Non-Stimulant ADHD Medication

Key Points:

• Non-stimulant ADHD medications are used when stimulants are ineffective or cause severe side effects.
• Non-stimulants take longer to work and may be less effective than stimulants.
• Common non-stimulant medications include Strattera, tricyclic antidepressants, guanfacine, clonidine, Wellbutrin, and Effexor.
• All ADHD medications, including non-stimulants, carry a risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior.

What are Non-Stimulant ADHD Medications?

Non-stimulant ADHD medications are a type of medication used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They affect the body differently from stimulant medications, the most common type of ADHD medication. Non-stimulants are often used when stimulants are not effective or cause severe side effects.

Common Types of Non-Stimulant ADHD Medications

• Strattera (atomoxetine): A selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) approved for treating ADHD in adults and children over six.
• Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs): A class of antidepressants used off-label to treat ADHD. Common TCAs used for ADHD include amitriptyline, norpramin (desipramine), and pamelor (nortriptyline).
• Guanfacine and Clonidine: Typically used to treat high blood pressure, these medications have shown effectiveness in reducing hyperactivity and impulsive symptoms in people with ADHD.
• Wellbutrin (bupropion): An antidepressant found to reduce ADHD and depression symptoms in many patients.
• Effexor (venlafaxine): An antidepressant that may be used off-label to treat ADHD.

How Do Non-Stimulant ADHD Medications Work?

Non-stimulant ADHD medications work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as norepinephrine and dopamine. These neurotransmitters are involved in attention, focus, and impulse control. By increasing their levels, non-stimulant ADHD medications can help improve ADHD symptoms.

How are Non-Stimulant ADHD Medications Taken?

Non-stimulant ADHD medications are usually taken once or twice daily, with or without food. It is crucial to take them exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

How Long Does it Take for Non-Stimulant ADHD Medications to Work?

Non-stimulant ADHD medications may take several weeks to reach their full effect. It is essential to be patient and to continue taking the medication as prescribed by your doctor, even if you do not notice an immediate improvement in your symptoms.

What Are the Side Effects of Non-Stimulant ADHD Medications?

The most common side effects of non-stimulant ADHD medications include:

• Decreased appetite
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Increased heart rate
• Nausea
• Stomach pain

What are the Risks of Non-Stimulant ADHD Medications?

All ADHD medications, including non-stimulants, carry a risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. It is essential to monitor anyone taking these medications for changes in mood and behavior, especially when starting the medication.

Non-stimulant ADHD medications may also interact with other medications, so it is crucial to inform your doctor of all medications and supplements you are taking before starting non-stimulant ADHD medication.

Stimulant vs. Non-Stimulant ADHD Medications

There are pros and cons to both stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medications. The best medication for you will depend on your individual needs and symptoms.

• Stimulants: Stimulants are the most common type of ADHD medication. They work quickly to improve symptoms of ADHD, but they can also cause side effects such as anxiety, insomnia, and weight loss.
• Non-stimulants: Non-stimulants take longer to work than stimulants, but they may be less likely to cause side effects. However, they may not be as effective as stimulants in improving ADHD symptoms.

Talk to Your Doctor

If you are considering taking non-stimulant ADHD medication, talk to your doctor. They can help you determine if non-stimulant ADHD medication is right for you and help you find the right medication and dosage.