What Are Noradrenergic for ADHD?

Noradrenergic agents for ADHD are a class of medications that increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter that is involved in attention, focus, and motivation. Noradrenergic agents are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) because they can help to improve attention and focus, and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity.

There are two main types of noradrenergic agents:

* Stimulants: Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin), amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall), and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. These medications are effective in treating ADHD, but they can also cause side effects such as anxiety, insomnia, and weight loss.

* Nonstimulants: Nonstimulants such as clonidine (Kapvay), guanfacine (Intuniv), and atomoxetine (Strattera) increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain without causing the same side effects as stimulants. These medications are less effective than stimulants in treating ADHD, but they are often used in children who cannot tolerate stimulants.

Noradrenergic agents are typically used as first-line treatment for ADHD. If a child does not respond to one noradrenergic agent, another medication may be tried. Noradrenergic agents are usually well-tolerated, and they can significantly improve the symptoms of ADHD.

Here is a table that summarizes the different noradrenergic agents for ADHD:

| Medication | Type | Side Effects |

|---|---|---|

| Methylphenidate (Ritalin) | Stimulant | Anxiety, insomnia, weight loss |

| Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall) | Stimulant | Anxiety, insomnia, weight loss |

| Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) | Stimulant | Anxiety, insomnia, weight loss |

| Clonidine (Kapvay) | Nonstimulant | Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth |

| Guanfacine (Intuniv) | Nonstimulant | Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth |

| Atomoxetine (Strattera) | Nonstimulant | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea |