You heard it right. The FDA just recently approved a candy-flavored amphetamine for children diagnosed with ADHD. The dissolvable extended-release gummy, called Adzenys, is comparable to Ritalin and Adderall, but with a packaging that is much more appealing.
Later in the year, the latest version of meth will hit the market. This medication will be available to children as young as six years old.
Of course some sensible healthcare professionals are concerned about how this new medication will affect the rise in abuse and overdose, but there are those in the field that are more than ready to recommend the candy meth to children.
Neos Therapeutics, the pharmaceutical company responsible for designing the drug, has commenced on a huge marketing campaign, hoping to draw in new consumers before the beginning of the school year. The latest statistics show that 75% of children with ADHD are prescribed some sort of amphetamine-based medication. Now, throw a tasty flavor into the mix. Just as the saying goes, “Like giving candy to a baby.”
There is no question that the medication will be a huge success for Neos Therapeutics, but at what cost? What toll will this new form of meth have on already increasing numbers of addiction? Even at low doses, amphetamines can have negative side-effects, which include:
- Increased heart rate
- Can alter dopamine “reward” pathways
- Aggressive behavior
- Tremors, shaking and spasms
- Hallucinations
- Nausea and vomiting
- Convulsions, coma & death (in rare cases)
According to reports, 16 million prescriptions were written for stimulants in 2012. Also, 116 thousand were admitted to a drug and alcohol treatment center for the abuse of amphetamine-based medications, such as Ritalin and Adderall. Usually, these highly addictive narcotics are abused by high school and college students.
Nevertheless, the FDA is still approving meth to our children and many healthcare professionals are hopping on board.
At Clearbrook Treatment Centers, we understand what it is like to abuse a prescription medication. We know how easy it can be to cross over into addiction. But we have also witnessed the beauty of recovery.
For over 40 years, Clearbrook has treated drug and alcohol abuse, including the abuse of prescription pills and methamphetamines. We offer our patients a medically supervised detox along with safe and confidential treatment. If you are addicted to meth or amphetamine-based medications please get the help you deserve. Our Admissions Specialist are available 24 hours a day. Contact us today for help.
