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Non-stimulants
Not all patients are able to choose stimulant medications for ADHD. They may have contraindications to these drugs; children with heart defects are steered away from stimulants, for example. Or they may have tried the medications and found them to be ineffective or experienced troublesome side effects.
A newer, nonstimulant option is amoxetine (Strattera), which works on the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. Patients usually have to take Strattera for up to three weeks before seeing any effects on symptoms. However, it's important to note that last year the FDA issued a warning about the increased risk of suicidal thinking in children and adolescents taking Strattera. Your doctor can address any questions or concerns.
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