Research from 2014 suggests that tricyclics, particularly desipramine, may help improve symptoms for children and adolescents with ADHD in the short term. Tricyclic antidepressants, including desipramine (Norpramin, Pertofrane) and imipramine (Tofranil), may also help improve ADHD symptoms in children and adults who don’t respond to stimulants. The most commonly prescribed antidepressant for ADHD is the NDRI bupropion (Wellbutrin), which slows the reabsorption of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These medications may help increase norepinephrine and/or dopamine, which are low in people with ADHD. The common side effects of amantadine include:Īntidepressants are not FDA-approved to treat ADHD, but NDRIs (norepinephrine dopamine reuptake inhibitors) and tricyclics are sometimes prescribed for ADHD off-label. However, the authors argued that their use of methylphenidate (which is known to be effective in this disorder) in a control group was an acceptable alternative to having a placebo group. This study was critiqued for not having a placebo group, as well as for its short duration. In addition, the amantadine group reported fewer side effects of decreased appetite and restlessness compared to the stimulant group. The findings showed similar efficacy between the two drugs, and any differences were considered nonsignificant. The response rate was 58% based on parents’ and 46% based on teachers’ ratings.Ī subsequent 6-week trial of 40 children (28 boys and 12 girls) looked at the effectiveness of amantadine compared with methylphenidate. It showed modest efficacy based on parent and teacher ADHD rating scales. In a 2007 study, 24 children (ages 5 to 13) took amantadine for ADHD during a 6-week trial. Research suggests that children taking amantadine have shown improvements in fatigue, arousal level, distractibility, attention, and concentration. Though not FDA-approved for ADHD, amantadine’s dopamine-enhancing activity may also help improve ADHD symptoms. Due to its dopamine-enhancing effects, an extended-release formulation was recently approved for treating dyskinesia in people with Parkinson’s disease. Antidepressants: norepinephrine dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs) and tricyclicsĪmantadine (Symmetrel) was originally approved in 1976 as an antiviral drug, though it’s no longer used for this purpose.Amantadine (Symmetrel): Parkinson’s medication originally an antiviral drug.Guanfacine (Tenex, Intuniv): alpha 2A-adrenergic receptor agonist/ blood pressure medication.Clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay): alpha-agonist/ blood pressure medication.Viloxazine (Qelbree): norepinephrine modulator.Atomoxetine (Strattera): norepinephrine modulator.The primary nonstimulant medications prescribed for ADHD include: Other times, antidepressants or a specific Parkinson’s medication called amantadine are prescribed. norepinephrine modulators, which regulate the neurotransmitter norepinephrineĪ few drugs in these categories have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for ADHD treatment.The primary nonstimulant medications for ADHD fall into one of two categories: So, nonstimulant medications may not be appropriate for people who need immediate ADHD symptom management.ĭoctors have a variety of options when it comes to treating ADHD without the use of stimulants. People who have ADHD and take nonstimulant medications may see their symptoms improve after several weeks. It usually takes longer to see results from nonstimulant medications than from stimulant drugs. Sometimes, a nonstimulant is prescribed alongside a stimulant to help offset the abrupt wearing off of many stimulants. These medications range from those developed specifically for ADHD to antidepressants and other off-label prescriptions. When this is the case, doctors may prescribe a nonstimulant instead. stimulant medications are ineffective at treating their symptoms.they want to avoid stimulants’ side effects.these drugs don’t carry the same risk for misuse as stimulants do.Some people with ADHD may opt for nonstimulants because: Many experience difficult side effects, such as flattened mood, agitation, tics, or poor appetite or sleep. For example, about 30% of children with ADHD don’t respond well to stimulants. Stimulants, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) or amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall), are considered the first-line treatments for ADHD.īut stimulants don’t work for everyone.
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