Non Stimulant ADHD Medication
If you're looking for an ADHD medication that does not contain stimulants, there are several options. Certain of them are available in generic forms, so they're usually cheaper.
Stimulants are drugs which increase brain levels of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine. They are used to treat ADHD in children and adults. However, they may have side effects or not work at all times.
Strattera
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a non-stimulant drug used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults as well as children. It does this by blocking the actions of a chemical in the brain known as norepinephrine. While it's not as effective or efficient as other ADHD medications, it can still be beneficial for some people.
Strattera, a non-stimulant ADHD drug has the benefit of being less addictive and dependent than stimulants. Stimulant medications are Schedule II controlled substances, which means they have strict federal regulations on how they are made and administered.
A non-stimulant ADHD medication also has a benefit: doctors can call the pharmacy to order refills rather than writing a new prescription every month. This can save many people from having to travel to their doctor every month.
Strattera is also less likely to cause adverse effects than other ADHD medications. This is due to the fact that it's not an stimulant. However, adhd medication ritalin can cause serious heart issues in people with a history of heart disease or a defect.
It is important to inform your doctor if there are any heart issues you suffer from or if you're taking other medications that may affect the heart. They'll be required to monitor your heart rate, blood pressure and other health indicators when you're taking Strattera to ensure it's working correctly.
Discuss with your doctor for liver problems like jaundice, a yellowing of the skin, or eyes. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage for you based on lab testing to determine liver enzyme levels.
Strattera has been associated with heart attacks in a tiny proportion of those with high blood pressure, heart disease, or other health problems. These risks are higher when the dose is increased or earlier in treatment.
Patients who use Strattera may also develop a rare condition called "pheochromocytoma". These symptoms can be very severe so be sure to speak with your physician if you are at risk.
Strattera can cause nausea and stomach pains, constipation and weight loss. These side effects usually go away with just a few weeks of usage.
Atomoxetine
Strattera is the brand name used for the non-stimulant ADHD medication Atomoxetine. It is a selective norepinephrine inhibitor (SNRI). It is a brain stimulant that works by increasing focus and reducing anxiety in those with hyperactive and/or impulsive issues. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with other therapies for ADHD.
It was the first non-stimulant medication to be FDA approved for ADHD treatment for adults. It is frequently prescribed off-label as a treatment for depression. It is an inhibitor selective of norepinephrine synthesis and targets the frontocortical subsystem in which ADHD symptoms develop. It also blocks serotonin transporter (SERT) and N-methyl-do-aspartate receptors, both of which are implicated in ADHD symptoms.
Clinical trials have proven that atomoxetine results in significant improvement in the symptoms of ADHD especially in children. It also has less adverse consequences than immediate-released methylphenidate.
However, atomoxetine may be linked with changes in blood pressure and heart rate. Studies conducted in clinical trials have indicated that between 15 to 26 percent of children and adolescents, and 27 - 32% of adults, suffer some noticeable however not statistically significant increases in heart rate or blood pressure.
In general, this rise is temporary and often returns to baseline. It is crucial to keep track of these changes. It is essential to keep track of blood pressure during the initial treatment as well as throughout the course of therapy. A chart of centiles can be used to monitor blood pressure. Patients with hypertension should be monitored for blood pressure more often.
The side effects of atomoxetine include dizziness, confusion and tiredness. These side effects are usually temporary and go away when you take the medicine regularly.
It is important to keep in mind that it may take several weeks for atomoxetine to produce its full effects. Talk to your doctor when you don't see any improvement after taking atomoxetine. It may be necessary to increase your dosage or take it more often than usual.
Do not drive or operate machinery that is heavy while taking this medication because you could become sleepy and have difficulty functioning. You should also tell your doctor if or plan to have a child. It is also important to keep this medication and all other medications out of reach of children.
Clonidine
Clonidine is a non-stimulant adhd medication that was approved by the FDA in 2009. Clonidine works by relaxing blood vessels by stimulating nerve impulses in the brain. This reduces blood pressure and assists in treating ADHD symptoms, including hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Unlike traditional stimulant medications, clonidine isn't associated with any adverse effects or addictive properties. It can also be used to treat sleep difficulties.
You can purchase this medication as Catapres tablet or as an extended-release tablet (Kapvay). The tablets should be consumed two times daily in the morning and at night. This medication can be taken with or without food.
Ask your physician or pharmacist for any questions regarding how to use this medication. Make sure you follow the instructions on the prescription label carefully.
Clonidine can cause dizziness, drowsiness or low blood pressure. This includes alcohol, certain prescription drugs, and a few over-the-counter medications and supplements.
Clonidine should not be utilized in conjunction with surgery or any other medical procedure. Also, avoid combining it with other medications that can slow your heart rate, like narcotics or tranquilizers.
Your doctor may ask you to check your blood pressure prior to and during the clonidine treatment. This will allow your doctor to decide if you need to have an additional test to make sure that you don't have any underlying conditions that would be affected by this medication.
The most frequently reported adverse effects of clonidine include headache, drowsiness and dry mouth, and a slower heart rate. These side effects are usually noticed after the first or second week of treatment and aren't considered life-threatening.
Consult your physician immediately in the event that you experience any serious side effects from this medication. Side effects include confusion, slowing heart rate, and difficulties in urinating.
Clonidine may have side effects that are more likely to affect those with diabetes or kidney problems. This is because clonidine could reduce your body's ability to remove blood sugar from the blood. If you have diabetes or kidney disease, your doctor may recommend taking a lower dose of clonidine.
Guanfacine
Guanfacine is a non-stimulant medication that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It helps to strengthen 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 brain's prefrontal cortex, and other parts.
You can get it in the form of an immediate-release or extended-release tablet. Both are taken prior to bedtime. The dosage is determined by your weight, the effectiveness of the medication and any other you may be on.
The recommended daily dose for the first dose is typically 1 mg. However, your physician might alter the dosage to suit your requirements. It is important to take this medication on a regular basis and follow the directions carefully.
Your doctor will also tell you about any possible side effects that you should look for. This could include dry mouth and headaches. Other symptoms include weakness, dry mouth, or headaches.
These side effects usually get better within several days after starting the medication. If they do not notify your doctor immediately.
You should not take guanfacine if you are allergic to it or any of its components. It is also not recommended to use it if taking barbiturates, antihistamines, or any other sedatives.
In addition you should avoid taking this medication if you suffer from low blood pressure or an antecedent history of stroke or heart disease. This can cause severe adverse reactions when you are taking Guanfacine.
Children and teens should use this medication very cautiously. It can cause drowsiness, which makes it difficult to concentrate or think. They may also be more likely aggression or tics.
Guanfacine should be used with caution by older adults. This is because older people are more vulnerable to serious side effects such as falls, injuries, and accidents. It can also be more difficult to remove the body of guanfacine which increases their chance of suffering from serious adverse side effects.
Guanfacine can make it more difficult to operate machinery due drowsiness. You should not drive or engage in any other activity that requires a high level of alertness until you're sure it doesn't affect your mental state.