Non Stimulant ADHD Medication
If you're in search of an ADHD medication that does not contain stimulants, you have several options. They're usually less expensive since they are generic.
Stimulants are substances that boost the levels of neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine in your brain. They're used to treat children and adults suffering from ADHD, but they can cause adverse side effects or not be effective at all.
Strattera
Strattera (atomoxetine) is an anti-stimulant medication is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults. It blocks the brain's chemical norepinephrine functioning. While it's not as effective or efficient as other ADHD drugs, it may still be beneficial to some people.
One of the main benefits of using a non stimulant ADHD drug such as Strattera is that it is less likely for abuse and dependence than stimulants. Schedule II controlled substances are stimulant medications. This means they have strict federal regulations regarding the way they're manufactured and prescribed.
A non-stimulant ADHD medication has another advantage: doctors can call the pharmacy to request refills rather than prescribing a new prescription each month. This can save many people from having to travel to their doctor each month.
Strattera is also less likely to cause side effects than other ADHD medications. Because it's not a stimulant. This is a major reason. However, it can cause serious heart problems in people who have a history of heart disease or a heart defect.
As a result, it's crucial to inform your doctor if there are any heart issues or if you're taking other medicines that affect the heart. They'll be required to monitor your heart rate, blood pressure and other health measures while you're on Strattera to make sure it's functioning properly.
Speak to your doctor if you have liver problems such as jaundice, yellowing of the eyes, or skin. Your doctor can determine the most effective dosage for you by performing lab testing to determine liver enzyme levels.
Strattera has been linked to heart attacks in a small number of people who have high blood pressure, heart disease or other health issues. The risk of developing these is greater when the dose is increased or earlier in treatment.
Similar to this, a rare condition known as pheochromocytoma is a possibility for those who take Strattera. These symptoms can be severe so be sure you check with your physician if you are at risk.
Strattera can also cause nausea and stomach pains, constipation and weight loss. These effects typically go away after several weeks.
Atomoxetine
Strattera is the brand name of the non-stimulant ADHD medication Atomoxetine. It is a selective norepinephrine inhibitor (SNRI). It works in the brain by increasing attention and reducing anxiety in those with hyperactive, concentration or impulse control issues. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with other therapies for ADHD.
It was the first non-stimulant medicine to be FDA approved for ADHD treatment in adults . It is often prescribed off-label as a treatment for depression. It is an inhibitor selective of norepinephrine synthesis and targets the frontocortical system where ADHD symptoms develop. It also blocks the serotonin transporter, (SERT) and N-methyl-d–aspartate receptors. Both are implicated in ADHD symptoms.
Clinical trials have demonstrated that atomoxetine exerts a significant effect on ADHD symptoms, particularly for children. It also had less side consequences than immediate-released methylphenidate.
Certain changes in heart rate or blood pressure may be caused by atomoxetine. Clinical trials have revealed that around 15 to 26 percent of children, adolescents, and 32 percent of adults experience measurable, but statistically insignificant, increases in heart rate and blood pressure.
In general, this increase is temporary and generally returns to the baseline. It is important to monitor the changes. It is essential to keep track of blood pressure in the initial phase of treatment and throughout the course of therapy. A chart of the percentile can be used to monitor blood pressure. Patients with hypertension should have their blood pressure checked more frequently.
Other effects of atomoxetine may include dizziness, drowsiness, confusion dry mouth, and loss of coordination. These side effects are usually temporary and will disappear once you use the medicine 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 your dose or take it more often than usual.
You are not allowed to operate any heavy machinery during the time you take this medication. You might feel drowsy or have difficulty performing. You should inform your doctor if you have or are planning to have children. It is crucial to keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Clonidine
Clonidine is a non stimulant adhd medication that was approved by the FDA in 2009. Clonidine helps relax blood vessels by stimulating the brain's nerve impulses. medication for adhd adults lowers blood pressure and helps treat ADHD symptoms, such as hyperactivity and an impulsive nature.
Clonidine does not cause addiction or has any side effects, unlike other stimulant medicines. It is also used to treat sleep problems.
You can purchase this medication in the form of Catapres tablet or an extended-release tablet (Kapvay). The tablets should be consumed twice a day in the morning and at evening. This medication can be taken without or with food.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about how to take this medication. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.
Clonidine can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or low blood pressure. These include alcohol, prescription drugs and certain over-the-counter and supplement medications.
It is not recommended to use clonidine when you are undergoing surgery or other medical procedures. It is also recommended to avoid mixing it with other drugs that can slow your heart rate, like narcotics or tranquilizers.
Your doctor may want to check your blood pressure before and after you take clonidine. This will allow your doctor to determine if you're in need of an additional test to confirm that you do not have any other conditions which could be affected by this medication.
Clonidine can cause headaches, drowsiness mouth, and a decrease in heart rate. These effects are usually observed after the initial or second week of treatment and aren't considered life-threatening.
If you experience serious adverse effects while taking this medication, talk with your doctor immediately. The side effects can include confusion, slower heart rate, and difficulties in urinating.
Clonidine may cause adverse effects that are more likely to affect people with kidney or diabetes. Clonidine can hinder your body's ability remove blood sugar from your blood. If you have kidney disease, or diabetes the doctor might suggest that you take a lower dose of Clonidine.
Guanfacine
Guanfacine is a medication that is not stimulant, is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It works by strengthening brain regions that regulate executive functions, which include working memory in impulse control, working memory, as well as attention. It is believed to strengthen connections between the brain's prefrontal cortex and other areas.
It is available as an immediate-release tablet , as well as an extended-release tablet both of which you can take daily at bedtime. The dosage is based on your weight, the efficacy of the drug, and any other medications you might be taking.
The dose daily for the first dose is usually 1 mg. However, your doctor might alter the dosage to meet your requirements. It is important to take this medication on a regular basis and to follow the instructions carefully.
Your doctor will also inform you about any side effects that you should look for. They could include dry mouth and headaches. Other symptoms include weakness, dry mouth, or headaches.
These side effects usually go away within a few days after taking the medication. If they continue to bother you, consult your doctor right away.
Guanfacine is not recommended if you are allergic to it or any of the ingredients. It should not be taken in conjunction with antihistamines, barbiturates, or other sedatives.
You should not take this medication if your blood pressure is low or if you have had heart attacks or strokes in the past. These could cause serious adverse effects when taking guanfacine.
This medication is not recommended for use by children or teens. It can cause drowsiness that could make it difficult to concentrate or think clearly. Additionally, they are more likely to become violent or have the tics.
Adults over the age of 65 should use Guanfacine with extreme caution. This is due to the fact that older adults are more susceptible to serious side effects such as falls, injuries and accidents. They also have a greater chance of developing serious side effects from guanfacine since it is more difficult to eradicate it from their bodies.
Guanfacine may make it more difficult to drive or operate machinery due to the sleepiness. You shouldn't drive or do any other activity that requires alertness until you're sure it doesn't affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.