Pharmacologic alternatives to psychostimulants for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2000 Jul;9(3):605-46, viii.

Abstract

Alternatives to psychostimulants are now a routine part of the pharmacologic treatment of ADHD. Bupropion and most tricyclic antidepressants are sound options for managing core behavioral symptoms and, to some extent, cognitive symptoms. Alpha 2 adrenergic agonists can moderately reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. Certain effective agents, such as desipramine, carbamazepine, neuroleptics, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, are clinically inadvisable in most cases. Lithium, benzodiazepines, antihistaminic sedatives, and buspirone are potentially detrimental. Venlafaxine and beta-adrenergic blockers seem potentially promising. Significant new options include norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, such as reboxetine and tomoxetine, and possibly selective dopamine agonists. Central anticholinesterases, such as donepezil, may improve core ADHD symptoms and perhaps some associated features that psychostimulants do not--particularly organizational capacity and possibly other executive functions. The potential for bupropion to treat amotivational features should be investigated.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / adverse effects
  • Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / therapeutic use*
  • Adult
  • Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / adverse effects
  • Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / therapeutic use*
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / drug therapy*
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / therapeutic use*
  • Child
  • Drug Monitoring
  • Humans

Substances

  • Adrenergic alpha-Agonists
  • Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants