Magnesium carbonate is a “salt” form of magnesium that is available as a supplement and an ingredient in some antacids. While some research supports the use of magnesium alongside attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication, the supplement form matters.

Magnesium Supplements May Help ADHD Symptoms

Studies show that people with ADHD tend to have low magnesium levels. Low magnesium levels can affect brain function, which can cause ADHD-like symptoms, such as tiredness, problems with focus, nervousness, and mood changes.

Therefore, combining magnesium supplementation with ADHD medication might effectively reduce symptoms.

However, the form of magnesium matters.

Single-Ingredient Magnesium and ADHD Drugs

Research has shown that single-ingredient magnesium supplements do not interact with ADHD medication.

This includes common ones such as Adderall (dextroamphetamine and amphetamine) and others such as:

• Strattera (atomoxetine)
• Nexiclon XR (clonidine)
• Intuniv (guanfacine)
• Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
• Concerta (methylphenidate)

Therefore, it should be safe to take magnesium supplements and any ADHD medication you’ve been prescribed. In fact, researchers have studied magnesium for its use in addition to medication for reducing ADHD symptoms.

You should always talk to your healthcare provider before combining any supplements, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, or prescription medications.

Magnesium-Based Antacids May Cause Supplement-Drug Interactions

Antacid forms of magnesium can interact with several medications. Magnesium carbonate is a form of magnesium commonly used in antacids. When combined with other ingredients, such as calcium carbonate or aluminum hydroxide, it can affect the absorption of certain medications.

Since magnesium carbonate can be taken as an antacid, a drug interaction with certain medications that contain methylphenidate (the active ingredient in several ADHD medications), such as Cotempla-XR ODT, is possible.

Other ADHD medications that may interact with antacids include:

• Adderall
• Concerta
• Vyvanse
• Ritalin

However, several other extended-release methylphenidate product labels do not include antacids on the drug interaction list.

Different Forms of Magnesium and ADHD Drugs

Aside from magnesium carbonate, there are many other different “salt” forms of magnesium:

Magnesium hydroxide is another form of magnesium commonly used in antacids. These antacid products may also interact with certain ADHD drugs, so it’s important to check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. No literature suggests any drug interactions between other forms of magnesium and ADHD medications.

Talk with a healthcare provider, pharmacist, or registered dietitian to help you find the right type of magnesium for your needs.

Other Supplements and ADHD

Apart from magnesium, some people try other supplements to help with their ADHD symptoms.

Some research has been done for:

• Caffeine: Some evidence suggests that high doses of caffeine may modestly improve ADHD symptoms. However, this effect does not appear to be the same at lower doses. Sleeping trouble is a common side effect, which may affect children more than adults.
• Zinc: In people with ADHD, correcting low zinc levels may improve some ADHD symptoms.

Evidence is limited or inconclusive for:

• Ginkgo biloba: Evidence is currently insufficient.
• Melatonin: Research on melatonin’s use for sleep problems in young people with ADHD is limited. However, there is not enough evidence to draw conclusions about its long-term effectiveness and safety.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Evidence is inconclusive.
• Pycnogenol: Evidence is currently insufficient.

Certain supplements should be avoided, such as:

• St. John’s wort: St. John’s wort is also commonly taken for ADHD. Current evidence, however, suggests that it works no better than a placebo (nontherapeutic treatment). Further, there are reports of adverse events between St. John’s wort and methylphenidate.
• Dimethylamylamine (DMAA): DMAA is a stimulant (a type of drug that speeds up the activity of the central nervous system) sometimes used in dietary supplements marked for improving athletic performance and weight loss. There is no evidence that DMAA is effective for ADHD, but safety is a major concern. DMAA can potentially increase your blood pressure and lead to heart problems, such as heart attacks.

Before starting any supplement or natural product, talk with a pharmacist or healthcare provider.