Published on 05/30/2022 at 10:09 p.m.,
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It is the first non-stimulant medication approved for the treatment of ADHD in adults in 20 years. Dubbed Qelbree for its trade name, the viloxazine molecule is available in the form of sustained-release capsules. It is taken once a day.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder, which causes hyperactivity and inattention. Other symptoms are impulsiveness, restlessness and difficulty following instructions. So many disorders that can persist into adulthood, to varying degrees. According to US health authorities, 11 million people suffer from this disorder in the United States.
A sustained-release drug
As part of ADHD, those affected may suffer from anxiety and anxiety, which disrupts their daily lives. They are usually followed in therapy by a psychiatrist and take different types of drugs, including amphetamines or antidepressants.
For this drug approved by the FDA, the Qelbree, the interest lies in its prolonged release. Patients can thus feel its effects throughout the day, so it is taken once a day.
Authorized in children since 2021
The Qelbree molecule, viloxazine is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, a cerebral neurotransmitter. This class of drug blocks the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine in the synapse, increasing post-synaptic receptor stimulation, to improve attention in these patients. In 2021, Qelbree was cleared by the FDA for children ages 6 to 17.
This molecule has been sold for many years in Europe to treat major depressive episodes (under the name of Vivalan), but has never been approved for this indication by the FDA. It had also been withdrawn from the world market in 2005.
Improvement of symptoms
According to the results of the clinical study conducted by the manufacturer, Qelbree would be effective in patients who took it. It is manifested by a reduction in their symptoms, after six weeks of treatment.
According to the laboratory producing this molecule, Supernus pharmaceutical, “participants who took Qelbree saw a 41% decrease in symptoms while those who took a placebo saw a 32% reduction”. Side effects are insomnia, headaches, fatigue and nausea. Supernus Pharmaceutical President Jack Khattar considers himself “proud to bring a new non-stimulating adult option to market after two decades“.
Viloxazine is the second selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor to be approved in the United States to treat ADHD. In 2002, atomoxetine was approved.