People interested in neurofeedback training are often already taking medication for ADHD, anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties, or another condition. This naturally raises an important question: Can you participate in neurofeedback while continuing to take medication?

In many cases, neurofeedback and medication can be used at the same time. Neurofeedback does not inherently require someone to stop taking prescription medications before beginning training. In fact, clinical studies have specifically examined neurofeedback in participants who were also receiving medication.

However, medications can influence brain activity, which makes communication between the individual, neurofeedback provider, and prescribing healthcare professional important.

How Neurofeedback Works Alongside Medication

Neurofeedback is a form of brain training that uses EEG technology to measure patterns of electrical brain activity. During a session, the participant receives real-time feedback that encourages the brain to practice specific patterns associated with the goals of training.

Medication works differently. Depending on the medication, it may affect neurotransmitters, alertness, mood, attention, sleep, or other functions. Some medications can also influence EEG patterns. Because neurofeedback protocols are based on brain activity, medication use is relevant information when evaluating and planning training.

Taking medication does not necessarily prevent neurofeedback from being effective. Instead, the medication becomes one of several factors that should be considered when developing an individualized training approach.

Can Neurofeedback and ADHD Medication Be Combined?

ADHD provides one of the clearest examples of researchers studying medication and neurofeedback together.

A systematic review and meta-analysis examined five randomized controlled trials involving 305 participants with ADHD. Researchers found some evidence that combining EEG neurofeedback with medication produced additional short-term improvements in overall ADHD symptoms and inattention compared with medication alone, based on parent observations. However, these additional benefits were not statistically significant six months after neurofeedback ended.

Another randomized study specifically evaluated children who began medication treatment before receiving neurofeedback. The researchers reported evidence of possible additive benefits for ADHD symptoms and changes in brainwave activity.

These findings do not mean that everyone taking ADHD medication will benefit from adding neurofeedback. They do demonstrate that neurofeedback and medication are not necessarily either-or approaches.

Should Medication Be Stopped Before Neurofeedback?

Prescription medication should not be stopped, reduced, or otherwise changed simply because someone is beginning neurofeedback.

Changes to medication should be discussed with the healthcare professional responsible for prescribing it. Suddenly discontinuing certain medications can cause withdrawal symptoms, a return or worsening of symptoms, or other health concerns.

It is also important for the neurofeedback provider to know which medications a person takes. Different types of medication can affect cognition and EEG activity, potentially influencing neurofeedback assessment and protocol decisions.

What If Medication Needs Change During Training?

Medication needs may change over time, regardless of whether someone is participating in neurofeedback. If a medication or dosage changes during a neurofeedback program, the neurofeedback provider should be informed.

Changes in medication may affect sleep, concentration, mood, energy levels, or EEG activity. Knowing about these changes allows the provider to better understand changes occurring during training and determine whether the neurofeedback approach should be reevaluated.

Neurofeedback Should Be an Individualized Process

There is no universal rule about combining medication and neurofeedback. The appropriate approach depends on the individual, the reason for training, medications being taken, health history, and treatment goals.

For many people, taking medication does not automatically prevent them from participating in neurofeedback. The key is coordination. By keeping both the prescribing healthcare professional and neurofeedback provider informed, individuals can pursue brain training without making unnecessary or potentially unsafe changes to an existing medication plan.

Neurofeedback Training at NHA

Here at Neurohealth Associates, we specialize in Neurofeedback training. Neurofeedback may be helpful for training your mind, especially if you are unsure about putting yourself or your child on medication. This easy, noninvasive training can painlessly improve your mental health condition and outlook on life. Schedule a consultation with NeuroHealth Associates today and find out how we can help you.