Adult ADHD Non-stimulant Medications

Posted by tim1028 @tim1028, Mar 31, 2022

I was diagnosed with ADHD, present from childhood, 35 years ago. I took stimulant meds for a few months, but stopped and haven't started them again. Has anyone here taken any of the alpha agonist non-stimulant medications ( clonidine and guanfacine) ? Can you relate your experience with them, including effectiveness for emotional regulation and any side effects?

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Profile picture for jt318 @jt318

I'm 53
I'm wondering if anyone else who grew up with memory problems/blank spaces that has adhd ?

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@jt318

Indeed, all the above and many more.

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I was on Strattera (atomoxetine) for a couple of years. It is a non-stimulant ADHD medication. I finally switched over to Vyvanse, which is a stimulant medication. With the Strattera, I did not notice any improvement.

Previous to Strattera, I was on Adderall. I functioned better on Adderall. The Vyvanse seemed to improve my ADHD (inattentive type) symptoms. Currently taking 60 mg of Vyvanse. Previously I was on 40 mg, then 50 mg. I experienced some significant life changes, which worsened my MDD and ADHD, so my Psych NP increased my dosage. I still do not think my symptoms of MDD or ADHD are adequately controlled at this point. 70 mg is the max dosage for Vyvanse, so I may get bumped up in the future.

Right now my executive function is in the crapper.

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Profile picture for mglayton72 @mglayton72

I was on Strattera (atomoxetine) for a couple of years. It is a non-stimulant ADHD medication. I finally switched over to Vyvanse, which is a stimulant medication. With the Strattera, I did not notice any improvement.

Previous to Strattera, I was on Adderall. I functioned better on Adderall. The Vyvanse seemed to improve my ADHD (inattentive type) symptoms. Currently taking 60 mg of Vyvanse. Previously I was on 40 mg, then 50 mg. I experienced some significant life changes, which worsened my MDD and ADHD, so my Psych NP increased my dosage. I still do not think my symptoms of MDD or ADHD are adequately controlled at this point. 70 mg is the max dosage for Vyvanse, so I may get bumped up in the future.

Right now my executive function is in the crapper.

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@mglayton72 is Vyvanse a controlled substance? Do you feel more comfortable with it over adderall?

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Profile picture for patwerthman @patwerthman

@mglayton72 is Vyvanse a controlled substance? Do you feel more comfortable with it over adderall?

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@patwerthman

Yes, Vyvanse is a controlled substance...but it is only activated once it is taken orally. So crushing it and snorting it would not work. I think that it is kind of common for some people to crush and snort Adderall. There also seems to be more supply chain issues with Adderall and Ritalin. Vyvanse is more reliable in that regard.

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