FDA’s Approval of Candy-Flavored Amphetamines for Children Raises Concerns

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) closely regulates the medication that American citizens are able to legally access. The regulations performed by the FDA are set in place to ensure that the safest drugs are accessible and dangerous drugs are not. Sometimes though, good intentions go awry and drugs are released regardless of the associated consequences.

Professional counselors at drug rehab facilities are beginning to see more addictions forming in the early years of life. This alarming rise in youth addiction often starts with prescription drugs. With the FDA’s approval of candy-flavored amphetamines, parents should be extra wary and alert.

Candy-Flavored Amphetamines

The newest candy-flavored amphetamine approval, Adzenys, is used in the treatment of ADHD.

More dangerous than gummy vitamins, this candy-flavored amphetamine leaves children wanting more. This drug and others like it, dangerous and even deadly in excess, is seen by young children as a sugary snack due to its orange flavor. By simply letting Adzenys dissolve on the tongue, children are treated to a sugary flavor rush.

Similar to other ADHD drugs like Adderall, Adzenys seeks to curb the symptoms brought on by ADHD. As effective as the drug has been, many have begun to worry that the candy-flavored amphetamine will promote further drug dependence and abuse.

Drug rehab centers across the county warn of early childhood drug dependence. The dangers of dependence skyrocket when the pills taste like candy.

 Abuse of ADHD drugs is not uncommon in drug rehab centers. Adderall is commonly abused by both children and teens. Drug rehab centers and concerned parents alike warn that giving a potentially addictive drug a delicious flavor could be a deadly combination.

Combatting Potential Abuse and Addiction

Despite all of the dangers associated with giving your child a candy-flavored drug, there may come a point when it becomes a necessity. Many young children have a hard time swallowing pills, and a dissolving tablet might be the only way to medicate the symptoms of ADHD.

If this is the case, make sure you talk to your child about the differences between drugs and candy. Having open communication from an early age can possibly prevent a necessary stay at one of the country’s drug rehab centers.

Keep all drugs out of sight and away from children at all time. Always moderate drug intake to ensure no accidental overdoses occur. Talk to your child’s pediatrician if concerns arise and always monitor the side effects of any medication.

Maddison Driggs is a health writer for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Odyssey House. Follow on Twitter.