What Non-Stimulant ADHD Medications are Available?

Non-stimulant medications are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) without the stimulating effects on the central nervous system caused by drugs such as Adderall or Ritalin. While non-stimulant ADHD medications require a prescription and careful monitoring, they are not controlled substances and have a lower risk of abuse or addiction. They are also less likely to cause you unpleasant side effects such as increased heart rate, high blood pressure, agitation, or insomnia. Like most medications, though, they come with their own risks and drawbacks.

Your doctor is most likely to suggest non-stimulant medications if stimulants haven’t been effective for you or if you’ve experienced unpleasant side effects. Your doctor may even suggest combining a non-stimulant medication with a stimulant to improve your overall symptom relief. To decide if non-stimulant ADHD medications are right for you or your child, it’s important to understand how these medications work and what the benefits and risks are compared to the alternatives.

Current non-stimulant medications prescribed for ADHD

There are many different non-stimulant ADHD medications available and people can respond to them differently. Finding the one that best manages you or your child’s ADHD symptoms may require some trial and error in partnership with your doctor.

Atomoxetine (Strattera)

Strattera, also available under the generic name atomoxetine, is a class of antidepressant called a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that is FDA-approved for the treatment of ADHD in adults and children over 6. It works by boosting the levels of the brain chemical norepinephrine, which can help improve attention and impulse control.

Strattera dosage can vary according to your body weight. The typical dosage for adults and children over 70kg (154 lbs) starts at 40mg per day, and may be increased to 80mg after three or more days. For adults and children weighing under 70kg, the daily dosage is typically 0.5 milligram per kilogram of body weight. After a minimum of three days, this may be increased to 1.2mg per kilogram of bodyweight.

It can take four to eight weeks to experience the full benefit of the medication. Mild side effects include:

• Drowsiness.
• Dizziness.
• Upset stomach, nausea, and decreased appetite.
• Headache.
• Decreased libido.

Serious side effects can also occur. These include:

• Liver toxicity.
• Increased suicidal thoughts.
• Cardiovascular complications.

Viloxazine (Qelbree)

Viloxazine, also sold under the brand name Qelbree, is a newer SNRI for use by adults and children 6 years and older. Like Strattera, it works by boosting the levels of norepinephrine, which can help improve ADHD symptoms like poor concentration and lack of impulse control.

Viloxazine is an extended-release medication and dosages can vary depending on age and other factors. For adults, the dose may range from 200mg to 600mg once a day. For children, the dosage more typically ranges from 100mg to 400mg.

Common side effects include:

• Increased heart rate and blood pressure.
• Insomnia.
• Drowsiness.
• Upset stomach, nausea.
• Anorexia.

Severe adverse reactions include suicidal thoughts and mania.

Guanfacine (Intuniv)

Guanfacine is FDA-approved to treat high blood pressure and, in its extended-release form, ADHD in children ages six to 17. Extended-release guanfacine is also available under the brand name Intuniv and may be prescribed off-label for adults with ADHD. As a medication known as an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, guanfacine is thought to work on certain receptors in the brain to reduce ADHD symptoms such as restlessness, overactivity, poor concentration, and impulsivity.

The medication appears to be most effective in children 12 years or younger but it may take several weeks to see an improvement in your child’s symptoms. The typical daily dosage for children 6 years of age and older is 1mg to start. Your doctor may slowly adjust the dose as needed up to 4mg per day.

Common but mild side effects include:

• Drowsiness, fatigue.
• Headache.
• Upset stomach, nausea, appetite loss.
• Low blood pressure.
• Dizziness.
• Irritability.

Serious side effects can also occur. Seek medical help if you or your child experiences very low blood pressure or an irregular heartbeat.

Clonidine (Kapvay)

Like guanfacine, clonidine is another alpha-2 agonist used to treat high blood pressure. In its extended-release form, also available under the brand name Kapvay, it is FDA-approved for the treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents over the age of six. It may be prescribed off-label for adults with ADHD.

The typical dosage in children 6 years of age and older is 0.1mg once a day. Your child’s doctor may increase the dose over time up to 0.4mg per day. It may take four to eight weeks for the medication to take full effect.

Common side effects can include:

• Drowsiness.
• Dizziness.
• Headache.
• Irritability.
• ​Low blood pressure.
• Nausea, stomach pain.

Rare side effects can include very low blood pressure, low heart rate, and fainting.

Off-label medications

Medications that are not approved by the FDA to specifically treat ADHD may still be prescribed “off-label” by your doctor if they feel it can benefit your particular symptoms. For most people, though, other non-stimulant ADHD drugs have been shown to be more effective.

Non-stimulant medications prescribed off-label for adults with ADHD include:

Wellbutrin (bupropion). Wellbutrin is one of the most commonly used antidepressants prescribed “off-label” for treating adult ADHD and may be most appropriate if you’re dealing with depression or anxiety alongside your ADHD symptoms. In one small study, bupropion was shown to be as effective as Ritalin (methylphenidate).

Tricyclic antidepressants, such as Norpramin (desipramine) and Tofranil (imipramine). Research suggests this older class of antidepressants may be limited in their effectiveness at treating ADHD. They may also come with pronounced side effects so are often only prescribed when other medications have failed.

Other SNRIs, such as Effexor XR (venlafaxine). Not approved for use in children under the age of 18, Effexor works in the same way as Strattera and Qelbree but support for its effectiveness is limited.

When are non-stimulant ADHD medications preferred over stimulants?

Stimulant medications are often the first-line treatment for ADHD as they can often work quickly and effectively for managing ADHD symptoms. However, some people find that stimulants can cause severe side effects such as restlessness, anger, irritability, mood changes, and heart-related issues including high blood pressure and a racing heartbeat. Stimulants also carry a higher risk of addiction and misuse and there are concerns about the effects of stimulants on a child’s developing brain.

If stimulants prove ineffective in managing your symptoms or you develop intolerable side-effects, your doctor may recommend non-stimulant ADHD medications.

Who may benefit from non-stimulant medication to treat their ADHD?

Non-stimulant medication may benefit you or your child if you:

• Can’t tolerate stimulants.
• Have any type of heart defect or disease, or high blood pressure.
• Have hyperthyroidism or glaucoma.
• Have co-occurring disorders such as anxiety, depression, or insomnia.
• Have a history of drug abuse or addiction.

As a parent, you may also prefer the lower misuse potential of non-stimulant medications. To fully understand your medication choices, it’s important to consult with an in-person health provider experienced in the treatment of ADHD or see a top-rated psychiatrist online.

Complementary treatment strategies for ADHD

There is more to ADHD treatment than just medication. Combining it with other treatment strategies is often most effective.

Therapy. A skilled therapist can help you develop new habits and coping strategies to manage your own symptoms, or provide parent training so you’re better able to help your child. To find an ADHD therapist online, learn about the highly-rated online therapy platforms we reviewed.

Behavioral changes. Adopting lifestyle changes can also help you manage ADHD symptoms. Improving how well you or your child with ADHD sleep, getting enough exercise, adopting a daily relaxation practice, and developing organization and time management skills can have a major impact on your daily life.

Last updated or reviewed on November 10, 2025