The short-acting formulation of mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall, and generics) FDA-approved for treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, is currently in short supply in the US. Until an adequate supply is restored, patients may be looking for alternatives.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder that has been diagnosed in up to 10% of school-age children in the US and frequently persists into adulthood. A study in a large Danish cohort found that ADHD was associated with higher mortality rates in children, adolescents, and adults, mainly due to accidents. Pharmacologic treatment of ADHD in children has been reported to decrease the risk of substance abuse in adolescents, and use of ADHD medications in adults has been associated with a reduced risk of serious traffic accidents and criminal behavior.4-6 Drugs approved by the FDA for treatment of ADHD are listed in Table 1.

The FDA has approved a once-daily, extended-release chewable tablet formulation of methylphenidate (QuilliChew ER – Pfizer) for treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is the first long-acting chewable formulation of the drug to be marketed in the US. Immediate-release chewable methylphenidate tablets (Methylin, and generics) have been available since 2003.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disruptive behavior disorder that has been diagnosed in up to 10% of school-age children in the US, most often in boys, and frequently persists into adulthood. A recent study in a large Danish cohort found that ADHD was associated with increased mortality in children, adolescents, and adults, mainly due to accidents. Pharmacologic treatment of ADHD has been reported to lower the risk of serious traffic accidents and criminal behavior.

The FDA has approved a once-daily, extended-release oral suspension of methylphenidate (Quillivant XR – Pfizer) for treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is the first liquid formulation of the drug to be marketed for once-daily use. A short-acting oral solution (Methylin, and generics) has been available since 2003.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disruptive behavior disorder that occurs in about 5% of school-age children, most often in boys, and frequently persists into young adulthood.

Short-acting methylphenidate (MPH) is effective for treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but its 3-5 hour duration of action usually requires mid-day dosing in school, which children may find disruptive or stigmatizing.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disruptive behavior disorder that occurs in 5-7% of school-age children and has also been estimated to occur in about 4% of adults. ADHD is characterized by a persistent pattern of frequent, severe inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity that starts before the age of 7, is present in 2 or more settings (such as home and school), causes significant impairment in function, and is not caused by another mental disorder. The drugs approved for treatment of ADHD by the FDA are listed in this article. Except for atomoxetine, they are all stimulants and are classified as controlled substances by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin - Novartis), a new formulation of methylphenidate (Ritalin, and others) is now available for treatment of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Dexmethylphenidate is the d-threo-enantiomer of racemic methylphenidate. "Now the right half may be all your patients need," said a recent ad. Focalin is the third new methylphenidate formulation marketed in the last two years.

Methylphenidate (Ritalin, and others) is now available in a new extended-release formulation (Concerta--Alza) for treatment of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).