Can a Narcolepsy Medication Help Treat ADHD in Teenagers?

What you need to know

• Solriamfetol, a medication typically used for sleep disorders, may offer a new treatment option for difficult-to-treat ADHD cases
• The medication works by affecting brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine, similar to some existing ADHD treatments
• This case study showed significant improvement in a teenager with ADHD who hadn’t responded to traditional treatments

Understanding Treatment-Resistant ADHD

Finding the right treatment for ADHD can sometimes feel like solving a complex puzzle. While many individuals respond well to standard medications like methylphenidate or atomoxetine, some continue to struggle despite trying multiple treatments. This challenge is particularly frustrating for teenagers and their families, as academic performance and social relationships often suffer during these crucial developmental years.

A Novel Approach with Solriamfetol

Solriamfetol (brand name Sunosi) was originally developed to help people with narcolepsy and sleep apnea stay awake during the day. It works by increasing levels of two important brain chemicals: norepinephrine and dopamine. These same chemicals are often targeted in ADHD treatment, which led researchers to consider whether solriamfetol might help with ADHD symptoms.

The Case Study

The study focused on a 15-year-old boy who had tried several standard ADHD treatments without success. His symptoms primarily involved difficulty paying attention, which was significantly affecting his academic performance. After starting solriamfetol, he showed remarkable improvement within just two weeks. His attention scores on standardized tests improved dramatically, and his school performance notably increased.

Safety and Side Effects

Like all medications, solriamfetol comes with potential side effects. Common ones can include:

• Headaches
• Anxiety
• Decreased appetite
• Sleep difficulties

However, in this case, the medication was well-tolerated, and the patient actually experienced a beneficial side effect of weight loss, as he had been struggling with obesity.

What This Means for You

If you or your child has ADHD that hasn’t responded well to traditional treatments, this research suggests there may be alternative options worth discussing with your healthcare provider. However, it’s important to remember that:

• This is just one case study
• Solriamfetol isn’t currently approved for ADHD treatment
• Traditional ADHD medications should be tried first
• Any new treatment should be carefully discussed with your healthcare provider

Conclusions

• New treatment options like solriamfetol may offer hope for individuals with difficult-to-treat ADHD
• More research is needed to confirm these initial promising results
• Always work closely with healthcare providers to find the most appropriate treatment approach for individual cases