Concerta, ADD/ADHD, and Marijuana (Cannabis); Reducing side effects
June 3, 20102 CommentsDisease Treatment
ADD,
adderall,
aderall xr,
ADHD,
Attention Deficit Disorder,
Concerta,
Dr Sean Breen,
insomnia,
lack of appetite,
medical cannabis of southern california,
Medical Marijuana,
Ritalin,
weight loss
As medical director of Medical Cannabis of Southern California I often evaluate patients suffering from ADD/ADHD who are taking stimulants like Concerta and want a medical marijuana recommendation to combat its side effects. Today I evaluated a 21 year old male college student who had been taking Concerta for the past year but had to stop because it was causing a significant lack of appetite, weight loss and insomnia. These are very common complaints from patients who are treated with stimulants. Although he said he could focus slightly more the insomnia and lack of appetite was causing more difficulties than the ADHD itself. He had been using cannabis for the past month with excellent results and wanted to speak with me about getting a medical marijuana recommendation.
When I was going over his experience with using cannabis he stated that it really helped him focus for the 24 hour period following his use. He typically used it prior to going to sleep because he was sleeping 8 hours when using a strong indica strain. It also helped stimulate his appetite. Because of regular small doses with cannabis he was able to stop using concerta completely and was getting excellent grades.
I have seen more and more students come in for marijuana evaluations because they are tired of taking adderal, concerta and ritalin. Cannabis is an excellent alternative and worth a try. It has very few unwanted side effects an as long as patients are using it responsibly (not driving or operating heavy machinery) it is pretty benign. I also have found that students report using less alcohol because they are able to medicate which in turn is leading to more productivity and less lost time at work.
If you are taking stimulants for ADHD and would like to see if cannabis can supplement or replace your existing treatment plan feel free to make an appointment by calling 877-721-0047. I look forward to seeing you.
Respectfully,
Dr. Sean Breen
Medical Diretor, MCSoCal, www.mcsocal.com
dear Dr. Breen
I have just turned 17 and I have read your article in search of more information on the effects of marijuana toward ADD and ADHD. I struggle from ADD and ADHD very badly. I also have a very hard time sleeping. My parents have put me on various prescribed medications to help me with this. Nothing seemed to help until I got put on this last medication (unfortunately I do not know the name of it) it helps me focus a lot better; however the down side about it is I have absolutely no apatite. To the point where I only eat one meal a day. This is very unhealthy for me considering I am very athletic and I am exercising everyday. since june of 2010 I have been smoking marijuana. At first this was a weekend thing now it has turned into nearly every other day for the last 3 weeks or so. I do not smoke it just because. I have actually found that it helps me very much with my ADD, ADHD and sleep. I normally smoke it before I go to bed and every once in awhile in the morning. I have been trying to convince my parents to let me get prescribed to medical marijuana but they think I just want an excuse to “smoke pot”. I just want them to realize it actually helps me with what I struggle with. I would really appreciate a reply to this with any other information you can give me to help me straighten this out. Your article was very helpful.
thank you,
Nick Whalley (age 17, Pasadena,CA)
Email: whalley_nick14@yahoo.com
P.S. I have only smoked cannabis from clinics, not from the streets.
Nice read. I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing some research on that. He just bought me lunch since I found it for him! Therefore let me rephrase: Thank you for lunch!