Non-Stimulant ADHD Medication

Non-Stimulant ADHD Medication ADHD Treatment Print Non-Stimulant ADHD Medication By Keath Low Keath Low, MA, is a therapist and clinical scientist with the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities at the University of North Carolina. She specializes in treatment of ADD/ADHD. Learn about our editorial policy Keath Low Reviewed by Reviewed by Amy Morin, LCSW on June 19, 2019 facebook twitter instagram Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist, author of the bestselling book 13 Things Mentally Strong People Dont Do, and a highly sought-after speaker. Learn about our Wellness Board Amy Morin, LCSW Updated on October 21, 2019 ADHD Overview Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Living With In Children Holloway / Getty Images While stimulants are typically the first choice of medication used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), there are several non-stimulant medications that may be prescribed. These include Strattera, tricyclic antidepressants, Effexor, and Wellbutrin. Of these, Strattera has been studied most extensively for use in the treatment of ADHD in adults and children, appears to have fewer side effects than the tricyclic antidepressants, and seems to be more effective than Wellbutrin. Non-stimulants may be prescribed if you do not respond to stimulants, if side effects of stimulants are too great, if you have a history of certain heart conditions, or if you have a history of drug abuse or bipolar disorder. Strattera Strattera (atomoxetine) is the first non-stimulant medication that has been FDA approved for the treatment of ADHD in adults and children over the age of 6. Atomoxetine is in the class of medications known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Studies have found that this drug improves symptoms of ADHD and reduces oppositional and defiant behavior and anxiety. Strattera differs from stimulant medications in several ways. Strattera does not seem to have a potential for abuse and thus is not classified as a controlled substance. It also appears to have a longer onset of action as compared to the stimulants, which work on the day they are taken, meaning that the therapeutic effect of stimulants may be more quickly noticeable as compared to Strattera. It could take at least 6 weeks for Strattera to reach a maximal therapeutic effect. Once maximal effects are reached, however, they last 24 hours a day and may also have carry-over effects to the next day. Strattera must be taken on a daily basis, whereas doses of stimulants may be skippedâ€"over the weekend, for example. Side effects of atomoxetine may include stomachaches, weight loss due to decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, increased heart rate and blood pressure, agitation, and irritability. Tricyclic Antidepressants The tricyclic antidepressants most frequently used in the treatment of ADHD include  Norpramin (desipramine), Tofranil (imipramine), and Elavil (amitriptyline), and Pamelor (nortriptyline). These antidepressants are typically tried when you havent shown a good response to stimulants.?? They may also be prescribed if you have symptoms of depression or anxiety in addition to ADHD. Tricyclic antidepressants, like stimulants, are thought to increase the amount of norepinephrine  in the brain. Unlike stimulants, it may take several days or even several weeks to see the therapeutic benefits of the tricyclic antidepressants, but once this level is reached, benefits last throughout the day. Tricyclic antidepressants need to be taken daily. Missing a dose or stopping the medicine abruptly may cause aches and flu-like symptoms, so if youre going to go off the medication, you should be tapered off gradually over a period of time. Common side effects of the tricyclic antidepressants may include, drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, stomachaches, headaches, vivid dreams, and insomnia.?? More serious side effects may include problems with heartbeat or heart rhythm, as tricyclic antidepressants can slow down the transmission of the electrical signal to the heart. If there is a family history of heart problems or you have any heart problems, these medications should be used with caution and close medical monitoring. Tricyclic antidepressants may also increase the risk of seizures in patients with a history of seizure disorder. As with all medications, the use of tricyclic antidepressants requires close monitoring and consultation with the prescribing doctor. Wellbutrin Wellbutrin (bupropion) is a different type of antidepressant that has been found to reduce symptoms of ADHD and depression in many patients.?? Side effects may include irritability, weight loss due to decreased appetite, insomnia, and a worsening of existing tics, and may make some individuals more prone to seizures. Effexor Effexor (venlafaxine) is sometimes used to treat ADHD. It helps with concentration and mood.?? Side effects can include tremor, sleep issues, dry mouth, sexual problems in adults, nausea, and anxiety. Anti-Hypertensive Drugs In addition to the above drugs, Catapres (clonidine) and Tenex (guanfacine), are sometimes used to help manage ADHD symptoms. Both these medicines were originally used to treat high blood pressure, but they have also been found to be helpful in reducing hyperactivity and impulsive symptoms.?? They do not appear to be as effective in improving symptoms of inattention and are usually only used to treat ADHD when you cant tolerate or dont respond to Strattera or stimulants.