Non Stimulant ADHD Medication
If you're in search of an ADHD medication that doesn't comprise stimulants, there are a few choices. Some are available in generic forms, which means they're often cheaper.
Stimulants are drugs that raise the levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain. They're used to treat some kids and adults who suffer from ADHD however, they may cause negative 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 is effective by blocking the action of a substance in the brain known as norepinephrine. It's not as efficient as other ADHD medication however it could be useful for some people.
One of the main advantages of using a non-stimulant ADHD drug like Strattera is that it is less likely for abuse and dependence than stimulants. Schedule II controlled substances are stimulant drugs. This means they are regulated by the federal government about how they're made and prescribed.
A non-stimulant ADHD medication has another benefit doctors can contact the pharmacy to request refills instead of writing a new prescription every month. This could save many from having to visit their doctor each month.
In addition, Strattera has fewer side effects than other ADHD medications. try what he says is due to the fact that it's not a stimulant. However, it could cause serious heart problems in people who have a history of heart disease or a defect.
Because of this, it's important to tell your doctor if there are any heart issues or if you're taking other drugs that affect the heart. To make sure that Strattera is working as it should, your doctor will need to keep track of your heart rate, blood pressure as well as other health measures.
Also, you should consult with your physician if you are suffering from liver problems, such as jaundice or yellowing of the skin or eyes. Your doctor will determine the most effective dosage for you based on laboratory tests to measure liver enzyme levels.
A small proportion of people with high blood pressure, a heart defect, or other health conditions have experienced heart attacks when taking Strattera. These risks are higher when the dose is increased or earlier in treatment.
Similar to this, a rare condition known as pheochromocytoma may be present in people who take Strattera. These symptoms can be severe and your doctor will need to be sure that you're not at risk.
Other side effects of Strattera include a decrease in appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation, weight loss, headache, dry mouth and headache. These side effects typically disappear after some weeks of treatment.
Atomoxetine
Strattera is the brand name for the non-stimulant ADHD medication Atomoxetine. It is a selective norepinephrine inhibitor (SNRI). It works within the brain to improve the concentration of people and reduce restlessness in those who suffer from hyperactivity, concentration, or impulse control problems. It can be used on its own or with other therapies for ADHD.
It was the first non-stimulant medication to be FDA approved for ADHD treatment in adults . It is often prescribed off-label for treatment for depression. It is a highly selective inhibitor of norepinephrine and reuptake that targets the frontocortical subsystem where ADHD symptoms begin to manifest. It also inhibits serotonin transporter (SERT) and N-methyl-do-aspartate receptors, both of which are implicated in ADHD symptoms.
Clinical trials have proven that atomoxetine produces significant improvement in the symptoms of ADHD particularly in children. It also had fewer adverse effects than immediate-release methylphenidate.
Certain changes in blood pressure or heart rate could be caused by atomoxetine. Clinical trials have demonstrated that between 15 and 26 percent of children, adolescents, and 32 percent of adults experience significant, but statistically not significant, increases in heart rate and blood pressure.
In general, this rise is temporary and generally returns to the baseline. It is essential to be aware of these changes. It is vital to monitor blood pressure during the initial treatment as well as throughout the course of treatment. A chart of the percentile can be used to track blood pressure. People with a history hypertension should have their blood pressure checked more often.
Other effects of atomoxetine are dizziness, drowsiness, confusion dry mouth, and a loss of coordination. These effects are typically temporary and will disappear once you take the medicine regularly.
It is important to remember that it could take several weeks for atomoxetine's the full benefit. Consult your physician in the event that you don't notice any improvement after taking atomoxetine. You might need to increase the dose or take it more frequently.
Do not operate machinery that is heavy while taking this medicine, as you may get sleepy and have trouble functioning. If you are pregnant or plan to have one, consult your doctor. It is crucial to keep all medicines out of reach of children.
Clonidine
Clonidine is a non-stimulant adhd medication that was approved by the FDA in 2009. The medication works by altering nerve impulses in the brain to relax blood vessels. This medication reduces blood pressure and treats ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and inattention.
Contrary to the traditional stimulant medications, clonidine does not have harmful side effects or addictive characteristics. It is also used to treat sleep difficulties.
This medication is available in the form of a tablet (Catapres) or an extended-release tablet (Kapvay). Tablets should be taken twice a day: in the morning and at the night. The medication can be taken without or with food.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about how to take this medication. Be sure to follow directions on the prescription label with care.
Clonidine can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or low blood pressure. This includes alcohol, certain prescription drugs, and a few other over-the counter medications and supplements.
Clonidine is not recommended to be used in conjunction with surgery or any other medical procedure. Also, avoid combining it with other drugs that may slow your heart rate, for example, tranquilizers or narcotics.
Your doctor may ask you to test your blood pressure prior to and during treatment with clonidine. This will help your doctor decide if it is necessary to undergo an additional test to make sure you don't have any existing conditions that would be affected by this medication.
The most commonly reported side effects of clonidine are headache, drowsiness and dry mouth, and a decreased heart rate. These side effects usually happen after the first dose, or over several weeks after treatment and aren't life-threatening.
Consult your physician immediately If you experience any serious side effects as a result of this medication. Side effects include confusion, slowing of heart rate, as well as difficulty urinating.
Clonidine may cause negative side effects that are more likely to affect those who suffer from kidney or diabetes. This is because clonidine may reduce your body's ability to remove blood sugar from your blood. If you have kidney disease, or diabetes the doctor might suggest you take a lower dose of clonidine.
Guanfacine
Guanfacine is a non stimulant medication used to treat the condition of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It works by strengthening the areas of the brain that regulate executive functions. This includes working memory, impulse control and attention. It is believed to strengthen connections between the prefrontal cortex of the brain, and other parts.
It is available in two forms: immediate-release tablets and as an extended-release tablet both of which you can take once a day at bedtime. The dosage is determined by your weight, effectiveness of any other medication you may be taking.
The initial dose is typically 1 mg daily, however, your doctor can alter the dosage if necessary. It is best to take this medication regularly and follow the dosage instructions carefully.
Your doctor will also tell you about any possible side consequences you should be looking out for. These can include: dry mouth, weakness or headache.
These side effects usually go away within a few days after taking the medication. If they don't notify your doctor immediately.
Guanfacine is not recommended if you have an allergy to it or any of its ingredients. You should not take it if taking antihistamines, barbiturates or any other sedatives.
Additionally you should avoid taking this medication if you suffer from low blood pressure or an existing history of heart disease or stroke. These can cause severe adverse effects from guanfacine.
This medication should not ever be used by teens or children. It may cause drowsiness and could make it difficult for you to concentrate or think clearly. They could also be more likely to have antics or be violent.
Seniors should also use Guanfacine with extreme caution. This is because they are more likely to have serious adverse effects, including accidents, falls or injuries. They also have a greater chance of suffering from serious side effects from guanfacine because it is more difficult to remove it from their bodies.
Guanfacine may make it more difficult to drive or operate machinery due to the drowsiness. You should not operate machinery or drive any vehicle that requires alertness until you are sure it does not affect your health.