In roughly 20 percent of the cases of people with ADHD, stimulants don’t work. This is the main reason why some individuals will turn to a non-stimulant instead. Individuals may also choose a non-stimulant due to the adverse side effects of stimulants. That said, all medications have side effects; non-stimulants are no exception. Finally, a third reason why individuals may choose a non-stimulant is to treat an associated disorder at the same time. For the purpose of treating ADHD, non-stimulants are grouped under the following types: antidepressants, antihypertensives, mood stabilizers and neuroleptic drugs. A fifth type, unceremoniously known as simply “non-stimulant,” is used to categorize the selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor atomoxetine.
