You probably are wondering why anyone would consider a non-stimulant medication when stimulants are so effective. Surprisingly there are a number of solid reasons including less risk of side effects. Also, people with medical conditions can’t take stimulants due to the health risks involved. These would include heart problems or high blood pressure. Additionally, Strattera is not considered a controlled substance. This has led to non-stimulant medications being prescribed in situations involving substance abuse or for those in drug abuse recovery programs. So what is Strattera, how does it work, and what are some of the benefits?
* Strattera: Strattera is a non-stimulant medication regularly used as an option to stimulants such as Ritalin. Strattera which goes under the brand name Atomoxetine is not currently approved by the FDA for treating ADHD. That said, it is extremely popular in Europe for treating depression and is the first non-stimulant medication that has been tested in children, teens, and adults. Doctors usually suggest taking Strattera once or twice a day for maximum ADHD symptom management. Research suggests that it takes four to six weeks for the full benefit to be achieved.
* Strattera’s affect on the brain: Non-stimulant ADHD medications work in a different way than their stimulant counterparts. Strattera works like an anti-depressant in that it is a reuptake inhibitor; only targeting norepinephrine-containing neurons (nerve cells) and not other neurotransmitters. Some synapses in the prefrontal cortex have both norepinephrine and dopamine receptors on them. In those synapses, Strattera has an effect on dopamine (the feel good hormone).
* Benefits: Non-stimulants work through a different mechanism than stimulants and may be helpful for those who failed to achieve the results hoped for with their stimulant medications. As briefly discussed above they may be preferred for those with high blood pressure or heart conditions. Additionally, those with drug abuse, problems (past and/or current) and eating disorders should consider alternatives to stimulants.
In summary, all prescription ADHD medications carry some risk for side effects and drug abuse problems. The flip side is that both stimulant and non-stimulant drugs (Strattera) have been shown to be effective in treating many problematic ADHD symptoms. Because there seem to be no easy answers many people are opting for a more natural ADHD treatment option, homeopathy. Homeopathic, remedies have been shown to be very safe and are worth considering before committing to any medication that has potentially serious side effects.