A New Type of ADHD Rx

Lots of kids have trouble swallowing pills. And lots of kids have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). For kids who fall into both groups, there may be a new treatment option.

That option is Adzenys XR-ODT. This new drug is the first ADHD treatment that can both dissolve in the mouth and deliver the drug in an even dose over a span of several hours (extended release). The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved this drug Jan. 28 for patients 6 and older.

“The novel features of an extended-release orally disintegrating tablet, which is dosed once daily and disintegrates in the mouth, make Adzenys XR-ODT attractive for use in both children (six years and older) and adults,” said Dr. Alice Mao, medical director of Memorial Park Psychiatry in Houston, TX, in a press release from Neos Therapeutics, the drug manufacturer.

ADHD is a disorder most often found in children and marked by symptoms like impulsive behaviors, hyperactivity and inattentiveness. According to the press release, this disorder affects an estimated 5 percent of kids in the US, as well as 2.5 percent of US adults.

ADHD is often treated with a stimulant medication, such as Adderall. Adzenys XR-ODT gained FDA approval after a clinical program found that it was bioequivalent to the extended release version of Adderall, Adderall XR.

Side effects and adverse reactions of stimulants like Adzenys XR-ODT include increased blood pressure and heart rate, lost appetite, trouble sleeping, nausea, vomiting and potentially deadly cardiovascular reactions in those with existing heart issues, among other problems.