Magnesium Interaction with ADHD Medications
Research indicates that magnesium does not negatively interact with ADHD medications. In fact, it may potentially enhance the effectiveness of these drugs. However, it's always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
What Are Magnesium Carbonate Vitamins
Magnesium carbonate vitamins are dietary supplements. They contain magnesium carbonate, which is a type of magnesium salt.
Magnesium is an important mineral, which is involved in over 80% of all metabolic functions, for instance in maintaining muscle function and normal heart rhythm [1, 2].
Magnesium carbonate can be and often is combined with other minerals or vitamins. This combination either enhances its benefits or serves as additional supplementation of the said mineral or vitamin. For instance, a common combination is calcium, which is another important mineral needed for bone formation and maintenance [3]. An example of a vitamin that can be combined with magnesium carbonate is the B1 vitamin, which has been shown to enhance the stress-reducing effects of magnesium [4].
Magnesium carbonate vitamins are used to supplement the diet when it does not provide enough of these minerals or when they get lost through perspiration [2]. They can be used to treat conditions like heartburn or acid indigestion and to control serum phosphorus levels in hemodialysis patients [5, 6]. In addition, some studies also suggest that magnesium carbonate can effectively reduce serum phosphate levels and that it shows good gastrointestinal tolerance [7].
What Is The Available Medication For ADHD?
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known under its acronym ADHD, is a common neurobehavioural disorder.
The symptoms of ADHD can be managed using a variety of medications. These fall into two main categories: stimulants and non-stimulants.
Stimulant medication is the first-line treatment for ADHD. They work by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, they help with thinking and attention.
For instance, methylphenidate and amphetamine-based stimulants are the most commonly prescribed. These can be for instance Concerta, Adderall, Decedrine, Procentra and Vyvanse. Other stimulants include methamphetamine (Desoxyn) and various forms of methylphenidate, such as Focalin, Aptensio XR, Concerta, Daytrana, Methylin, QuilliChew, Quillivant, and Ritalin [8, 9, 10].
Non-stimulant medications are primarily for patients who cannot tolerate stimulants, or for those patients for which the stimulants are not effective. These medications work differently from stimulants. In addition, it typically takes longer to show improvement in symptoms. Non-stimulant medications include atomoxetine (Strattera), guanfacine (Intuniv), and clonidine (Kapvay). For children, Viloxazine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, is another non-stimulant medication that has been approved [8, 11, 9, 10].
There are more medications which are currently being investigated for their efficiency in treating ADHD[ 12]. These are for instance centanafadine, solriamfetol, and L-threonic acid magnesium salt. These drugs are currently in Phase 3 trials [9].
The chosen medication reflects the needs of the individual patient including their medical history, the presence of any comorbidities, and their risk of substance misuse.
Can Magnesium Interact With ADHD Medications?
There has yet not been specific research dedicated to answering the question of whether magnesium carbonate vitamins can interact with ADHD medication. However, we can consider some studies regarding levels of magnesium and the use of magnesium supplementation in patients with ADHD. These might provide some insights into the role of magnesium in ADHD treatment.
So, several studies found that patients with ADHD have lower levels of magnesium in their bodies in comparison to other healthy individuals. In fact, 95% of the children with ADHD had magnesium deficiency [13]. Another study showed that children with ADHD had significantly lower serum and hair magnesium levels than children without ADHD [14].
Building up on this, some studies actually suggested that magnesium supplementation could be beneficial for children with ADHD. And one found that magnesium-vitamin B6 supplementation significantly improved clinical symptoms of ADHD in children.
Another study found that supplementation with vitamin D and magnesium improved the behavioural function and mental health of children with ADHD [15].
However, it's important to note that these studies did not investigate whether magnesium interacts with ADHD medications. Therefore, if you're considering magnesium supplementation for a child with ADHD who is also taking medication, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider first.