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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Amanda Roe | @amandajro | Apr 2, 2022

@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?

jt318 | @jt318 | Apr 30, 2022

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

Amanda Burnett | @amandaa | May 1, 2022

In reply to @jt318 "I'm 53 I'm wondering if anyone else who grew up with memory problems/blank spaces that has..." + (show)

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?

tim1028 | @tim1028 | May 1, 2022

In reply to @amandajro "@tim1028 I wonder if @stephanieann may be able to help you with some of your questions...." + (show)

It 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.

nettiemae | @nettiemae | Jan 12 5:47am

What are the non stimulent meds for adult ADHD and what are the side effects. Are they worth it?

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jan 12 7:39am

In reply to @nettiemae "What are the non stimulent meds for adult ADHD and what are the side effects. Are..." + (show)

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?