A new drug targeted for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is launched in the U.S. this month. However, many are concerned that it will spawn addiction problems.
ADHD Medication Available In Chewable Form
According to Vice, the FDA has approved Adzenys XR-ODT last January for children with ADHD. The medication is for ADHD patients 6 years and older. Adzenys is already available for prescription.
Per PsychCentral, Adzenys is a flavored amphetamine tablet. It is round orange and comes in a blister pack just like chewable candies. This medication is produced for children, so they can take the medication easily without discomfort.
Some of the associated side effects of the new ADHD medication include stomachaches, loss of appetite, insomnia and weight loss. However, aside from these side effects, the new drug causes a concern to some psychiatrists.
Some Psychiatrists Concern With Adzenys Potential For Addiction
The new ADHD medication, Adzenys has 3 to 1 ratio of d- to l-amphetamine, a central nervous system stimulant. Per Vice, amphetamine is similar to Adderall and it is almost identical to meth. Thus, there's a risk of abuse and addiction.
Dr. Mukund Gnanadesikan told Stat that this convenient pack of chewable medication is a "recipe for people to request it and then sell it." He added, "I'm not a big fan of controlled substances that come in forms that can be easily abused - and certainly a chewable drug falls into that category,"
"There's nothing revolutionary about this drug," Dr. Ben Beirmann, assistant professor of psychiatry at University of Michigan's C.S.Mott Children's Hospital said. "It's simply another delivery mechanism for a medication that already exists and has widespread use."
Despite some psychiatrists' complain, the majority are supportive of the new medication. In fact, CEO Vipin Gard admitted that they are launching Adzenys now at full speed, ahead of the back-to-school season.
Do you think Adzenys can lead to addiction? Is the new medication a threat? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
