Non Stimulant ADHD Medication
There are many options to choose from if you're looking to find an ADHD medication that doesn’t contain stimulants. They tend to be less expensive because they're generic.
Stimulants are drugs that raise the levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine in your brain. They're prescribed to treat kids and adults who suffer from ADHD However, they can cause bad side effects or not work at all.
Strattera
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a non-stimulant drug that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults and children. It blocks the brain's chemical norepinephrine working. Although it is not as effective and effective as other ADHD treatments, it can still be helpful for some people.
Strattera is an unstimulant ADHD drug offers the benefit of being less addictive and dependent than stimulants. Stimulant medications are Schedule II controlled substances, which means that they're subject to strict federal regulations regarding how they're manufactured, prescribed and dispensed.
A non-stimulant ADHD medication has another benefit doctors can contact the pharmacy to request refills, instead of writing a new prescription every month. This can spare many people from having to visit their doctor each month.
Strattera is also less likely to cause adverse effects than other ADHD medications. Because it's not a stimulant, this is one reason. However, it could cause serious heart problems in some patients with a history of heart disease or a heart defect.
It's important to inform your doctor of any heart problems you have or if you're taking any other medications that may affect your heart. To make sure that Strattera is working properly, your doctor will need to monitor your heart rate, blood pressure as well as other health measures.
It is also recommended to speak with your doctor if suffer from liver issues, such as jaundice or yellowing of the skin or eyes. Lab testing to check the level of liver enzymes can assist your doctor determine the best dosage for you.
A small number of people with high blood pressure heart disease, or other health conditions have had heart attacks while taking Strattera. These risks are higher when the dose is increased or earlier in treatment.
Patients who use Strattera might also develop a rare condition called "pheochromocytoma". These symptoms can be severe so make sure to check with your doctor if you are at risk.
Strattera can also cause nausea vomiting, stomach pains, nausea constipation and weight loss. These side effects usually disappear after just a few weeks of usage.
Atomoxetine
The non stimulant ADHD medication atomoxetine that is sold under the brand name Strattera, is a selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitor (SNRI). It works in the brain by increasing focus and reducing restlessness in people with hyperactive and/or impulsive issues. It can be used in isolation or in conjunction with other treatments for ADHD.
It was the first non-stimulant medicine to be FDA approved for ADHD treatment in adults . It is frequently used off-label as a treatment for depression. It is a highly selective inhibitor of norepinephrine reuptake . It targets the frontocortical area, which is where ADHD symptoms begin to manifest. It also blocks serotonin-transporter (SERT) and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptorsthat are involved in ADHD symptoms.
Clinical trials have demonstrated that atomoxetine produces significant improvement in the symptoms of ADHD especially for children. In addition, it was associated with fewer side effects than immediate-release methylphenidate.
However, atomoxetine can be associated with changes in blood pressure and heart rate. Clinical trials have demonstrated that between 15 and 26 percent of adolescents, children and 32% of adults experience some noticeable, but statistically unimportant increase in blood pressure and heart rate.
The increase is usually temporary and it will eventually return to baseline. The changes that occur should be monitored. It is important to monitor blood pressure during the initial treatment as well as throughout the course of treatment. A chart of the percentile can be used to record blood pressure. Patients who have a history of hypertension should have their blood pressure monitored more often.
The side effects of atomoxetine include dizziness, confusion, and dizziness. These side effects are usually temporary and will disappear once the medicine is taken regularly.
It is important to know that it may take several weeks for atomoxetine's its full effects. If you don't see improvements after taking atomoxetine, consult your doctor. It may be necessary to increase your dosage or take it more often than you normally.
You must not operate any heavy equipment while you are taking this medicine. You may feel tired or experience difficulty functioning. If you are pregnant or planning to have one, tell your doctor. It is crucial to keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Clonidine
Clonidine is an anti-stimulant medication for adhd was approved by the FDA in 2009. The medication works by altering nerve impulses in the brain to relax blood vessels. This medication reduces blood pressure and treats ADHD symptoms like hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive.
Unlike traditional stimulant medications, clonidine does not have negative side effects or addictive qualities. It is also used to treat sleep issues.
This medication is available as a tablet (Catapres) or an extended-release tablet (Kapvay). The tablets are usually taken twice daily, in the morning and at night. You can take this medication with or without food.
Ask your physician or pharmacist for advice on how to make use of this medication. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.
Do not take other drugs which can cause dizziness, drowsiness or low blood pressure when you are taking clonidine. These include alcohol, prescription drugs and certain prescription and over-the-counter medicines.
Clonidine should not be used in conjunction with surgery or any other medical procedure. It is also recommended to avoid mixing it with other drugs that can slow your heart rate, for example, tranquilizers or narcotics.
Your doctor might want to examine your blood pressure prior to and after you take clonidine. This will allow your doctor to determine if you require an additional test to ensure there aren't any underlying conditions that could be affected by this medication.
The most common adverse effects of clonidine include headache, drowsiness, dry mouth, and a decreased heart rate. These side effects usually occur after the first dose or a few weeks after treatment and aren't life-threatening.
Talk to attention medication if you experience any serious side effects as a result of this medication. These effects could include slowed heart rate, confusion or difficulty urinating.
Clonidine can cause adverse effects that are more likely to affect those with diabetes or kidney problems. Clonidine may reduce your body's ability remove blood sugar from your blood. If you have diabetes or kidney disease the doctor might suggest taking a lower dose of clonidine.
Guanfacine
Guanfacine, a non-stimulant medication is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It helps by strengthening the brain regions 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 brain's prefrontal cortex and the other parts of the brain.
It is available in an immediate-release and extended-release tablet. Both are taken before nighttime. The dosage is determined by your weight, the efficacy of the medication, and any other medications you may be taking.
The daily dose for the first dose is usually 1 mg. However, your doctor might alter the dosage to meet your needs. It is recommended to take this medication on a regular basis and follow the dosage guidelines carefully.
Your doctor will also tell you about any side effects you need to look out for. They could include dry mouth, weakness or headache.
These side effects usually become better within the first few days after beginning the medication. If they do not, contact 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 take it if you're taking antihistamines, barbiturates or any other sedatives.
In addition you should not use this medication if you have low blood pressure or an antecedent history of stroke or heart disease. These can lead to severe side effects when taking Guanfacine.
Teens and children should use this medication with extreme caution. It can cause drowsiness that could make it difficult for you to concentrate or think clearly. Additionally, they are more likely to become violent or display tics.
Older adults should also take Guanfacine in a cautious manner. This is because they are more vulnerable to serious side consequences such as falls injuries, and accidents. They also have a greater risk of developing serious side consequences from guanfacine as it is more difficult to eradicate it from their bodies.
The drowsiness associated with guanfacine could make it more difficult to operate machinery or drive. It is best not to drive or do anything that requires alertness until you are sure that it doesn't affect your health.