Alpha agonists are non-stimulant drugs and in this case, mostly refer to clonidine and guanfacine. They can be used off-label to treat some of the symptoms of ADHD. Most frequently, they're used for RSD as they're the only medication that is said to help it (about 1/3 of the population will have symptom reduction with either one drug or the other - and the last 1/3 won't see a reduction in RSD symptoms at all). It also can introduce a greater sense of calm and make it easier to sleep. These medications can be used together with stimulants. I typically seen them most commonly prescribed by ADHD specialists who know more about the variety of treatment paths for ADHD, less commonly by GPs.

[–] WalterLatrans@yiffit.net 8 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Having recently been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult I didn't know what RSD was and had to look it up. Oh goodie another ADHD related problem it looks like I probably have, I'll have to mention this at my next session and see what they say. Thanks for the heads up.

[–] MystikIncarnate@lemmy.ca 1 points 1 year ago

Best of luck, fellow neurodivergent.

[–] MadgePickles@lemmy.dbzer0.com 4 points 1 year ago

To add and clarify: at least in the case of guanfacine - originally created as a blood pressure medication, it is however approved by the FDA for use as an ADHD medication. "Off-label" suggests otherwise to me so I wanted to mention that

[–] JiveTurkey@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago

For others like myself. Rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) is when you experience severe emotional pain because of a failure or feeling rejected. This condition is linked to ADHD and experts suspect it happens due to differences in brain structure.

[–] astropenguin5@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago

Thanks! I was just about to ask what the hell an alpha agonist was.