Medications for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) That Aren't Stimulants: Effects and Risks

ADHD Medication: Non-Stimulant Varieties and Their Potential Side Effects

In the management of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), non-stimulant medications play a significant role for those who may not respond well to stimulant drugs or experience adverse effects. Here is a rundown of some commonly used and FDA-approved non-stimulant medications, as well as off-label prescriptions, for treating ADHD.

Atomoxetine (Strattera), the most commonly prescribed non-stimulant for ADHD, is a norepinephrine modulator that blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine. Common side effects include nausea and vomiting, decreased appetite, constipation, headache, dry mouth, drowsiness, sleep problems, initial decrease in height and weight, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and liver problems.

Kapvay, the extended-release formulation of clonidine, is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in children ages 6 to 17 and adults. Clonidine is an alpha-agonist medication commonly prescribed to help lower high blood pressure and relax blood vessels, and it has also been shown to help treat ADHD. Common side effects of clonidine include drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, and decreased heart rate and blood pressure. Clonidine is often prescribed alongside a stimulant drug, and the immediate-release version (Catapres) is also prescribed off-label for ADHD.

Guanfacine (Intuniv), the time-release version of guanfacine, is FDA-approved for use in treating ADHD in children ages 6 to 17. Guanfacine is another alpha 2A-adrenergic receptor agonist/ blood pressure medication that is prescribed off-label for ADHD. Common side effects of guanfacine include drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, and decreased heart rate and blood pressure.

Viloxazine (Qelbree) is a serotonin and norepinephrine modulator recently approved by the FDA for treating ADHD in children ages 6 to 17. Common side effects of viloxazine include drowsiness, decreased appetite, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, irritability, sleep problems, increased blood pressure and heart rate.

Antidepressants, specifically norepinephrine dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs) and tricyclics, may also be prescribed for ADHD. Desipramine and imipramine, tricyclic antidepressants, may help improve ADHD symptoms in children and adults who don't respond to stimulants. Common side effects of antidepressants include sleepiness, weight gain, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea.

Bupropion (Wellbutrin), an NDRI, is the most commonly prescribed antidepressant for ADHD off-label. Amantadine, a Parkinson's medication, is sometimes prescribed for ADHD. Amantadine's common side effects include dry mouth, nausea, blurred vision, light-headedness, and insomnia. Amantadine's dopamine-enhancing activity may also help improve ADHD symptoms, although it's not FDA-approved for ADHD.

Non-stimulant medications may take longer than stimulant drugs to have an effect on managing ADHD symptoms. However, they can be valuable alternatives, especially for those who cannot tolerate stimulants or have comorbid conditions. It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for managing ADHD symptoms.