Non Stimulant ADHD Medication
If you're searching for an ADHD medication that does not contain stimulants, there are several options. Some are available in generic form, which means they're usually less expensive.
Stimulants are medications that increase brain levels of neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. These medications are used to treat ADHD in children and adults. However, they could cause side effects or not work at any time.
Strattera
Strattera (atomoxetine) is non-stimulant medicine, is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults. It works by blocking the action of a chemical that is present in the brain known as norepinephrine. While it's not as effective and efficient as other ADHD medications, it can still be beneficial to some people.
One of the primary benefits of using a non stimulant ADHD drug like Strattera is that it is less prone for dependence and abuse than stimulants. Schedule II controlled substances are stimulant drugs. This means they have strict federal rules regarding how they're made and prescribed.
Another benefit of a non-stimulant ADHD medication is that doctors are able to call it to the pharmacy and make refills, instead of having to write monthly prescriptions. This can spare many people from having to visit their doctor each month.
Strattera is also less likely to cause side effects than other ADHD medications. Because it is not a stimulant drug, this is one reason. It can cause serious problems for those with heart disease or other defects in the past.
Because of this, it's crucial to inform your doctor if you suffer from any heart-related issues or you're taking any other medications that affect the heart. To ensure that Strattera is working correctly the doctor will need to monitor your heart rate, blood pressure and other health-related measures.
Talk to your doctor If you're suffering from liver problems like jaundice, a yellowing of the eyes, or skin. Your doctor can determine the best dosage for you by performing laboratory tests to measure liver enzyme levels.
Strattera has been linked to heart attacks in a small percentage of people with high blood pressure, heart disease or other health issues. These risks are greater when the dose is increased or earlier in treatment.
Similar to this, a rare condition known as pheochromocytoma may be present in people who take Strattera. These symptoms can be extremely severe, so your doctor will need to confirm that you're not at risk.
Other side effects of Strattera include decreased appetite, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, constipation, weight loss dry mouth and headache. These side effects typically go away with just a few weeks of usage.
Atomoxetine
Strattera is the brand name for the non-stimulant ADHD medication Atomoxetine. It is a selective norepinephrine inhibitor (SNRI). It works in the brain by increasing focus and reducing anxiety in individuals with hyperactivity and/or impulsive issues. It can be used on its own or with other therapies for ADHD.
It was the very first non-stimulant medication to be FDA approved for ADHD treatment in adults and is often prescribed off-label for treatment for depression. It is a highly selective inhibitor of norepinephrine and reuptake that targets the fronto-cortical subsystem, where ADHD symptoms develop. It also inhibits the serotonin transportation system, (SERT) and N-methyl-d–aspartate receptors. Both are involved in ADHD symptoms.
Clinical trials have demonstrated that atomoxetine can provide significant improvement in the symptoms of ADHD, especially for children. Additionally it was associated with less side effects than immediate-release methylphenidate.
However, atomoxetine might be associated with changes in blood pressure and heart rate. Clinical trials data have shown that around 15 to 26 percent of adolescents, children, and 32% of adults experience some measurable, but statistically insignificant, increases in heart rate and blood pressure.
In general, this rise is temporary and generally returns to the baseline. These changes should be monitored. During initial treatment and during the course of treatment blood pressure must be recorded regularly using the aid of a centile chart. Patients who have a history of hypertension should have their blood pressure monitored more frequently.
Other side effects of atomoxetine may include dizziness, confusion, drowsiness, dry mouth, and a loss of coordination. These side effects are usually temporary and go away when the medicine is taken regularly.
It could take several weeks before atomoxetine gives its full benefits. Consult your physician if you don't see any improvement after taking atomoxetine. It may be necessary to increase the dosage or take it more frequently than you normally.
Do not operate or drive large machinery while taking this medicine as you could get sleepy and have trouble functioning. If you are pregnant or are planning to have a baby, tell your doctor. It is also important to keep this and all other medications out of reach of children.
Clonidine
Clonidine, an anti-stimulant medication for adhd has been approved by FDA in 2009. Clonidine relaxes blood vessels by stimulating nerve impulses in the brain. This medication reduces blood pressure and treats ADHD symptoms like hyperactivity and hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Clonidine does not cause addiction or has no side effects, unlike other stimulant drugs. It is also used to treat sleep disorders.
This medication is available as a tablet (Catapres) or an extended-release tablet (Kapvay). The tablets should be taken twice daily: in the morning and at the night. medication for add adults can be taken with or without food.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about how to use this medication. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Avoid other medications that can cause dizziness, drowsiness or low blood pressure when you are taking clonidine. These include alcohol, prescription drugs, and certain over-the-counter and supplement medication.
Clonidine should not be utilized in conjunction with surgery or any other medical procedure. It is also recommended to avoid mixing it with other medications that can reduce your heart rate, such as tranquilizers or narcotics.
Your doctor may want to test your blood pressure before and during treatment with clonidine. This will enable your doctor to determine if you require an additional test to confirm there aren't any underlying conditions which could be affected by this medication.
The most common adverse effects of clonidine include headache, drowsiness mouth, and a lower heart rate. These adverse effects usually occur after the first dose, or over several weeks of treatment . They are not life-threatening.
However, if you experience any serious side effects while using this medication, consult your doctor immediately. These side effects can include a slow heart rate, confusion, or having trouble urinating.
People who suffer from kidney problems or diabetes are more susceptible to adverse reactions from Clonidine. Clonidine may reduce your body's ability remove blood sugar from your blood. Your doctor might recommend taking a lower dose in case you suffer from diabetes or kidney disease.
Guanfacine
Guanfacine is a non-stimulant medicine, is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It works by strengthening areas in the brain that control executive functions which include working memory as well as impulse control and attention. It is believed that it will strengthen connections between the prefrontal cortex in the brain and other areas.
It is available as an immediate-release tablet and as an extended-release tablet both of which you can take daily at bedtime. The dosage is determined by your weight, the effectiveness of the drug, as well as any other medications you may be taking.
The recommended daily dose for the initial dose is usually 1 mg. However, your physician might alter the dosage to suit your needs. It is recommended to take this medication frequently and follow the dosage guidelines carefully.
Your doctor will also inform you about any side effects you should be aware of. These may include dry mouth and headaches. Other symptoms include weakness, dry mouth, or headaches.
These side effects usually become better within the first few days after beginning the medication. If they continue to bother you, consult your doctor immediately.
You should not take guanfacine when you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients. It is also not recommended to take it if taking antihistamines or barbiturates or any other sedatives.
In addition, you should not take this medication if you suffer from low blood pressure or an antecedent history of heart disease or stroke. These could cause serious adverse effects from Guanfacine.
This medication should not ever be used by children or teens. It may cause drowsiness and can make it difficult for you to concentrate or think clearly. They also can be more likely to be violent or show antics.
Adults over the age of 65 should use Guanfacine with caution. This is due to the fact that older adults are more vulnerable to serious side effects , such as falls, injuries and accidents. They also have a greater risk of developing serious side effects from guanfacine since it is more difficult to get rid of it from their bodies.
Guanfacine may make it more difficult to drive or operate machinery due to the effects of drowsiness. You should not operate machinery or drive any vehicle that requires alertness until you are certain that it will not impact you.