Episode 6: Beyond Stimulants Understanding Atomoxetine, Guanfacine and Clonidine

Stimulant medicines like methylphenidate and Vyvanse often dominate conversations about ADHD, but they’re only part of the story.

In this episode of Prescribe or Pass: The PoP Pod, we take a deep dive into the three main non-stimulant medicines used to treat ADHD: atomoxetine, guanfacine and clonidine.

You’ll learn how these medicines work, why they’re prescribed, who they’re best suited for, and why they shouldn’t simply be thought of as “second-line” treatments. We explore the fascinating neuroscience behind alpha-2 adrenergic agonists, why atomoxetine takes weeks to reach its full effect, how guanfacine helps the brain’s executive networks function more efficiently, and why clonidine can improve ADHD symptoms while also causing drowsiness.

We also discuss:

• When non-stimulants may be preferred over stimulants
• Common side effects and counselling points
• Monitoring blood pressure, heart rate and mood
• Combination therapy with stimulant medicines
• Practical expectations for patients and families

As always, we finish with reflective CPD questions to help translate today’s learning into clinical practice.

Prescribe or Pass: The PoP Pod is an independent clinical education podcast designed for pharmacists, pharmacy students and other healthcare professionals.