Managing ADHD with non-stimulant medications can be transformative, offering an effective alternative to stimulant options. However, finding the right medication can feel overwhelming, with various choices like Wellbutrin and Strattera. This guide simplifies the process and helps you understand your options, whether for adults or children with ADHD.

Additionally, if you’re in the U.S., we’ll show you how to save significantly on your prescriptions by exploring affordable options through Better You Rx, a pharmacy-affiliated website in Canada. Let’s dive into non-stimulant ADHD medications, their benefits, and why they may be the best choice for you or your loved ones.

What Are Non-Stimulant ADHD Medications?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts both children and adults. It is characterized by challenges with attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity that persist over time, impacting daily life.

Treatment options include:

• Non-Medicinal Treatments: Behavioral therapy, neurofeedback, ADHD coaching, and assistive technology can complement medical approaches.
• Stimulant Medications: Options like Adderall or Ritalin are effective but may cause side effects such as appetite loss or sleep issues. They are also classified as controlled substances due to their addictive potential.
• Non-Stimulant Medications: These provide similar benefits without the risk of addiction. Non-stimulants enhance the efficiency of existing neurotransmitters rather than increasing their levels.

Non-stimulant ADHD medications are also often prescribed off-label for ADHD, making them a versatile treatment option under proper medical guidance.

How Do Non-Stimulant ADHD Medications Work?

Stimulant medications amplify neurotransmitter activity to improve communication within the brain, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, which regulates behavior, emotion, and thought processes.

Non-stimulants take a different approach. They optimize the function of existing neurotransmitters and their receptors, offering a subtler but equally beneficial effect for some individuals.

These medications are not considered controlled substances, making them a safer choice for long-term treatment.

Why Choose Non-Stimulant ADHD Medications?

While stimulants are typically the first-line treatment for ADHD, non-stimulants may be recommended in several cases:

• Ineffectiveness of Stimulants: When stimulants fail to provide symptom relief.
• Adverse Side Effects: Some patients cannot tolerate stimulant side effects, such as insomnia or appetite suppression.
• Coexisting Conditions: Patients with ADHD and anxiety or other disorders may respond better to non-stimulants.
• Drug Abuse History: Non-stimulants are a safer alternative for those with a history of substance misuse.
• Combination Therapy: For children, non-stimulants may complement stimulant medications, balancing their effects.

Best Non-Stimulant ADHD Medications for Adults

Adults often start with atomoxetine (Strattera) due to its proven effectiveness. Here are the most commonly prescribed non-stimulant ADHD medications for adults:

1. Atomoxetine (Strattera): An SNRI that improves impulse control and reduces hyperactivity.
2. Wellbutrin (Bupropion): An antidepressant that enhances focus and mood.
3. Tricyclic Antidepressants: Boost serotonin and norepinephrine levels, helping regulate attention and mood.

Best Non-Stimulant ADHD Medications for Children

For children, a combination of therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and medication is often recommended. Common non-stimulant ADHD medications include:

1. Atomoxetine (Strattera): Effective for improving attention and impulse control.
2. Clonidine ER: Helps regulate the nervous system and reduce hyperactivity.
3. Guanfacine ER: Supports emotional regulation and impulse control.

Detailed Overview of 6 Non-Stimulant ADHD Medications

1. Wellbutrin (Bupropion):

• How It Works: Balances neurotransmitter levels, aiding focus and mental clarity.
• Benefits: Also treats depression and seasonal affective disorder.
• Cost Savings: Generic bupropion is available for about $1.10 per pill through Better You Rx.

2. Strattera (Atomoxetine):

• How It Works: An SNRI that improves brain chemistry, reducing ADHD symptoms.
• Benefits: Effective for children and adults alike.
• Cost Savings: Save up to 90% with prices as low as $1.30 per pill through Better You Rx.

3. Clonidine (Catapres):

• How It Works: Modulates the body’s stress response, stabilizing the nervous system.
• Benefits: Improves focus and emotional regulation.
• Cost Savings: Available for just $0.50 per pill through Better You Rx.

4. Guanfacine (Intuniv ER):

• How It Works: Enhances prefrontal cortex function, supporting emotional balance.
• Benefits: Especially effective for children struggling with hyperactivity.
• Cost Savings: Purchase for $6.00 per tablet through Better You Rx.

5. Desipramine (Norpramin):

• How It Works: Increases serotonin and norepinephrine to improve mood and focus.
• Benefits: A good option for adults with ADHD.
• Cost Savings: Available for about $2.00 per pill through Better You Rx.

6. Imipramine (Tofranil):

• How It Works: Converts into desipramine in the body, improving attention and impulse control.
• Benefits: Addresses ADHD symptoms and other mental health challenges.
• Cost Savings: Costs as little as $0.50 per pill through Better You Rx.

Affordable Non-Stimulant ADHD Medications with Better You Rx

Finding and affording the right ADHD medication can be challenging. Better You Rx simplifies the process by offering:

• Low Prices: Save on high-quality medications sourced from Canada.
• Exceptional Service: A dedicated team ensures a seamless ordering experience.
• Convenient Ordering Options: Choose to order online, by phone, or via mail.

Explore how Better You Rx can help you access affordable non-stimulant ADHD medications while saving significantly.

Every year, millions of Americans face the challenges of managing mental health conditions. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), approximately 19.1% of adults were diagnosed with mental illness in 2018, including 4.6% of patients living with severe mental-health disorders. This represents over 46.7 million individuals annually, with more than 11.4 million continuing to experience severe symptoms.

For many, addressing these conditions involves taking prescription medications that can significantly improve quality of life. However, the costs can be overwhelming. A prime example is Abilify, a widely prescribed medication with retail prices ranging from $550 to $900 per month in the United States. Even the generic version, aripiprazole, remains expensive. The US price for Abilify highlights a growing concern about affordability. Many individuals are now exploring more cost-effective options from Canada, where medications like Abilify from Canada are available at a fraction of the cost.

A Brief History of Abilify

Abilify was developed by Japanese scientists at Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. and released in 2002 to treat schizophrenia. It was later approved for bipolar disorder and, by 2007, for major depressive disorder. The drug remains a common treatment for these conditions in adults, as well as for children aged 6–17 with Tourette’s syndrome or severe autism-related agitation.

Despite its long history, Abilify continues to be one of the most profitable antipsychotic drugs on the market. In 2013–2014 alone, it grossed $7.2 billion in sales. Yet, after all these years, it remains one of the most expensive medications in its class.

Why Is Abilify So Expensive?

Abilify’s high cost stems from several systemic issues within the pharmaceutical industry. These include:

• Price fixing: Pharmaceutical companies often collaborate to maintain high prices. While direct evidence of this practice involving Abilify is limited, investigations into generic drug price manipulation suggest similar practices might affect brand-name drugs.
• Delayed competition: Generic drug policies in the U.S. sometimes incentivize companies to delay production of lower-cost alternatives. Even though aripiprazole is available, the lack of competition keeps prices high. The Abilify price from Canada, on the other hand, tends to be much lower due to more competitive pricing structures.
• Spread pricing: Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) act as intermediaries, profiting from the price differences between what insurers pay and what pharmacies receive. This practice inflates costs for consumers.
• Advertising: The U.S. is one of the few countries allowing direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertising, with billions spent annually on TV commercials alone. These marketing costs are passed on to consumers.

The Role of Generic Drugs and Competition

Typically, generic drugs reduce prices once patents on brand-name medications expire. However, aripiprazole—the generic version of Abilify—has not followed this trend. In the U.S., it still averages around $700 per month. Comparatively, Abilify from Canada is a cost-effective option, often priced significantly lower.

Abilify and Mental Health

Abilify’s popularity partly stems from its versatility. Initially designed for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, it was later approved as an adjunctive therapy for major depression, vastly increasing its market. While these approvals have improved accessibility for some, the medication’s high cost has created barriers for others. The steep US price for Abilify highlights the ongoing issue of affordability in the mental health sector.

Abilify Isn’t the Only Expensive Drug

Abilify is far from alone in the category of expensive mental health medications. Similar drugs include:

• Trintellix: $410 for a 30-day supply.
• Fetzima: $392 for a 30-day supply.
• Viibryd: $290 for a 30-day supply.
• Latuda: $1,287 for a 30-day supply.

This trend underscores a systemic issue within the pharmaceutical industry, where life-changing medications remain out of reach for many due to cost.

A Cost-Effective Alternative

The high US price for Abilify has prompted many Americans to explore international options. Abilify from Canada provides a cost-effective solution for those seeking affordable access to this essential medication. Canadian pharmacies often offer competitive prices, making them an excellent alternative for individuals burdened by high drug costs in the U.S.

Better You Rx, a Canadian Pharmacy Affiliate-affiliated website, helps bridge this gap by offering affordable options for Abilify and other essential medications. By sourcing prescriptions from licensed international partners, it ensures safe, cost-effective solutions for patients.

Take Action Today

No one should have to choose between their health and their finances. Explore cost-effective options from Canada and discover how Better You Rx can help you access Abilify and other essential medications at an affordable price. Visit our website to learn more about how we make quality care accessible to everyone.