About ADHD and how to treat it

About ADHD

ADHD is one of the most common developmental disorders. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. It is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that can interfere with daily activities and relationships.1

People with ADHD experience an ongoing pattern of the following types of symptoms:1

  • Inattention—having difficulty paying attention
  • Hyperactivity—having too much energy or moving and talking too much
  • Impulsivity—acting without thinking or having difficulty with self-control

Some people with ADHD mainly have symptoms of inattention. Others mostly have symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity. Some people have both types of symptoms.1

There is no single test to diagnose ADHD, and many other problems, like anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and certain types of learning disabilities, can have similar symptoms. Because of this, a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is necessary to determine the cause of the symptoms.1

Currently available treatments may reduce symptoms and improve functioning in ADHD patients. Treatments include medication, psychotherapy, education or training, or a combination of treatments.1

There are many treatment options, and what works best can depend on the individual. It is recommended that patients work with healthcare providers, therapists, teachers, coaches, and other family members to find the best treatment plan.1

Read about Tris Pharma treatments for ADHD, including Quillivant XR® (methylphenidate HCl), QuilliChew ER® (methylphenidate HCl), DYANAVEL® XR (amphetamine) liquid, and DYANAVEL® XR (amphetamine) tablet.

Recent studies link genetic factors with ADHD. Scientists are studying cause(s) and risk factors in an effort to find better ways to manage and reduce the chances of a person having ADHD. The cause(s) and risk factors for ADHD are unknown, but current research shows that genetics plays an important role. In addition to genetics, scientists are studying other possible causes and risk factors.1

ADHD treatment

In most cases, ADHD is treated with a combination of behavior therapy and medication. Treatment plans will include close monitoring, follow-ups, and making changes, if needed, along the way. It is important to talk to your doctor and communicate any questions or concerns you may have.1

FDA-approved medications for the treatment of ADHD include stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulant ADHD treatments fall into the category of methylphenidate or amphetamine. A healthcare prescriber’s decision to prescribe either a methylphenidate like Quillivant XR® (methylphenidate HCl) or QuilliChew ER® (methylphenidate HCl) or an amphetamine like DYANAVEL® XR (amphetamine) liquid or DYANAVEL® XR (amphetamine) tablet ultimately depends on a few key factors:

  • The patient’s individual needs
  • Prior experience with methylphenidates or amphetamines
  • Health conditions the patient may have or other medications the patient may be taking

Methylphenidate and amphetamine are both stimulant medications that are often used in the treatment of ADHD. Although both types of stimulants have similar efficacy, some patients may respond to or tolerate one or the other better.2

It is important to work with your healthcare provider to find the medication that works best for you or for your child.

Besides stimulants, like methylphenidates and amphetamines, non-stimulants are also used to treat ADHD. Non-stimulants may be prescribed to a patient when stimulant medications have either not been effective or have been shown to cause unwanted side effects for the patient. Doctors may treat other conditions you have, like anxiety and depression, as well.1

Treatments for ADHD may include medication, therapy and other behavioral treatments, or a combination of methods. ADHD education, skills training and parent training, and school accommodations can all play an important role in an ADHD treatment plan. While a combination of medication and behavior therapy is typically recommended, doctors and patients can work together to find the best treatment plan and determine whether medication is necessary to manage ADHD symptoms.1

Tris ADHD Resources

Access ADHD resources

Find helpful resources and links containing information about ADHD, ADHD support programs, Tris Pharma products, and access to medications and savings.

Did you know that you may be able to save on your or your child’s ADHD medication?*

DYANAVEL XR Tablet
DYANAVEL XR Tablet Savings Card Example
OR
Quillivant XRQuilliChew ER
DYANAVEL XR Liquid
DYANAVEL XR Liquid, Quillivant XR, QuilliChew ER Tris Pharma ADHD Copay Savings Card
Or text TRIS to TRIS4U (874748) for a Mobile Savings Card

* Co-pay offer is subject to eligibility. Terms and Conditions apply

Mobile Terms and Conditions available at coupon.trisadhd.com/terms. Message and Data rates may apply.

References: 1. US Department of Health and Human Services. National Institutes of Health. Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Teens: What you need to know. NIH Publication No. 21-MH-8159. 2021. 2. Faraone SV. The pharmacology of amphetamine and methylphenidate: Relevance to the neurobiology of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and other psychiatric comorbidities. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2018 Apr;87:255-270.

Important Safety Information & Approved Use

DYANAVEL® XR (amphetamine), Quillivant XR® (methylphenidate HCI), and QuilliChew ER® (methylphenidate HCI) are federally controlled substances (CII) because they can be a target for people who abuse prescription medicines or street drugs. DYANAVEL XR, Quillivant XR, and QuilliChew ER have a high chance for abuse and misuse and may lead to substance use problems, including addiction. Keep these medicines in a safe place to prevent abuse and misuse. Selling or giving away these medicines may harm others and is against the law. Your healthcare provider should check you or your child’s risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction before starting treatment with DYANAVEL XR, Quillivant XR, and QuilliChew ER and will monitor you or your child during treatment. Tell your physician if you, your child, or any family members have ever abused or been dependent on alcohol, prescription medicines, or street drugs.

See Additional Important Safety Information.

Important Safety Information & Approved Use

DYANAVEL® XR (amphetamine), Quillivant XR® (methylphenidate HCl), and QuilliChew ER® (methylphenidate HCl) are federally controlled substances (CII) because they can be a target for people who abuse prescription medicines or street drugs. DYANAVEL XR, Quillivant XR, and QuilliChew ER have a high chance for abuse and misuse and may lead to substance use problems, including addiction. Keep these medicines in a safe place to prevent abuse and misuse. Selling or giving away these medicines may harm others and is against the law.

Your healthcare provider should check you or your child’s risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction before starting treatment with DYANAVEL XR, Quillivant XR, and QuilliChew ER and will monitor you or your child during treatment. Tell your physician if you, your child, or any family members have ever abused or been dependent on alcohol, prescription medicines, or street drugs.

DYANAVEL XR, or Quillivant XR and QuilliChew ER, should not be taken if you or your child are allergic to amphetamine or methylphenidate hydrochloride, respectively, or any of the ingredients in these medicines, or are taking or have taken within the past 14 days an anti-depression medicine called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor or MAOI including the antibiotic linezolid and the intravenous medicine methylene blue.

DYANAVEL XR, Quillivant XR, and QuilliChew ER can cause serious side effects. Tell the doctor:

  • if you or your child have heart problems, heart defects, high blood pressure, or a family history of these problems. This is important because sudden death has occurred in children 6 to 17 years old with heart problems or defects, and sudden death, stroke, and heart attack have happened in adults. Your doctor should check you or your child carefully for heart problems before starting any of these medicines. Call the doctor right away if you or your child have any signs of heart problems such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting while taking any of these medicines.
  • Since increases in blood pressure and heart rate may occur, the doctor should regularly check these during treatment.
  • if you or your child have mental problems, or a family history of suicide, bipolar illness, or depression. This is important because new or worsening behavior and thought problems or bipolar illness may occur. New symptoms such as seeing or hearing things that are not real, believing things that are not true, being suspicious, or having new manic symptoms may occur. Call the doctor right away if there are any new or worsening mental symptoms during treatment.
  • if you or your child have circulation problems in fingers and toes (called peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud’s phenomenon). Fingers or toes may feel numb, cool, painful, sensitive to temperature, and/or change color from pale, to blue, to red. Call the doctor right away if any signs of unexplained wounds appear on fingers or toes while taking DYANAVEL XR, Quillivant XR, or QuilliChew ER.
  • if your child is having slowing of growth (height and weight); Your child should have his or her height and weight checked often while taking DYANAVEL XR, Quillivant XR, or QuilliChew ER.
  • New or worsening tics or worsening Tourette’s syndrome. Tell your healthcare provider if you or your child get any new or worsening tics or worsening Tourette’s syndrome during treatment.
  • There have been cases of increased eye pressure and acute angle closure glaucoma, an emergency that results from a rapid increase in your eye pressure with Quillivant XR and QuilliChew ER. Call your healthcare provider right away if you or your child develop changes in your vision or eye pain, swelling, or redness.
  • if you or your child develop painful and prolonged erections (priapism), seek medical help right away. Priapism has occurred with methylphenidate (Quillivant XR and QuilliChew ER). Because priapism can cause long-lasting damage, it should be checked by a doctor right away.
  • if you or your child have symptoms of serotonin syndrome - agitation, hallucinations, coma, or other changes in mental status; fast heartbeat; sweating or fever; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; high or low blood pressure; problems controlling movements or muscle twitching; muscle stiffness or tightness. Serotonin syndrome may occur when DYANAVEL XR is taken with certain other medicines and may be life-threatening. Stop DYANAVEL XR and call your doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
  • if you or your child have phenylketonuria (PKU). QuilliChew ER contains phenylalanine as part of the artificial sweetener, aspartame. The artificial sweetener may be harmful to people with PKU or who are allergic to phenylalanine.
  • if you or your child are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if DYANAVEL XR, Quillivant XR, or QuilliChew ER will harm your unborn baby. There is a pregnancy registry for females who are exposed to DYANAVEL XR, Quillivant XR, or QuilliChew ER during pregnancy. The purpose of the registry is to collect information about the health of females exposed to DYANAVEL XR, Quillivant XR, or QuilliChew ER and their baby. If you or your child becomes pregnant during treatment with DYANAVEL XR, Quillivant XR, or QuilliChew ER, talk to your healthcare provider about registering with the National Pregnancy Registry for Psychostimulants at 1-866-961-2388 or visit https://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregistry/othermedications/.
  • You and your child should not breastfeed while you are taking DYANAVEL XR. You and your healthcare provider should decide if you will take Quillivant XR or QuilliChew ER or breastfeed.

Common side effects of amphetamine products include:

  • dry mouth
  • nausea
  • extreme mood changes
  • decreased appetite
  • trouble sleeping
  • dizziness
  • weight loss
  • restlessness
  • increased heart rate
  • stomach pain

Common side effects of methylphenidate products inlude:

  • decreased appetite
  • stomach pain
  • irritability
  • trouble sleeping
  • weight loss
  • mood swings
  • nausea
  • anxiety
  • fast heart beat
  • vomiting
  • dizziness
  • increased blood pressure
  • indigestion

Talk to your doctor if you or your child have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking DYANAVEL XR, Quillivant XR, or QuilliChew ER.

You are encouraged to report side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

APPROVED USE

DYANAVEL XR, Quillivant XR, and QuilliChew ER are central nervous system (CNS) stimulant prescription medicines used for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in people 6 years and older. These medicines may help increase attention and decrease impulsiveness and hyperactivity in people with ADHD.

It is not known if DYANAVEL XR, Quillivant XR, and QuilliChew ER are safe and effective in children under 6 years of age.

See Medication Guide for DYANAVEL XR, Quillivant XR, and QuilliChew ER.

See Full Prescribing Information for DYANAVEL XR, Quillivant XR, and QuilliChew ER, including Boxed Warning about Abuse, Misuse and Addiction.

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