ADD/ADHD Innovations in Treatment

News from the Front: ADD/ADHD Treatment Options Grow

As you know, I do my best to remain informed with both sides of the provider fence: Traditional Psychopharmacology and Systems Medicine.

-Just back from a very interesting weekend [the reason for delay in posts for this past week] of faculty training on the new ADD prodrug, Vyvanse coming out this summer. We know that problems exist with meds, that's why I am writing here about them. And, on the side of reasonable inquiry, we also know that these meds dramatically change lives if they are used correctly. Emphasis here is: correctly.

Can we be affirmative without “selling?” Of course. Then what is so interesting about this particular ADD medication?

Vyvanse is a prodrug. It is a stimulant [still Schedule 2] that is not a stimulant, not exactly.

A prodrug becomes a drug [becomes active] after is is broken down in the body. As Dr Frank Pratt suggested, it's like a ballpoint pen with a cover. Can't write with the cover on. Take the cover off and it works. Said another way:

“The use of a prodrug strategy increases the selectivity of the drug for its intended target.”

Wikipedia

1. It is enzymatically broken down and has a more consistent release across a wide variety of individuals. And perhaps more importantly:
2. It just doesn't make you high, and drug users who tested it for getting high with their own response through, get this, “liking scores.” – found it no fun. They didn't like it.
3. It appears to last longer than Adderall XR, and does not appear to have an amphetamine buzz on any level.
4. It has a statistical effect size {efficacy rating] higher than any product out there.
5. It lasts 12 hrs.

This product is a novel, safer way of providing an innovative solution to many of the issues present with the current ADD/ADHD meds, both in duration, and abuse potential. Studies for adult use underway, the FDA has approved it for children.

My prediction: It will change the way we treat ADD/ADHD disorders, and will diminish by several orders of magnitude the pervasive negative stigma for ADD/ADHD disorder that still exists in the country today.

Stay tuned. Any comments?