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MEDICATIONS

Non-stimulant medications for ADHD

Also called: Atomoxetine, viloxazine, guanfacine ER, clonidine ER

Options when stimulants aren’t suitable, aren’t tolerated or aren’t enough.

NeuroCoach · Evidence explorerSources checked October 5, 2026Editorial draft · clinical review pending

How it works

These work through norepinephrine or alpha-2 receptor pathways. They tend to take longer to show full effect than stimulants and aren’t controlled substances.

What the evidence says, use by use

Evidence is specific to the condition, population and—for devices—the exact product. One label never covers everything.

ADHD: Reducing core ADHD symptoms

Established
Who was studied / who it’s for: Children, teens and adults (approved ages vary by medicine)Regulatory status: FDA-approved for ADHD (specific ages per product).What this label means: Strong research and/or authoritative clinical guidelines support this specific use.

Guidelines include non-stimulants as options, typically when stimulants are unsuitable, not tolerated or not effective.

Sources: NICE (UK) · NIMH

Tourette Syndrome & Tic Disorders: Reducing tics (alpha-2 agonists)

Promising
Who was studied / who it’s for: Children and adults with tics, especially with co-occurring ADHDWhat this label means: Meaningful evidence exists for this use, but important questions remain—about size of benefit, who benefits, or long-term effects.

The American Academy of Neurology found moderate-confidence evidence that alpha-2 agonists (clonidine, guanfacine) are more likely than placebo to reduce tics.

Sources: American Academy of Neurology (2019)

Who usually provides it

Pediatricians, psychiatrists, neurologists and other prescribers.

Cautions & things to know

  • Alpha-2 agonists can lower blood pressure and cause sleepiness; they should not be stopped abruptly.
  • Atomoxetine and viloxazine carry warnings about suicidal thinking in young people—monitoring matters.

Questions for a clinician

Conversation prompts, not a treatment plan.

  • Why a non-stimulant for this person?
  • How long until we can judge whether it helps?

Educational, not medical advice. NeuroCoach is an educational and care-navigation resource, not a medical provider. Information about medications, supplements, therapies, devices, clinical trials and community experiences is provided for education and exploration and is not a recommendation, diagnosis or treatment plan. Evidence varies substantially among interventions. Decisions about medical or mental-health treatment should be made with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. Do not start, stop or change medication, supplements or treatment based solely on information found here.

Sources

Sources checked October 5, 2026. Links support this page; they don’t imply endorsement of NeuroCoach.

  1. ADHD: diagnosis and management (NG87) NICE (UK)
  2. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder NIMH
  3. Practice guideline: treatment of tics in people with Tourette syndrome and chronic tic disorders American Academy of Neurology (2019)