Quillivant XR: Overview of the Once-Daily Liquid ADHD Treatment
Key takeaways:
Quillivant XR (methylphenidate extended-release) is a once-daily liquid option for treating attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Chewable Quillivant tablets, called QuilliChew ER, are also available.
Quillivant XR can cause several side effects, including emotional changes, skin picking, and difficulty sleeping.
Quillivant XR is designed to work for several hours before wearing off. It takes about a day for the body to fully clear the medication from your body.
There are many options when choosing the right medication for you or your child when it comes to attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). And stimulant medications are often a first choice. But one issue that may pop up for parents looking for the right medication for their child is that kids often have trouble swallowing pills. So they look for other treatment options that are easier to give, like oral liquids.
Quillivant XR (methylphenidate extended-release) is a possible alternative when swallowing pills is tough. And unlike other liquid and chewable forms of methylphenidate, this is an extended-release (ER or XR) formulation. This means one dose lasts all day long.
Read on to find out all you need to know about Quillivant XR.
What is Quillivant XR?
Quillivant XR contains the active ingredient methylphenidate, which has been used for years in the treatment of ADHD. Methylphenidate is the active ingredient in several other well-known ADHD medications, including Ritalin and Concerta. Don’t confuse it for Adderall, though, which has a different stimulant in it, called amphetamine salt combo.
Quillivant XR offers the advantage of being the only liquid form of methylphenidate that’s given once daily. This medication also comes as once-daily chewable tablets. And while people may refer to them as Quillivant tablets, their official name is QuilliChew ER.
Both Quillivant XR and QuilliChew ER are great options for people who can’t swallow pills. They’re taken once a day in the morning, with or without food.
What does Quillivant XR treat?
Quillivant XR treats ADHD. Unlike some other stimulant medications, which can also treat a sleeping disorder called narcolepsy, this medication has no other FDA-approved uses. Quillivant XR and QuilliChew ER can be used for adults and children, ages 6 and older, with ADHD.
ADHD is a common condition. A 2016 survey found that about 9% of U.S. children have ADHD. That’s over 6 million kids. The number of children with ADHD has risen over the years. And boys are more likely to be diagnosed with the condition than girls.
ADHD doesn’t just affect kids, though. A little over 4% of adults between the ages of 18 and 44 are estimated to have the condition too. Similar to children, more men than women are affected.
Symptoms generally emerge in early childhood and can include hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention. These symptoms can affect daily functioning and impact academic, emotional, and social development.
Quillivant XR side effects
Quillivant XR has similar side effects to other ER forms of methylphenidate. Common Quillivant side effects include:
Emotional changes or mood swings
Trouble sleeping, especially when first starting the medication
Tics
Indigestion
Lower appetite than usual
Nausea
Vomiting
Eye pain
Rash
Weight loss
Quillivant XR is a Schedule II controlled substance. This is because it carries a risk for misuse and dependence. Be sure to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on how and when to take this medication. And, if you have a personal or family history of substance use disorder (SUD), let your healthcare provider know. This medication may not be the best choice for you.
Quillivant XR is also linked to heart-related side effects. This medication can raise your blood pressure and heart rate. But it can also cause more serious issues, like heart attacks or strokes. If you have a history of heart problems, including high blood pressure, make sure your healthcare provider knows about them before starting this medication.
These aren’t the only side effects that can happen with Quillivant XR. Discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your healthcare provider before starting it.
Can Quillivant XR make you angry?
There’s some concern that Quillivant XR can cause anger. Though this medication can cause mood swings, anger isn’t specified by Quillivant’s manufacturer. A review of multiple studies looked to see if methylphenidate caused long-term behavior changes, including aggression. The studies reviewed didn’t provide enough evidence one way or the other to say if this was the case.
So, although it’s possible that Quillivant XR could cause anger, the research isn’t clear on when this happens, or who’s at a greater risk for it. If you or your child experiences mood or behavior changes after starting Quillivant XR or QuilliChew ER, contact a healthcare provider right away.
How long does Quillivant XR last?
Quillivant XR is designed to provide long-lasting effects, which is why it’s typically only taken once a day. It has its strongest effects about 4 to 5 hours after taking it. After that, it gradually wears off. Quillivant XR should be cleared from the body about 28 hours (a little more than a day) after a dose. QuilliChew ER is similar, clearing out from the body in about 26 hours.
What else should you know?
Quillivant XR is a suspension. It comes as a powder and has to be mixed by the pharmacist before you take it home. It’s important to shake the bottle very well before each dose (at least 10 seconds) and use a medication dose cup or syringe to measure out each dose. Store it in its original container at room temperature. If you need to send doses to school or a caregiver, speak with your pharmacist on how to best do this. Storing Quillivant XR incorrectly can affect how well it works.
Quillivant XR is a stimulant medication that works by increasing attentiveness over several hours. But if taken too late in the day, it can cause sleep problems at night. It’s best to take your dose in the morning hours to avoid sleep troubles at bedtime.
Neither Quillivant XR nor QuilliChew ER have generic versions available yet. This could make a difference in the cost of the medication for you. Discuss this with your healthcare provider if you’re having trouble affording this medication.
The bottom line
Quillivant XR is an ADHD treatment option for people who have trouble swallowing pills but need a long-acting stimulant. It comes as an oral liquid and chewable tablet (called QuilliChew ER). Both forms of this medication are designed to last for several hours, so it’s only taken once a day.
Quillivant XR has a number of possible side effects, including mood changes and skin picking. More serious side effects are also possible, including heart problems. If you notice any unusual or bothersome side effects appear after starting this medication, speak with a healthcare provider. They’ll help determine if this is the best option for you or your child.
Why trust our experts?
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Data and statistics about ADHD.
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD). (n.d.). General prevalence of ADHD.
Food and Drug Administration. (2016). Dealing with ADHD: What you need to know.
Konrad-Bindl, D. S., et al. (2016). Changes in behavior as side effects in methylphenidate treatment: Review of the literature. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment.
National Institute of Mental Health. (2021). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
NextWave Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2021). QuilliChew ER [package insert].
NextWave Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2021). Quillivant XR [package insert].
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