Non Stimulant ADHD Medication
There are many options to choose from if you're looking to find an ADHD medication that doesn't include stimulants. They're usually less expensive since they are generic.
Stimulants are drugs that raise the levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine within your brain. They're prescribed to treat children and adults with ADHD, but they can cause bad side effects or not function at all.
Strattera
Strattera (atomoxetine), an anti-stimulant medication is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults. It blocks the brain's chemical norepinephrine functioning. While it's not as effective and efficient as other ADHD treatments, it can still be beneficial for certain people.
One of the major advantages of using a non stimulant ADHD medication like Strattera is that it is less prone for dependence and abuse than stimulants. Schedule II controlled substances are stimulant drugs. This means they have strict federal rules regarding the way they're manufactured and prescribed.
A non-stimulant ADHD medication comes with another benefit: doctors can call the pharmacy to request refills instead of prescribing a new prescription each month. This could save many people the headache of having to make a an appointment with their doctor's office each month.
Strattera is also less likely to cause side effects than other ADHD medications. This is due to the fact that it's not a stimulant. It can cause serious problems for those who have had heart disease or other defects in the past.
In this regard, it's imperative to inform your doctor if there are any heart issues or if you're taking other medications that affect your heart. They'll be required to monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and other health indicators while you're on Strattera to ensure that it's working as intended.
Discuss with your doctor if you have liver problems such as jaundice, or yellowing of the skin, or eyes. Laboratory tests to measure liver enzyme levels can help your doctor determine the right dosage for you.
Strattera has been linked to strokes and heart attacks in a small percentage of people with high blood pressure, heart disease or other health problems. These risks could be greater early in treatment and when the dose is changed.
Additionally, a rare disorder called pheochromocytoma can occur in people who are taking Strattera. These symptoms can be very severe and your doctor must be sure that you're not at risk.
Strattera can also cause nausea vomiting, stomach pains, constipation and weight loss. These side effects typically disappear after several weeks.
Atomoxetine
Strattera is the brand name for the non-stimulant ADHD medication Atomoxetine. It is a selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitor (SNRI). It works within the brain to improve attention and decrease restlessness in people with hyperactive, concentration, or impulse control problems. It can be used by itself or in combination with other treatments for ADHD.
It was FDA approved as an ADHD medication for adults. It is typically used without a prescription to treat depression. It is a highly selective inhibitor of norepinephrine that 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. Both of these are implicated in ADHD symptoms.
Clinical trials have demonstrated that atomoxetine can provide significant improvement in the symptoms of ADHD, especially in children. In look at this now was associated with fewer side effects than immediate-release methylphenidate.
Some changes in heart rate or blood pressure could be caused by atomoxetine. The results of clinical trials have shown that 15 to 26 percent of children, adolescents and 32% of adults experience some measurable, but statistically insignificant increase in heart rate and blood pressure.
This is typically temporary and reverts back to the baseline. The changes must be monitored. It is crucial to monitor blood pressure at the beginning of treatment and throughout the course of treatment. A chart of centiles can be used to monitor blood pressure. Patients who have a history of hypertension should have their blood pressure checked more often.
Other effects of atomoxetine may include dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, dry mouth, and a loss of coordination. These side effects are usually temporary and fade when the medication is taken on a regular basis.
It may take several weeks before atomoxetine gives its full benefits. If you do not notice improvements after taking atomoxetine, consult your physician. It may be necessary to increase the dosage or take it more often than you normally.
Do not drive or operate machinery that is heavy while taking this medicine, as you may become sleepy and have difficulty functioning. It is important to inform your doctor that you are pregnant or plan to have children. It is also important to keep this and any other medications out of reach of children.
Clonidine
Clonidine is an anti-stimulant medication for adhd has been approved by FDA in 2009. Clonidine relaxes blood vessels by stimulating nerve impulses in the brain. This medication reduces blood pressure and helps treat ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Clonidine does not cause addiction or has no side effects, unlike other stimulant medicines. It is also used to treat sleep problems.
You can purchase this medication as Catapres tablet or as an extended-release tablet (Kapvay). The tablets should be taken two times daily: in the morning and at the night. You can take this medication with or without food.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor If you have any questions about how to take this medication. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Avoid taking other drugs which can cause dizziness, drowsiness or low blood pressure while you are taking clonidine. This includes alcohol, certain prescription drugs, as well as some available over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
You should not use clonidine during surgery or other medical procedures. You should also avoid combining it with other medications that can slow your heart rate, such as tranquilizers or narcotics.
Your doctor may request you to test your blood pressure prior to and during the course of clonidine. This will enable your doctor to determine if you require an additional test to confirm you don't have any underlying conditions which could be affected by this medication.
The most frequent adverse effects of clonidine include headache, drowsiness and dry mouth, and a slower heart rate. These side effects usually happen after the first dose or after several weeks after treatment and aren't life-threatening.
If you experience any serious side effects while taking this medication, talk with your doctor right away. Some of the side effects include confusion, slowed heart rate, and difficulty in urinating.
Clonidine may cause side effects that are more likely to affect people with kidney or diabetes. Clonidine can reduce the body's ability to eliminate blood sugar from your blood. Your doctor might recommend a lower dose of Clonidine in case you suffer from diabetes or kidney disease.
Guanfacine
Guanfacine is a non-stimulant medicine is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It helps to strengthen brain regions which control executive functions which include working memory, impulse control, and attention. It is believed to improve connections between the prefrontal cortex and other regions of the brain.
It is available in two forms: immediate-release tablets and as an extended-release tablet both of which are given once a day at bedtime. The dosage is determined by your weight, effectiveness of any other medication you may be on.
The dosage for the daily first dose is typically 1 mg. However, your physician may adjust the dosage to meet your requirements. It is crucial to take this medication on a regular basis and to follow the instructions carefully.
Your doctor will also inform you of any side effects you should be aware of. This could include dry mouth, weakness or headache.
These side effects usually go away within a few days after taking the medication. If they persist, consult your doctor immediately.
Guanfacine should not to be taken in the event of an allergy to it or any of the ingredients. It should not be taken in conjunction with antihistamines or barbiturates as well as other sedatives.
You should not take this medication in the event that your blood pressure is low or you have suffered heart attacks or strokes in the past. These could cause serious side effects with the guanfacine.
Children and teens should use this medication with extreme caution. It can cause drowsiness that can make it difficult to concentrate or think clearly. They may also be more likely aggression or tics.
Guanfacine should be handled with caution by those who are older. This is because they are more likely to have serious side effects, such as accidents, falls or injuries. They also have a greater risk of developing serious adverse effects from guanfacine due to the fact that it is more difficult to eliminate it from their bodies.
Guanfacine can make it more difficult to drive or operate machinery due to fatigue. You should not conduct any activity that requires you to be alert until you are certain that it won't impact you.