Non Stimulant ADHD Medication
There are a variety of options if you're trying for an ADHD medication that isn't containing stimulants. Certain of them are offered in generic form, so they're typically cheaper.
Stimulants are drugs that raise the levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. They are used to treat ADHD in children as well as adults. However, they could cause side effects or not work at any time.
Strattera
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a non-stimulant medication that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults as well as children. It blocks the brain's chemical neurotransmitter norepinephrine from working. While it's not as effective or efficient as other ADHD medications, it can still be beneficial for some people.
One of the main benefits of using a non-stimulant ADHD drug like Strattera is that it has a lower risk for dependence and abuse than stimulants. Schedule II controlled substances are stimulant drugs. This means they are subject to strict federal regulations about how they're made and prescribed.
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 go to their doctor every month.
Strattera is also less likely to cause side effects than other ADHD medications. This is due to the fact that it's not an stimulant. It could cause serious issues for people who have had heart disease or other heart defects in the past.
It's crucial to inform your doctor about any heart issues you suffer from or if you're taking any other medications that affect your heart. They'll need to check your blood pressure, heart rate and other health measures while you're using Strattera to make sure it's working as intended.
Talk to your doctor if you have liver problems like jaundice or yellowing of the eyes or skin. Lab testing to check the levels of liver enzymes can help your doctor determine the proper dosage for you.
Strattera has been associated with heart attacks in a small percentage of people with high blood pressure, heart disease or other health issues. These risks are greater when the dose is increased or earlier in treatment.
Patients who use Strattera could also develop a rare disease called "pheochromocytoma". These symptoms can be severe, so your doctor will need to make sure you're not at risk.
Strattera can also cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pains constipation, weight loss and stomach pain. These side effects usually go away with some weeks of treatment.
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 to improve the concentration of people and reduce restlessness in those with hyperactive and/or concentration or problems with impulse control. It can be utilized in conjunction with other ADHD treatments.
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. iampsychiatry is an extremely selective inhibitor of norepinephrine reuptake . It targets the fronto-cortical system, which is where ADHD symptoms begin to manifest. It also inhibits the serotonin transporter, (SERT), and N-methyl-d–aspartate receptors. These are both implicated in ADHD symptoms.
Clinical trials have proven that atomoxetine exerts a significant effect on ADHD symptoms, especially in children. It also had less side consequences than immediate-released methylphenidate.
However, atomoxetine may be linked to some changes in blood pressure and heart rate. Data from clinical trials have indicated that between 15 - 26 percent of adolescents and children and 27-32% of adults, are experiencing some measurable but not statistically significant, increase in heart rate or blood pressure.
In general, this rise is temporary and typically returns to baseline. The changes that occur should be monitored. When starting treatment and during the course of therapy, blood pressure should be monitored regularly with the help of a chart with a centile. Patients with hypertension should be checked for blood pressure more often.
Side effects of atomoxetine also include dizziness, confusion and tiredness. These effects are typically temporary and go away when the medication is used regularly.
It is important to note that it can take a few weeks for atomoxetine to produce its full effects. If you don't see improvements after taking atomoxetine consult your doctor. It may be necessary to increase the dosage or take it more often than you normally.
You must not operate any heavy machinery during the time you take this medication. You may feel drowsy or have difficulty performing. If you are pregnant or planning to have one, tell your doctor. It is important to keep all medicines away from 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 your brain. This medication reduces blood pressure and treats ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and inattention.
Clonidine isn't addictive nor has any side effects, unlike other stimulant drugs. It can also be 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 a day in the morning, and at bedtime. You can take this medication with or without food.
If you have any concerns regarding the proper use of this medication, speak to your physician or pharmacist. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.
Avoid other substances that cause drowsiness, dizziness or low blood pressure when you are taking clonidine. These include alcohol, some prescription drugs, as well as some available over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
Clonidine should not be used during surgery or any other medical procedure. You should also avoid combining it with other drugs that can reduce your heart rate, for example, tranquilizers or narcotics.
Your doctor may want to check your blood pressure before and after taking clonidine. This will allow your doctor to determine if you require another test to ensure that you do not have any other conditions which could be affected by this medication.
Clonidine can cause drowsiness, headaches, dry mouth, and a decrease in heart rate. These side effects usually happen after the first dose or several weeks of treatment and are not life-threatening.
Talk to your doctor immediately in the event that you experience any serious side effects as a result of this medication. Side effects include confusion, slowed heart rate, and difficulties in urinating.
Clonidine can cause negative side effects that are more likely to affect those who suffer from kidney or diabetes. Clonidine is known to decrease your body's ability remove blood sugar from your blood. Your doctor may suggest taking a lower dose when you suffer from diabetes or kidney disease.
Guanfacine
Guanfacine is a non stimulant medication used to treat the condition of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It works by enhancing areas in the brain that regulate executive functions, which include working memory impulse control, working memory, and attention. It is believed to strengthen connections between the prefrontal cortex in the brain and other brain regions.
It is available in two forms: immediate-release tablets and as an extended-release tablet, both of which are given each night before bed. The dosage is based upon your weight, the effectiveness of the medication, as well as any other medications you may be taking.
The dosage for the daily first dose is typically 1 mg. However, your doctor could alter the dosage to suit your needs. It is important to take this medication on a regular basis and to follow the instructions carefully.
Your doctor will also tell you about any possible side effects that you should watch for. These could include dry mouth as well as headaches, weakness or weakness.
These side effects usually go away within a few days after taking the medication. If they don't, contact your doctor immediately.
You should not take guanfacine when you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients. It should not be taken if you are on antihistamines or barbiturates as well as other sedatives.
It is not recommended to take this medication when your blood pressure is low or if have had an attack or stroke in the past. This can cause severe adverse reactions when you are taking Guanfacine.
Teens and children should use this medication with care. It may cause drowsiness and could make it difficult for you to concentrate or think clearly. They could also be more likely to experience tics or become violent.
Older adults should also take Guanfacine in a cautious manner. This is because they are more prone to serious side consequences such as falls injuries and accidents. It is also more difficult to remove the body of guanfacine which can increase their risk of having serious side effects.
Guanfacine can make it difficult to drive or operate machinery due to effects of drowsiness. It is best not to operate machinery or perform any other activity that requires alertness until you're sure it doesn't affect your mental state.