CBD & ADHD: an alternative to stimulants

09. 04. 2024

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a fairly commonly diagnosed disorder with a range of symptoms that include inattention, impulsive behaviour and hyperactivity. While there are currently treatment options for ADHD, these do not work for every person and carry the risk of side effects. In some cases, people taking prescription medication for ADHD can develop high levels of anxiety and sleep disturbances that only worsen the condition.

Research into the use of CBD to combat ADHD is still in its infancy, but the evidence so far suggests that CBD can be an effective aid and thus a suitable choice, especially given its calming and relaxing effects.

As the use of cannabis expands and the legality of the plant changes, so too will the possibilities for research into it, and scientists will be able to understand more precisely how CBD acts on the endocannabinoid system and in what ways it may be able to help with ADHD and its many symptoms.

Keep in mind that the information on this page is meant to serve as an informational guide only - a starting point of reference - and should never be considered medical advice. You should always consult your doctor before taking CBD.

Benefits of CBD oil for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the two best-known and best-studied cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Although THC has some therapeutic effects, CBD has become the main choice for symptom relief, partly because it does not cause the intoxication associated with THC. In other words, you won't feel "high" after CBD oil.

Typical official ADHD treatment has its drawbacks, limitations, and side effects. CBD may offer a more appropriate course of action without the risk of side effects. If you are considering using CBD oil as a supportive treatment for ADHD, or are considering using it alone, consult your doctor first and review the following chart.

Medication for ADHD

Possible side effects

CBD for ADHD

Possible side effects of taking medication + CBD

Adderall (amphetamine)

Nervousness, restlessness, dizziness, headache, fear, anxiety, tremors, weakness, nausea, insomnia.

CBD can reduce anxiety and promote sleep, which can alleviate symptoms associated with ADHD without the side effects of medication.

There are no known side effects associated with the use of CBD and Adderall, but that doesn't mean they don't exist. Always check with your doctor before use.

Ritalin (methylphenidate)

Nervousness, restlessness, anxiety, insomnia, stomach pain, weight loss, nausea, headache, heart palpitations.

CBD can reduce anxiety and promote sleep, which can relieve symptoms associated with ADHD without the side effects of the medication.

There are no known side effects associated with taking CBD and Ritalin, but that doesn't mean they don't exist. Always check with your doctor before use.

Concerta (Methylphenidate)

Stomach pain, loss of appetite, headache, dry mouth, nausea, insomnia, anxiety.

CBD can reduce anxiety and promote sleep, which can relieve symptoms associated with ADHD without the side effects of the medication.

There are no known side effects associated with the use of CBD and Concerta, but that doesn't mean they don't exist. Always check with your doctor before use.

Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)

Stomach pain, vomiting, heartburn, dry mouth, insomnia, drowsiness, dizziness, nervousness, headache.

CBD can reduce anxiety and promote sleep, which can relieve symptoms associated with ADHD without the side effects of the drug.

There are no known side effects associated with taking CBD and Focalin, but that doesn't mean they don't exist. Always check with your doctor before use.

Daytrana (methylphenidate patch)

Dizziness, mood changes, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, redness or itching at the application site.

CBD can reduce anxiety and promote sleep, which can relieve symptoms associated with ADHD without the side effects of the medication.

There are no known side effects associated with the use of CBD and Daytrana, but that doesn't mean they don't exist. Always check with your doctor before use.

Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine)

Nausea, upset stomach, dry mouth, headache, diarrhea, insomnia, nervousness, sweating.

CBD can reduce anxiety and promote sleep, which can relieve symptoms associated with ADHD without the side effects of the drug.

There are no known side effects associated with the use of CBD and Dexedrine, but that doesn't mean they don't exist. Always check with your doctor before use.

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)

Dry mouth, weight loss, loss of appetite, insomnia, increased heart rate, anxiety, irritability, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation.

CBD can reduce anxiety and promote sleep, which can alleviate symptoms associated with ADHD without the side effects of the drug.

There are no known side effects associated with the use of CBD and Vyvanse, but that doesn't mean they don't exist. Always check with your doctor before use.

Given the side effects that can accompany the use of conventional ADHD medications, it's no wonder people are looking for alternate and more natural (natural) solutions.

The effectiveness of CBD on ADHD

CBD offers a number of potential benefits for people struggling with ADHD. Below, we take a closer look at the ways in which CBD can be effective in addressing ADHD symptoms. Note that most of the studies cited were not conducted on people suffering from ADHD. So while it is likely that CBD oil may help these people because it addresses common ADHD symptoms, the evidence is still lacking.

CBD oil for children with ADHD

ADHD is a condition most commonly diagnosed in childhood, which can understandably complicate the use of CBD oil as a potential treatment.

Due to the stigma and legal complications surrounding cannabis and its products, there are very few studies involving children. Despite this limitation, there is evidence to suggest that the use of CBD oil is safe for children. In fact, one of the most publicized uses of CBD oil is treating children with epilepsy (Dravet syndrome and Lennox Gastaut syndrome).

It is essential to consult a pediatrician before giving CBD oil to a child. By having a clear and open conversation about your child's condition, symptoms, and experiences, you can decide if this is the path you want to take. More research is needed to say with certainty that CBD oil can be used in children to effectively treat difficulties such as ADHD. However, given the currently available information, the possibility looks very promising, to say the least.

CBD oil for anxiety

Anxiety disorders are not uncommon in adults with ADHD. If an individual suffers from anxiety directly related to ADHD, it should go away with treatment. However, if the anxiety manifests outside of an ADHD diagnosis and is caused by another condition, such as generalized anxiety disorder, traditional ADHD treatment could make the situation worse. This is partly due to the fact that some ADHD medications are stimulants. These work wonders in treating attention disorders in ADHD, but they are not very helpful when it comes to anxiety.

CBD oil can help relieve anxiety that ADHD medications do not improve. How does it work? CBD activates a serotonin receptor called 5-HT1A. This receptor increases serotonin levels in the brain. Low serotonin levels are linked to both depression and anxiety. Typically, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are prescribed for the treatment of anxiety, but these have many unpleasant side effects such as nausea, insomnia and reduced libido. CBD is able to act similarly to SSRIs without the negative side effects due to its action on 5-HT1A receptors.

Several studies have found that CBD oil can alleviate symptoms of generalized anxiety, and brain scans have shown that CBD increases blood flow through the brain, which may indicate lower levels of anxiety. According to the results of the above study, it appears that CBD alleviates anxiety symptoms by increasing activity in the limbic and paralimbic regions of the brain.

CBD oil for better sleep

Achieving quality sleep can sometimes be difficult, but for people with ADHD it can be even more difficult, all the time.

One study that compared adults with sleep disorders such as narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia to adults with ADHD found that there was significant overlap in symptoms. Ultimately, these findings may be the result of initial misdiagnosis or co-occurrence (comorbidity) of sleep disorders in adults with ADHD. However, the study was unclear as to whether the results were due to similar pathophysiology or inaccuracies in the self-rating scale.

Further studies are needed to determine exactly how these conditions might be related. Regardless, adults with ADHD report significant rates of daytime sleepiness compared to adults without ADHD.

Unfortunately, the situation is no better for children with ADHD. When children have disrupted sleep patterns, it can not only worsen their condition, but it can lead to increased levels of daytime sleepiness. Children with ADHD may also have a higher incidence of sleep-disordered breathing, restless leg syndrome and periodic limb movement syndrome. Not only can hyperactivity make it difficult to fall asleep, but the medications prescribed for ADHD are stimulants and may be present in the body even at bedtime.

CBD drops may be a way to get better, more restful sleep without the stimulant side effects of traditional ADHD medications. CBD oil can be used to calm anxiety, creating a calmer environment for sleep. It has also been shown to reduce levels of cortisol, the "stress hormone," allowing the body and mind to relax more fully when it's time to go to sleep.

When it comes to restless leg syndrome and involuntary muscle movements, CBD drops can reduce pain, cramping and spasticity. By boosting dopamine levels in the brain, CBD oil can reduce involuntary muscle movements, ensuring deeper sleep. Cannabidiol (CBD) acts on several different systems and functions. Thus, it indirectly contributes to better sleep. And quality sleep can reduce the severity of ADHD symptoms.

How to take CBD drops for ADHD

Before you even consider taking CBD oil, it's important to consult your doctor. Although CBD oil can be relatively safe, it can interact with some common medications such as antidepressants and antibiotics. Talk openly with your doctor about the use of CBD oil. The more open and honest you are, the more likely you are to find a solution that works for you.

There are many different ways to take CBD oil. The best CBD products will largely depend on your needs and personal preferences. For quick symptom relief, you may consider vaping (vaporizing) or smoking CBD flowers. This can be helpful in dealing with sudden anxiety symptoms, for example. Because CBD is absorbed directly through the lungs, you can feel the effects within minutes. The downside is that the effects don't last very long and often wear off within an hour. Another disadvantage is the common risks associated with smoking.

For more regular replenishment of the active ingredient, sublingual drops and tinctures, CBD edibles such as gummies (gummy bears or other gelatinous candies), or capsules are also available. All of these methods of administration are much more discreet than vaping CBD.

Edibles and capsules offer consistent dosing, but it can take a while for the effects to take effect. This is because in these cases, the CBD must pass through the digestive system and be processed by the liver before it is absorbed into the bloodstream. Depending on the speed of your metabolism and the amount of food already in your stomach, it can take up to an hour for the effects to take effect, but they usually last 4 to 6 hours after that.

CBD drops (oils and tinctures) are taken sublingually, which means they are dripped under the tongue and held for a while, as this is where the CBD is absorbed. With this administration, the effect usually occurs within half an hour and can last for 2 to 4 hours. Tinctures and CBD oil offer the best dosage control as these products are administered via a dropper. By the concentration of the oil or tincture, you know the CBD content per drop and can accurately control the total amount of cannabidiol you take.

Be sure to discuss your needs with your doctor. Together, you will surely find the best way. You may need to try several types before you find the right product or combination that best suits your particular situation.

CBD oil dosage for ADHD

Unfortunately, there is no universal CBD oil dosage for ADHD. Because no two people are the same, no two people will respond to CBD in the same way. Various factors such as weight and metabolism play a role in determining the right dosage.

For this reason, we recommend starting slow and following the recommended dosage listed with your product. If the CBD is intended for a child, you can even start with a fraction of the recommended dose listed on the product.

If your product does not list a recommended dose size, you can use the following information:

The standard dose of CBD is 25 mg of CBD, taken twice a day.

If you are not getting the desired results with this amount, we recommend increasing the dose size by 25 mg every 3 to 4 weeks until you get relief.

The best CBD oils for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

If you're ready to try CBD oil for ADHD but don't know where to start, these tips can help. There's no specific brand or product that is the best CBD oil for ADHD, but you can narrow your search by weeding out inferior products right away by following this information:

Always read the ingredients list. Quality CBD oil is derived from organic hemp and contains only natural ingredients. Most oils contain CBD and a carrier oil, such as coconut MCT oil or hemp seed oil. Some CBD drops also contain terpenes or essential oils for flavoring. If you see artificial or chemical additives, eliminate the oil from your selection.

Check the laws. Cannabis products containing up to 1% THC or less are legal in the country starting in early 2022. But the same situation doesn't apply in all states. Some countries require CBD users to have a doctor's prescription, while others ban the sale of hemp products altogether. When travelling abroad, we recommend checking the laws in all the countries you will be passing through.

Read the certificates of analysis. Trusted CBD producers, and Hemnia is no exception, have their extracts tested by an independent lab and publish the results online in a certificate of analysis. This analysis will help you verify the THC and CBD concentrations listed on the label, while helping you determine exactly what is in the final product.

CBD drops can be a useful tool in the fight against ADHD, as well as the anxiety and sleep disorders that often accompany ADHD. If you want to use CBD oil to treat ADHD, be sure to consult your doctor first.

Disclaimer

Every brand has a responsibility to its customers. Hemnia is dedicated to natural remedies and a harmonious lifestyle. We like to write about these things and share our good experiences. In addition to verified quality and correct, understandable descriptions for our products, we have a duty to make you aware of what we can and cannot be held responsible for. The goal is your safety and we fully respect that.

Short and simple:
1. Hemnia does not want to, nor can it, replace the professional care of your physician.

2. Hemnia products are not drugs (aka medications), so please do not treat them as such.

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