Ritalin is a fast-acting stimulant that consists of the chemical methylphenidate. It was the first drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of attention deficit disorder. From 1954 until today, it continues to be one of the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD.1
As a central nervous system stimulant, Ritalin works by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically norepinephrine and dopamine. This leads to more activity in the prefrontal cortex, which is considered the seat of executive function. Brain imaging studies have proven that people with ADHD have weaker function and structure of prefrontal cortex circuits, leading to inattention, impulsivity, emotional dysregulation and other classic ADHD symptoms associated with executive dysfunction.2
Though Ritalin remains a highly prescribed drug, the medication is also associated with a number of side effects. These include dependency and a high risk for abuse.3 This leads many people with ADHD or parents of kids with ADHD to wonder if Ritalin is the best choice for their symptoms or if other options can be just as effective.
Find out how conventional medication like Ritalin compares to homeopathic medications, what side effects to expect, and how to decide which is the best ADHD medication for your needs.
Homeopathic vs Conventional Medicine
Though conventional medicine like Ritalin may cause side effects for some, it’s important to note that many people experience significant improvements in their ADHD symptoms with this medication and other stimulant drugs. However, for other users, these side effects persist or the medication stops being useful, leading to higher dosages and even harsher side effects.
At Brillia, we believe that stimulant drugs have their place, but should be seen as a last resort after all other options have been explored. One such option is homeopathic medication like Brillia for Children and Brillia for Adults, which help to reduce ADHD symptoms without harsh, synthetic chemicals or harmful side effects.
Brillia is a non-prescription medication that contains antibodies to the brain-specific S100B protein. This protein is a key regulator of many different intracellular and extracellular brain processes, including various enzyme activities, calcium homeostasis, and communication between neurons. It is also related to mood regulation. Brillia works by seeking out and attaching to the S100B protein to regulate its activity, consequently reducing such symptoms as inattention, impulsivity, restlessness, hyperactivity, and irritability. As a result of this regulating effect, neurotransmitters (dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin) in different parts of the brain normalize to promote a more balanced mood without affecting blood chemistry or any other system in the body. This is a more direct and gentler way of affecting the same neurotransmitters that drugs like Ritalin aim to increase without causing drowsiness, lethargy, depression, appetite changes, or personality changes.
As a non-prescription medication, Brillia is available without an official diagnosis for users as young as five years old. If you are finding that Ritalin is the best choice for you or your child, you can add Brillia to your regimen to help control some of the side effects of these stimulant drugs, such as anxiety. Adding Brillia can also help slow down the rate at which you need to increase the dose of your prescription medication.
In fact, many users switch over to Brillia entirely to avoid the side effects of prescription drugs; if this is something you are considering, we encourage you to talk to your doctor first before discontinuing medication. It’s also important that you are consistent and patient with results. As a gentle and cumulative product, Brillia takes about two to three weeks to build up in the system. If you are considering switching over with the approval of your physician, we ask that you take both medications together for three to four weeks before tapering off.
Recommended Videos
Side Effects of Homeopathic vs Conventional Medicine
Brillia is free from alcohol, heavy metals, added flavors, sugars, colors, gluten, nuts, and other harsh, synthetic chemicals. The medication is not associated with any harmful side effects and has gone through an extensive FDA review, in which substantive documentation with clinical trials and studies of the claims that the product makes has been provided to the FDA to abide by sringest standards and regulations.
But not all homeopathic options are the same. Some homeopathic medications and remedies carry side effects and drug interactions. A 2012 review of case reports found that using certain homeopathic products that contain heavy metals like mercury or iron can cause adverse effects and others may contain alcohol.4
Ritalin has been associated with the following adverse side effects:
- Fast heart rate
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach pain
- Indigestion
- Irritability
- Vomiting
- Nervousness
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- Headache
There are many individuals who also abuse Ritalin, such as those who have not been diagnosed with ADHD but wish to improve their alertness or energy. Some of these users also take more Ritalin than typically prescribed to induce euphoria, though this can cause dangerous side effects, including addiction and overdose.5
How to Manage ADHD Symptoms
Numerous studies have pointed to simple lifestyle changes a person can make to help reduce ADHD symptoms either in combination with medication or alone. From following a nutritious diet to getting enough sleep, these lifestyle changes are the driving force behind Brillia’s holistic 5-Pillar approach. The medication works in tandem with proper nutrition, adequate sleep, controlled screen time, and mindfulness to ensure long-lasting success in the reduction of ADHD symptoms through behavioral management and whole-body health. In addition to leading a healthy lifestyle, some other ways to manage ADHD symptoms include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Herbal remedies like ginkgo biloba, gotu kola, and ginseng
- Cutting down on sugar, processed foods, alcohol, and caffeine
- Practicing yoga, tai chi, forest bathing, and other relaxing activities
- Incorporating omega-3s into your diet
- Following a consistent exercise routine
How to Decide Which is Best for You
No two individuals experience ADHD in the same way. Finding the right treatment plan for you may take a little experimentation and a lot of patience. For many, combining a number of approaches can provide a more comprehensive and lasting effect. Using Brillia and the 5 Pillars in combination with your prescription medication can provide more well-rounded support or it can help you more easily come off your Rx once Brillia has built up in the system.
It is estimated that about 4 percent of American adults over the age of 18 deal with ADHD on a daily basis.6 Finding resources to help manage symptoms is easier than ever through websites, podcasts, books, and more. Connecting with a community of like-minded people can also be a huge help in feeling less alone with your challenges and finding tips to make life easier.
Find more resources on managing ADHD at the Brillia(nce) Resource Center and find out more about how Brillia might help you.
Get a whole bunch of support right in your inbox.
References: 1https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305313988_Classics_in_Chemical_Neuroscience_Methylphenidate, 2https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Andrew-Coogan/publication/51374401_Anatomical_and_functional_brain_imaging_in_adult_attention-deficithyperactivity_disorder_ADHD-A_neurological_view/links/0046351a5cd19938db000000/Anatomical-and-functional-brain-imaging-in-adult-attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-ADHD-A-neurological-view.pdf, 3https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC181133/, 4https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/homeopathy, 5https://www.addictioncenter.com/stimulants/ritalin/, 6https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/facts-statistics-infographic#fast-facts
