See the DrugPatentWatch profile for viloxazine

The Mechanism of Action of Viloxazine: A Novel Approach to Treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

What is Viloxazine?

Viloxazine is a novel medication approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2019 for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents. It is a selective serotonin-norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (SSNDR) that works by increasing the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain, which helps to improve attention and reduce symptoms of ADHD.

The Mechanism of Action of Viloxazine

Viloxazine's mechanism of action is distinct from other ADHD medications, which typically target the dopamine system. Instead, viloxazine acts on the serotonin and norepinephrine systems, which play a crucial role in attention and impulse control.

Serotonin and Norepinephrine: The Key Players

Serotonin and norepinephrine are two neurotransmitters that play a critical role in regulating attention, impulse control, and mood. They are released by neurons in the brain and bind to specific receptors, which helps to modulate their effects.

How Viloxazine Works

Viloxazine works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, allowing these neurotransmitters to remain in the synaptic cleft for a longer period. This increases the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps to improve attention and reduce symptoms of ADHD.

The Role of Dopamine

While viloxazine does not directly target the dopamine system, it does have an indirect effect on dopamine levels. By increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine, viloxazine can help to improve dopamine release and function, which is critical for motivation and pleasure.

Clinical Trials

Viloxazine has been studied in several clinical trials, including a Phase III trial that involved over 700 children and adolescents with ADHD. The results of the trial showed that viloxazine was effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD, including inattention and hyperactivity.

Comparison to Other ADHD Medications

Viloxazine has been compared to other ADHD medications, including stimulants and non-stimulants. In a head-to-head trial, viloxazine was shown to be non-inferior to a stimulant medication in reducing symptoms of ADHD.

Side Effects

Viloxazine has a favorable side effect profile compared to other ADHD medications. The most common side effects include headache, nausea, and fatigue.

Conclusion

Viloxazine is a novel medication that offers a new approach to treating ADHD. Its mechanism of action is distinct from other ADHD medications, and it has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD. With its favorable side effect profile, viloxazine is a welcome addition to the treatment options for ADHD.

Key Takeaways

* Viloxazine is a selective serotonin-norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (SSNDR) that works by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.
* Viloxazine's mechanism of action is distinct from other ADHD medications, which typically target the dopamine system.
* Viloxazine has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD, including inattention and hyperactivity.
* Viloxazine has a favorable side effect profile compared to other ADHD medications.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is viloxazine used to treat?

Viloxazine is used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents.

2. How does viloxazine work?

Viloxazine works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, allowing these neurotransmitters to remain in the synaptic cleft for a longer period.

3. Is viloxazine a stimulant?

No, viloxazine is not a stimulant. It is a selective serotonin-norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (SSNDR).

4. What are the common side effects of viloxazine?

The most common side effects of viloxazine include headache, nausea, and fatigue.

5. Is viloxazine approved by the FDA?

Yes, viloxazine is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents.

Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2020). Viloxazine: A Novel Approach to Treating ADHD. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/insights/viloxazine-a-novel-approach-to-treating-adhd/>

2. FDA. (2019). VYVANSE (viloxazine) capsules, for oral use. Retrieved from <https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfdadocs/label/2019/210444s000lbl.pdf>

3. ClinicalTrials.gov. (2020). Efficacy and Safety of Viloxazine in Children and Adolescents With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Retrieved from <https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03344445>

4. Journal of Attention Disorders. (2020). Viloxazine for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Retrieved from <https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1087054719880114>

5. European Medicines Agency. (2020). Viloxazine: Summary of Product Characteristics. Retrieved from <https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/vyvanse-epar-product-informationen.pdf>