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Adult ADHD Non-stimulant Medications
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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@tim1028 I wonder if @stephanieann may be able to help you with some of your questions. She has previously shared about her adult son's experience with both of these Rxs.
Would you be willing to share why you went off the stimulant medications? Did you do this under your doctor's recommendations?
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1 ReactionI'm 53
I'm wondering if anyone else who grew up with memory problems/blank spaces that has adhd ?
Hi @jt318 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You'll see that I moved your post to a conversation about ADHD so that you can connect with other members like @tim1028, @Gray, @ista, @melissa333, and @berit
You might also like to read another conversation on Connect. Adult ADHD: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/adult-add/
Are you still having memory loss and are you on any medication for your ADHD?
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1 ReactionIt was a hassle to get a Rx, since the stimulant meds for ADHD meds are controlled medications. I was able to cope fairly well without them.
What are the non stimulent meds for adult ADHD and what are the side effects. Are they worth it?
Hello @nettiemae, Welcome to Connect. I think these two articles from 2023 have a list of the non-stimulant medications and side effects that you might find helpful.
--- Non-Stimulant ADHD Medication Overview: https://www.additudemag.com/non-stimulant-adhd-medication/
--- WebMD - Nonstimulant Therapy and Other ADHD Drugs: https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/adhd-nonstimulant-drugs-therapy
Are you thinking about trying to switch medications?
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1 ReactionI too have been ADHD all my life. Through college & my carrer, I learned to maintain & block out others in order to focus. Now that I'm retired, I don't focus as well & there's really no maintaining. I was prescribed the generic Vyvanse several months ago & it's amazing.
I began researching & all valid medical articles/sites that actually told that females 60 plus should NOT take it. I also read on the sites that during the clinical trials/studies, the older population was not included. Therefore, how can the FDA speak against older individuals taking vyvanse when they were not included in the studies.
Until I learn more valid info & further address this with my physician I will not attempt the alternatives.
Intil then, I will take my capsule each AM, as it has done wonders for me. If I could turm back time, I'd have asked for a prescription when it 1st hit rhe market.
As the saying goes, "Why fix something that's not broken."
I personally don't Ike Cloidine.
Good luck!
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1 Reaction@bbbest I too am AD and take vyvanse at age 66 it has been a miracle drug for me! Science be damned! Im living and doing better than i have my whole life on this drug! Idc about the effects on my health at this point because its not great anyway! I would gladly live a fuller shorter life than do without the drug
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1 Reaction@tim1028
If you can function fairly well, then meds aren't necessary, IMO. So, you did the right thing, again, IMO.
@bbbest
WOULD YOU MIND CITING several articles which say that females over 60 should not take it? Did they mention why? Thank you