Is ADHD Treatment Possible Without Stimulants? Analysis of Clonidine and Guanfacine

Is ADHD Treatment Possible Without Stimulants? Analysis of Clonidine and Guanfacine

What if ADHD could be managed without traditional stimulants? In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and Dr. Manu Bhatnagar dive deep into the fascinating world of ADHD non-stimulant treatments—including lesser-known but powerful options like clonidine, guanfacine, and melatonin.

How do these medications work? Why might some patients respond better to them? And what does sleep—and even light—have to do with it all?

Explore how neurobiology, lifestyle, and even your circadian rhythm could be the hidden keys to managing ADHD. Whether you're a healthcare professional or someone navigating ADHD yourself, this episode offers unexpected insights and practical takeaways you won't want to miss.

Key Highlights:

- The surprising roles of clonidine, guanfacine, and melatonin in treating ADHD symptoms.
- How sleep disturbances and delayed circadian rhythms can amplify ADHD—and how to fix them.
- The deeper link between substance use, lifestyle choices, and ADHD outcomes.
= Actionable strategies for building a personalized, stimulant-free treatment approach.

Learning Takeaways:

Clonidine & Guanfacine Unpacked:
Understand how these medications—originally used for blood pressure—are transforming ADHD care, especially when stimulants aren’t an option.

Sleep: The Missing Link:
Discover how optimizing sleep can dramatically improve ADHD symptoms. Learn about melatonin, light therapy, and how to reset the ADHD brain’s sleep clock.

Real-World Tips:

Use non-stimulants like clonidine or guanfacine for patients with poor stimulant response or sleep issues.
Combine meds with morning light exposure, sleep hygiene, and lifestyle tweaks for best results.

Quote to Remember:
"Abstinence in and of itself can be one treatment for ADHD." – Dr. Manu Bhatnagar

[Rwizzard]

I am way too far away from Australia but just so you know such information is very helpful. It is a shame that many adhd patients are not told about the insomnia/dysfunctional sleep is a symptom of adhd and a common side effect of the stimulant. It’s also mind blowing to see only Australian doctors are comfortable in and familiar with prescribing clonidine in these cases

[pattiekx]

Thank you for posting! Just started taking Clonidine this week for ADHD issues with executive function. I’m currently correcting my sleep fm getting off Klonipin. Taking magnesium glycinate but still wake up several times during the night even when I add the melatonin. When I go to sleep earlier, I wake up more often. What about CBD for sleep? Ty! 😊🙏

[nenadcubric]

Is ED more common with Atomoxetine or Clonidine?

[silas]

Is there a risk of creating hypertension in patients through long term use of Clonidine?
I have heard from an ICU Psyc that they encountered patients with BP 180/100 but once medical history was acquired and Clonidine added back in it would resolve. These appear to be patients without hypertension history.