

Strattera works similarly to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that are used to treat depression by raising levels of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine in the brain. It is a selective norepinephrine (noradrenaline) reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Strattera was the first non-stimulant ADHD medication. These non-stimulant ADHD medications are approved by the FDA as safe, proven treatments for ADHD. FDA-Approved Non-Stimulant ADHD Medication Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat ADHD and those approved by the FDA to treat other conditions, which are used “off-label” to treat ADHD. The non-stimulant medication used to treat ADHD fall into two main categories: those approved by the U.S. As a result, it can take much longer to titrate non-stimulant medications - that is, to find the best dosage for maximum symptom control with minimal side effects.
Non stimulant add meds full#
Unlike stimulants, which are quick-acting, non-stimulant ADHD medications may take a week, or longer, to attain full effectiveness. Some non-stimulant ADHD medications, like alpha agonists, work best when used in addition to stimulant medications.

Meaning, stimulant medications are more effective at relieving symptoms for a larger percentage of people. Non-stimulant ADHD medications are considered second-line or third-line treatments because the level of benefits and response rates are significantly lower. When stimulants don’t work, or patients experience severe side effects, non-stimulant ADHD medication is the most common second-line treatment. Stimulant medications are typically the first choice to treat ADHD symptoms because they work for 70-80% of people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD) 1. Non-Stimulant ADHD Medication vs Stimulant ADHD MedicationĪDHD clinicians prescribe two main types of medication that treat ADHD symptoms:
