Home / Health & Wellness / Children's Health FDA approves new ADHD drug for kids, the first in over a decade Qelbree is not a stimulant or controlled substance, like nearly all other ADHD drugs. By Katrina Nattress April 8, 2021 Pediatric ADHD diagnoses have been on the rise in recent years, and while an increase could actually be a good thing (it means more screenings and awareness, as well as support and resources for kiddos and their parents), it’s been over a decade since U.S. regulators have signed off on a new drug to treat the condition. Thankfully, that all changed last week when the FDA approved a new ADHD medication for kids. Qelbree (KELL’-bree) is administered in a daily capsule and is catered towards children ages 6 to 17. Unlike nearly all other ADHD drugs, Qelbree is not a stimulant or controlled substance, which makes it harder to abuse than older drugs that contain amphetamine or methylphenidate. U.S. regulators have approved the first new drug in over a decade for children with ADHD. Unlike nearly all other A… https://t.co/nnV0KOLYg1— The Associated Press (@AP)1617666723.0 Although Qelbree, also known as viloxazine, is appealing to parents who don’t want to give their kids stimulants, it’s not without side effects. The medication carries a warning of the potential for suicidal thoughts and behavior, which occurred in fewer than 1% of volunteers in studies of the drug. More common side effects include sleepiness, lethargy, decreased appetite and headache. In a late-stage study funded by Qelbree’s developer Supernus Pharmaceutical, 477 children ages 6 to 11 were administered the drug for six weeks. Inattention and hyperactivity symptoms were reduced by around 50% compared to the placebo group, with some volunteers experiencing a decrease in symptoms within a week. If your little one has recently been diagnosed with ADHD, the best first step is learning about the condition. Like many mental disorders, ADHD has a stigma attached to it. An expert recently debunked eight common myths about ADHD for Motherly, which you can read here. Related Stories Celebrity News Lawmakers urge recall of Fisher-Price rockers linked to infant death Children's Health Researchers find a little childhood independence can reduce kids’ anxiety Children's Health My son needed a feeding tube—when it’s not just picky eating