Non Stimulant ADHD Medication
There are plenty of options available if you’re trying to find an ADHD medication that doesn’t contain stimulants. Some of them are available in generic form, so they’re usually less expensive.
Stimulants are medications for adhd in adults that increase the levels in the brain of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine. They are used to treat ADHD in some children and adults. However, they could cause adverse reactions or not work at any time.
Strattera
Strattera (atomoxetine), an anti-stimulant drug is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults. It does this by blocking the actions of a chemical within the brain known as norepinephrine. It’s not as effective as other ADHD treatments but it can be beneficial for certain people.
One of the major advantages of using a non stimulant ADHD drug like Strattera is that it has a lower potential for dependence and abuse than stimulants. Schedule II controlled substances are stimulant medications. This means they have strict federal rules regarding how they’re made and prescribed.
A non-stimulant ADHD medication has another advantage: doctors can call the pharmacy to order refills rather than prescribing a new prescription each month. This can spare many people from having to visit their doctor every month.
Strattera is also less likely to cause adverse effects than other ADHD medications. Because it is not a stimulant drug, this is one reason. It can cause serious problems for people who have had heart disease or other heart issues in the past.
This is why it’s crucial to inform your doctor if you have any heart problems or if you’re taking any other medications that affect your heart. They’ll be required to monitor your heart rate, blood pressure and other health indicators when you’re taking Strattera to make sure it’s functioning properly.
Also, you should talk with your doctor if you are suffering from liver problems, such as jaundice or yellowing of the skin or eyes. Laboratory tests to measure the level of liver enzymes can assist your doctor determine the proper dosage for you.
Strattera has been linked to strokes and heart attacks in a tiny percentage of people with high blood pressure, heart disease or medications For adhd in adults other health problems. The risk of developing these conditions is higher when treatment is first initiated and also when the dose is changed.
People who use Strattera might also develop a rare disorder called «pheochromocytoma». The symptoms can be quite severe so be sure to consult with your doctor if are at risk.
Other side effects of Strattera include decreased appetite, nausea vomiting, stomach pain, constipation, weight loss headache, dry mouth and headache. These side effects usually go away after a few weeks.
Atomoxetine
The non-stimulant ADHD medication atomoxetine sold under the brand name Strattera is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It is a brain stimulant that works by increasing attention and decreasing anxiety in those with hyperactive and/or impulsive issues. It can be used in conjunction with other ADHD treatments.
It was FDA approved as an ADHD medication in adults. It is often used without a prescription to treat depression. It is a selective inhibitor of norepinephrine uptake and targets the frontocortical area where ADHD symptoms are developed. It also blocks the serotonin transportation system, (SERT), and N-methyl-d–aspartate receptors. Both are involved in ADHD symptoms.
Clinical trials have demonstrated that atomoxetine exerts a significant impact on ADHD symptoms, especially for children. In addition, it was associated with less adverse effects than immediate-release methylphenidate.
However, atomoxetine may be associated with changes in blood pressure and heart rate. Clinical trials have demonstrated that 15 to 26% of children, adolescents, and 32 percent of adults experience significant, but statistically not significant, increases in blood pressure and heart rate.
In general, this increase is transient and usually reverts to the baseline. The changes in blood pressure should be tracked. When starting treatment and during the course of treatment the blood pressure should be recorded regularly using the aid of a chart with a centile. Patients with hypertension should be checked for blood pressure more frequently.
Other effects of atomoxetine may include drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, dry mouth, and a loss of coordination. These side effects are usually temporary and fade when the medication is used regularly.
It can take several weeks before atomoxetine gives its full benefits. If you don’t see improvement after taking atomoxetine consult your physician. It could be necessary to increase your dosage or take it more frequently than usual.
Avoid driving or operating machinery that is heavy while taking this medication, as you may become drowsy and have trouble functioning. You should also tell your doctor that you are pregnant or plan to have a child. It is important to keep this and any other medicines out of reach of children.
Clonidine
Clonidine is a non-stimulant adhd medication that was approved by the FDA in 2009. Clonidine relaxes blood vessels by stimulating the brain’s nerve impulses. This lowers blood pressure and aids in treating ADHD symptoms, including hyperactivity and an impulsive nature.
Unlike traditional stimulant medications For adhd in adults, clonidine isn’t associated with any harmful side effects or addictive characteristics. It can also be used to treat sleep disorders.
You can purchase this medication as Catapres tablet or an extended-release tablet (Kapvay). The tablets are typically taken twice a day in the morning, and at night. You can take this medication with or without food.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have questions about how to take this medication. Be sure to follow instructions on the prescription label with care.
Clonidine can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or low blood pressure. These include alcohol, prescription drugs, and some prescription and over-the-counter medicines and supplements.
Clonidine shouldn’t be used during surgery or any other medical procedure. It is also advised to avoid combining it with other medicines which can slow your heart rate, like narcotics or tranquilizers.
Your doctor may want to examine your blood pressure prior to and after taking clonidine. This will enable your doctor to determine if you’re in need of an additional test to ensure you don’t have any underlying conditions that could be affected by this medication.
The most frequent adverse effects of clonidine include headache, drowsiness, dry mouth, and a slower heart rate. These adverse effects are typically experienced after the first or second week of treatment, and aren’t considered life-threatening.
If you experience serious side effects while using this medication, consult your doctor immediately. These side effects include confusion slowed heart rate, and difficulty urinating.
Clonidine may cause adverse effects that are more likely to affect those with diabetes or kidney problems. Clonidine can hinder your body’s ability to remove blood sugar from your blood. Your doctor may recommend the use of a lower dose of Clonidine in case you suffer from kidney disease or diabetes.
Guanfacine
Guanfacine is a non-stimulant drug, is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It works by strengthening the areas of the brain that regulate executive functions. This includes working memory, impulse control, and attention. It is believed to enhance connections between the prefrontal cortex in the brain and other areas.
It is available in two forms: immediate-release tablets and as an extended-release tablet both of which are taken every night at bedtime. The dosage is determined by your weight, the effectiveness of any other medications you might be taking.
The daily dose for the initial dose is usually 1 mg. However, your doctor may adjust the dosage to meet your needs. It is crucial to take this medication regularly and to follow the instructions carefully.
Your doctor will also tell you about any adverse effects that you should look out for. These may include dry mouth headaches, weakness, or dry mouth.
These side effects usually become better within a few days after the start of the medication. If they do not make a difference, you should consult your doctor right away.
Guanfacine should not be taken if you are allergic to it or any of the ingredients. It is not recommended to use in conjunction with antihistamines, barbiturates, or other sedatives.
Additionally it is advised not to take this medication if you suffer from low blood pressure or a history of stroke or heart disease. These can cause severe adverse effects when taking the guanfacine.
Children and teens should use this medication with care. It can cause drowsiness, which can make it difficult to concentrate or think. They may also be more likely antics or be violent.
Adults over the age of 65 should use guanfacine very cautiously. This is because they are more likely to have serious adverse effects, like falls, accidents, or injuries. They also have a greater chance of developing serious side effects from guanfacine due to the fact that it is more difficult to eliminate it from their bodies.
Guanfacine can make it more difficult to operate machinery because of the fatigue. You should not drive or engage in any other task that requires your attention until you’re certain it doesn’t affect you.