The First Liquid Amphetamine for ADHD: Broadening the Menu of Choices for Treating Attention Deficit
PrintPosted on April 21, 2016
Tris Pharma announced on April 19, 2016, that it was releasing a new liquid ADHD medication, known as Dyanavel XR, for the treatment of attention deficit in patients ages six and above. The long-acting formulation is suitable for families seeking once-daily doses, the company said in a press release — particularly for young children who struggle to swallow pills.
The medication, the first liquid amphetamine used for the treatment of ADHD, was approved by the FDA in October 2015. Another liquid ADHD medication, Quillivant XR, is a methylphenidate-based med. Amphetamines and methylphenidates work in similar ways, but each patient reacts differently to stimulants and may need to try several formulations before finding the right fit.
“Tris Pharma remains committed to bringing age-appropriate formulations to market to address unmet medical needs for pediatric patients," said Ketan Mehta, president and CEO of Tris Pharma, in a statement.
Dyanavel XR was tested in a laboratory classroom setting, a common study setup that allows researchers to observe students in mock school environments that closely mimic their day-to-day experiences. In children between the ages of six and 12, Dyanavel XR “was shown to improve attention and behavior, and helped decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity," said Ann Childress, M.D., lead investigator of the study and president of the Center for Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Las Vegas.
Dyanavel XR showed statistically significant benefits against ADHD symptoms compared to a placebo, starting at one hour after dosing and lasting until 13 hours later. Side effects — decreased appetite, dry mouth, and trouble sleeping — were generally similar to those of other stimulant medications, and included a slight risk of nosebleeds, stuffiness, and upper abdominal pain. Tris Pharma advises that patients avoid drinking alcohol while taking Dyanavel XR.
As for all stimulant medications, children or adults with preexisting heart conditions or high blood pressure should approach Dyanavel XR with caution. Before starting any new stimulant medication, patients should discuss their heart health with their doctor, and doctors should carefully monitor heart rate and blood pressure during checkups — particularly during the dosing period.
Doses of Dyanavel XR start at 2.5 or 5 mg. per day, and can be adjusted by 2.5 mg. every four to seven days, until the maximum dose of 20 mg. per day is reached.
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