Non Stimulant ADHD Medication
If you're looking for an ADHD medication that does not contain stimulants, you have several options. Certain of them are offered in generic forms, so they're often cheaper.
Stimulants are substances that boost the levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. They're used to treat some kids and adults who suffer from ADHD, but they can cause adverse side effects or not be effective at all.
Strattera
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a non-stimulant drug used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults and children. It blocks the brain's chemical norepinephrine from working. Although it's not as effective and efficient as other ADHD medications, it can still be beneficial for some people.
One of the main advantages of using a non-stimulant ADHD medication like Strattera is that it has a lower risk for dependence and abuse than stimulants. These medications are Schedule II controlled substances, which means they are subject to strict federal regulations regarding how they're produced and distributed, and how they're prescribed and administered.
A non-stimulant ADHD medication has another benefit: doctors can call the pharmacy to order refills, instead of prescribing a new prescription each month. This could spare many from having to travel to their doctor each month.
Additionally, Strattera has fewer side effects than other ADHD medications. This is due to the fact that it's not a stimulant. It could cause serious issues for those who have had heart disease or other issues in the past.
adhd and anxiety medication is important to inform your doctor if there are any heart-related conditions you suffer from or if you are taking any other medications that affect your heart. To ensure Strattera is working properly your doctor will have to monitor your blood pressure, heart rate as well as other health measures.
Talk to your doctor for liver problems like jaundice or yellowing of the skin, or eyes. Laboratory tests to measure the levels of liver enzymes can help your doctor determine the right dosage for you.
Strattera has been linked to heart attacks in a tiny amount of people suffering from high blood pressure, heart disease or other health problems. These risks may be higher early in treatment and when the dose is changed.
Patients who take Strattera could also be affected by a rare condition known as "pheochromocytoma". The symptoms can be quite severe so be sure you check with your physician if you 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 usually disappear after several weeks of use.
Atomoxetine
Strattera is the brand name of the non-stimulant ADHD medication Atomoxetine. It is a selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitor (SNRI). It works in the brain by increasing attention and reducing anxiety in individuals with hyperactivity and/or impulsive issues. It can be used on its own or in combination with other treatments for ADHD.
It was the first non-stimulant drug to be FDA approved for ADHD treatment in adults . It is often used off-label as a treatment for depression. It is an extremely selective inhibitor of norepinephrine reuptake that targets the frontocortical area, which is where ADHD symptoms begin to manifest. It also blocks the serotonin-transporter (SERT) and N-methyl-d–aspartate receptors. Both of these are implicated in ADHD symptoms.
Clinical trials have revealed that atomoxetine has a significant effect on ADHD symptoms, especially in children. In addition it has been associated with less adverse effects than immediate-release methylphenidate.
However, atomoxetine might be linked with changes in blood pressure and heart rate. Studies conducted in clinical trials have indicated that approximately 15-26 percent of children and adolescents and 27 - 32 percent of adults, suffer some noticeable however not statistically significant, rises in blood pressure or heart rate.
This increase is usually temporary and will return to the baseline. These changes should be monitored. During initial treatment and during the course of therapy the blood pressure should be regularly recorded with use of a chart that shows the centile. Hypertension patients should be checked for blood pressure more frequently.
The side effects of atomoxetine include dizziness, confusion and sleepiness. These side effects are usually temporary and fade when the medication is used consistently.
It is important to remember that it can take a few weeks for atomoxetine to produce full benefits. If you don't notice improvement after taking atomoxetine talk with your doctor. It may be necessary to increase your dosage or take it more frequently than usual.
You should not drive or operate any heavy machinery during the time you take this medication. You might feel drowsy or have trouble functioning. You should also tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to have children. It is important to keep this and all other medicines out of reach of children.
Clonidine
Clonidine, a non-stimulant adhd medication was approved by the FDA in 2009. This medication works by affecting nerve impulses in the brain to relax blood vessels. This lowers blood pressure, and assists in treating ADHD symptoms, including hyperactivity and an impulsive nature.
Contrary to the traditional stimulant medications Clonidine doesn't cause side effects or addictive properties. It is also utilized to treat sleep issues.
This medication is available as tablets (Catapres) or an extended-release tablet (Kapvay). The tablets are typically used twice a day in the morning, and at night. The medication can be taken with or without food.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice on how to take this medication. Be sure to follow instructions on the prescription label with care.
Avoid other substances that can cause dizziness, drowsiness or low blood pressure while you are taking clonidine. This includes alcohol, prescription drugs, as well as certain over-the counter and supplement medication.
Clonidine should not be used during surgery or any other medical procedure. It is essential to not combine clonidine and other medications that may slow down your heart rate, like tranquilizers or opioids.
Your doctor may want to test your blood pressure before and after taking clonidine. This will enable your doctor to determine if you're in need of an additional test to confirm you don't have any underlying conditions which could be affected by this medication.
Clonidine is known to cause headaches, drowsiness mouth, and a decrease in heart rate. These adverse effects usually occur after the first dose or after several weeks of treatment . They aren't life-threatening.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects as a result of this medication. These effects could include a slowed heart rate, confusion or difficulty in urinating.
Clonidine could cause negative side effects that are more likely to affect those with diabetes or kidney problems. This is because clonidine could affect your body's ability remove blood sugar from the blood. If you suffer from diabetes or kidney disease your doctor may suggest you take a lower dose of Clonidine.
Guanfacine
Guanfacine, a non-stimulant medication, is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It works by strengthening the brain regions that control executive functions. These include working memory, impulse control and attention. It is believed to enhance connections between the prefrontal cortex and the other regions of the brain.
You can get it in an immediate-release or an extended-release tablet. Both tablets are taken at the time of sleeping. The dosage is determined by your weight, the effectiveness of the drug, and any other medications you might be taking.
The dose daily for the initial dose is usually 1 mg. However, your physician can alter the dosage to suit your requirements. It is best to take this medication frequently and follow the dosage instructions carefully.
Your doctor will also tell you about any possible side effects that you should look for. This could include dry mouth, weakness, or headache.
These side effects usually become better within several days after starting the medication. If they do not make a difference, you should consult your doctor right away.
You should not take guanfacine in case you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients. It is not recommended when you are taking antihistamines, barbiturates or other sedatives.
In addition you should not use this medication if your condition is low blood pressure or an history of stroke or heart disease. These can cause severe side effects with the guanfacine.
This medication should not be used by teens or children. It can cause drowsiness which makes it difficult to concentrate or think. Additionally, they are more likely to be violent or have antics.
Guanfacine should be handled with caution by older adults. This is due to the fact that older adults are more vulnerable to serious side consequences such as falls injuries, and accidents. They also have a higher risk of developing serious side effects from guanfacine because it is more difficult to eradicate it from their bodies.
Guanfacine could make it more difficult to drive or operate machinery due to drowsiness. You shouldn't conduct any driving or other activity that requires alertness until you're sure that it doesn't affect your health.