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Compatibility

Compatibility of our protocol with a methylphenidate-based treatment

The ADHD Relief BioProgramme can be used alongside a drug treatment such as Ritalin® or Concerta®, with no known risk of interaction. Its active ingredients – plants such as saffron or bacopa, micronutrients (vitamins B, D, zinc, magnesium) and targeted probiotics – are perfectly compatible with methylphenidate. Better still, they act synergistically, addressing aspects that psychostimulants do not address:

  • underlying causes (oxidative stress, inflammation, microbiota imbalances, long-term neurotransmission) ·
  • associated disorders frequently observed in patients (anxiety, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, irritability, feelings of emotional blunting, etc.).

This comprehensive support can allow, for some patients, a gradual reduction in medication dosage, while improving daily comfort.

In summary, the ADHD Relief BioProgramme is not a substitute for stimulant medication, rather it optimises its effects without interfering with its pharmacological action.

It is particularly indicated for the following profiles:

  • children or adults who are hypersensitive, anxious, or agitated despite treatment
  • people wishing to gradually reduce their medication
  • patients with poor tolerance to the side effects of psychostimulants

Conflict between saffron and methylphenidate?

Some people (particularly on forums or in cautious medical circles) suggest a possible interaction between saffron and methylphenidate, for three main reasons:

  1. Partially similar action on neurotransmitters Saffron (particularly safranal and crocin) acts on dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. Methylphenidate blocks the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Theoretical concern: dopamine overload or excessive potentiation, which can lead to nervousness, agitation, or insomnia. But in reality, the effects of saffron are modulated, non-excitatory, and much milder (comparable to mild SSRI-type antidepressants, at low intensity).
  2. Confusion with other herbs, as some practitioners confuse it with: St. John’s Wort, which interacts strongly with many medications (particularly via cytochrome P450) Or other dopaminergic-stimulating herbs (e.g., Mucuna pruriens) Saffron, on the other hand, does not induce liver enzymes or exhibit any significant enzymatic interaction.
  3. Lack of Co-administration Studies There are no official studies (to date) testing saffron and methylphenidate in combination, which is leading some physicians to apply the precautionary principle. However, a comparative study (Crocus sativus vs. methylphenidate) showed similar efficacy, without notable side effects (Baziar et al., 2019 – randomized double-blind study), and without reports of harmful interactions. What science and practice show is that at physiological doses (15 to 30 mg/day of titrated saffron), no serious conflicts or interactions have been documented to date with Ritalin or Concerta. And in several countries (e.g., Australia, Canada), some practitioners already use saffron in co-therapy, particularly in cases of side effects or associated anxiety-depressive disorders.