Non-Stimulant ADHD Options Adults Should Know

Medication classes to discuss

Non-stimulants can be grouped into three common categories:

• Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors such as atomoxetine and viloxazine. These medications build steadily in your system and often reduce impulsivity and emotional swings.
• Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists like guanfacine ER and clonidine ER. They can calm hyperactivity, support sleep onset, and soften anxiety.
• Adjunctive antidepressants including bupropion. Less traditional for ADHD, yet they may help when mood and executive dysfunction overlap.

Our intake process documents your medical history, blood pressure, and previous medication trials so we can recommend an option that aligns with your goals and tolerability. If you need labs prior to starting a medication, we coordinate through local Maryland, Virginia, or DC facilities.

Titration and monitoring via telehealth

Non-stimulants require patience. Most take 4–6 weeks to show full benefit, which is why we schedule proactive check-ins during the first 90 days. During each telehealth visit we’ll review:

1. Symptom rating scales you complete in our secure portal.
2. Side effects, including appetite, sleep, or mood shifts.
3. Objective markers such as blood pressure, heart rate, and weight (if relevant).

Members can message between visits if new concerns pop up. Early notes help us adjust timing or dosage before your next appointment, preventing lost momentum.

Combining non-stimulants with other supports

Medication is one part of care. We often pair non-stimulants with:

• Executive function routines. Reference our executive function toolkit for habits that reinforce consistency.
• Primary care oversight. Patients whose care includes broader primary care follow-up may also benefit from monitoring thyroid, sleep, or cardiovascular factors that influence ADHD symptoms.
• Therapy referrals. We maintain a short list of Maryland, Virginia, and DC therapists familiar with ADHD and chronic health conditions.

If you want to explore a hybrid approach, we are happy to review stimulant and non-stimulant combinations during your next membership visit.

Deciding on next steps

Before switching medications, gather documentation of prior regimens, side effects, and insurance formulary requirements. Bringing these details to your telehealth visit can speed authorization requests and help prevent refill delays. You can also review current care options on the services page.

Questions between appointments? Send a secure message or use the contact page if you’re not yet a member and want to discuss fit.