prescription medication in the U.S.A. I can say that it does make a difference for me. I could tell somedays that I didn't feel like my meds were working as much as they should. I then realized those were the days after the nights I forgot to take it before bed. I tested the theory, and the fish oil was the difference.
With heart issues, you may be able to request a prescription for it. The generic is reasonably priced these days with insurance. I take 4 gel caps a day which is 4grams. Taking over the counter supplements, my pharmacist explained that 1 Lovaza i probably equal to 3 to 4 over the counter supplements of the same dosage. Also note in the US that OTC fish oil is in the category of food and not medication and is therefore unregulated. And they often don't disclose which kinds of oil in particular are in it. And you don't know what else might be in it.
Taking vitamins and minerals helps curb my appetite but I do not know if it is helping my ADHD or not. I assume to some degree they are.
Quality is a factor. Unregulated OTC supplements can have varying degrees of bioavailability. I.e., some might just go right through you and not get absorbed. Some might come in different forms with better or worse results.
you’re quite right to be concerned about your heart and the contradiction of meds. Re supplements there is a lot of research around the benefits of high dose micronutrients and nrf2 activation for ADHD. I’ve got a Google doc with all the things my family has tried and links to research if you’d like to check it out.
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symptoms worse on meds amking me think that maybe I don't have adhd 
Adderall & Venlafaxine - drug merry-go-round
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