ADHD Nonstimulant Medication Aid

Last reviewed: August 2024

Generic Medication	Brand Names	Dosage Forms	Starting Dose	Max Dose	Notes
Guanfacine (extended release)	Intuniv	1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg, 4 mg	1 mg daily	4 mg in children 6-12; 7 mg in children 13+	α-agonist (α2A-specific) Orthostasis, sedation Can be given morning or evening; can be used together with stimulant
Clonidine (extended release tablet)	Kapvay	0.1 mg	0.1 mg daily to BID	0.2mg BID	α-agonist (less specific for α2A) BID dosing if higher than 0.1 mg per day
Atomoxetine	Strattera	10 mg, 18 mg, 25 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, 80 mg, 100 mg	10 mg or .5 mg/kg daily	100mg daily	Capsule cannot be opened
Viloxazine (extended release)	Qelbree	100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg	25 mg daily	70 mg daily (85 mg daily for adults)	Capsule can be opened and sprinkled

Guanfacine and clonidine are alpha agonists; atomoxetine and viloxazine are norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors.

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See the Ohio Department of Medicaid Unified Preferred Drugs List for information about prescription coverage for children enrolled in Medicaid.

For additional resources, visit the Ohio Medicaid Pharmacy Program.

Common Side Effects for Alpha Agonists (guanfacine and clonidine)

Lightheadedness/dizziness, especially when sitting up or standing up; mild sedation; headache.

Serious Side Effects for Alpha Agonists (Rare)

Syncope (fainting); large decreases in heart rate or blood pressure.

Common Side Effects for norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (atomoxetine and viloxazine)

Gastrointestinal side effects: upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, reduced appetite, mild increases in irritability.

Serious Side Effects for norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (Rare)

Severe irritability and suicidal ideation.