Non-Stimulant ADHD Treatment Options for Adults
Pennsylvania & Delaware
Stimulant medications are commonly used for adult ADHD, but they are not the only medication option.
Some adults cannot tolerate stimulants, prefer not to use a controlled medication, experience side effects, have medical considerations that affect treatment choice, or simply do better with another approach.
ADHD Philadelphia provides individualized non-stimulant ADHD treatment for adults throughout Pennsylvania and Delaware.
Treatment decisions are based on diagnosis, symptoms, functional impairment, medical and psychiatric history, current medications, prior treatment response, safety considerations, and patient preferences.
Not sure whether ADHD Philadelphia is the right fit? A free 10-minute consultation is available before scheduling.
BOOK AN ADULT ADHD APPOINTMENT
What Is Non-Stimulant ADHD Medication?
Non-stimulant ADHD medications work differently from stimulant medications.
They are not simply “weaker stimulants.”
Different medications affect different neurotransmitter systems and may have different:
Onset of benefit
Duration of action
Side-effect profiles
Dosing schedules
Monitoring needs
Medication interactions
Clinical advantages and limitations
For some adults, a non-stimulant may be the preferred first medication strategy.
For others, it may be considered after a stimulant has not been effective, has caused unacceptable side effects, or is not clinically appropriate.
The goal is to select treatment based on the individual—not to assume that one medication category is best for everyone.
When Might a Non-Stimulant Be Considered?
Non-stimulant ADHD treatment may be considered when:
Stimulants are not well tolerated
Stimulant side effects outweigh benefits
Stimulants have not produced an adequate response
There are relevant cardiovascular considerations
Substance-use concerns affect stimulant suitability
A patient prefers a non-controlled medication
Sleep or other clinical factors affect medication choice
The broader psychiatric or medical picture favors another approach
A previous non-stimulant medication worked well
A patient prefers to avoid stimulant treatment
Treatment choices are individualized.
A history of anxiety, depression, cardiovascular concerns, substance use, or another condition does not automatically determine which medication will be prescribed.
The entire clinical picture matters.
Non-Stimulant Medications Used for Adult ADHD
Several medications may be considered depending on the clinical situation.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant medication used in the treatment of ADHD in adults.
It works primarily through norepinephrine-related pathways and is not classified as a stimulant.
Atomoxetine may be considered when:
Stimulants are not tolerated
Stimulants have not been sufficiently effective
A non-controlled medication is preferred
The clinical picture supports a non-stimulant approach
Unlike many stimulant medications, the benefit may develop more gradually rather than being judged based on a single dose or a single day.
Treatment response should be assessed over time.
Viloxazine Extended-Release
Viloxazine extended-release is another non-stimulant medication option that is approved for ADHD in adults.
Like other ADHD medications, it is not appropriate for every patient.
Before prescribing, the clinician considers medical history, psychiatric history, current medications, possible interactions, treatment goals, and other relevant safety factors.
Response and side effects are monitored after treatment begins.
Other Medications Used Off-Label
In some clinical situations, medications that are not specifically FDA-approved for adult ADHD may be considered off-label.
Off-label prescribing is a common part of medical practice when supported by clinical judgment, available evidence, patient-specific factors, and an informed discussion of potential benefits and risks.
Examples may include certain antidepressant medications or other agents depending on the clinical situation.
Off-label treatment is not automatically better or worse than an FDA-approved option.
The important issue is whether the treatment is clinically appropriate for the individual patient.
What About Guanfacine or Clonidine?
Guanfacine and clonidine are medications that may be familiar to people researching ADHD.
They are used more commonly in pediatric ADHD treatment and are not routine FDA-approved adult ADHD treatments.
For adults, their use would require careful consideration of the individual clinical situation and whether off-label treatment is appropriate.
ADHD Philadelphia does not present these medications as interchangeable with standard adult non-stimulant options.
Non-Stimulant Does Not Mean “No Monitoring”
Non-stimulant medications are generally handled differently from Schedule II stimulant medications, but they still require appropriate clinical monitoring.
Depending on the medication and the individual patient, follow-up may include review of:
ADHD symptoms
Functional improvement
Side effects
Blood pressure
Pulse
Sleep
Appetite
Mood
Anxiety
Medication interactions
Adherence
Psychiatric symptoms
Whether treatment remains clinically appropriate
Medication should never be considered “set it and forget it.”
The goal is to determine whether the treatment is helping enough to justify continuing it and whether it remains safe.
Do Non-Stimulants Work Immediately?
Not always.
Some non-stimulant ADHD medications may take longer than stimulants to show their full clinical benefit.
For that reason, treatment should not necessarily be judged after only one or two doses.
Your clinician may need to consider:
How long you have been taking the medication
Whether the dose has been adequately titrated
Whether side effects are tolerable
Whether functioning is improving
Whether symptoms are changing
Whether another condition is affecting treatment response
Never increase or discontinue medication without discussing the change with your prescribing clinician.
How Is Treatment Response Evaluated?
The goal is not simply to ask whether you “feel different.”
Treatment should improve areas that matter in everyday life.
Questions may include:
Are you starting tasks more consistently?
Are you more able to stay with tasks?
Are you less distracted?
Are you completing more of what you begin?
Are you managing time more effectively?
Are you forgetting fewer responsibilities?
Is work functioning improving?
Are home responsibilities more manageable?
Are you less overwhelmed by competing demands?
Are side effects acceptable?
Is sleep stable?
Does the treatment benefit outweigh the burden?
These functional outcomes help determine whether treatment should be continued, adjusted, or changed.
Non-Stimulant Treatment and Executive Function
Adults with ADHD often seek care because of difficulties with executive function, including:
Task initiation
Working memory
Planning
Prioritization
Organization
Time management
Sustained attention
Follow-through
Self-monitoring
Emotional regulation
Medication may reduce some ADHD symptoms and make it easier to use effective systems.
Medication does not automatically create those systems.
That is why many adults benefit from combining medication with practical executive-function strategies.
Explore the Executive Function in Adults With ADHD Resource Center.
Medication Is Only One Part of ADHD Treatment
Adult ADHD treatment may include:
Medication
ADHD education
Behavioral strategies
ADHD-focused psychotherapy
Cognitive-behavioral strategies
Planning and organizational systems
Time-management tools
Environmental modifications
Sleep support
Lifestyle strategies
ADHD coaching when appropriate
Workplace or educational accommodations when clinically indicated
Some adults benefit most from medication.
Some benefit most from non-medication strategies.
Many use a combination.
Treatment should match the person's functional needs rather than follow a one-size-fits-all formula.
Learn more about Adult ADHD Treatment & Medication Management in Pennsylvania and Delaware.
Stimulant vs Non-Stimulant ADHD Medication
There is no single answer to the question:
“Which is better?”
Stimulant medications often have a faster onset and are commonly used as first-line pharmacologic treatment for adult ADHD.
Non-stimulant medications may be appropriate when stimulants are:
Not tolerated
Not sufficiently effective
Not preferred
Not clinically appropriate
Treatment selection also depends on:
Medical history
Psychiatric history
Cardiovascular considerations
Sleep
Substance-use history
Previous medication response
Side effects
Current medications
Individual preference
Read Stimulant vs Non-Stimulant ADHD Medication for Adults in Pennsylvania & Delaware.
How Follow-Up Differs From Stimulant Treatment
Stimulant treatment at ADHD Philadelphia generally follows a structured 30-day monitoring model.
Non-stimulant medication follow-up may sometimes occur at different intervals depending on:
Medication
Stage of treatment
Dose changes
Treatment response
Side effects
Clinical stability
Other medical or psychiatric considerations
For some adults receiving stable non-stimulant treatment, follow-up may eventually occur approximately every 30 to 90 days, depending on clinical circumstances.
All medication-management decisions remain individualized.
Do Non-Stimulants Require the Same Controlled-Substance Policy?
Non-stimulant ADHD medications are generally not managed under the same Schedule II controlled-substance framework as stimulant medications.
However, patients still need appropriate follow-up and medication monitoring.
If you are considering stimulant treatment, review the Adult ADHD Medication Management & Stimulant Treatment Policy.
That page explains ADHD Philadelphia's stimulant follow-up, controlled-substance monitoring, cannabis/THC policy, PDMP review, and other treatment expectations.
Non-Stimulant Treatment and Cannabis or THC
ADHD Philadelphia's requirement to abstain from cannabis and THC applies specifically to patients receiving stimulant treatment through the practice.
If you use cannabis or THC and are seeking ADHD treatment, discuss this openly during your evaluation.
The clinician can consider your current use, clinical history, treatment goals, potential medication interactions, and whether a non-stimulant or another treatment approach may be appropriate.
No medication choice is guaranteed solely because a patient uses or does not use cannabis.
Does Anxiety Mean I Need a Non-Stimulant?
Not necessarily.
Anxiety and ADHD frequently overlap.
Some adults have ADHD alone.
Some have anxiety alone.
Some have both.
The presence of anxiety does not automatically mean a stimulant or non-stimulant medication is the correct choice.
The evaluation should consider:
Which symptoms appeared first
When symptoms occur
Childhood history
Functional impairment
Sleep
Mood
Stress
Medication history
Other psychiatric symptoms
Read ADHD vs Anxiety: How Adults Can Tell the Difference.
Why Diagnosis Comes Before Medication Choice
Problems with focus and executive function can occur for many reasons.
Before selecting medication, an evaluation may consider:
ADHD
Anxiety
Depression
Bipolar disorder
Trauma-related conditions
Sleep problems
Chronic stress
Burnout
Substance use
Medication effects
Medical conditions
Other neurodevelopmental or psychiatric conditions
The goal is not simply to find a medication that improves concentration.
The goal is to determine what is actually contributing to the difficulty and select treatment accordingly.
Learn more about Adult ADHD Diagnosis in Pennsylvania and Delaware.
Beginning ADHD Treatment at ADHD Philadelphia
If you have not yet completed an evaluation through ADHD Philadelphia and you want both evaluation and possible ongoing treatment, begin with:
ADHD Evaluation + Ongoing Care
$300 total initial evaluation
$150 Initial ADHD Consultation
plus
$150 ADHD Testing & Results Appointment
This pathway is designed for adults who plan to establish ongoing ADHD treatment with ADHD Philadelphia when continued care is clinically appropriate.
Ongoing treatment and medication-management appointments are $150 each.
START ADHD EVALUATION + ONGOING CARE
ADHD Testing & Evaluation Only
ADHD Philadelphia also offers:
$500 Comprehensive Standalone Diagnostic Evaluation
This pathway is designed for adults who want comprehensive diagnostic evaluation but do not plan to establish ongoing ADHD treatment with ADHD Philadelphia at the time of the evaluation.
It is important to understand that a standalone ADHD diagnosis does not guarantee that a particular medication will later be prescribed.
Medication treatment requires a current clinical assessment of safety, medical history, psychiatric history, current medications, treatment goals, and other relevant factors.
For a complete explanation, visit the ADHD Philadelphia Patient Journey.
Non-Stimulant ADHD Treatment for Professionals
High-achieving professionals may seek medication treatment because ADHD symptoms are making success increasingly difficult to sustain.
Concerns may include:
Chronic procrastination
Administrative backlog
Difficulty prioritizing
Missed details
Time blindness
Email overload
Difficulty starting documentation
Long work hours
Repeated deadline emergencies
Working nights or weekends to catch up
Mental exhaustion from compensating
Medication may be one part of improving functioning, but treatment may also focus on better systems for planning, organization, time management, and follow-through.
Explore Adult ADHD Care for Professionals in Pennsylvania and Delaware.
Non-Stimulant ADHD Treatment in Philadelphia
Adults throughout Philadelphia can begin ADHD evaluation and treatment through secure telehealth while located in Pennsylvania.
Visit Adult ADHD Testing, Diagnosis & Treatment in Philadelphia, PA.
ADHD Philadelphia also maintains a nearby office at:
191 Presidential Blvd, Suite W-3
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
In-person appointments may be scheduled after the initial telehealth appointment when clinically appropriate.
There are no walk-in appointments.
Non-Stimulant ADHD Treatment on the Main Line
Adults in Bala Cynwyd, Ardmore, Bryn Mawr, Villanova, Wayne, Radnor, and surrounding communities can learn more at Adult ADHD Testing & Treatment on the Main Line, PA.
Adult ADHD Treatment Throughout Pennsylvania & Delaware
ADHD Philadelphia provides secure telehealth ADHD evaluation and treatment to eligible adults throughout Pennsylvania and Delaware.
The practice maintains offices in:
Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania
and
Milford, Delaware
Explore all ADHD Philadelphia Locations in Pennsylvania & Delaware.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are non-stimulant ADHD medications effective for adults?
They can be.
Response varies by medication and individual patient.
Atomoxetine and viloxazine extended-release are examples of non-stimulant medications used for adult ADHD.
Are non-stimulants controlled substances?
Common adult non-stimulant ADHD medications such as atomoxetine and viloxazine extended-release are not Schedule II stimulants.
They are therefore managed differently from controlled stimulant medications.
They still require appropriate medical follow-up.
Are non-stimulants safer than stimulants?
Not automatically.
Every medication has potential benefits, risks, side effects, interactions, and contraindications.
“Non-stimulant” should not be interpreted as “risk-free.”
The safer choice depends on the individual clinical situation.
Can I ask for a non-stimulant instead of a stimulant?
Yes.
Your preferences are part of treatment planning.
You can discuss whether a non-stimulant approach is appropriate for you during your evaluation or medication-management appointment.
Does anxiety mean I cannot take stimulant medication?
No.
Anxiety does not automatically determine which ADHD medication is appropriate.
Treatment should be based on the complete clinical picture.
Can non-stimulants help if stimulant medication did not work?
Possibly.
A non-stimulant may be considered after inadequate response, unacceptable side effects, or difficulty tolerating stimulant treatment.
How long do non-stimulants take to work?
The timeline varies by medication and person.
Some non-stimulants may require a more gradual assessment period than stimulant medication.
Your clinician will discuss what timeline is appropriate for the medication being used.
How much are medication-management appointments?
Ongoing ADHD treatment and medication-management appointments are $150 each.
Can non-stimulant medication be managed through telehealth?
Yes, ADHD Philadelphia provides telehealth ADHD treatment throughout Pennsylvania and Delaware when clinically appropriate.
In-person evaluation may still be requested when clinically necessary.
Ready to Discuss Adult ADHD Treatment?
You do not need to decide by yourself whether a stimulant, non-stimulant, behavioral strategy, therapy approach, or combination is best.
That decision should follow an appropriate evaluation and individualized treatment discussion.
BOOK AN ADULT ADHD APPOINTMENT
Related Adult ADHD Resources
Adult ADHD Treatment & Medication Management
Adult ADHD Medication Management & Stimulant Treatment Policy
Adult ADHD Evaluation, Testing & Treatment FAQs
ADHD Philadelphia Patient Journey
Adult ADHD Testing & Evaluation
Executive Function in Adults With ADHD
Adult ADHD Care for Professionals
Medical Information Notice
This page is for general educational purposes and does not replace individualized medical or psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment.
Medication recommendations depend on diagnosis, medical and psychiatric history, current medications, potential interactions, risks, side effects, previous treatment response, and clinical appropriateness.
Do not start, stop, increase, decrease, or otherwise change medication without discussing the change with your prescribing clinician.
If you experience a medical or psychiatric emergency, seek appropriate emergency care.
Author & Clinical Review
Charles Thornton, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
ADHD Philadelphia
Adult ADHD evaluation, diagnosis, treatment planning, medication management, and executive-function-focused care throughout Pennsylvania and Delaware.
Clinically reviewed: September 15, 2026
Clinical References & Further Reading
National Institute of Mental Health — ADHD in Adults: 4 Things to Know
NICE — Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Diagnosis and Management