Non-stimulants are any drug used to promote central nervous system activity in individuals with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Among the most common non-stimulants atomoxetine, antidepressants, antihypertensives, mood stabilizers and narcoleptic drugs.
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.
