Nonstimulant ADHD Treatments: What Works and What to Expect

Not everyone can or wants stimulant meds. Whether you’ve had side effects, worry about misuse, or have a medical reason to avoid stimulants, nonstimulant options can help. This page lays out common nonstimulant medicines, how they work, what side effects to expect, and simple steps to talk with your clinician.

Main nonstimulant medicines

Here are the nonstimulant drugs you'll hear about most:

• Atomoxetine (Strattera) — a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. It often takes 4–6 weeks to show benefit. Watch for stomach upset, sleep changes, and mood shifts. Doctors check blood pressure and mood during the first months.
• Guanfacine extended release (Intuniv) — works on brain receptors that calm attention and impulses. It can cause drowsiness and lower blood pressure. Many people find it helpful for hyperactivity and sleep, especially in children.
• Clonidine extended release (Kapvay) — similar to guanfacine, helpful for evening symptoms and sleep. Expect some sedation and possible drops in blood pressure.
• Viloxazine (Qelbree) — a newer nonstimulant approved for children and adults in some places. It modifies norepinephrine and can help focus. Common effects include sleepiness or reduced appetite; mood should be monitored.
• Other options — some antidepressants (like bupropion) are used off-label for ADHD. They can help but carry their own risks (for example, seizure risk with bupropion in certain conditions).

Choosing a medicine and practical tips

Pick a drug based on your symptoms, medical history, and daily routine. If sleep or nighttime behavior is a problem, guanfacine or clonidine might be a better fit. If you need daytime focus and want a single daily pill, atomoxetine or viloxazine may be preferable.

Watch for these things after starting any nonstimulant: changes in mood or behavior (report any thoughts of self-harm immediately), significant dizziness or fainting, heart-rate or blood-pressure changes, and trouble sleeping. Your prescriber should set follow-ups—usually within a few weeks—so doses can be adjusted safely.

Don’t forget non-drug tools. Behavioral therapy, clear routines, sleep hygiene, exercise, and simple organizational strategies often boost medication effects. For many people, combining medicine with skills training gives the best day-to-day results.

Practical checklist before you start: tell your doctor about heart issues, current medications, alcohol use, and any history of mood disorders or seizures. Ask how long before you should expect improvement, which side effects to watch, and when to come back for dose checks.

If a nonstimulant doesn’t help, talk with your clinician about switching strategies or combining treatments. Safe ADHD care is a stepwise process—there’s rarely a one-size-fits-all answer, but there are solid options if stimulants aren’t right for you.