ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects cognitive function in children and adults. It is characterized by persistent inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with daily life.
Lion's Mane, a traditional Chinese medicine, enhances brain function by promoting neurogenesis and increasing neurotransmitters in the brain, making it a potential nootropic for ADHD. Adderall, a stimulant medication, effectively treats ADHD symptoms by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine. While there is no conclusive evidence on the combination of Lion's Mane and Adderall, anecdotal evidence suggests they may work well together.
This guide will explore how combining Lion's Mane and Adderall can benefit people with ADHD. Moreover, we will answer your frequently asked questions about Lion's Mane and how this unique fungus can help your overall brain health.
Lion's Mane vs. Adderall: How do They Fight ADHD and Which One is Better?
Lion's Mane and Adderall are two different substances that work in different ways to address the symptoms of ADHD. If you are thinking of using one or the other, you will be interested in knowing how these options measure against each other.
Lion's Mane Promotes Neurogenesis and Fights Inflammation
Lion's Mane contains compounds(1) that stimulate neurogenesis. This process increases the growth of new brain cells and the production of certain neurotransmitters.
Lion's Mane enhances the production of acetylcholine, brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF), and nerve growth factor (NGF). The emergence of the primary symptoms of ADHD has been linked to(2) changes in BDNF activity. In addition, the anti-inflammatory properties of amycenone (3) in Lion's Mane are responsible for improved attention.
These Lion's Mane effects may help to improve focus, memory, and overall cognitive function, which are areas that people with ADHD may struggle with.
Read More: See our detailed guide on how Lion's Mane fights ADHD.
Adderall Works as a Stimulant
Adderall, on the other hand, is an amphetamine medication that belongs to the class of stimulants. Like coffee stimulates the central nervous system, Adderall causes people with ADHD to have more brain activity. It works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which can help to improve focus, attention, and impulse control.
Adderall Has More Side Effects
Lion's Mane is a natural supplement generally considered safe but has not been extensively studied for its effects on ADHD. Adderall is a prescription medication that can be effective in treating ADHD, but it also has a risk of side effects.
Some of the adverse effects of using Adderall include anxiety, headaches, insomnia, loss of appetite, and more. Adderall can also be addictive and habit-forming, making it a less compelling option for people with addiction issues.
Read More: See why Lion's Mane is neither addictive nor habit-forming.
Use Adderall for Rapid Relief and Lion's Mane to Avoid Side Effects
Adderall is the best option if you want rapid relief and are prepared to put up with any potential side effects. On the other hand, Lion's Mane is preferable if you want to try an all-natural method without adverse side effects.
Even a low Lion's mane dosage helps improve focus and concentration. You can safely consume 2 to 3 grams of Lion's Mane daily.
Due to the seriousness of Adderall's side effects, many people with ADHD dislike using the medication or may be reluctant to do so. However, since Lion's mane mushrooms have no significant adverse effects, they may also function as an Adderall substitute with a far less drastic impact on the body.
Today, many people with ADHD use natural supplements instead of Adderall, while some combine medication with nootropics like Lion's mane extract. When combined with other ADHD treatments, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (psychotherapy), Lion's mane product can be one o the best alternative treatments to dextroamphetamine like Adderall.
However, before making any changes to your treatment, see your doctor or other healthcare professionals for professional advice on using other options to treat the ADHD condition.
Can You Take Lion's Mane Mushroom with Adderall?
There is no conclusive research on whether Lion's Mane can be taken safely and effectively with Adderall. However, no reports suggest harmful interactions between the two substances. Therefore, you can take Lion's Mane with Adderall.
Some anecdotal evidence suggests that Lion's Mane may help to mitigate some of the side effects of Adderall, such as anxiety and restlessness. In addition, lion's Mane may also provide additional benefits for the cognitive function that can complement the effects of Adderall.
Read More: See how Lion's Mane fights anxiety.
However, it is essential to note that vitamin C (ascorbic acid) supplements may interact with Adderall. The active components in Adderall are alkaline, which interacts poorly with acids, whereas vitamin C is an acid. Thus, vitamin C might prevent the absorption of Adderall. You should err on the side of caution and take your Adderall about an hour before you eat breakfast because ascorbic acid may be present in many foods.
Benefits Of Lion's Mane Mushrooms
It is not surprising that Lion's Mane has been a mainstay of complementary medicine for generations, given its reputation as one of the healthiest mushrooms you can consume due to its many benefits. The health benefits of Lion's Mane are numerous and include the following:
- Enhances cognitive functioning and brain chemistry
- Improves gut health and fights stomach ulcers
- Facilitates the growth of neurons and nerve regeneration
- Fights depression and anxiety
- Reduces inflammation and oxidative stress
- Fights neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease
- Boosts immune system
Lion's mane powder also fights chronic illnesses like high blood pressure and diabetes, regulating blood sugar levels. In addition, Lion's Mane has cancer benefits, inducing the death of cancer cells.
Undoubtedly, however, Lion's Mane stands out more for its ability to enhance cognitive functions and fight mild cognitive impairment. As a result, the lion's mane supplement is slowly becoming the go-to solution for people looking to combat mental health disorders and memory loss and reduce the risk of dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and other cognitive health problems.
FAQs About Lion's Mane And Adderall
Does Lion's Mane Interact With Medications?
Yes, Lion's Mane may interact with certain medications, so it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before taking it. For example, Lion's Mane has blood-thinning effects, so it may interact with blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin, clopidogrel, or aspirin, increasing the risk of bleeding.
Lion's Mane may also interact with immunosuppressant drugs, as it may increase the immune system's activity. Therefore, individuals taking immunosuppressant medications should avoid taking Lion's Mane.
Read More: See our detailed guide on Lion's mane drug interactions for more information.
Is Lions Mane A Stimulant?
No, Lion's Mane is not a stimulant. Instead, it is a natural supplement considered a nootropic, which means it has cognitive-enhancing properties that can improve focus, memory, and overall cognitive function.
While some people may feel a slight energy boost or increased mental clarity after taking Lion's Mane, it does not stimulate the central nervous system like traditional stimulants such as caffeine or amphetamines. Instead, the bioactive ingredients in Lion's mane mushroom encourage the development of new brain cells, which not only fights cognitive impairment but also boosts focus and attention span, giving a stimulant-like effect.
Does Lions Mane Improve Focus?
Yes, Lion's Mane mushroom helps to improve focus and mental clarity. One of the best nootropic supplements, it contains compounds that can stimulate the growth of new brain cells and increase the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF) and nerve growth factors (NGF).
These effects can improve cognitive function, including focus and attention. In addition, lion's Mane has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce brain inflammation, which may contribute to improved focus and concentration.
Is Lions Mane Good For Brain Fog?
Lion's Mane benefits brain fog due to its ability to stimulate the production of nerve growth factors, which are essential for the growth and maintenance of brain cells. It also contains compounds that may help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, which can contribute to brain fog.
Lion's Mane also improves cognitive function, including memory and concentration, which may help alleviate brain fog. While more research is needed, Lion's Mane mushroom extract shows promise as a natural remedy for brain fog.
Key Takeaways
For people with ADHD, there is no harm in taking Lion's Mane and Adderall together since they are not known to interact with each other. However, before using these fungi, talk to your doctor—the doctor can help you determine an ideal dosage for a safe experience when using the mushroom and your Adderall.
Remember that you should use Lion's Mane as part of your diet and not fully replace your prescribed Adderall with this mushroom before getting the go-ahead from your doctor. While there are studies upon studies about Adderall being effective in fighting ADHD, researchers still need more human studies to understand the effect of Lion's Mane on ADHD fully.
Have you used Lion's Mane for ADHD? Did you combine it with your Adderall? What was your experience with this functional mushroom? Please share your experience with us in the comments section.
References
- Hericenones and erinacines: Stimulators of nerve growth factor (NGF) biosynthesis in Hericium erinaceus, (1)https://www.researchgate.net/publication/240235316
- Alterations of Growth Factors in Autism and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, (2)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5507945/
- Effects of amycenone on serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-10, and depression-like behavior in mice after lipopolysaccharide administration, (3)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26150007/
Let Us Know Your Comments