Description
Advantages
These two medications, one a liquid, the other an Orally Dissolving Tablet (ODT) are identical to Adderall XR, but they do provide an alternative to traditional tablets, that might be difficult to take for some children. Liquid preparation that is much easier to swallow. Because it is liquid, it is easier to fine-tune the dose and to give intermediate dosages.
Disadvantages
Expensive, not usually covered by insurance. Except for the alternative delivery mechanism, they provide no real treatment advantage over the much less expensive generic Adderall XR.
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Adzenys ER Liquid and Adzenys XR are all about making it easier for some children to swallow their medication. Both provide an alternative to traditional tablets that are easier for most children to take.
Adzenys ER is one of two extended-release liquid preparations of amphetamine approved for the treatment of ADHD (the other is Dynavel XR). Procentra and Zenzedi liquids are also liquid preparations of amphetamine, but both are short acting (3½–4 hours). Adzenys ER is a mixture of the dextro- and levo-amphetamine salts, in the same ratio as in Adderall XR. For all practical purposes, Adzenys ER is Adderall XR in a liquid form. It has an orange flavor. Adzenys ER Liquid is an expensive medication, not usually covered by insurance. Because it is almost identical to Adderall XR, it does not provide any real therapeutic advantage, except that it is easier for many children to swallow. Further, it is just as likely as Adderall to cause irritability.
As with all liquid preparations, it is better to administer the liquid in a dropper or with a marked medication cup to ensure the proper dose. It should not be mixed with other liquids (milk, water) or solid food, as you cannot ensure that all the medication will be consumed. However, if your child resists taking the medication in its raw liquid form, you could take a half spoonful of applesauce or pudding, leaving enough space to empty the dropper onto the spoon. This can get a little tricky.
There is some indication that Adzenys ER may be discontinued by the manufacturer in the near future.
Adzenys XR-ODT is an extended-release form of amphetamine that is prepared in an orange flavored, orally dissolving tablet (ODT). It also is bioequivalent to Adderall XR.
It comes in a blister pack, and the pills should not be removed from the blister pack until just before taking the pill.
If a child is on Adderall and is switched to Adzenys XR-ODT, you cannot use a mg to mg conversion. Because of the way that the amphet- amine molecule is prepared, it is necessary to use the above conversion chart instead.
