Non Stimulant ADHD Medication
There are many options to choose from if you're trying for an ADHD medication that doesn’t contain stimulants. Certain of them are available in generic forms, so they're typically cheaper.
Stimulants are drugs that raise the levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain. They are used to treat certain kids and adults who suffer from ADHD however, they may cause undesirable side effects or not be effective at all.
Strattera
Strattera (atomoxetine) is non-stimulant medicine is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children. It blocks the brain's chemical neurotransmitter norepinephrine from functioning. It is not as effective as other ADHD treatments however, it can be helpful for certain people.
One of the main benefits of using a non stimulant ADHD drug such as Strattera is that it has a lower potential for abuse and dependence than stimulants. Stimulant medications are Schedule II controlled substances, that means they're subject to strict federal regulations regarding how they're manufactured and administered.
Another benefit of a non stimulant ADHD medication is that doctors can simply call it to the pharmacy and make refills, instead of writing monthly prescriptions for a new one. This could spare many from having to visit their doctor every month.
In addition, Strattera has fewer side consequences than other ADHD medications. This is partly because it's not an stimulant. However, it could cause serious heart issues in patients with a history of heart disease or defect.
Because of this, it's imperative to inform your doctor if you have any heart conditions or if you're taking any other medications that affect your heart. To make sure that Strattera is working correctly your doctor will need to keep track of your blood pressure, heart rate and other health measures.
It is also recommended to speak to your doctor if you have any 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 percentage of patients who suffer from high blood pressure, heart disease or other health issues have developed strokes and heart attacks when taking Strattera. These risks are more likely early in treatment and when the dose is changed.
Similar to this, a rare condition called pheochromocytoma can occur in people who take Strattera. The symptoms can be quite severe so make sure to check with your physician if are at risk.
Other adverse effects of Strattera include a decreased appetite, nausea stomach pain, vomiting constipation, weight loss, headache and dry mouth. These side effects usually go away after some time.
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 by increasing attention and reducing restlessness in people who have hyperactive and/or impulsive issues. It can be used on its own or in combination with other treatments for ADHD.
It was FDA approved as an ADHD medication for adults. It is often prescribed off-label for treating depression. It is an extremely selective inhibitor of norepinephrine reuptake . It targets the frontocortical area, which is where ADHD symptoms are developed. It also blocks serotonin transporter (SERT) and N-methyl-do-aspartate receptors, both of which are involved in ADHD symptoms.
Clinical trials have shown that atomoxetine can provide significant improvement in the symptoms of ADHD, especially in children. It also had fewer adverse negative effects than immediate-release methylphenidate.
Certain changes in heart rate or blood pressure could be caused by atomoxetine. The results of clinical studies have shown that around 15-26% of children and adolescents and 27-32% of adults, have some tangible, but not statistically significant increases in blood pressure or heart rate.
The increase is usually temporary and then returns to baseline. The changes in blood pressure should be tracked. At the beginning of treatment, and throughout the course of treatment, blood pressure should be regularly recorded with use of a centile chart. Hypertension patients should have their blood pressure checked more frequently.
The side effects of atomoxetine include dizziness, confusion and sleepiness. These side effects are usually temporary and go away when you use the medicine regularly.
It may take several weeks before atomoxetine provides its full benefits. Talk to your doctor when you don't see any improvement after taking atomoxetine. It may be necessary to increase the dosage or take it more often than usual.
You are not allowed to operate any heavy machinery while you are taking this medication. You may feel tired or have difficulty performing. It is important to inform your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning to have a child. It is also crucial to keep this and any other medicines 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 the brain's nerve impulses. This medication reduces blood pressure and treats ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive.
In contrast to traditional stimulant drugs, clonidine does not have harmful side effects or addictive characteristics. It is also used to treat sleep difficulties.
The medication is available in the form of tablets (Catapres) or an extended-release tablet (Kapvay). The tablets are usually used twice a day, in the morning and at night. It is possible to take this medication with or without food.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist If you have any questions about how to take this medication. Follow the instructions on the prescription label.
Avoid taking other drugs that can cause dizziness, drowsiness or low blood pressure while you are taking clonidine. These include alcohol, some prescription drugs, and a few over-the-counter medications and supplements.
You should not use clonidine while you are having surgery or other medical procedures. Also, avoid combining it with other medicines that can reduce your heart rate, like narcotics or tranquilizers.
Your doctor might want to examine your blood pressure prior to and after taking clonidine. This will help your doctor decide if it is necessary to take a second test to make sure that you do not have any medical conditions that would be affected by this medication.
The most frequent adverse effects of clonidine include headache, drowsiness, dry mouth, and a decreased heart rate. These side effects usually happen after the first dose, or over several weeks of treatment and are not life-threatening.
If you experience any serious adverse reactions while taking this medication, speak to your doctor immediately. These side effects include confusion slowing heart rate, and difficulty urinating.
Patients with kidney problems or diabetes may be more susceptible to adverse effects from Clonidine. Clonidine can hinder your body's ability remove blood sugar from your blood. If you have kidney disease, or diabetes the doctor might suggest that you take a lower dose of Clonidine.
Guanfacine
Guanfacine is a medication that is not stimulant is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It helps to strengthen brain areas that control executive functions. These include working memory, impulse control and attention. It is believed to enhance connections between the prefrontal cortex of the brain and other brain regions.
It is available as an immediate-release tablet and as an extended-release tablet both of which are given daily at bedtime. The dosage is determined by your weight, the effectiveness of the medication and any other you might be taking.
The recommended daily dose for the first dose is usually 1 mg. However, your doctor could alter the dosage to suit your requirements. It is essential to take this medication regularly and follow the directions carefully.
Your doctor will also tell you about any possible side effects you need to look for. They could include dry mouth as well as headaches, weakness or weakness.
These side effects usually get better within the first few days after beginning the medication. If they persist, see your doctor immediately.
Guanfacine should not be taken if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients. It should not be taken if you are on antihistamines, barbiturates or other sedatives.
It is not recommended to take this medication in the event that your blood pressure is low or if you have had an attack or stroke in the past. These can cause severe side effects with Guanfacine.
Teens and children should take this medication very cautiously. It can cause drowsiness which could make it difficult for you to concentrate or think clearly. They may also be more likely to suffer from antics or be violent.
Adults over the age of 65 should use Guanfacine with extreme caution. This is because older adults are more susceptible to serious adverse effects such as falls, injuries, and accidents. It can also be more difficult for them to clear Guanfacine out of their bodies, which can increase the chance of suffering from serious adverse side effects.
Guanfacine can make it difficult to drive or operate machinery because of the sleepiness. medication for add in adults shouldn't drive or engage in any other task that requires your attention until you're sure it doesn't affect you.