|
Page 1 of 4 Stimulant medication isn't the only medical treatment for ADHD. There's non-stimulant medication, Strattera, for ADHD, as well as antidepressants and some blood pressure drugs.
There are many drugs other than psychostimulants that can be used to treat ADHD.
Nonstimulant Therapy for ADHD
Strattera is the first nonstimulant approved for treatment of ADHD. It is also the only drug approved to treat adult ADHD.
Strattera works on the neurotransmitter (chemical in the brain that transmits nerve impulses) called norepinephrine. Like the stimulant drugs, Strattera is effective in treating and controlling ADHD symptoms, but it is not a controlled substance and people are less likely to abuse the drug or become dependant on it.
In addition, Strattera doesn't cause many of the potential side effects linked to psychostimulants, such as sleeplessness. Overall, the drug is well tolerated with minimal side effects.
How Does Strattera Work?
This medication works by increasing the amount of norepinephrine, an important brain chemical, in the brain. Doing this appears to help ADHD by increasing attention span and reducing impulsive behavior and hyperactivity.
What Are the Side Effects of Strattera?
The most common side effects seen with Strattera are:
- Upset stomach
- Decreased appetite, which may cause weight loss
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
Generally, these side effects are not severe, and only a very small percentage of clinical trial participants stopped Strattera due to side effects.
There have been reports of slightly decreased growth in children and teens. It is recommended that children and adolescents be observed, measured and weighed periodically while on Strattera.
Allergic reactions to Strattera are rare but do occur, usually as swelling or hives. The prescribing doctor or other health care professional should be advised immediately if anyone taking Strattera develops a skin rash, swelling, hives or other allergic symptoms.
On Dec. 17, 2004, Eli Lilly, the makers of Strattera, added a warning to the drug noting Strattera should be stopped in patients with signs of jaundice -- yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes. Jaundice is a sign of liver damage. If blood tests show evidence of liver damage, the drug should also be stopped.
Who Shouldn't Take Straterra?
There are certain situations in which a person should not take Strattera. If you or your child has any of the following conditions, you should discuss them with your health care provider before taking Strattera:
- Narrow angle glaucoma (a condition causing increased pressure in the eyes and can lead to blindness).
- Treatment with a type of antidepressant called monoamine oxidase inhibitors, such as Nardil or Parnate, within 14 days of starting Strattera.
|
