Several ople think ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a condition that only affects children. According to neurologists, ADHD is not caused by poor parenting or lack of discipline but rather is caused by an imbalance in brain chemistry or a delay in the development of certain brain regions. Treatment for ADHD typically involves a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle modifications.

Althugh this disorder is actually more common in children, it can also affect adults as well, who must rely upon therapy and medication to treat its symptoms for the rest of their lives. Sadly, these drugs do not work for everyone, forcing so many people to face the challenges of living with an attention deficit disorder on a daily basis. For those who find it too hard to deal with their ADHD symptoms, a new chance for therapy is represented by kratom – an herb called Mitragyna speciosa that is allegedly able to ease the life of these patients.

If you have ADHD and have tried all possible therapies to no avail, you can consider kratom. They are a natural herbal supplement that helps you manage the symptoms of ADHD. To this day, several people claim that this substance usually works even when everything else fails. Nowadays, it’s hard to get quality kratom online, that’s why we recommend you to buy kratom online from happy go leafy for the best products at affordable prices

However, before you start treating your ADHD with this substance, you should go over a few things. Knowing what this disorder actually is, its symptoms and how kratom can help manage it, will help you a lot. Several strains of kratom can help you in different ways, hence choosing the right one is also important to find out the right treatment.

What is Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders that affect children under 12 years old. It is diagnosed during childhood and generally gets better as the patient ages, but many people keep struggling with its symptoms even when they grow adult. According to some authrs, the symptoms simply change over time but the disorder will always persist into adulthood.

Although there are several ways to opt for a treatment, the medications used can trigger a host of side effects. Some people consider kratom for ADHD as a safer alternative to typical medication, and that’s why it is getting popular nowadays. You can consume kratom in its many forms such as capsules or gummies to avoid the taste, or more traditional ones such as powder or liquid extracts.

The symptoms of ADHD that you should be aware of:

ADHD mostly makes it difficult focusing and paying attention, which is a symptom that is particularly visible in children when they start going to school. The scientific community is still unsure about the various factors that cause ADHD. Although, research suggests that genetics can play a significant role in its development.

Every case of ADHD differs from one another. The predominant feature of both kids and adults with ADHD is their trouble staying focused on something for more than a few minutes, and following instructions. In children, the most common symptoms are:

Fidgeting
Constantly running, jumping and climbing
Interrupting others
Being Impatient in waiting for their turn
Emotional turmoil
Unable to complete tasks
Daydreaming

As stated, the disorder usually persists into adulthood. The symptoms can more or less be the same as the patient becomes an adult, but they can also evolve into something slightly different. Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD in adults can include:

Excessive restlessness
Impulsiveness
Lacking the skills to manage time and plan things
Unable to focus on tasks
Problems with organizing
Low tolerance
Hot temper
Mood swings
Has a hard time coping with stress

Although ADHD cannot be cured for good, patients can use various medications to manage these symptoms. The most commonly prescribed are variously mixed amphetamine salts (such as Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin), atomoxetine, guanfacine and others. However, these drugs often come with serious adverse side effects that lead many patients to eventually stop taking them. According to the claims of many people who have this disorder, kratom for ADHD can help manage the symptoms better than Adderall or the other pharmaceutical drugs, with practically no side effects.

How does kratom help in the management of ADHD symptoms?

Kratoms for ADHD works by aiding the nervous system with the neurotransmitters tha may be lacking in patients with this diroder. Our body produces hundreds of neurotransmitters – substances that are used to transmit nerve signals within the brain, and from the brain to the other organs. Some of these substances are critical in most thinking processes, and can affect the way we focus on things, perceive the world, and react to external and internal stimuli.

Kratom has been known for centuries for its ability to provide a pleasant sensation of relaxedness and restfulness when used, mostly due to its ability to stimulate the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. Interestingly enough, these substances are involved in ADHD as well, and knowing this interaction will help you in understanding how kratoms help in managing the symptoms of ADHD.

Kratom helps with the secretion of dopamine release

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that impacts overall mood and voluntary movement. It also aids in increasing the attention and motivation driving people toward a goal. Hence, you require adequate dopamine levels to be able to focus on things and successfully complete your tasks. Individuals with ADHD tend to have lower levels of dopamine, making it much harder for them to pay attention and find the discipline necessary to achieve their goals. Yet, if too much dopamine is released, focus is loss once again, obtaining the opposite effect as intended. That’s why the drugs used should not just increase dopamine levels, but should aim at balance them until a “normalized” status is achieved.

Kratom can help in stabilizing dopamine levels and enhances your focus and attention. The alkaloids present in kratoms bind to the body’s opioid receptors to facilitate the release of dopamine. Kratom for ADHD will aid your body in releasing more dopamine, just like other medications such as Adderall and Ritalin do. However, while it shares at least this same mechanism with them, it does in a slightly different way. In fact, it doesn’t have the many side effects commonly associated with amphetamines (nausea, restlessness, weight loss, headaches, and more), making it much easier for you to cope with your symptoms.

Kratom increases serotonin levels

Serotonin is similar to dopamine in how it affects mood and concentration. This neurotransmitter also affects memory, sleep and social behaviors. Low levels of serotonin are found in individuals with several psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and ADHD. It is widely believed that a reduction in levels of this neurotransmitter may cause the inability to respond appropriately in social situations that characterize all these disorders.

Kratom doesn boost your serotonin levels and production. Instead, the alkaloids present in Mitragyna speciosa such as 7-hydroxymitragynine, mitragynine, paynantheine and speciogynine show a clear affinity for the serotonin receptors, effectively simulating its activity. Kratom helps with ADHD by supplementing the activity of the otherwise lacking serotoning. The mood-enhancing and emotion-stabilizing effects of this herb will make you feel more at ease when you interact with others, and you will find it easier to socialize and retain new information.

The role of Kratom on norepinephrine

Norepinephrine, also known as adrenaline, acts both as a neurotransmitter and a hormone. It plays a crucial role in maintaining blood pressure (especially in times of stress), but it also influences mood, memory, and the ability to concentrate. In fact, adrenaline is central in the “fight-or-flight” mechanisms, and thus it increases alertness and attention. People with ADHD suffer from lower levels of norepinephrine, although it is unclear which factors determine this reduction.

Kratom has been used for centuries to stave off fatigue and for its mild activity as a stimulant. These qualities are now known to be associated with its interaction with norepinephrine receptors, in a similar fashion to what happens with serotonin receptors. Studies found that kratom can be used to treat several psychiatric disorders, since its combined activity on dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine receptors is similar to the activity of several antidepressants combined.

Using kratom for ADHD will help you increase your norepinephrine levels naturally without having to deal with the side effects of traditional antidepressants. You will experience an increase in focusing abilities, memory and overall attention. At the same time, this herb will help you deal with secondary psychological issues you may have developed in the meantime, such as anxiety or social disorders.

Is Kratom dangerous to use?

Kratom is generally associated with much less side effects than common medications used in ADHD such as Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and others. However, this does not mean it is devoid of risks. One of the most serious risks when using kratom, is that it interacts with cytochrome P450, an enzyme that is central in the metabolism of many prescription drugs.

In simpler terms, by inhibitng this enzyme, kratom may affect your body’s ability to eliminate many common drugs ranging from other serotonergic agents, anti-epileptic drugs, antiplatelets, antiarrhythmic agents, and more. If your body cannot properly get rid of these substances, their blood levels can become dangerously high, leading to unexpected adverse reactions such as a serotonin syndrome.

It is highly advisable to always speak with your doctor or pharmacist before taking kratom, especially if you are already taking any other prescription drug at the same time.

Various Kratom strains that help you manage ADHD symptoms

Kratoms have multiple breeds that affect your body in different ways. If you treat your ADHD symptoms with kratoms, you need to know which strains are the most effective.

Red Bali Kratom: This strain is known for its somewhat milder effects, and may be a good place to start. It is not as potent as other red strains, but it helps you relax without making you overly tired.
Red Borneo Kratom: This strain is one of the most potent red strains and has a strong sedating effect. This sedating effect will help you calm down and control your impulses. It is the best one to keep a level head during particularly stressful periods.
White Horn Kratom: This strain is considered the best one on average for treating general ADHD symptoms. With proper dosage, it will be easier for you to focus on projects, deal with fatigue, and feel a bit more relaxed.
White Maeng Da Kratom: This strain from Thailand has a powerful stimulating activity, and its known for its potent mood-boosting effects. It may be the right choice for those struggling with attention above all else, or for those who experience difficulties in social interactions.
Green Maeng Da Kratom: A strain that has very little sedating effects, it is the preferred choice especially during the day. Green Maeng Da has good nootropic effects and provides a strong energy boost to helep you stay focused and level-headed without reducing your overal alertness.

These are just some of the various strains kratom that will aid you in managing your ADHD symptoms. However, buying kratoms online can be risky, and you should never get it from non-trusted vendors selling substandard products.

Summing up the most important 10 facts about Kratom and ADHD

Summing up, these are the most important 10 facts about kratom for ADHD to keep in mind:

Symptoms of ADHD can always be present in adulthood, although they look different from those experienced by children.
Kratom for ADHD may work better than other medications, at least in some patients.
Compared to drugs such as Adderall or Ritalin, kratom has nearly no side effects.
Kratom can help in stabilizing your dopamine levels without increasing them too much.
The alkaloids found in Mitragyna speciosa mimic serotonin activity, enhancing your mood and social abilities.
Kratom can bind to norepinephrin receptors, increasing attention, memory and focus.
The combined activity of kratom can help you deal with ADHD symptoms by promoting mental clarity, and improve your ability to cope with secondary psychological or psychiatric issues such as anxiety or depression.
Although kratom may be a valid substitute to traditional medications for ADHD, it is not devoid of dangers.
Different kratom strains can help treat your ADHD symptoms in different ways.
It is always better to seek your doctor’s advice before substituting prescription drugs with kratom for ADHD.

Conclusion

Armed with your new knowledge about kratom and ADHD, you can now decide whether it’s a good idea to try this herb out to ease your symptoms. However, we strongly advise to always talk with your doctor before you make any decision. Kratom is not harmless, and stopping your medications abruptly is not devoid of dangers either. Always seek medical advice to stay safe and healthy!

Article edited and revised by Dr. Claudio Butticè, Pharm.D.

Article updated on October 08, 2022

Kratom for ADHD: Top 10 Facts To Know