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 Rectangle 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 Viral & Trending Dentist says you’re not a ‘horrible parent’ if your child gets cavities Motherly Stories I used to wish for ‘healthy kids’—then my son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes Children's Health Why we need safe sunscreen options for children with darker skin tones The latest Pregnancy ‘Geriatric pregnancy’ isn’t an offensive term Postpartum Products Your postpartum recovery kit: Feel your best after a C-section Postpartum Mom rage is real—and it’s a sign that mothers’ needs aren’t being met News Former Chiefs cheerleader’s death after stillbirth raises questions about maternal care