# How do non-stimulants differ from stimulants?

- URL: https://numo.ai/community/ml5wj1l/how-do-non-stimulants-differ-from-stimulants
- Language: en
- Author: @mayannaise
- Posted: 2025-07-28T08:16:44.391Z
- Tag: question
- Comments: 4
- Likes: 6

I take acetazolomide for IIH, which reduces pressure in my brain and around optic nerve, however I take methylphenidate; which is a stimulant which doctors say have been increasing pressure in brain and around optic nerve so, right now, im not taking any medication for adhd but Im being prescribed atomoxetine which is a non stimulant; ive been told it takes longer to kick in, but also that it has no effects on dopamine so I’m worried about that as well, so if anyone has first hand experience in taking non-stimulants or a similar situation to mine where they have had to switch, id love some advice !!

## Comments (2)

### @theadhdmom — 2025-08-13T15:52:09.445Z

Atomoxetine works on dopamine too, but in an indirect way if I understand correctly. It works on norepinephrine that precedes dopamine and noradrenaline.

![](https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/mindist-well.appspot.com/o/postCommentsAssets%2Fml5wj1l%2FGDXO7jGmc4lj92xo5dpk.jpg?alt=media&token=408a6119-a8a7-41e3-b44b-b6743dd5925f)

*1 like*

#### @mayannaise — 2025-08-19T11:04:10.662Z

No way thank you so much I’m gonna do a deep dive

### @ CarlowCan — 2025-08-11T01:32:43.165Z

(Not an answer) but I take methylphenidate too and all I’ve been told is the it raises your heart rate and isn’t ideal for later in life especially for those with heart issues

*1 like*

#### @mayannaise — 2025-08-19T11:04:57.473Z

Ah yes i was told this too! They may have mentioned pressure to me as mine is already raised, not sure!