Strattera
One other drug,
Strattera (
atomoxetine), is an FDA-approved
adult ADHD medication. It can also be used in adolescents and children ages 6 and older. Strattera is not classified as a stimulant and does not seem to have a potential for abuse. This adult
ADHD medication is not classified as a controlled substance, so it can be prescribed with refills.
Strattera increases the levels of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine in the brain, whereas the stimulants work primarily on the neurotransmitter dopamine. Strattera may take 3 or 4 weeks for its full effectiveness to kick in, while stimulants can have a nearly immediate effect in some patients.
Strattera causes an increase in heart rate and
blood pressure and should be used with caution in people with
hypertension or heart-related conditions.
In clinical studies, the most common side effects of Strattera in adults were:
In children and adolescents, common side effects were stomachache, headache, and decreased appetite.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are considered a second choice for ADHD treatment of adults. The older antidepressants (tricyclics) are sometimes used because they, like the stimulants, affect norepinephrine and dopamine.
Venlafaxine (
Effexor®), a newer antidepressant, is also used for its effect on norepinephrine.
Bupropion (
Wellbutrin®), an antidepressant with an indirect effect on the neurotransmitter dopamine, has been useful in clinical trials of the treatment of ADHD in both children and adults. It has the added attraction of being useful in reducing cigarette smoking.
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