Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (NRIs)

Name: Sulfonamide-derived drugs (non-antibacterial)
Creator: Jason Cafer, MD

Selective NET blockade without meaningful serotonin or dopamine transporter action: atomoxetine and viloxazine
Non-stimulant ADHD drugs — no DAT occupancy, so no reinforcement and no controlled-substance schedule
Benefit builds over weeks rather than within the first dose, the practical difference from a stimulant
Atomoxetine is a CYP2D6 substrate; viloxazine is a strong CYP1A2 inhibitor
Sympathomimetic load — heart rate, blood pressure, appetite, insomnia — and the antidepressant-class suicidality warning

Class at a glance

Selective NET blockade without meaningful serotonin or dopamine transporter action: atomoxetine and viloxazine
Non-stimulant ADHD drugs — no DAT occupancy, so no reinforcement and no controlled-substance schedule

Benefit builds over weeks rather than within the first dose, the practical difference from a stimulant
Atomoxetine is a CYP2D6 substrate; viloxazine is a strong CYP1A2 inhibitor

Sympathomimetic load — heart rate, blood pressure, appetite, insomnia — and the antidepressant-class suicidality warning

Why is atomoxetine not a controlled substance when methylphenidate is?
It blocks NET, not DAT — no dopamine transporter occupancy, so no reinforcement.