The Food and Drug Administration approved a drug to treat ADHD in children for the first time in more than a decade, reports the AP.
Why does it matter: The drug, Qelbree, is not a controlled or stimulating substance, which means that it is more difficult to abuse than drugs already on the market.
What they are saying: Experts say the drug presents an opportunity for parents who want to avoid giving their children stimulants and as a better option for children with substance abuse problems, by AP.
- In the final stage study of Supernus, the symptoms of hyperactivity and inattention in 477 children aged 6-11 years were reduced by about 50% compared to the placebo group. Lethargy, headaches and decreased appetite were common side effects.
- Qelbree “can increase suicidal thoughts and actions in some children with ADHD, especially in the first few months of treatment or when the dose is changed,” Supernus Pharmaceuticals, the maker of the drug, said in a press release on Friday .