While stimulants are usually the first choice for ADHD, they’re not for everyone. In some people, they cause intolerable side effects; in others, they just don’t work very well. The good news is that other effective options for ADHD treatment are available.

Nonstimulant Therapy for ADHD

Two nonstimulant ADHD treatments have been approved by the FDA:

Strattera was the first nonstimulant drug approved for ADHD. It’s now used in both children and adults.
Intuniv was approved in 2009 for ADHD in children ages 6 to 17.

How Do Nonstimulants for ADHD Work?

Strattera seems to increase the amount of norepinephrine, an important brain chemical. This appears to help ADHD by increasing attention span and reducing impulsive behavior and hyperactivity.

Intuniv has an effect on certain receptors in the brain. Studies show that it reduces distractibility and improves attention, working memory, and impulse control. Intuniv is an extended release medicine that contains the same active ingredient as Tenex, a blood pressure drug that’s been used as an off-label ADHD treatment for years.

Nonstimulants have some advantages over many stimulants used for ADHD. For instance, nonstimulants:

Don’t cause agitation or sleeplessness
Are not controlled substances and don’t pose the same risk of abuse or addiction
Have a longer-lasting and smoother effect than many stimulants, which can take effect and wear off abruptly

What Are the Side Effects of Nonstimulants?

Of course, nonstimulants do have some potential side effects of their own.

Strattera Side Effects. The most common side effects of Strattera are:

Upset stomach
Decreased appetite, which may cause weight loss
Nausea
Dizziness
Fatigue
Mood swings

Other, less common risks from Strattera include:

Jaundice and liver problems. If you develop yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, contact your doctor right away.
Suicidal thinking. There’s a possibility that Strattera – like many antidepressant drugs – may slightly increase the risk of suicidal thinking in teenagers.
Slowed growth in children. Your doctor will probably keep a close eye on your child’s height and weight.
Priapism, or erections that last more than four hours.
Serious allergic reactions. While rare, some people develop rashes, hives, or swelling.

Intuniv Side Effects include: