Non Stimulant ADHD Meds
When stimulant meds or psychostimulants do not work with ADHD kids, then the non-stimulant ADHD meds are usually tried. These can range from the most popular one, Strattera which is made from atomoxetine which is a selective noradrenaline re-uptake inhibitor. The others are anti depressants and blood pressure drugs.
Strattera seems to have a fairly high success rate in that 70% of children on them are demonstrating an improvement in some of their symptoms.
There are counter indications in that no child should be given this drug if :-
· they are under six years of age
· they have any heart condition or blood pressure problem (high or low)
· they have any history of depression and suicidal thoughts
· they have any liver problems
· they are already on the MAOI type of antidepressants
· they are taking cough syrup meds which affect the noradrenaline.
Non stimulant ADHD meds side effects.
Surprisingly, the side effects which seem to give most trouble to the kids are very similar to those of the stimulant meds. Here is a list of the most common side effects which may be troubling in a small number of cases.
· decreased appetite
· a growth deficit
· drowsiness during the day
· nausea
· stomach aches.
As regards the growth deficit and the problems with eating, these symptoms are well documented but it seems that Strattera scores better in that the growth deficit is less than the psychostimulants ( .17 inches a year compared to .4 inches a year)
The main concerns which are listed on the black box warnings with these non stimulant ADHD meds is the concern that liver damage may be a side effect and therefore liver tests have to be conducted annually.
The second issue concerns the possibility that depression leading to suicidal thoughts and anxiety may develop so careful monitoring is advised and sudden changes in mood, outlook and feelings should be reported to the doctor. Self harm incidents or signs should be taken seriously. The main concerns here could be an increase in the number of gloomy moods and any mention of ending it all.
The other non stimulants used in treating ADHD are mainly anti depressants and blood pressure drugs. The main ones are Tofranil and Clonidine respectively.
Whatever ADHD treatment regime is decided for the child, you should also consider what your parenting skills are like and how and where you can get help. In addition, you will have to organize an ADHD friendly home to make it much easier for everyone to navigate. There are certainly enormous benefits here for the whole family.
Strattera seems to have a fairly high success rate in that 70% of children on them are demonstrating an improvement in some of their symptoms.
There are counter indications in that no child should be given this drug if :-
· they are under six years of age
· they have any heart condition or blood pressure problem (high or low)
· they have any history of depression and suicidal thoughts
· they have any liver problems
· they are already on the MAOI type of antidepressants
· they are taking cough syrup meds which affect the noradrenaline.
Non stimulant ADHD meds side effects.
Surprisingly, the side effects which seem to give most trouble to the kids are very similar to those of the stimulant meds. Here is a list of the most common side effects which may be troubling in a small number of cases.
· decreased appetite
· a growth deficit
· drowsiness during the day
· nausea
· stomach aches.
As regards the growth deficit and the problems with eating, these symptoms are well documented but it seems that Strattera scores better in that the growth deficit is less than the psychostimulants ( .17 inches a year compared to .4 inches a year)
The main concerns which are listed on the black box warnings with these non stimulant ADHD meds is the concern that liver damage may be a side effect and therefore liver tests have to be conducted annually.
The second issue concerns the possibility that depression leading to suicidal thoughts and anxiety may develop so careful monitoring is advised and sudden changes in mood, outlook and feelings should be reported to the doctor. Self harm incidents or signs should be taken seriously. The main concerns here could be an increase in the number of gloomy moods and any mention of ending it all.
The other non stimulants used in treating ADHD are mainly anti depressants and blood pressure drugs. The main ones are Tofranil and Clonidine respectively.
Whatever ADHD treatment regime is decided for the child, you should also consider what your parenting skills are like and how and where you can get help. In addition, you will have to organize an ADHD friendly home to make it much easier for everyone to navigate. There are certainly enormous benefits here for the whole family.