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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Non-Stimulant ADHD Medications There are four non-stimulant medications that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved to treat ADHD:Strattera (atomoxetine)Qelbree (viloxazine ER)Onyda XR (clonidine ER)Intuniv (guanfacine ER) Strattera Strattera (atomoxetine) is the oldest non-stimulant medication that’s specifically approved for ADHD. An SNRI, it works to control ADHD symptoms by increasing norepinephrine in the brain. Strattera can be taken once a day or split into two doses (morning and evening). The medication can be taken with or without food. It is available in brand-name and generic atomoxetine. Strattera is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in children and adults. Qelbree Qelbree (viloxazine ER) is a newer FDA-approved non-stimulant medication for ADHD, An SNRI, it works similarly to Strattera by increasing levels of norepinephrine in the brain. Qelbree is only available in a brand-name formula. It is taken once a day, with or without food. Qelbree is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in children ages 6 years and older and adults. Clonidine and Guanfacine Clonidine and guanfacine have been used for years to treat health conditions like high blood pressure. Both drugs are alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists, which act on norepinephrine in the brain. Brand-names include: Clonidine: Onyda XRGuanfacine: Intuniv Onyda XR contains an ER formulation of clonidine. It is a liquid taken by mouth once daily at bedtime. Onyda XR is FDA-approved for treating ADHD in children 6 years and older. Long-acting guanfacine (Intuniv) can be taken as a single dose once daily. Side Effects of Non-Stimulant ADHD Medicines Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine) are in the same drug class and share some similar potential side effects. Some of these include: SleepinessReduced appetiteUpset stomach Onyda XR (clonidine) and Intuniv (guanfacine) also share some similar side effects, including:Abdominal painDry mouthFatigueHeadacheIrritabilityLow blood pressure and dizzinessSleepiness Some of these symptoms may be less severe from taking Intuniv than others. Intuniv is also less likely to decrease appetite than other ADHD medications so that it may be a better option for underweight people. Antidepressant ADHD Medications Some providers use antidepressants “off-label” to treat ADHD, which means that while they have not been FDA-approved for this purpose, they can still be helpful. Antidepressants are also non-stimulants. Even though they have not been studied enough to get FDA approval for ADHD treatments, some research suggests antidepressants are helpful for some people with ADHD. Like other types of non-stimulants, antidepressants are an option when first-line ADHD treatments haven’t helped. Your provider may also recommend that you try taking an antidepressant along with ADHD medications. Some of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants for people with ADHD include:Wellbutrin; Wellbutrin XL; Wellbutrin SR (bupropion)Norpramin (desipramine)Pamelor (nortriptyline)Tofranil (imipramine) Side Effects of Antidepressants Possible side effects of antidepressants include: Nausea and vomitingWeight gainDiarrheaSleepinessSexual problems Are ADHD Medications the Same for Adults and Children? Both stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medications are approved for children and adults. While the drugs are the same, the doses and forms of ADHD drug treatments can be different for children than they are for adults. For example, a child may need
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