Adzenys for ADHD
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Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine) is a prescription medication that is FDA approved for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in pediatric patients aged 6 years and older and in adults. Adzenys XR-ODT is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that contains amphetamine, which works by increasing the activity of certain chemicals in the brain to help improve attention and decrease impulsiveness and hyperactivity.
Chemically, Adzenys medication is bio-equivalent to Adderall XR, but delivered via a microparticle technology in an orally disintegrating tablet, rather than a capsule. Adzenys uses this microparticle technology to provide symptom relief throughout the day, and usually lasts 8-12 hours just as Adderall-XR does. It should be taken in the AM with or after breakfast (so we don't have too much weight loss, as these meds impair appetite). Extended-release is the preferred version for managing ADHD, due to the medication staying more constant in the system. having less side effects, and significantly less of an impact once the medication wears off.
Adzenys XR-ODT is the first extended release orally disintegrating tablet for the treatment of ADHD. That’s right. The researchers and scientists at our small company were the first to figure it out.
Adzenys is quite unique. Each tablet is made up of thousands of tiny microparticles. Half of the microparticles are immediate release. The other half are extended release microparticles. Together, in just one dose, the medication is released throughout the day – in the morning and afternoon. Adzenys XR-ODT – the difference is in the delivery. The medication is brand name, and not generic. With their special saving program, with any commercial insurance, the cost is an absolute max of $50 (even if denied entirely by insurance) and it is shipped directly to you for free. We will send you another writeup below this that explains why we use Marple Pharmacy we use, and the process that takes place after we send them an order for this medication.
It works, as do all stimulants, by increasing norepinephrine and especially dopamine actions by blocking their reuptake and facilitating their release ; Enhancement of dopamine and norepinephrine actions in certain brain regions (e.g., dorsolateral prefrontal cortex) may improve attention, concentration, executive function, and wakefulness ; Enhancement of dopamine actions in other brain regions (e.g., basal ganglia) may improve hyperactivity ; and Enhancement of dopamine and norepinephrine in yet other brain regions (e.g., medial prefrontal cortex, hypothalamus) may improve depression, fatigue, and sleepiness
It's dosing range is different from Adderall XR - because it does not contain the amphetamine "salts" or fillers. So the equivalent doses of Adzenys are slightly lower in number, although have the same exact onset, peak, and duration as Adderall XR in corresponding doses. Adderall XR ranges between 5mg and 60mg per day, once per day. Adzenys ranges from 3.1 mg (equal to Adderall XR 5mg) once in the morning; to a maximum dose 18.8 mg/day (equal to Adderall XR 30mg). There are equal doses to Adderall XR in every 5mg increment and the medication still contains the exact same ratio of both d- and l- amphetamine found in Adderall-XR.
One of the other nice things about Adzenys is that for those who have trouble swallowing pills or capsules, you can allow this to dissolve in the mouth. This process happens quickly, and no water is needed.
Here is more information on what to watch for when taking stimulants:
Note: If there is a history of cardiac problems such as sudden cardiac death or arrhythmias in the immediate family (parents, siblings), please get an EKG prior to starting stimulants. Stimulants are thought to be safe on the heart but, like drinking high amounts of caffeine, stimulants can be problematic for people who have a family history of severe cardiac issues.
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD & impulse control disorders. The reason for this is that they are SO effective and they tend to be reasonably well tolerated. They have one of the highest effective sizes for any treatment in general, at approximately 0.9, which is very significant. Most antidepressants have an effect size of 0.2-0.3.
That said, they have side effects to watch for. Here are the big 5 that we really want to watch for, followed by other issues to consider in general:
- Appetite suppression (with weight loss eventually)
- Irritability (either when on the med or, more likely, when it wears off)
- Anxiety while on the medication (just as caffeine makes some people more anxious) *while we see most individuals anxiety improve on this class*
- Insomnia *while we see many improve in this area as well*
- Tics -- motor and/or verbal tics, which tend to be more of an issue in boys under the age of 10
The other potential side effects for all stimulants are:
- Gi upset
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Higher heart rate
- Higher blood pressure
Very rare side effects
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Cardiac arrhythmias
