ADHD Treatment Overview: Non-Stimulant Medications (Strattera) and Other ADHD Drugs - Non-Stimulant Medications (Strattera) and Other ADHD Drugs

Written by HealthyPlace.com Staff Writer

Blood Pressure Drugs Used to Treat ADHD

Two drugs, Catapres and guanfacine, normally taken to treat high blood pressure, have been shown to be of some benefit for ADHD when used alone or in combination with stimulant drugs. The drugs can improve mental functioning as well as behavior in ADHD.

How Do Blood Pressure Drugs Treat ADHD?

How these drugs work in treating ADHD is not yet known, but it is clear that they have a calming effect on certain areas of the brain.

Catapres can be applied in a weekly patch form for gradual medication release. This delivery method helps decrease some side effects, such a dry mouth and fatigue. After a few weeks, side effects usually diminish considerably.

Catapres and guanfacine can help reduce some of the side effects of stimulant therapy, especially the sleeplessness and aggressive behavior. However, combining stimulants with one of these drugs is controversial, because there have been some deaths in children taking both stimulants and Catapres.

It is not known whether these deaths were due to the combination of drugs, but caution should be exercised whenever such combinations are used. Careful screening for heart rhythm irregularities and regular monitoring of blood pressure and electrocardiograms help reduce these risks. If your doctor thinks that combining these two treatments offers more benefits than risks, it may be a good option.

Who Should Not Take Blood Pressure Drugs?

Catapres and guanfacine may be contraindicated if there is a history of low blood pressure or other personal or family history of a significant heart problem.

What Are the Side Effects of Blood Pressure Medications?

The most common side effects seen with these drugs include:

• Drowsiness
• Lowered blood pressure
• Headache
• Sinus congestion
• Dizziness
• Stomach upset

These drugs can rarely cause irregular heartbeats.

Blood Pressure Medication for ADHD: Tips and Precautions

When taking one of these drugs for ADHD, be sure to tell your doctor:

• If you are nursing, pregnant, or plan to become pregnant
• If you are taking or plan to take any dietary supplements, herbal medicines or nonprescription medications
• If you have any past or present medical problems, including low blood pressure, seizures, heart rhythm disturbances and urinary problems

The following are useful guidelines to keep in mind when taking Catapres or guanfacine or giving them to your child for ADHD:

• Always take or give the medication exactly as prescribed. If there are any problems or questions, call your doctor. It is best not to miss doses or patches as this may cause the blood pressure to rise quickly, which may cause headaches and other symptoms.
• Your health care provider will probably want to start out at a low dose and increase gradually until symptoms are controlled.
• Catapres patches come in various sizes. Rotate the placement of the patch to avoid skin irritation.
• For very young children, Catapres tablets can be formulated into a liquid by your pharmacist to make giving the medication easier.

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