Non Stimulant ADHD Medication
There are a variety of options if you're trying to find an ADHD medication that doesn't contain stimulants. Certain of them are offered in generic forms, which means they're generally less expensive.
Stimulants are substances that boost brain levels of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine. They're prescribed to treat adults and children with ADHD, but they can cause bad side effects or not work at all.
Strattera
Strattera (atomoxetine) is an anti-stimulant medication is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children. It does this by blocking the actions of a chemical in the brain that is known as norepinephrine. Although it's not as effective or efficient as other ADHD medication, it could still be helpful for some people.
Strattera, a non-stimulant ADHD drug has the advantage of being less addictive and more dependent than stimulants. Stimulant medications are Schedule II controlled substances, which means they are subject to strict federal regulations on how they're produced and prescribed, as well as how they are dispensed.
Another benefit of a non-stimulant ADHD medication is that doctors can bring it to the pharmacy and request refills, rather than writing a new prescription each month. This can spare many the hassle of having to make an appointment with their doctor's office every month.
In addition, Strattera has fewer side consequences than other ADHD medications. Since it's not a stimulant. This is a reason. However, it can cause serious heart issues in people with a history heart disease or a defect.
In this regard, it's important to tell your doctor if you have any heart problems or if you're taking other medicines that affect your heart. They'll want to check your heart rate, blood pressure and other health indicators while you're on Strattera to ensure that it's working properly.
Consult your physician for liver problems such as jaundice, or yellowing of the skin or eyes. Your doctor will determine the most effective dosage for you by conducting tests in the lab to determine liver enzyme levels.
Strattera has been associated with heart attacks in a tiny number of people who have high blood pressure, heart disease, or other health problems. The risk of developing these is greater when the dose is increased or earlier in treatment.
People who use Strattera may also develop a rare condition known as "pheochromocytoma". These symptoms can be extremely severe so be sure to consult with your physician if are at risk.
Other adverse effects of Strattera include a decrease in appetite nausea, stomach pain, vomiting constipation, weight loss headache, dry mouth and headache. These side effects typically disappear after several weeks.
Atomoxetine
The non-stimulant ADHD medication atomoxetine sold under the brand name Strattera is a selective reuptake of norepinephrine inhibitor (SNRI). It affects the brain by increasing focus and reducing anxiety in individuals with hyperactivity, concentration or impulse control issues. It can be used in conjunction with other ADHD treatments.
It was the very first non-stimulant medication to be FDA approved for ADHD treatment in adults . It is frequently used off-label as a treatment for depression. It is a highly selective inhibitor of norepinephrine reuptake that targets the fronto-cortical subsystem, which is where ADHD symptoms manifest. It also inhibits serotonin transporter (SERT) and N-methyl-do-aspartate receptors, both of which are involved in ADHD symptoms.
Clinical trials have demonstrated that atomoxetine results in significant improvement in the symptoms of ADHD especially in children. Additionally it has been associated with fewer side effects than immediate-release methylphenidate.
However, atomoxetine could be associated with changes in blood pressure and heart rate. Clinical trials have demonstrated that between 15 and 26 percent of children, adolescents and 32% of adults experience some measurable, but statistically insignificant, increases in blood pressure and heart rate.
In general, the increase is temporary and often returns to the baseline. It is vital to track the changes. It is vital to monitor blood pressure at the beginning of treatment as well as throughout the course of therapy. A chart of the percentile can be used to record blood pressure. People with a history hypertension should have their blood pressure monitored more often.
Side effects of atomoxetine also include confusion, dizziness and tiredness. These effects are typically short-lived and will go away when you take the medication on a regular basis.
It is important to keep in mind that it can take a few weeks for atomoxetine to produce its full effects. Consult your physician in the event that you don't notice any improvement after taking atomoxetine. It could be necessary to increase the dosage or take it more frequently than usual.
Do not drive or operate machinery that is heavy while taking this medicine as you could get sleepy and have trouble functioning. medications for alcohol should inform your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning to have a child. It is essential to keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Clonidine
Clonidine is a non stimulant adhd medication that was approved by the FDA in 2009. This medication works by affecting the brain's nerve impulses to relax blood vessels. This reduces blood pressure and assists in treating ADHD symptoms, such as hyperactivity and hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Unlike traditional stimulant medications Clonidine doesn't cause side effects or addictive properties. It is also used to treat sleep difficulties.
You can purchase this medication in the form of Catapres tablet, or an extended-release tablet (Kapvay). The tablets should be taken two times daily in the morning and at night. The tablets can be taken without or with food.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice on how to make use of this medication. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Avoid taking other drugs that cause drowsiness, dizziness or low blood pressure while you are taking clonidine. These include alcohol, prescription drugs, and a few prescription and over-the-counter medicines and supplements.
Clonidine should not be utilized in conjunction with surgery or any other medical procedure. It is crucial to not combine clonidine and other medication that could slow down your heart rate, such as tranquilizers or narcotics.
Your doctor may want to check your blood pressure before and during clonidine treatment. This will allow your doctor to determine if you require another test to make sure that you do not have any other conditions which could be affected by this medication.
Clonidine is known for causing drowsiness, headaches, dry mouth, and a reduction in heart rate. These adverse effects usually occur after the first dose or several weeks of treatment and aren't life-threatening.
Contact your doctor immediately in the event that you experience any serious side effects from this medication. The side effects can include confusion, slowing of heart rate, as well as difficulty in urinating.
People suffering from kidney issues or diabetes may be at a higher risk of side effects from the clonidine. Clonidine can hinder your body's ability remove blood sugar from your blood. Your doctor may suggest an lower dose of Clonidine for those suffering 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 the areas of the brain that regulate executive functions. These include working memory, impulse control and attention. It is believed to improve connections between the prefrontal cortex and other regions of the brain.
It can be purchased in the form of an immediate-release or extended-release tablet. Both are taken prior to the time of sleeping. The dosage is based on your weight, the efficacy of the medication, and any other medications you may be taking.
The recommended daily dose for the first dose is typically 1 mg. However, your doctor can alter the dosage to suit your requirements. It is crucial to take this medication regularly and follow the directions carefully.
Your doctor will also inform you about any possible side consequences you should be looking out for. These could include dry mouth, weakness or headache.
These side effects usually get better within several days after starting the medication. If they don't, contact your doctor immediately.
You should not take guanfacine for those who are allergic to it or any of its components. It should not be taken if you are on antihistamines or barbiturates as well as other sedatives.
Additionally you should not use this medication if you have low blood pressure or a history of heart disease or stroke. These could cause serious adverse effects from guanfacine.
This medication should not be taken by children or teens. It can cause drowsiness which could make it difficult to concentrate or think clearly. They also can be more likely to be violent or display tics.
Seniors should also use guanfacine very cautiously. This is because older people are more prone to serious side effects like falls, injuries, and accidents. It is also more difficult for them to get rid of Guanfacine out of their bodies, which increases the chance of suffering from serious adverse side effects.
Guanfacine could make it more difficult to operate machinery because of the sleepiness. It is best not to conduct any driving or other activity that requires a high level of alertness until you're sure it doesn't affect your health.