I’m very excited to let you guys know about something NEW. Something that hasn’t happened in ADHD treatment since…there was ADHD treatment, essentially. for decades, there were the stimulants (Adderall and Ritalin variations), and then some nonstimulants (Strattera, Intuniv, etc., which started to come out in the early 2000s)
While there have been new preparations of Adderall and Ritalin since then, which are important and definitely make a difference for lots of people, they aren’t exactly new medications.
Now I get to tell you all: there’s a new-in-class, never-before-formulated medication for ADHD.
Here’s what I know: it’s called Simtriyo (why? read on!), the initial data says it is pretty well tolerated, and the news today that made me say Yipee! was that the FDA has now classified it as a Schedule III drug. Still a controlled substance because it is still called a stimulant.
But guys, I CAN PUT REFILLS ON A PRESCRIPTION! This is huge! As many of you know, the stimulant medications which are the most common medications, can only be prescribed a month at a time. Which is a bummer especially for an ADHDer for whom planning and organization may not be at the top of their game.
What puts the “trio” in Simtriyo? (Yo, they added a Y, but you get it). It works on three different neurotransmitters. It works on serotonin (classically thought to be involved in anxiety and depression), norepinephrine (arousal and focus, which is the main mechanism of the nonstimulants) and dopamine (strong for focus!–this is what the stimulants work on).
It blocks the reuptake of all these neurotransmitters, making more available for your brain synapses to work with.
Here’s what I don’t know: how well it will work, and what the side effects will really be after more people use it. And, of course, what it will cost when it comes out.
But if anyone wants to discuss ADHD options with me–well, we have one more to discuss!!!
Related Information:
One Size Does NOT Fit All: A Range of ADHD Pharmaceuticals
Eye Tracking for ADHD and Concussions
