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Medication can help to improve ADHD symptoms. The main types of medications for ADHD are stimulant and nonstimulant drugs. Stimulant drugs are usually the first-line treatment for ADHD, but they are not suitable for everyone. Nonstimulant drugs are an alternative option. This article discusses nonstimulant medications for adults with ADHD, potential side effects, and safety warnings. Stimulant vs nonstimulant medications Share on PinterestElena Popova/Getty ImagesMethylphenidate (MPH) and amphetamines (AMP) are the most common stimulants for ADHD. Both stimulants block the reabsorption of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine and increase levels in the area where brain cells connect. There is the potential for drug misuse with both MPH and AMP. Therefore, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has regulated them as controlled drugs. Nonstimulant drugs do not contain either MPH or AMP. Although nonstimulants are not as effective as stimulants in managing ADHD symptoms, they are the second-line option for people who cannot take stimulants. Nonstimulant drugs do not have the same potential for drug misuse. Nonstimulants may be suitable for people with ADHD who:experience negative side effects from stimulantshave no improvement in symptoms from stimulantshave another health condition that stimulants affect negativelyhave a history of substance misusecould benefit from a combination of stimulant and nonstimulant medications Learn more about ADHD here. Types of nonstimulant ADHD medication Nonstimulant ADHD medications include:ADHD-specific nonstimulants: Increase norepinephrine levels in the brain.Antidepressants: Help treat ADHD by altering levels of neurotransmitters in the brain.Blood pressure medications: Affect levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. ADHD-specific nonstimulant medications ADHD-specific nonstimulant medications include the following:Generic/brand nameDescriptionatomoxetine (Strattera)Atomoxetine is a norepinephrine modulator. It works to increase the amount of norepinephrine in the brain to improve signaling. It is the most common nonstimulant for treating ADHD.viloxazine (Qelbree)Viloxazine is also a norepinephrine modulator. The effects of viloxazine may start sooner than atomoxetine. As an alternative to ADHD-specific nonstimulants, doctors may prescribe modafinil (Provigil). This is a central nervous system stimulant with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval to treat conditions that cause sleepiness, such as narcolepsy. Doctors may prescribe it off-label to treat ADHD. Side effects of ADHD-specific nonstimulants Side effects of atomoxetine are usually short term and include:insomnianausealoss of appetiteheadachesstomach achefatigue Safety warnings for ADHD-specific nonstimulants Atomoxetine may take up to 6 weeks to be fully effective. However, its effects are continual, unlike stimulants which work for around 12 hours per day. In rare cases, atomoxetine may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts in the first few weeks of taking the drug. Viloxazine is relatively safe, but there may be some risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. An overdose of viloxazine may also cause seizures in some cases. Both medications can increase blood pressure and lead to mania or hypomania. Antidepressants for ADHD Antidepressants that increase norepinephrine levels may have a positive effect on ADHD. Antidepressants that also affect serotonin levels may help people with coexisting conditions such as depression or anxiety.Generic/brand nameDescriptionvenlafaxine (Effexor)An antidepressant that increases serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine levels in the brain.Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs):• nortriptyline (Pamelor)• imipramine (Tofranil)• desipramine (Norpramin)TCAs affect different neurotransmitter pathways to block the reabsorption of serotonin and norepinephrine.bupropion (Wellbutrin)Bupropion works in the brain to alter neurotransmitter activity. Side effects of antidepressants Side effects of venlafaxine include:headachesnauseadiarrheadry mouthfeeling nervousinsomniaincreased sweatingrestlessnessfatigueincreased blood pressuresexual difficulties, such as delayed ejaculation Side effects of TCAs include:constipationdizzinessdry mouthblurred visionconfusionurinary retentionfast heart rate Side effects of bupropion include:headachesweight lossnauseadizzinessdry mouthincreased heartbeatsleeping difficultiesconstipationsore throat These side effects usually improve within 1–2 weeks of taking bupropion. Safety warnings for antidepressants The FDA has not approved antidepressants for the use of ADHD. This means that treating ADHD is an off-label use of these drugs. A doctor can explain the reasons for prescribing an off-label drug to treat ADHD and other options. Antidepressants contain a black box warning about the risk of suicidal thoughts while taking the drugs. Anyone taking antidepressants must contact a healthcare professional if they have any suicidal thoughts or behaviors, particularly in the first few months of taking the medication. TCAs may not be suitable for people with any pre-existing heart conditions. Learn more about antidepressants here. Blood pressure medications for ADHD Certain types of blood pressure medication called alpha-2 and alpha-2a noradrenergic agents affect norepinephrine and dopamine levels.Generic/brand nameDescriptionclonidine (Catapres or Kapvay)Clonidine is an alpha agonist, which stimulates certain receptors in the brain to release more norepinephrine.guanfacine (Tenex or Intuniv)Guanfacine is also an alpha agonist. Side effects of blood pressure medications Side effects of clonidine and guanfacine include:fatigue and sleepinessheadachesdizzinessdry mouthloss of appetitestomach painnauseavomiting Safety warnings for blood pressure medications Clonidine and guanfacine may slow heart rate, which may cause complications in people with heart issues. It is not safe to stop taking either drug abruptly due to withdrawal symptoms, which can suddenly raise blood pressure and heart rate. Find a comparison of ADHD medications here. When to contact a doctor People will need to contact a doctor if they have concerns about negative side effects they experience from ADHD medications. If people have suicidal thoughts or behaviors while taking medication for ADHD, they must contact a healthcare professional immediately. A doctor may be able to adjust the dosage, recommend an alternative medication, or treat unwanted symptoms to reduce negative side effects. Outlook Research suggests a combination of medications with behavioral therapy and other psychosocial programs may be the best treatment approach for ADHD to provide long-term improvements. Summary Nonstimulant medications for ADHD may be an effective treatment option for people with ADHD who cannot take stimulants or as an additional treatment. Medications for ADHD can cause side effects, some of which may ease as people continue taking the medication. In some cases, a doctor may need to monitor blood pressure or other health factors while people are taking certain medications. If medications are causing persistent or severe side effects, people will need to talk with a doctor before stopping any medication. Suddenly stopping a medication may cause withdrawal symptoms. If a medication worsens mental health or causes suicidal thoughts or behaviors, people need to contact a healthcare professional immediately. Last medically reviewed on August 1, 2022Mental HealthADHD / ADDDrugs 11 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Bupropion (Wellbutrin). (2020).https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/Mental-Health-Medications/Types-of-Medication/Bupropion-(Wellbutrin)Greenblatt, K., et al. (2022). Modafinil.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531476Hinshaw, S. P., et al. (2016). ADHD, multimodal treatment, and longitudinal outcome: Evidence, paradox, and challenge.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4280855Mathew, B. M., et al. (2022). Viloxazine.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK576423McCament-Mann, L. A. (n.d.). Clonidine and guanfacine.https://www.poison.org/articles/clonidine-and-guanfacine-uses-side-effects-safety-194Medication management. (n.d.).https://chadd.org/for-adults/medication-managementMedications used in the treatment of ADHD. (n.d.).https://chadd.org/for-parents/medications-used-in-the-treatment-of-adhdMiller, C. (n.d.). What are nonstimulant medications for ADHD?https://childmind.org/article/what-are-nonstimulant-medications-for-adhdMoraczewski, J., et al. (2022). Tricyclic antidepressants.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557791Singh, D. (2022). Venlafaxine.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535363Venlafaxine (Effexor). (2020).https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/Mental-Health-Medications/Types-of-Medication/Venlafaxine-%28Effexor%29FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Rebecca Barnhart, PharmD, BCPP — By Beth Sissons on August 1, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageIs ADHD hereditary?Medically reviewed by Alexander Klein, PsyD Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) tends to run in families and appears to have a strong genetic link. Learn about the condition and its…READ MOREAre there natural remedies for ADHD?Medically reviewed by Nicole Washington, DO, MPH ADHD is a behavioral disorder in which a person has a limited attention span and bouts of hyperactivity. 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