Non Stimulant ADHD Medication
If you're searching for an ADHD medication that doesn't include stimulants, there are several options. Certain of them are available in generic forms, so they're usually cheaper.
Stimulants are medicines that increase brain levels of neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. 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), non-stimulant medicine, is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults. It is a medication that blocks the action of a substance in the brain that is known as norepinephrine. It's not as efficient as other ADHD medication however it could be useful for certain individuals.
Strattera is a non-stimulant ADHD drug has the benefit of being less addictive and dependent than stimulants. Schedule II controlled substances are stimulant drugs. This means they have strict federal regulations concerning how they're produced and prescribed.
Another benefit of a non stimulant ADHD medication is that doctors can bring it into the pharmacy and order refills instead of writing monthly prescriptions for a new one. This can spare many the stress of making an appointment at their doctor's office every month.
Strattera is also less likely to cause adverse effects than other ADHD medications. Since it's not a stimulant, this is partly why. However, it can cause serious heart problems in some people with a history heart disease or a heart defect.
It is important to inform your doctor if there are any heart conditions you have or if you're taking any other medications that affect your heart. To ensure that Strattera is working properly your doctor will need to keep track of your blood pressure, heart rate and other health measures.
Talk to your doctor if you have liver problems such as jaundice, or yellowing of the eyes or skin. Lab testing to check levels of liver enzymes can help your doctor determine the appropriate dosage for you.
A small portion of people who suffer from high blood pressure, heart defects, or other health conditions have suffered heart attacks when taking Strattera. These risks are more likely when treatment is first initiated and also when the dose is changed.
People who take Strattera might also develop a rare condition called "pheochromocytoma". The symptoms can be quite severe and your doctor will need to ensure that you are not at risk.
Other adverse effects of Strattera include decreased appetite, nausea vomiting, stomach pain, constipation, weight loss, headache and dry mouth. These side effects usually go away after several weeks.
Atomoxetine
Strattera is the brand name of the non-stimulant ADHD medication Atomoxetine. It is a selective norepinephrine inhibitor (SNRI). It is a brain stimulant that works by increasing attention and reducing restlessness in people with hyperactive and/or impulsive issues. It can be used in combination with other ADHD treatments.
It was the first non-stimulant medicine to be FDA approved for ADHD treatment in adults . It is often prescribed off-label to treat for depression. It is a highly selective inhibitor of norepinephrine reuptake . It targets the frontocortical area, the area where ADHD symptoms begin to manifest. It also inhibits serotonintransporter (SERT) and N-methyl-do-aspartate receptors, both of which are involved in ADHD symptoms.
Clinical trials have proven that atomoxetine has a significant effect in the symptoms of ADHD especially in children. In addition it has been associated with fewer side effects than immediate-release methylphenidate.
Some changes in heart rate or blood pressure may be caused by atomoxetine. Studies conducted in clinical trials have indicated that approximately 15-26 percent of adolescents and children and 27 - 32 percent of adults, have some tangible however not statistically significant, rises in heart rate or blood pressure.
The increase in temperature is usually temporary and will return to the baseline. It is important to monitor the changes. It is vital to monitor blood pressure in the initial phase of treatment and throughout the course of therapy. A chart of centiles can be used to record blood pressure. Hypertension patients should be monitored for blood pressure more often.
Side effects of atomoxetine also include dizziness, confusion and tiredness. These effects are typically temporary and will disappear once you use the medicine regularly.
It is important to know that it could take a few weeks for atomoxetine to produce the full benefit. If you don't see improvement after taking atomoxetine talk with your doctor. You may need to increase your dose or take it more often.
You should not drive or operate any heavy equipment while you are taking this medication. You might feel sleepy or have trouble functioning. You should also tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to have a child. It is important to keep all medications away from children.
Clonidine
Clonidine is an adhd medication that is non-stimulant was approved by the FDA in 2009. Clonidine works by relaxing blood vessels by stimulating nerve impulses in the brain. This lowers blood pressure and helps treat ADHD symptoms, including hyperactivity and an impulsive nature.
Contrary to the traditional stimulant medications, clonidine isn't associated with any negative side effects or addictive qualities. It is also used to treat sleep disorders.
You can purchase this medication as Catapres tablet or an extended-release tablet (Kapvay). The tablets should be taken two times a day: in the morning and at evening. You can take this medication with or without food.
If you have questions about how to take this medication, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. Make sure you follow the directions on the prescription label carefully.
Clonidine can cause dizziness, drowsiness or low blood pressure. These include alcohol, prescription drugs, and some available over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
Clonidine should not be used in conjunction with surgery or any other medical procedure. It is essential to not mix clonidine with other medication that could slow down your heart rate, such as tranquilizers or the use of narcotics.
Your doctor might want to check your blood pressure prior to and after taking clonidine. This will allow your doctor to decide if it is necessary to have an additional test to make sure you don't have any existing conditions that would be affected by this medication.
Clonidine can cause headaches, drowsiness, dry mouth, and a decrease in heart rate. These adverse effects usually occur after the first dose or a few weeks after treatment and aren't life-threatening.
However, if you experience any serious adverse reactions while taking this medication, speak to your doctor right away. These side effects can include a slow heart rate, confusion or difficulty in urinating.
Clonidine may have side effects that are more likely to affect those with diabetes or kidney problems. Clonidine is known to decrease your body's ability remove blood sugar from your blood. If you have diabetes or kidney disease or diabetes, your doctor may suggest you take a smaller dose of clonidine.
Guanfacine
Guanfacine is a non stimulant medication that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It works by strengthening brain regions that regulate executive functions. These include working memory, impulse control and attention. It is believed to improve connections between the prefrontal cortex in the brain and other brain regions.
It's available in the form of an immediate-release or extended-release tablet. Both are taken prior to bedtime. The dosage is based upon your weight, the efficacy of the drug, as well as any other medications you might be taking.
The dose daily for the first dose is typically 1 mg. However, your physician could alter the dosage to meet your needs. It is recommended to take this medication on a regular basis and follow the dosage guidelines carefully.
Your doctor will also inform you about any side effects that you should be aware of. This could include dry mouth, weakness, or headaches.
These side effects usually go away within a few days of taking the medication. If they do not take care of themselves, consult your doctor immediately.
iampsychiatry should not be taken for those who are allergic to it or any of its ingredients. It is not recommended in conjunction with antihistamines, barbiturates, or other sedatives.
In addition you should avoid taking this medication if your condition is low blood pressure or an history of stroke or heart disease. These medications can cause serious side effects with guanfacine.
Teens and children should take this medication with extreme caution. 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 symptoms of tics.
Older adults should also use Guanfacine with caution. This is due to the fact that they are more likely to suffer serious adverse effects, like accidents, falls, or injuries. They also have a greater chance of suffering from serious side effects from guanfacine since it is more difficult to eradicate it from their bodies.
Guanfacine can make it difficult to drive or operate machinery because of the effects of drowsiness. You should not conduct any activity that requires alertness until you are sure that it doesn't impact you.