Non Stimulant ADHD Medication
There are many options if you're looking for an ADHD medication that isn't containing stimulants. Some of them are available in generic forms, so they're usually cheaper.
Stimulants are drugs which increase brain levels of neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. These medications are used to treat ADHD in some children and adults. However, they could have 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 and children. It is a medication that blocks the action of a chemical that is present in the brain that is known as norepinephrine. It's not as effective as other ADHD drugs but it can be useful for some people.
Strattera is a non-stimulant ADHD drug offers the benefit of being less addictive and more dependent than stimulants. The stimulant medications are Schedule II controlled substances, which means they have strict federal regulations regarding how they're produced, prescribed and dispensed.
A non-stimulant ADHD medication also has a benefit that doctors can call the pharmacy to request refills instead of writing a new prescription every month. This can help many people avoid the headache of having to make a an appointment with their doctor's office each month.
In addition, Strattera has fewer side consequences than other ADHD medications. This is partly because it's not a stimulant. However, it could cause serious heart problems in some people with a history heart disease or defect.
It's important to inform your doctor if there are any heart conditions you have or if you're taking other medications that affect the heart. They'll be required to monitor your heart rate, blood pressure as well as other health-related measurements when you're taking Strattera to ensure that it's working properly.
Speak to your doctor if you have liver problems such as jaundice, yellowing of the eyes, or skin. Testing for liver enzyme levels can help your doctor determine the right dosage for you.
A small portion of people who suffer from high blood pressure heart disease or other health issues have suffered heart attacks when taking Strattera. These risks are more likely at the beginning of treatment and after the dose is adjusted.
Patients who take Strattera could also be affected by a rare disease called "pheochromocytoma". These symptoms can be extremely severe so be sure to speak with your physician if are at risk.
Strattera can also cause nausea and stomach pains constipation, weight loss and stomach pain. These effects typically go away after some time.
Atomoxetine
The non-stimulant ADHD medication atomoxetine, sold under the brand name Strattera, is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It affects the brain by increasing attention and decreasing restlessness in people who have hyperactive and/or impulsive issues. It is a great option to use in conjunction with other ADHD treatments.
It was the very first non-stimulant medication to be FDA approved for ADHD treatment for adults. It is frequently prescribed off-label for treatment for depression. It is a selective inhibitor of norepinephrine uptake and targets the frontocortical area that is where ADHD symptoms develop. It also blocks the serotonin transporter, (SERT), and N-methyl-d–aspartate receptors. These are both implicated in ADHD symptoms.
Clinical trials have proven that atomoxetine can provide significant improvement in the symptoms of ADHD, especially for children. It also had less side consequences than immediate-released methylphenidate.
Some changes in blood pressure or heart rate may be caused by atomoxetine. Clinical trials have demonstrated that 15 to 26 percent of children, adolescents, and 32 percent of adults experience noticeable, but statistically unimportant increase in heart rate and blood pressure.
In general, the increase is temporary and often returns to the baseline. add adult medications is crucial to keep track of the changes. At the beginning of treatment, and throughout the course of treatment blood pressure must be recorded regularly using the aid of a chart that shows the centile. Patients with hypertension should have their blood pressure checked more frequently.
Other side effects of atomoxetine include dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, dry mouth, and loss of coordination. These side effects are usually temporary and go away when you use the medicine regularly.
It could take several weeks before atomoxetine is able to provide its full benefits. Talk to your doctor If you don't experience any improvement after taking atomoxetine. It could be required to increase the dosage or take it more frequently than you normally.
You should not drive or operate any heavy machinery while you are taking this medicine. You might feel drowsy or have difficulty performing. You should inform your doctor that you are pregnant or plan to have a child. It is important to keep all medications away from children.
Clonidine
Clonidine, an adhd medication that is non-stimulant was approved by FDA in 2009. Clonidine works by relaxing blood vessels by stimulating nerve impulses in your brain. This medication lowers blood pressure and helps treat ADHD symptoms like hyperactivity and hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Contrary to conventional stimulant medicines, clonidine doesn't have any side effects or addictive properties. It can also be used to treat sleep problems.
The medication is available as tablets (Catapres) or an extended-release tablet (Kapvay). The tablets are usually taken twice per day, in the morning and at bedtime. You can take this medication with or without food.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have questions about how to make use of this medication. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.
Avoid other medications that cause drowsiness, dizziness or low blood pressure while you are taking clonidine. These include alcohol, prescription drugs, and a few over-the-counter medications and supplements.
Clonidine is not a good choice during surgery or other medical procedures. It is also recommended to avoid mixing it with other drugs that can reduce your heart rate, such as narcotics or tranquilizers.
Your doctor may request you to check your blood pressure prior to and during clonidine treatment. This will help your doctor decide if you need to undergo an additional test to make sure that you don't have any underlying conditions that could be affected by this medication.
The most common adverse effects of clonidine include headache, drowsiness, dry mouth, and a lower heart rate. These effects typically occur after the first dose or a few weeks after treatment and aren't life-threatening.
Contact your doctor immediately in the event that you experience any serious side effects from this medication. Some of the side effects include confusion, slower heart rate, and difficulties in urinating.
People who suffer from kidney problems or diabetes are more susceptible to adverse reactions from clonidine. Clonidine may reduce your body's ability to eliminate blood sugar from your blood. Your doctor may suggest taking a lower dose when you suffer from kidney disease or diabetes.
Guanfacine
Guanfacine is a non-stimulant medication that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It works by strengthening brain areas that control executive functions. This includes working memory, impulse control, and attention. It is believed that it will strengthen connections between the prefrontal cortex as well as other areas of the brain.
It is available as an immediate-release tablet and as an extended-release tablet, both of which are administered each night before bed. The dosage is determined by your weight, the effectiveness of the medication, and any other medications you may be taking.
The dose daily for the first dose is typically 1 mg. However, your physician can alter the dosage to suit your requirements. It is recommended to take this medication on a regular basis and follow the dosage instructions carefully.
Your doctor will also inform you about any side effects that you should be aware of. They could include dry mouth, weakness or headache.
These side effects usually get better within a few days of starting the medication. If they are still present, you should consult your doctor immediately.
You should not take guanfacine in case you are allergic to it or any of its components. It is not recommended when you are taking antihistamines, barbiturates, or other sedatives.
You should not take this medication in the event that your blood pressure is low or if have suffered heart attack or stroke in the past. These could cause serious adverse effects when you take guanfacine.
Children and teens should take this medication with extreme caution. It can cause drowsiness which makes it difficult to concentrate or think. They may also be more likely to experience aggression or tics.
Guanfacine should be used with caution by older adults. This is because they are more likely to have serious adverse reactions, such as falls, accidents, or injuries. It can also be more difficult for them to get rid of guanfacine from their bodies, which increases the chance of suffering from serious adverse side effects.
Guanfacine may make it more difficult to drive or operate machinery because of the sleepiness. You should not drive or do any other activity that requires alertness until you're certain it doesn't affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.