Authors' recommendations: Findings from available evidence showed a reduction in ADHD symptoms from baseline values for patients receiving either venlafaxine or placebo but the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant, despite a larger number of patients on venlafaxine who met treatment response criteria. The efficacy of modafinil in reducing ADHD symptoms is not significantly different than d-amphetamine, and the superiority of modafinil over placebo is not consistent across trials. There was no evidence on the clinical effectiveness of TCAs and clonidine in the treatment of adults with ADHD. Limited and short-term evidence caution the interpretation of the findings. Randomized controlled studies with extended follow-up periods are needed to confirm the lasting beneficial effects of non-stimulants in the long term and to guide treatment decisions.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2013

URL for published report: http://www.cadth.ca/media/pdf/htis/apr-2013/RC0440%20Non-stimulant%20and%20modafinil%20therapy%20for%20ADHD%20final.pdf

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health

Contact Address: 600-865 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 5S8 Canada. Tel: +1 613 226 2553; Fax: +1 613 226 5392;

Contact Name: requests@cadth.ca

Contact Email: requests@cadth.ca

Copyright: Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH)