What are some non-stimulants that can help with ADD?

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mcg
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07 Jun 2010, 4:22 pm

So I have some major attention issues (technically not having Asperger's is one of the diagnostic criteria for ADD, but I meet the rest of them), but I am unable to take stimulants or Strattera because I had a run of Ventricular Tachycardia during a stress test and my doctors are concerned about sudden death. I'm already on beta-blockers for that, but they don't seem to help my attention at all (though some blood pressure medications are approved for ADHD, they seem to help more with hyperactivity than inattention).

So does anyone here know about anything that's not a stimulant or NE reuptake inhibitor that could help with my inattention symptoms? Off-label is OK. Personal experiences or wild speculation are both acceptable. I'm looking to compile a list that I can discuss with my doc next month.

Thanks WP,
mcg



Kiley
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07 Jun 2010, 4:35 pm

Yeah, that death thing is probably a good thing to avoid.

I think Prozac can sometimes help with some ADHD symptoms. I think there is something else our Psychiatrist mentioned, but it could have been Strattera. My eldest has pretty severe ADHD but can't take stimulants because they throw him into mood cycles so we've been talking about that. His heart's OK. I think the Dr was saying this other med is something heart patients take sometimes. I don't remember why my son isn't taking it, but it's something we might do in the future. My son may be too young.



Exclavius
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07 Jun 2010, 6:24 pm

alpha blockers such as Prozasin are good for the stress side, which in my case is what causes the in-attention.
I pay to much attention to what i'm worrying about, and the physical side effects of the stress, that i don't have enough left in my brain to also pay attention to what someone is saying.



metoikos
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07 Jun 2010, 7:10 pm

I've been a lurker here for some time, but have some advice that may be helpful. If you live in a country or state (if in the USA) that allows medical marijuana, you can talk to your doctor about cannabis. I have heard of people with ADHD having some success using it to treat their symptoms, but I cannot attest to its efficacy in treating ADHD myself. Since it is a stimulant (albiet a mild one), a depressant, and a psychedelic, it may not be appropriate for you, but it wont hurt to talk with your doctor about it. It is much less toxic than any other ADD/ADHD medication that I know anything about and I would be very surprised if there was any ADHD/ADD medication in existence that is less toxic. Given its mild stimulant properties it may be more toxic for you. There is also this: www,ncpamd,com/NonStimulants.htm. I know nothing about those drugs.



SoSayWeAll
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07 Jun 2010, 8:46 pm

I'm assuming coffees and teas containing caffeine are out? Though some teas may be milder or have things in them other than caffeine--still, given your history I would definitely ask a physician before trying that as to what would be appropriate, even though it's natural.