Although the stimulant medicines have been around for decades, and are often thought of as the first medicines to be tried when treating ADD or ADHD, the non-stimulants can be quite effective as well, and are certainly worth consideration.
The non-stimulant which has the most data for ADD/ADHD is Atomoxetine – which is also known as Strattera.
This non-stimulant medicine helps to improve the core symptoms of ADD and ADHD.
One of the biggest differences between the stimulants and Strattera is that Strattera has to be taken every day, and it takes weeks to start working. Strattera has to be taken for at least 4-6 weeks to find out if it is going to work. This is quite different to the stimulants, which are often effective more quickly.
Strattera also has different side effects than the stimulants. Its main side effects are: nausea and sleepiness. These side effects can be worst when the medicine is started, and then often improve with time. Your doctor will likely start the medicine at a lower dose to give your body a chance to get used to it, and this will likely lessen the side effects.
Strattera does have a warning regarding suicidal ideas in kids and teens. The research shows that 0.4% of kids and teens had new suicidal thoughts when they started the medicine. That means that 4 kids per thousand. While this is a very low rate, it is also concerning, and you’ll need to talk to your doctor to make sure that your child or teen can take this medicine safely. Fortunately, the suicidal ideation wasn’t found to be a concern for the adults who have taken Strattera.
There are other non-stimulant medicines – the newest one being Intuniv.
Intuniv is a once per day long acting form of the medicine Guanfacine. It is relatively new to the United States, and is not yet in any other country. It is a medicine which helps with hyperactivity, impulsivity as well as attention problems. Its main side effect is sedation. Many people are trying Intuniv with good results.
Apart from these medicines, some doctors will use antidepressants to help ADD/ADHD. For example, the antidepressant Wellbutrin (buproprion) can be helpful in ADD/ADHD. Also, the tricyclic antidepressants can be helpful – though these can have a lot more side effects. The tricyclics include medicines like: Imipramine, Desipramine and Nortriptalline.
Whichever medication you decide to take, or to give your son or daughter, be sure that you are aware of the safety of the medication.
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