Adult ADHD
ADHD Treatment
Do non-stimulant medications work for treating adult ADHD?
December 12, 2021
When we think of ADHD medication, we typically think Adderall and Ritalin.
These are some of the most commonly used medications. They also both happen to be stimulants.
While stimulants effectively treat ADHD, they can have significant side effects for some.
In one study, 12% of those given Adderall XR asked doctors to stop their treatment due to side effects.
Dry mouth and decreased appetite are the most common side effects of Adderall XR, affecting 35% and 33% of patients. Insomnia is the third most common side effect affecting 27% of patients.
Non-Stimulants for ADHD
For those who choose not to take a stimulant, there are several non-stimulant options.
Doctors most commonly use either an antidepressant or medications similar to antidepressants.
One commonly prescribed treatment for adult ADHD is Strattera, generically known as atomoxetine. This medication works as an SNRI, which is very similar in mechanism to modern antidepressants.
Strattera is an SNRI commonly prescribed for ADHD. It comes in a capsule with doses ranging from 10mg to 100mg. It can increase the risk of suicidal ideation in children and adolescents. The side effects of Strattera include nausea, fatigue, constipation, decreased appetite, and sleep dysfunction.
Multiple studies have shown that Strattera improves ADHD symptoms in some adults. Overall, 41% show significant improvement while on Strattera in clinical trials, compared to 25% in the control group.
Based on these studies, the FDA has approved Strattera as a treatment for adult ADHD.
Strattera is effective for treating adult ADHD. After six months, studies show that patients randomly assigned to take Strattera had fewer ADHD symptoms than those in the control groups. Overall, around 41% of patients assigned to take Strattera in randomized controlled trials showed significant improvements, compared to 25% in the control group.
Advantages of Non-Stimulant Adult ADHD Treatment
Non-stimulant ADHD medications have different side effects compared to stimulants.
For those who don't like the side effects of stimulant medications or prefer not to take one, these medications can be milder and more tolerable in some cases.
Strattera most commonly causes dry mouth and nausea in adults. Around 15% of adults experience insomnia.
Disadvantages of Non-Stimulant Adult ADHD Treatment
Non-stimulant medications tend to be less effective than stimulant medications based on current studies.
An analysis that combined data from multiple studies covering stimulant and non-stimulant treatments found that patients given stimulant medications were more likely to show improvement compared to those given non-stimulant medications.
Stimulants were shown to be superior to non-stimulants in treating adult ADHD among 14 studies.
Key Takeaways
Stimulants are effective treatments for ADHD. But, they are not for everyone. Some people don’t respond well; others may not tolerate the side effects.
Non-stimulants offer alternative options for those who don’t like stimulants or don’t want to take them.
While they may not work well for everybody, they may be a good option to try for those who aren’t entirely satisfied with treatment from stimulants.
As with a new treatment, be sure to talk to your doctor to see whether non-stimulants may be right for you.