What is a non stimulant Adderall called?

October 15, 2025 •

4 min read

An estimated 6.0% of U.S. adults have a current ADHD diagnosis, which is equivalent to about 15.5 million people [1.8.2]. For those seeking alternatives to traditional treatments, it's essential to ask: what is a non stimulant Adderall called and what options are available? [1.8.2]

Quick Summary

Non-stimulant alternatives to Adderall include medications like atomoxetine (Strattera), viloxazine (Qelbree), guanfacine (Intuniv), and clonidine (Kapvay). These are effective options for managing ADHD symptoms.

Key Points

No Single Name: There isn't one single medication called a 'non-stimulant Adderall'; instead, there are several distinct drugs like Strattera, Qelbree, Intuniv, and Kapvay.
Different Mechanisms: Non-stimulants primarily work by increasing the brain's level of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that helps with attention and impulse control [1.9.5].
Slower Onset: Unlike fast-acting stimulants, non-stimulant medications can take several weeks (4-8) to reach their full therapeutic effect [1.3.5, 1.9.2].
Lower Abuse Risk: Non-stimulants are not controlled substances and have a significantly lower risk for abuse or dependence compared to stimulants like Adderall [1.7.5].
24-Hour Coverage: A major benefit of non-stimulants is that they typically work around the clock, providing consistent symptom management throughout the day and night [1.7.4].
Good for Co-existing Conditions: They are often a preferred choice for individuals with co-occurring anxiety, tics, or a history of substance use, as stimulants can sometimes worsen these issues [1.2.3].
Two Main Types: The primary types are norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (Strattera, Qelbree) and alpha-2 adrenergic agonists (Intuniv, Kapvay) [1.9.4].

Understanding Non-Stimulant Medications for ADHD

While stimulant medications like Adderall are often the first-line treatment for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), they are not suitable for everyone [1.2.2]. Non-stimulant medications provide an effective alternative for managing symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity [1.9.5]. These medications are not controlled substances and have a lower risk of abuse or dependency [1.7.5]. They are often prescribed when patients experience intolerable side effects from stimulants, have a history of substance abuse, or have co-existing conditions like anxiety or tics [1.2.2, 1.7.4].

Unlike stimulants, which have a rapid onset, non-stimulant medications can take several weeks to reach their full therapeutic effect, often between four to eight weeks [1.3.5, 1.9.5]. However, they typically provide 24-hour symptom coverage [1.7.4]. These drugs work by modulating neurotransmitters in the brain, primarily norepinephrine and sometimes dopamine, but through different mechanisms than stimulants [1.9.2, 1.9.5]. Non-stimulants fall into two main categories: norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and alpha-2 adrenergic agonists [1.9.4].

FDA-Approved Non-Stimulant Options

There are several FDA-approved non-stimulant medications for treating ADHD [1.2.3]. Each works differently and has a unique profile of benefits and side effects.

Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors

These medications work by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine, a key neurotransmitter involved in attention and behavior control, making more of it available in the brain [1.3.5, 1.4.1].

Atomoxetine (Strattera) Atomoxetine was one of the first non-stimulant medications approved for ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults [1.3.4]. It's a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that also indirectly increases dopamine in the prefrontal cortex [1.3.3, 1.3.5]. It can take one to four weeks to see initial effects, with full benefits appearing after several more weeks [1.3.4]. Common side effects include decreased appetite, upset stomach, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue [1.3.1, 1.3.2]. It may also be a good option for patients with comorbid anxiety [1.2.3].

Viloxazine (Qelbree) Approved in 2021, Viloxazine is a newer selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor for treating ADHD in patients aged 6 and older [1.4.3, 1.4.6]. Like atomoxetine, it increases levels of norepinephrine in the brain [1.4.1]. Some studies suggest it may begin working sooner than atomoxetine, within two to four weeks [1.9.4]. The most common side effects include sleepiness, loss of appetite, fatigue, and nausea [1.4.5]. It carries a warning about the potential for suicidal thoughts and actions, especially in the first few months of treatment [1.4.1, 1.4.2].

Alpha-2 Adrenergic Agonists

Originally developed to treat high blood pressure, these medications were found to be effective for ADHD symptoms by stimulating specific norepinephrine receptors in the brain's prefrontal cortex, an area responsible for attention and impulse control [1.2.2, 1.5.1]. They are known to reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity, and distractibility [1.2.4].

Guanfacine ER (Intuniv) Guanfacine ER is an extended-release alpha-2A adrenergic receptor agonist approved for children and adolescents [1.5.1, 1.5.6]. It is thought to work by strengthening connections in the part of the brain that manages attention and impulsivity [1.5.1]. It can be used alone or with a stimulant medication [1.5.6]. The most common side effects are drowsiness, fatigue, and dizziness, which often decrease over time [1.5.4]. It can take a few weeks to see the full benefits [1.5.3].

Clonidine ER (Kapvay) Clonidine ER is another extended-release alpha-agonist used to treat ADHD, often in combination with stimulants but also as a monotherapy [1.6.2, 1.6.5]. It is approved for children and adolescents ages 6 to 17 [1.6.5]. It helps reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity, and can also be beneficial for sleep problems [1.6.4]. Common side effects include drowsiness, irritability, dry mouth, and dizziness [1.6.2]. Like guanfacine, it works by targeting alpha-2 receptors in the brain to help regulate attention [1.6.4].

Comparison Table: Stimulants vs. Non-Stimulants


Feature	Stimulant Medications (e.g., Adderall)	Non-Stimulant Medications
Mechanism	Increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels [1.9.2]	Primarily increase norepinephrine; some affect dopamine differently [1.9.2, 1.9.5]
Onset of Action	Fast-acting, within 30-60 minutes [1.3.5, 1.7.3]	Slower onset, takes several weeks for full effect [1.3.5, 1.9.2]
Duration	Wears off, requiring multiple doses or extended-release forms [1.9.2]	Provides consistent, 24-hour coverage [1.7.4, 1.9.2]
Abuse Potential	Higher risk, classified as controlled substances [1.7.5, 1.9.2]	Low to no risk, not controlled substances [1.7.3, 1.7.5]
Common Side Effects	Insomnia, appetite loss, increased heart rate, anxiety [1.9.2]	Drowsiness, fatigue, upset stomach, decreased appetite [1.3.2, 1.4.5, 1.5.4]
Primary Candidates	First-line treatment for many patients [1.2.2]	Patients who can't tolerate stimulants, have anxiety/tics, or risk of substance abuse [1.2.3, 1.7.4]

Off-Label Non-Stimulant Options

In some cases, physicians may prescribe other medications "off-label" to treat ADHD symptoms. One common example is Bupropion (Wellbutrin), an antidepressant that is a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) [1.2.4]. It has been shown to help with ADHD symptoms but is not FDA-approved for this specific use [1.2.4, 1.9.1].

Conclusion

There is no single answer to "What is a non stimulant Adderall called?" as several effective medications exist. The primary FDA-approved options include atomoxetine (Strattera), viloxazine (Qelbree), guanfacine ER (Intuniv), and clonidine ER (Kapvay). The choice between these medications and stimulants depends on an individual's specific symptoms, medical history, side effect tolerance, and potential for co-existing conditions [1.7.4]. Non-stimulants offer a valuable alternative with a lower risk of abuse and provide sustained, 24-hour symptom management, making them an important part of a comprehensive ADHD treatment plan that may also include behavioral therapy [1.5.2, 1.7.3]. A thorough discussion with a healthcare provider is essential to determine the most appropriate treatment.

For more information from an authoritative source, you can visit the National Institute of Mental Health's page on ADHD: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd

Frequently Asked Questions

Atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) is one of the most common and well-studied non-stimulant medications used to treat ADHD in adults and children [1.2.5]. It works by selectively increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain [1.3.4].

Non-stimulant medications do not work immediately. It can take from one to two weeks to see initial effects, and often four to eight weeks to experience the full therapeutic benefits of the medication [1.3.3, 1.3.5].

While stimulants are considered the most effective first-line treatment for 70-80% of people, non-stimulants are also effective for many, particularly those who cannot tolerate stimulants [1.2.2, 1.7.4]. Their effect sizes are generally moderate but can be very beneficial for the right patient [1.2.3].

Yes, non-stimulant medications are sometimes prescribed in combination with stimulants. This approach can help enhance effectiveness or manage symptoms when a stimulant wears off, such as in the morning or evening [1.2.2, 1.6.4].

Common side effects vary by medication but often include drowsiness, fatigue, dry mouth, decreased appetite, and upset stomach [1.3.2, 1.4.5, 1.5.4]. Alpha-agonists like Intuniv and Kapvay can lower blood pressure, while SNRIs like Strattera can increase it [1.9.4].

No, non-stimulant medications are not classified as controlled substances and do not carry a risk of abuse, dependence, or addiction, which is a key advantage over stimulant medications [1.7.3, 1.7.5].

Atomoxetine (Strattera) is often considered a good option for individuals with both ADHD and comorbid anxiety, as it can treat both conditions with a single medication [1.2.3]. Alpha-agonists like guanfacine and clonidine may also help with anxiety [1.5.5, 1.6.4].