Lithium and ADHD
Website comment -- The results of this study (below) indicate that
a safe and effective alternative to Ritalin for treating ADHD may be available by using the lithium orotate form of lithium.
Ritalin has long been a controversial drug which many view with grave
concerns. Its numerous side effects, the "crash" experienced as the drug wears off, and the serious health concerns
of possible heart damage and permanent changes to the brain, leave many wondering if Ritalin is an appropriate drug to be
taking themselves or giving it to their children.
According to the results of the study shown below, lithium can be substituted
for the drug Ritalin to receive the same positive results of improvements in irritability, aggressive outbursts, antisocial
behavior, anxiety, and depression.
Lithium has its own drawbacks, though. The primary concern regarding
treating with lithium despite any favorable results, is always the potential of lithium toxicity. In addition, patients
often experience side effects which make lithium an intolerable treatment option for them.
However, the lithium orotate form of lithium might be used to achieve
these positive results for ADHD individuals without the concerns of negative side effects and monitoring for toxicity.
Because lithium orotate is extremely bio-available, very small doses
are used and many individuals experience equal or better results than those obtained from large amounts of other forms of
lithium (lithium carbonate, lithium citrate.)
This all possibly adds to very positive news for ADHD adults or parents
with ADHD children. They may have a treatment option which very safely addresses ADHD.
Additionally, lithium orotate not only has no potentially negative
long-term effects on the brain like Ritalin does, but can actually help brain activity and as well as protect the brain in
a number of important ways.
A randomized, double-blind, crossover study of methylphenidate
(Ritalin) and lithium in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
by Dorrego MF, Canevaro L, Kuzis G, Sabe L, Starkstein SE.
Department of Neuropsychiatry, Raul Carrea Institute of Neurological
Research
Summary:
In a randomized, double-blind study for patients
with ADHD, lithium showed results equal to methylphenidate (Ritalin)
Study write-up:
The authors examined the efficacy of methylphenidate (MPH) (Ritalin)
and lithium to treat attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults, using a randomized, double-blind, crossover
design.
Patients received 8 weeks of MPH treatment (up to 40 mg/day) and
8 weeks of lithium treatment (up to 1,200 mg/day), by random assignment. Independent evaluators blind to group assignment
assessed response every 2 weeks and at the end of each phase.
The primary outcome measure was the Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scale
sum score for the clusters of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and learning problems. Secondary outcome measures were scores of
irritability, overt aggression, antisocial behavior, anxiety, and depression, and scores on tests of verbal learning and sustained
attention.
In this preliminary study, lithium and MPH produced similar improvements
on the primary outcome measure and on measures of irritability, aggressive outbursts, antisocial behavior, anxiety, and depression.
