ADHD is becoming increasingly prevalent, and approximately 11 percent of American youths between the ages of four and 17 are diagnosed with this condition every year. Boys are by far the highest risk group, and a shocking 50 percent of pre-schoolers with ADHD are currently taking medication in an attempt to curb the symptoms associated with this disorder.
Adults with ADHD
Although most people immediately think of children when they hear the phrase attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, the reality is that at least 5 percent of Americans 18 or older are currently dealing with ADHD. Most medical professionals believe that the number is actually much higher, but adults are less likely to seek out treatment for their condition.
ADHD Medication and Side Effects
Medication can help adults and children control their ADHD, but this can also lead to several undesirable side effects. Adults may end up battling nausea, dry mouth, headaches, loss of appetite, moodiness, insomnia, dizziness and even the re-emergence of suppressed tics.
Due to these issues, many adults prefer not to take ADHD medication, but this can cause a long list of other problems, ranging from difficulty concentrating to depression. Therefore, it is common for these individuals to seek out holistic alternatives to the pharmaceutical approach.
What is Piracetam?
Piracetam is a nootropic, which is a class of synthetic or natural supplements that offer a boost in energy and cognitive skills. Caffeine is a good example of a natural nootropic because it helps people concentrate by lifting their energy level. Piracetam has been most widely linked to enhanced focus, increased learning and improved memory by user reviews, and there are numerous medical studies that back these claims.
Can Piracetam Help ADHD?
The medical world has been interested in Piracetam as a possible ADHD treatment for many years. This nootropic, which is also known as Nootropil, was tested more than a decade ago by a Russian research team. The very promising results found that giving ADHD patients 70 mg of Piracetam on a daily basis provided a positive response rate of 60 percent. These patients experienced improvements in their motor coordination, behavioral characteristics and ability to pay attention.
Piracetam vs Atomoxetine
Atomexetine is frequently diagnosed for patients of all ages who have been diagnosed with ADHD. This medication is effective in most cases, but it can also cause an extremely long and undesirable list of side effects such as suicidal thoughts, liver problems and impotence. In 2008, a Russian research team studied the effects of Atomoxetine, Piracetam and no treatment at all on a group of children with ADHD. By the end of the six week trial, the researchers discovered that Piracetam is a viable alternative treatment option. Atomoxetine did provide quicker and more pronounced results, but it also came with a much higher risk of side effects.
Other Options
Medical studies have made it clear that Piracetam has the potential to assist people with at least some of the side effects that are caused by ADHD. This is good news for those who do not want to rely solely on prescription medication, and there are also some additional nootropic options.
ADHD often causes sleep issues, including restless leg syndrome. Leviracetam has been clinically studied, and the published results of these trials indicate that it shows a lot of promise as a nootropic treatment for restless leg syndrome and interictal epileptiform discharges.
One published research report mentions the possibility that Deanol may be able to help people manage their ADHD symptoms. During a double-blind comparison study between Deanol, Methylphenidate and a placebo, patients experienced some improvements in behavioral and learning disorders after taking Deanol. This means that adding a supplement of this naturally occurring amino acid into your regular routine might provide you with some relief.
Can Nootropics Replace Pharmaceuticals?
It is always important to work closely with your doctor when treating a medical issue, and you might find it necessary to remain taking ADHD prescription medication in order to get the best results. However, there are enough published studies and user reviews available to make it clear that nootropics such as Piracetam and Pramiracetam do have the potential to help people reduce or eliminate their reliance on non-holistic treatment methods.
Ultimately, you will need to try these options to see how well they work for you, and keep in mind that everyone’s level of ADHD severity varies. If nothing else, you may be able to get your ADHD symptoms under better control by adding a nootropic supplement into your daily treatment plan.
