Non Stimulant ADHD Medication
There are plenty of options available if you're looking for an ADHD medication that doesn’t contain stimulants. Some are available in generic form, so they're generally less expensive.
Stimulants are medicines that increase the levels in the brain of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine. These drugs are used to treat ADHD in children and adults. However, they may cause adverse reactions or not work at any time.
Strattera
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a non-stimulant medication that is that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults as well as children. It blocks the brain's chemical, norepinephrine, from functioning. It is not as efficient as other ADHD treatments but it can be beneficial for certain people.
One of the primary benefits of using a non stimulant ADHD drug like Strattera is that it has a lower risk for abuse and dependence than stimulants. Schedule II controlled substances are stimulant medications. This means that they are regulated by the federal government about how they're made and prescribed.
A non-stimulant ADHD medication has another advantage doctors can contact the pharmacy to request refills, instead of writing a new prescription every month. This can save many people the headache of having to make a the trip to their doctor's office each month.
In addition, Strattera has fewer side adverse effects than other ADHD medications. This is due to the fact that it's not a stimulant. However, it could cause serious heart problems in some patients with a history of heart disease or defect.
In this regard, it's essential to inform your doctor if there are any heart conditions or if you're taking other drugs that affect your heart. They'll have to examine your heart rate, blood pressure and other health measures while you're using Strattera to make sure it's working as intended.
It is also recommended to speak with your doctor if have any liver issues such as jaundice, or yellowing of the skin or eyes. Your doctor can determine the appropriate dosage for you by performing tests on the liver to determine enzyme levels.
A small percentage of patients with high blood pressure heart defects or other health issues have suffered heart attacks when taking Strattera. The risk of developing these is greater when the dose is increased or earlier in treatment.
Patients who use Strattera could also develop a rare condition called "pheochromocytoma". These symptoms can be extremely severe so be sure you check with your physician if are at risk.
Other side effects of Strattera include a decrease in appetite, nausea stomach pain, vomiting, constipation, weight loss, headache and dry mouth. These side effects typically disappear after a few weeks.
Atomoxetine
Strattera is the brand name of the non-stimulant ADHD medication Atomoxetine. It is a selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitor (SNRI). It helps the brain by increasing attention and reducing restlessness in people with hyperactive, concentration or impulse control issues. It can be used in conjunction with other ADHD treatments.
It was the first non-stimulant drug to be FDA approved for ADHD treatment in adults . It is frequently used off-label as a treatment for depression. It is an extremely selective inhibitor of norepinephrine reuptake that targets the frontocortical subsystem where ADHD symptoms are developed. It also blocks serotonin-transporter (SERT) and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptorsthat are involved in ADHD symptoms.
Clinical trials have proven that atomoxetine can have a significant effect on ADHD symptoms, especially for children. It also has less adverse negative effects than immediate-release methylphenidate.
However, atomoxetine might be linked to some changes in blood pressure and heart rate. Data from clinical studies have revealed that about 15 - 26 percent of children and adolescents and 27 to 32% of adults, suffer some noticeable but not statistically significant increases in blood pressure or heart rate.
In general, this increase is temporary and generally returns to baseline. The changes that occur should be monitored. It is vital to monitor blood pressure in the initial phase of treatment and throughout the course of therapy. A chart of centiles can be used to record blood pressure. Patients with a history of hypertension should have their blood pressure measured more often.
Other effects of atomoxetine may include dizziness, drowsiness and confusion dry mouth, and a loss of coordination. These side effects are usually temporary and fade when the medication is taken on a regular basis.
It may take a few weeks before atomoxetine provides its full benefits. Consult your physician when you don't see any improvement after taking atomoxetine. You may need to increase your dose or take it more often.
Do not operate or drive large machinery while taking this medicine, as you may get sleepy and have trouble functioning. You should also tell your doctor if or plan to have a child. It is also crucial to keep this and any other medicines out of the reach of children.
Clonidine
Clonidine is a non-stimulant adhd medication that was approved by the FDA in 2009. The medication works by altering nerve impulses in the brain to relax blood vessels. This medication lowers blood pressure and treats ADHD symptoms like hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive.
Clonidine is not addictive or has no adverse effects, unlike other stimulant medicines. It can also be used to treat sleep disorders.
You can purchase this medication in the form of Catapres tablet or an extended-release tablet (Kapvay). The tablets are usually taken twice per day in the morning and at night. It is possible to take this medication with or without food.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice on how to make use of this medication. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Avoid other substances that cause drowsiness, dizziness or low blood pressure when you are taking clonidine. This includes alcohol, prescription drugs and certain over-the-counter or supplement medications.
Clonidine is not a good choice during surgery or other medical procedures. It is important not to combine clonidine and other medications that slow the heart rate, such as tranquilizers or narcotics.
Your doctor may want to test your blood pressure before and after you take clonidine. This will enable your doctor to determine whether you require an additional test to ensure that you do not have any other conditions which could be affected by this medication.
The most frequent adverse effects of clonidine include headache, drowsiness, dry mouth, and a reduced heart rate. These adverse effects usually occur after the first dose or a few weeks of treatment . They aren't life-threatening.
If you experience serious adverse effects while taking this medication, you should consult your doctor immediately. These adverse effects could include a slower heart rate, confusion or difficulty in urinating.
People who suffer from kidney problems or diabetes could be at greater risk of side effects from the clonidine. Clonidine may reduce your body's ability to eliminate blood sugar from your blood. If you suffer from kidney disease, or diabetes or diabetes, your doctor may suggest you take a smaller dose of clonidine.
Guanfacine
Guanfacine is a non-stimulant medication that is used to treat Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It works by strengthening the areas of the brain that regulate executive functions. These include working memory, impulse control and attention. It is believed that it will strengthen connections between the prefrontal cortex and the other regions of the brain.
It is available in an immediate-release and extended-release tablet. Both are taken before the time of bed. The dosage is determined by your weight, effectiveness of any other medications you may be on.
The initial dose is typically 1 mg per day but your doctor may adjust the dosage, if necessary. It is crucial to take this medication on a regular basis and follow the directions carefully.
Your doctor will also tell you about any adverse consequences you should be looking out for. These may include dry mouth headaches, weakness, or dry mouth.
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 not recommended to take it if you're taking antihistamines, barbiturates or other sedatives.
It is not recommended to take this medication if your blood pressure is too low or you have had heart attack or stroke in the past. These could cause serious adverse reactions to the guanfacine.
This medication should not be taken by teens or children. It can cause drowsiness which could make it difficult to concentrate or think clearly. They are also more likely to become violent or display symptoms of tics.
Seniors should also use Guanfacine in a cautious manner. This is because they are more vulnerable to serious side effects like falls, injuries and accidents. They also have a greater risk of developing serious side effects from guanfacine due to the fact that it is more difficult to remove it from their bodies.
Guanfacine could make it more difficult to operate machinery due to the sleepiness. You should not operate machinery or drive any vehicle that requires alertness until are sure it does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.