Non stimulant ADHD

Atomoxetine. The FDA has approved atomoxetine (Strattera) as a non-stimulant for the treatment of ADHD. It belongs to the selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors class of drugs. Atomoxetine is not classed as a restricted substance because it has no potential for abuse.

Non-stimulant medicines for ADHD are listed below.

Strattera

Strattera (atomoxetine) is the first FDA-approved non-stimulant medicine for the treatment of ADHD in adults and children over the age of six.

Atomoxetine belongs to the selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors class of drugs (SNRIs). According to studies, this medication improves ADHD symptoms and reduces oppositional and rebellious behavior as well as anxiety. 1

Strattera is distinct from stimulant medicines in a number of ways:

• It isn't considered to be a controlled substance. It is not classed as a controlled substance because it does not appear to have a high potential for misuse.

• It takes longer to get up and running. It also appears to have a lengthier onset of action than stimulants, which start working right away. As a result, the therapeutic effects of stimulants may be observed sooner than the effects of Strattera.

• It must be taken on a daily basis. Strattera must be taken every day, whereas stimulant doses can be skipped—for example, during the weekend.

Strattera can take up to six weeks to reach its maximum therapeutic impact. However, if maximal effects are obtained, they remain for 24 hours and may even spill over to the next day.

The following are possible atomoxetine side effects:

• Agitation

• Appetite decreases

• Dizziness

• Mouth is parched

• Fatigue

• Heart rate and blood pressure rise.

• Irritability

• Nausea

• Stomachache

• Vomiting

• Weight reduction as a result of a decrease in appetite

Strattera also comes with a warning about the possibility of suicidal ideation in children and teenagers.

If your child is thinking about suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for help and support from a certified counselor. Call 911 if you or a loved one is in urgent danger.

See our National Helpline Database for more mental health resources.

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) are a type of antidepressant

Off-label use of tricyclic antidepressants in the treatment of ADHD is possible. The following are the most commonly used for this:

• Amitriptyline

• Norpramin is a kind of noradrenaline (desipramine)

• Pamelor is a name for a type of (nortriptyline

• Tofranil is a drug that is used to treat (imipramine)

When a person hasn't responded well to stimulants, these antidepressants are usually tried.

If you experience symptoms of sadness or anxiety in addition to ADHD, they may be prescribed.

TCAs, like stimulants, are hypothesized to boost norepinephrine levels in the brain. TCAs, unlike stimulants, may take many days or even weeks to show therapeutic advantages, but once they do, the benefits remain throughout the day.

Antidepressants that are tricyclic must be taken on a daily basis. If you miss a dosage or stop taking the drug suddenly, you may experience aches and flu-like symptoms, therefore tapering off the medication gradually over time is recommended.

TCAs can cause a variety of adverse effects, including:

• Vision is hazy

• Constipation

• Drowsiness

• Mouth is parched

• Headaches

• Insomnia

• Stomachache

• Dreams that are vivid

• Problems with heartbeat or heart rhythm are among the more serious side effects of tricyclic antidepressants.

TCAs should be taken with caution and regular medical monitoring if you or your kid have heart issues or a family history of them.

In patients with a history of seizure disease, tricyclic antidepressants may potentially increase the risk of seizures. Tricyclic antidepressants, like all drugs, require close monitoring and communication with the prescribing doctor.

Antihypertensive Medications

Catapres (clonidine) and Tenex (guanfacine) are two more medicines that are sometimes used to assist treat ADHD symptoms. The long-acting versions of each medicine, Kapvay (clonidine) and Intuniv (guanfacine), are FDA-approved to treat ADHD, whereas the short-acting versions are not.

Both of these medications were developed to treat high blood pressure, but they've also been shown to aid with hyperactivity and impulsive behavior.

These medications don't appear to be as successful in treating inattention problems. They are typically used to treat ADHD when a person is unable to tolerate or respond to Strattera or other stimulants.

Clonidine and/or guanfacine may cause the following side effects:

• Blood pressure is lower.

• Dizziness

• Drowsiness

• mouth that is dry

• Fatigue

• Insomnia

• Nausea

• stomach ache

Qelbree

Qelbree, a non-stimulant drug for children and adolescents aged 6 to 17, was licensed by the FDA in 2021. (viloxazine). Qelbree is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, similar to Straterra. 7

Qelbree, like several other ADHD drugs, can be sprinkled over applesauce and consumed, making it easier for children who have trouble swallowing pills to take their prescription.

The following are some of the most common Qelbree adverse effects:

• Appetite decreases

• Fatigue

• Insomnia

• Irritability

• Nausea

• Somnolence is a word that has a lot of different meanings (tiredness)

• Vomiting

Qelbree also has a disclaimer about the possibility of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. It's critical to keep an eye on any child taking the medicine for changes in mood and behavior, especially when they're initially starting off.

Qelbree might also make your heart race and your blood pressure rise. Furthermore, because the medication might cause mania, individuals will be tested for bipolar disorder before using it.

Wellbutrin

Wellbutrin (bupropion) is a distinct type of antidepressant that has been shown to help patients with ADHD and depression.

The FDA has not approved Wellbutrin for the treatment of ADHD, however it can be prescribed off-label. It's seen as a last resort.

The following are possible Wellbutrin side effects:

• Irritability

• Weight reduction as a result of a decrease in appetite

• Insomnia

• Existing tics are getting worse

Wellbutrin may potentially increase the risk of seizures in some persons.

Effexor

Effexor (venlafaxine) is an antidepressant that is sometimes used to treat ADHD off-label.

aids attention and improves mood.

The following are some of the possible Effexor side effects:

• Anxiety

• Mouth is parched

• Nausea

• Adults with sexual issues

• Problems with sleep

• Tremor

Warnings in Black Boxes

Because all antidepressants (including Strattera, Qelbree, TCAs, Wellbutrin, and Effexor, which are discussed in this article) come with a black box warning of suicidal thoughts, ideation, or behavior, it's critical to keep an eye on anyone taking them for changes in mood and to consult with their prescribing doctor.