Did you know there are three different classes of medication that treat ADHD?

They are stimulants which most people know, there is norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and there is alpha 2 agonist.

Stimulants-

many people may have heard of amphetamine or methylphenidate. These are drugs that help with blocking the reuptake of dopamine. Norepinephrine also kind of helps spur on that production. This helps someone feel more dopamine. This is helpful because dopamine is associated with motivation, attentiveness, and interest.

Norepinephrine

is also associated with alertness. By having this kind of float around and not vacuumed up as fast in our brain we feel more attentive, and more alert. Typically, these medications will work for a few hours unless it’s extended released and even then, it’s maybe eight to ten hours. It is a stimulant, so it increases heart rate.

Then there are things like cognitive enhancers which would be that norepinephrine reuptake. Something like atomoxetine or Strattera that just works with the norepinephrine, so you don’t get that side effect of a racing heart. You still get that alertness.

 

There are SNRI’S which is also a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. In this case serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI’s) would be something like Wellbutrin. It’s working to help someone feel more serotonin and norepinephrine. This is also an antidepressant, so this is prescribed for depression as well as ADHD. This is still in that norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor class, although different classes of drugs in some ways.

Then there is alpha 2 agonist.

This would be something like guanfacine that is used also to treat high blood pressure. If you have ADHD and can’t take a stimulant because it’s going to make things worse, you could actually take something that helps with both the ADHD and the blood pressure. There are options. If you have questions about this content as it relates to you talk to your doctor.

To watch this video visit What 3 Medications Help ADHD? | Treating ADHA | Coping With ADHD | Mental Health Matters – YouTube