Non-Stimulant ADHD Medication

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsStratteraTricyclic AntidepressantsAnti-Hypertensive DrugsQelbreeWellbutrinEffexorNon-Stimulant vs. Stimulant ADHD Medication

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Strattera

Tricyclic Antidepressants

Anti-Hypertensive Drugs

Qelbree

Wellbutrin

Effexor

Non-Stimulant vs. Stimulant ADHD Medication

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What is the most important information I should know about non-stimulant ADHD medications?Non-stimulant ADHD medications take longer to work and may be less effective than stimulant medications.Tell your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking before you take a non-stimulant ADHD medication.Some non-stimulant medications for ADHD carry a black box warning for an increased risk of suicidal thoughts. Alert your doctor if you begin to experience such thoughts.

What is the most important information I should know about non-stimulant ADHD medications?

Non-stimulant ADHD medications take longer to work and may be less effective than stimulant medications.Tell your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking before you take a non-stimulant ADHD medication.Some non-stimulant medications for ADHD carry a black box warning for an increased risk of suicidal thoughts. Alert your doctor if you begin to experience such thoughts.

Whilestimulantsare typically the first choice ofmedicationused to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), there are several non-stimulant medications that may be prescribed.

Non-stimulants may be used if:

Non-stimulant medications include Strattera (atomoxetine), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), Effexor (venlafaxine), Wellbutrin (bupropion), and some high-blood pressure medicines. Of these, Strattera has been studied the most extensively for use in the treatment of ADHD in adults and children. It appears to have fewer side effects than TCAs and to be more effective than Wellbutrin.

In 2021, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also approved another non-stimulant for the treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents called Qelbree (viloxazine).

Below are non-stimulant medications used to treat ADHD.

Atomoxetine is in the class of medications known asselective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Studies have found that this drug improvessymptoms of ADHDand reduces oppositional and defiant behavior and anxiety.

Strattera differs from stimulant medications in several ways:

It can take at least four to eight weeks for Strattera to reach a maximal therapeutic effect.Once maximal effects are reached, however, they last 24 hours and may also have carry-over effects to the next day.

Side effects of atomoxetine may include:

Strattera also has a warning for the risk ofsuicidal thoughtsin children and adolescents.

If your child is having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If your child is having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

Tricyclic antidepressantsmay be used off-label in the treatment of ADHD. The most frequently used for this are:

These antidepressants are typically tried when a person hasn’t responded well to stimulants.They may also be prescribed if you have symptoms ofdepressionoranxietyin addition to ADHD.

TCAs, like stimulants, are thought to increase the amount ofnorepinephrinein the brain. Unlike stimulants, it may take several days or even weeks to see the therapeutic benefits of TCAs, but once this level is reached, benefits last throughout the day.

Tricyclic antidepressants must be taken daily. Missing a dose or stopping the medicine abruptly may cause aches and flu-like symptoms, so if you’re going to stop taking the medication, you should taper off gradually over a period of time.

Common side effects of TCAs may include:

More serious side effects of tricyclic antidepressants may include problems with heartbeat or heart rhythm.

If you or your child have heart problems or a family history of them, TCAs should be used with caution and close medical monitoring.Tricyclic antidepressants may also increase the risk of seizures in patients with a history of seizure disorder. As with all medications, the use of tricyclic antidepressants requires close monitoring and consultation with the prescribing doctor.

If you or your child have heart problems or a family history of them, TCAs should be used with caution and close medical monitoring.

Tricyclic antidepressants may also increase the risk of seizures in patients with a history of seizure disorder. As with all medications, the use of tricyclic antidepressants requires close monitoring and consultation with the prescribing doctor.

In addition to the above drugs, Catapres (clonidine) and Tenex (guanfacine) are sometimes used off-label to help manage ADHD characteristics. While these short-acting forms of each drug are not FDA-approved to treat ADHD, the long-acting versions, Kapvay (clonidine) and Intuniv (guanfacine), are.

Both these medicines were originally used to treat high blood pressure, but they have also been found to be helpful in reducing hyperactivity and impulsive symptoms.These medicines don’t appear to be as effective in improving symptoms of inattention.

They are usually only used to treat ADHD when a person can’t tolerate or doesn’t respond to Strattera or stimulants.

Side effects of clonidine and/or guanfacine may include:

The FDA has approved another non-stimulant medication for adults, children and adolescents (ages 6 to 17) with ADHD called Qelbree (viloxazine). Like Straterra, Qelbree is also a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.

As with some other ADHD medications, Qelbree can be sprinkled on applesauce and eaten, which helps children who havedifficulty swallowing pillstake their ADHD medication.

Common side effects of Qelbree include:

Qelbree also contains a warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. It’s essential to monitor any child taking the drug for changes in mood and behaviors, especially when they are first starting the medication.Qelbree can also cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Additionally, the medication can also activate mania, so candidates will be evaluated forbipolar disorderbefore starting the drug.

Qelbree also contains a warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. It’s essential to monitor any child taking the drug for changes in mood and behaviors, especially when they are first starting the medication.

Qelbree can also cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Additionally, the medication can also activate mania, so candidates will be evaluated forbipolar disorderbefore starting the drug.

Wellbutrin(bupropion) is a different type of antidepressant that has been found to reduce symptoms of ADHD and depression in many patients.

The FDA has not approved Wellbutrin to treat ADHD, but it may be prescribed off-label. It’s considered a third-line option.It is usually prescribed if a person has not had adequate relief from stimulant medication and other non-stimulants or if they have been unable to tolerate the side effects of those other medications.

Side effects of Wellbutrinmay include:

Wellbutrin may also make some people more prone to seizures. You should not take Wellbutrin if you have a seizure disorder, angle-closure glaucoma, or an eating disorder. It may also increase the risk of manic, mixed, or hypomanic episodes if you have bipolar disorder.Wellbutrin can also interact with other medications, including MAOIs, blood thinners, corticosteroids, antipsychotics, or other antidepressants. Always tell your doctor about other medicines, supplements, or substances you are taking.

Wellbutrin may also make some people more prone to seizures. You should not take Wellbutrin if you have a seizure disorder, angle-closure glaucoma, or an eating disorder. It may also increase the risk of manic, mixed, or hypomanic episodes if you have bipolar disorder.

Wellbutrin can also interact with other medications, including MAOIs, blood thinners, corticosteroids, antipsychotics, or other antidepressants. Always tell your doctor about other medicines, supplements, or substances you are taking.

Effexor(venlafaxine) is an antidepressant sometimes used off-label to treat ADHD.It helps withconcentrationand mood.

Side effects of Effexor can include:

Black Box WarningsAll antidepressants (including Strattera, Qelbree, TCAs, Wellbutrin, and Effexor discussed in this article) carry a black box warning of suicidal thoughts or ideation and/or behavior, so it’s essential to monitor anyone taking these medications for changes in mood and check in with the prescribing doctor.

Black Box Warnings

All antidepressants (including Strattera, Qelbree, TCAs, Wellbutrin, and Effexor discussed in this article) carry a black box warning of suicidal thoughts or ideation and/or behavior, so it’s essential to monitor anyone taking these medications for changes in mood and check in with the prescribing doctor.

How Long Does Effexor Withdrawal Last?

There are pros and cons to both non-stimulants and stimulants for treating ADHD. First, the doctor will evaluate your medical history thoroughly to recommend an ADHD medication for you.

Risk of Addiction

Stimulants are linked with a higher risk of misuse oraddiction, whereas non-stimulants present a lower risk. As a result, doctors may prescribe people with ADHD and a history of substance misuse non-stimulants.

Side Effects

Both non-stimulant and stimulant medication may cause:

Further potential side effects of stimulants that aren’t typically associated with non-stimulants are transient headaches and behavioral rebound—an increase in ADHD symptoms. In rare cases, exacerbation of tics has occurred.

People taking stimulants may experience additional mental health side effects, includingdysphoria, euphoria,mania, orpsychosis.

Time It Takes to Feel the Effects

Stimulants are generally taken more frequently and wear off faster than non-stimulants, which are usually taken only once per day and have longer-lasting effects.

However, it usually takes longer for the effects of non-stimulants to kick in as opposed to stimulants, which are faster-acting.

Contraindications

It is recommended you don’t take stimulant or non-stimulant medication if you have taken amonoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)in the past 14 days or if you have a history of glaucoma.Additionally, if you have a history of seizures, it is advised you use caution if you’re taking either a stimulant or non-stimulant.

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16 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Strattera (amoxetine hydrochloride) capsules for oral use.Hutchison SL, Ghuman JK, Ghuman HS, Karpov I, Schuster JM.Efficacy of atomoxetine in the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in patients with common comorbidities in children, adolescents and adults: A review.Ther Adv Psychopharmacol. 2016;6(5):317-334. doi:10.1177/2045125316647686National Alliance on Mental Illness.Atomoxetine (Strattera).Raleigh MF, Garner KK.Tricyclic antidepressants for the treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents.Am Fam Physician. 2015;92(5):352.Otasowie J, Castells X, Ehimare UP, Smith CH.Tricyclic antidepressants for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014;9:CD006997. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD006997.pub2American Academy of Pediatrics.Non-stimulant medications available for ADHD treatment.Van Norman GA.Off-label use vs off-label marketing of drugs.JACC Basic Transl Sci. 2023;8(2):224-233. doi:10.1016/j.jacbts.2022.12.011Luan R, Mu Z, Yue F, He S.Efficacy and tolerability of different interventions in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.Front Psychiatry. 2017;8:229. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00229U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Kapvay (clonidine hydrochloride tablets, oral).Food and Drug Administration.Qelbree highlights of prescribing information.Ng QX.A systematic review of the use of bupropion for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents.Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology. 2016;27(2):112-116. doi:10.1089/cap.2016.0124Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Wellbutrin.National Alliance on Mental Illness.Venlafaxine (Effexor).Dezfouli RA, Hosseinpour A, Ketabforoush S, Daneshzad E.Efficacy, safety, and tolerability of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors in controlling ADHD symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Middle East Curr Psychiatry. 2024;31(1):8. doi:10.1186/s43045-024-00400-1Brown KA, Samuel S, Patel DR.Pharmacologic management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: A review for practitioners.Transl Pediatr. 2018;7(1):36-47. doi:10.21037/tp.2017.08.02Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Adderall XR.Additional ReadingChildren and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD).Medication management.

16 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Strattera (amoxetine hydrochloride) capsules for oral use.Hutchison SL, Ghuman JK, Ghuman HS, Karpov I, Schuster JM.Efficacy of atomoxetine in the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in patients with common comorbidities in children, adolescents and adults: A review.Ther Adv Psychopharmacol. 2016;6(5):317-334. doi:10.1177/2045125316647686National Alliance on Mental Illness.Atomoxetine (Strattera).Raleigh MF, Garner KK.Tricyclic antidepressants for the treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents.Am Fam Physician. 2015;92(5):352.Otasowie J, Castells X, Ehimare UP, Smith CH.Tricyclic antidepressants for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014;9:CD006997. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD006997.pub2American Academy of Pediatrics.Non-stimulant medications available for ADHD treatment.Van Norman GA.Off-label use vs off-label marketing of drugs.JACC Basic Transl Sci. 2023;8(2):224-233. doi:10.1016/j.jacbts.2022.12.011Luan R, Mu Z, Yue F, He S.Efficacy and tolerability of different interventions in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.Front Psychiatry. 2017;8:229. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00229U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Kapvay (clonidine hydrochloride tablets, oral).Food and Drug Administration.Qelbree highlights of prescribing information.Ng QX.A systematic review of the use of bupropion for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents.Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology. 2016;27(2):112-116. doi:10.1089/cap.2016.0124Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Wellbutrin.National Alliance on Mental Illness.Venlafaxine (Effexor).Dezfouli RA, Hosseinpour A, Ketabforoush S, Daneshzad E.Efficacy, safety, and tolerability of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors in controlling ADHD symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Middle East Curr Psychiatry. 2024;31(1):8. doi:10.1186/s43045-024-00400-1Brown KA, Samuel S, Patel DR.Pharmacologic management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: A review for practitioners.Transl Pediatr. 2018;7(1):36-47. doi:10.21037/tp.2017.08.02Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Adderall XR.Additional ReadingChildren and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD).Medication management.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Strattera (amoxetine hydrochloride) capsules for oral use.Hutchison SL, Ghuman JK, Ghuman HS, Karpov I, Schuster JM.Efficacy of atomoxetine in the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in patients with common comorbidities in children, adolescents and adults: A review.Ther Adv Psychopharmacol. 2016;6(5):317-334. doi:10.1177/2045125316647686National Alliance on Mental Illness.Atomoxetine (Strattera).Raleigh MF, Garner KK.Tricyclic antidepressants for the treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents.Am Fam Physician. 2015;92(5):352.Otasowie J, Castells X, Ehimare UP, Smith CH.Tricyclic antidepressants for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014;9:CD006997. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD006997.pub2American Academy of Pediatrics.Non-stimulant medications available for ADHD treatment.Van Norman GA.Off-label use vs off-label marketing of drugs.JACC Basic Transl Sci. 2023;8(2):224-233. doi:10.1016/j.jacbts.2022.12.011Luan R, Mu Z, Yue F, He S.Efficacy and tolerability of different interventions in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.Front Psychiatry. 2017;8:229. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00229U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Kapvay (clonidine hydrochloride tablets, oral).Food and Drug Administration.Qelbree highlights of prescribing information.Ng QX.A systematic review of the use of bupropion for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents.Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology. 2016;27(2):112-116. doi:10.1089/cap.2016.0124Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Wellbutrin.National Alliance on Mental Illness.Venlafaxine (Effexor).Dezfouli RA, Hosseinpour A, Ketabforoush S, Daneshzad E.Efficacy, safety, and tolerability of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors in controlling ADHD symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Middle East Curr Psychiatry. 2024;31(1):8. doi:10.1186/s43045-024-00400-1Brown KA, Samuel S, Patel DR.Pharmacologic management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: A review for practitioners.Transl Pediatr. 2018;7(1):36-47. doi:10.21037/tp.2017.08.02Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Adderall XR.

Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Strattera (amoxetine hydrochloride) capsules for oral use.

Hutchison SL, Ghuman JK, Ghuman HS, Karpov I, Schuster JM.Efficacy of atomoxetine in the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in patients with common comorbidities in children, adolescents and adults: A review.Ther Adv Psychopharmacol. 2016;6(5):317-334. doi:10.1177/2045125316647686

National Alliance on Mental Illness.Atomoxetine (Strattera).

Raleigh MF, Garner KK.Tricyclic antidepressants for the treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents.Am Fam Physician. 2015;92(5):352.

Otasowie J, Castells X, Ehimare UP, Smith CH.Tricyclic antidepressants for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014;9:CD006997. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD006997.pub2

American Academy of Pediatrics.Non-stimulant medications available for ADHD treatment.

Van Norman GA.Off-label use vs off-label marketing of drugs.JACC Basic Transl Sci. 2023;8(2):224-233. doi:10.1016/j.jacbts.2022.12.011

Luan R, Mu Z, Yue F, He S.Efficacy and tolerability of different interventions in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.Front Psychiatry. 2017;8:229. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00229

U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Kapvay (clonidine hydrochloride tablets, oral).

Food and Drug Administration.Qelbree highlights of prescribing information.

Ng QX.A systematic review of the use of bupropion for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents.Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology. 2016;27(2):112-116. doi:10.1089/cap.2016.0124

Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Wellbutrin.

National Alliance on Mental Illness.Venlafaxine (Effexor).

Dezfouli RA, Hosseinpour A, Ketabforoush S, Daneshzad E.Efficacy, safety, and tolerability of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors in controlling ADHD symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Middle East Curr Psychiatry. 2024;31(1):8. doi:10.1186/s43045-024-00400-1

Brown KA, Samuel S, Patel DR.Pharmacologic management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: A review for practitioners.Transl Pediatr. 2018;7(1):36-47. doi:10.21037/tp.2017.08.02

Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Adderall XR.

Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD).Medication management.

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