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About ADHD

Find answers to your questions about ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition that affects children and adults worldwide. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. It is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that can interfere with daily activities and relationships.1,2

People with ADHD experience an ongoing pattern of the following types of symptoms:1

  • Inattention—having difficulty paying attention
  • Hyperactivity—having too much energy or moving and talking too much
  • Impulsivity—acting without thinking or having difficulty with self-control

Some people with ADHD mainly have symptoms of inattention. Others mostly have symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity. Some people have both types of symptoms.1

There is no single test to diagnose ADHD, and many other problems, like anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and certain types of learning disabilities, can have similar symptoms. Because of this, a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is necessary to determine the cause of the symptoms.1

Currently available treatments may reduce symptoms and improve functioning in ADHD patients. Treatments include medication, psychosocial interventions, education or training, or a combination of treatments.1

There are many treatment options, and what works best can depend on the individual. It is recommended that patients work with healthcare providers to find the best treatment plan.1

Recent studies link genetic factors with ADHD. Scientists are studying cause(s) and risk factors in an effort to find better ways to manage and reduce the chances of a person having ADHD. Many cause(s) and risk factors for ADHD are unknown, but current research shows that genetics plays an important role. In addition to genetics, scientists are studying other possible causes and risk factors.1

ADHD treatment

Treatments for ADHD may include medication, psychosocial interventions, or a combination of methods. ADHD education, skills training and parent training, and school accommodations can all play an important role in an ADHD treatment plan. Doctors and patients can work together to find the best treatment plan and determine whether medication is necessary to manage ADHD symptoms.1

In most cases, ADHD is treated with a combination of behavior therapy and medication. Treatment plans will include close monitoring, follow-ups, and making changes, if needed, along the way. It is important to talk to your doctor and communicate any questions or concerns you may have.1

FDA-approved medications for the treatment of ADHD include stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulant ADHD treatments fall into the category of methylphenidate or amphetamine. Non-stimulant ADHD treatments include alpha-2 adrenergic agonists like clonidine XR and guanfacine ER and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors, like atomoxetine and viloxazone extended release.2 A healthcare prescriber’s decision to prescribe an ADHD medication depends on a few key factors:

  • The patient’s individual needs
  • Prior experience with methylphenidate, amphetamines, or non-stimulants
  • Health conditions the patient may have or other medications the patient may be taking

Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors are two types of non-stimulant medications that are used in the treatment of ADHD.

Non-stimulants may be prescribed to a patient when stimulant medications have either not been effective or have been shown to cause unwanted side effects for the patient. Doctors may consider using non-stimulants in patients with certain conditions.2

Some patients respond well to treatment with a non-stimulant medication alone, while others are prescribed a combination of stimulants and non-stimulants. It is important to work with your healthcare provider to find the medication that works best for you or for your child.2

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ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

REFERENCES: 1. US Department of Health and Human Services. National Institutes of Health. Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Teens: What you need to know. NIH Publication No. 21-MH-8159. 2021. 2. Faraone SV, Bellgrove MA, Brikell I, et al. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Nature reviews disease primers. (2024); 10:11: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41572-024-00495-0

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Important Safety Information

ONYDA™ XR (clonidine HCI) is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) alone or with certain other ADHD medicines in children 6 years of age and older. It is not known if ONYDA XR is safe and effective in children under 6 years of age.

See Additional Important Safety Information.

APPROVED USE

ONYDA™ XR (clonidine HCI) is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) alone or with certain other ADHD medicines in children 6 years of age and older.

It is not known if ONYDA XR is safe and effective in children under 6 years of age.

Important Safety Information

Who should not take ONYDA XR?

  • Do not take ONYDA XR if you are allergic to clonidine.

ONYDA XR can cause serious side effects including:

  • Allergic reactions: You may develop an allergic reaction to ONYDA XR if you had an allergic reaction to clonidine taken through your skin in a patch. Stop taking ONYDA XR and call your healthcare provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you develop any signs or symptoms of an allergic reaction, including:
    • skin rash
    • hives
    • swelling of the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
  • Decreased blood pressure and heart rate. ONYDA XR can decrease your blood pressure and heart rate, which can increase your chance of passing out (syncope). If you have a history of passing out or have other medical problems as mentioned above, your risk is higher. Your healthcare provider should check your heart rate and blood pressure before starting treatment and regularly during treatment with ONYDA XR. Do not become dehydrated or too hot (overheated) to decrease your chance of passing out during treatment with ONYDA XR. Before taking ONYDA XR, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you: have kidney problems, have low or high blood pressure, have heart problems, including slow heart rate or other heart rhythm problems, had a stroke or have stroke symptoms.
  • Sleepiness and tiredness that could cause slow reaction times (sedation and somnolence). Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do other dangerous activities until you know how ONYDA XR affects you because ONYDA XR can cause sleepiness and tiredness that could cause slow reaction times. Do not drink alcohol or take other medicines that make you sleepy or dizzy during treatment with ONYDA XR until you talk with your healthcare provider.
  • Rebound high blood pressure (hypertension). Suddenly stopping ONYDA XR can cause high blood pressure to return if you have a history of high blood pressure. Suddenly stopping ONYDA XR may also cause withdrawal symptoms including headache, increased heart rate, nausea, flushing or warm feeling, lightheadedness, tightness in your chest and nervousness or anxiety. Do not suddenly stop ONYDA XR treatment without first talking to your healthcare provider.

The most common side effects of ONYDA XR when used alone include:

  • falling asleep or sleepiness and tiredness that could cause slow reaction times
  • irritability
  • nightmare
  • trouble sleeping
  • constipation
  • dry mouth

The most common side effects of ONYDA XR when used with other ADHD medicines include:

  • falling asleep or sleepiness and tiredness that could cause slow reaction times
  • decreased appetite
  • dizziness

ONYDA XR may cause fertility problems in females and males, which may affect your ability to have a child. Talk to your healthcare provider if this is a concern for you.

These are not all of the possible side effects of ONYDA XR. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

ONYDA XR and certain other medicines may affect each other causing serious side effects. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take:

  • anti-depression medicines
  • heart or blood pressure medicines
  • other medicines for ADHD
  • other medicines that contain clonidine
  • medicines that cause sleepiness (sedation)

Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are not sure if your medicine is listed above.

Know the medicines that you take. Keep a list of your medicines with you to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

Before taking ONYDA XR, tell your healthcare provider, if you:

  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if ONYDA XR will harm the unborn baby.
    There is a pregnancy registry for females who are exposed to ADHD medications, including ONYDA XR, during pregnancy. The purpose of the registry is to collect information about the health of females exposed to ONYDA XR and their baby. If you become pregnant during treatment with ONYDA XR, talk to your healthcare provider about registering with the National Pregnancy Registry of ADHD Medications at 1-866-961-2388 or visit online at https://womensmentalhealth.org/adhdmedications/.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. ONYDA XR passes into the breast milk. Babies who are breastfed during treatment with ONYDA XR may become very sleepy, develop relaxed or floppy muscles, and develop trouble breathing. Call the baby’s healthcare provider if the baby is breastfed during treatment with ONYDA XR and develops any of these symptoms. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you take ONYDA XR.

To report side effects, contact Tris Pharma, Inc. at 1-732-940-0358 or FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see Full Prescribing Information and Patient Information, including Instructions for Use.

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