Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects millions of people worldwide, and finding the right medication can be a game-changer. Jornay PM has emerged as a noteworthy option in the field of ADHD treatment. This innovative medication offers a unique approach to managing symptoms, providing hope for those who struggle with focus and hyperactivity.

Jornay PM has garnered attention for its distinctive dosing schedule and mechanism of action. This article delves into what Jornay PM is, how it works, and its potential benefits and side effects. We’ll also explore important safety information, dosage guidelines, and cost considerations. Whether you’re considering Jornay PM for yourself or a loved one, this comprehensive guide aims to provide the information you need to make an informed decision about this ADHD treatment option.

What is Jornay PM?

Jornay PM is a prescription medication designed to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in individuals aged 6 and older. Jornay PM stands out due to its unique delayed-release and extended-release technology, which allows for evening dosing while providing symptom control throughout the following day.

Active Ingredient

The active ingredient in Jornay PM is methylphenidate hydrochloride, a white, odorless crystalline powder. This substance is freely soluble in water and methanol, soluble in alcohol, and slightly soluble in chloroform and acetone. Methylphenidate has been a staple in ADHD treatment since its first approval in 1955, making it a well-established medication in the field.

How It Works

While the exact mechanism of action in treating ADHD is not fully understood, Jornay PM is thought to work by increasing activity in specific areas of the brain that regulate behavior and attention. It achieves this by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine into presynaptic neurons and increasing the release of these monoamines into the extraneuronal space.

Jornay PM’s unique formulation consists of capsules filled with microbeads, each containing a delayed-release and extended-release layer. This technology prevents the medication from activating for 10 to 12 hours after ingestion, allowing it to be taken in the evening. Once activated, it releases the medication steadily throughout the day, helping to increase attention and decrease impulsiveness and hyperactivity in individuals with ADHD.

FDA Approval

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Jornay PM for use in 2018. Its effectiveness was established through two separate Pivotal Phase III, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies involving 278 pediatric patients aged 6 to 12 years diagnosed with ADHD according to DSM-5 criteria.

These studies demonstrated improvements in ADHD manifestations in various settings:

1. In a classroom setting (Study 1)
2. In the early morning (Study 1)
3. Throughout the day (Study 2)
4. Before school (Study 2)

It’s important to note that Jornay PM is classified as a federally controlled substance (CII) due to its potential for abuse or dependence. Its safety and effectiveness have not been studied in children under 6 years of age.

Dosage and Administration

Recommended Dosage

Jornay PM is available in five strengths: 20 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, 80 mg, and 100 mg. The recommended starting dose for patients 6 years and older is 20 mg once daily in the evening. Doctors may increase the dose by 20 mg weekly, up to a maximum of 100 mg daily. It’s important to note that daily doses above 100 mg have not been studied and are not recommended.

How to Take

Jornay PM should be taken consistently, either with or without food. Patients have two options for taking the medication:

1. Swallow the capsule whole.
2. Open the capsule and sprinkle the entire contents onto applesauce.

If choosing the sprinkled method, patients should consume the applesauce with the sprinkled beads immediately and entirely without chewing. It’s crucial not to divide the dose of a single capsule or store the sprinkled applesauce for later consumption.

Missed Dose Instructions

If a patient misses their dose of Jornay PM at the regularly scheduled time, they should take it as soon as they remember that same evening. However, if they remember the missed dose the following morning, they should skip it and wait until their next scheduled evening administration. It’s important not to take a double dose to make up for a missed one, as this can cause serious side effects.

To help prevent missed doses, patients may find it helpful to:

1. Set an alarm or use a timer
2. Download a reminder app on their phone
3. Establish a consistent routine for taking the medication

By following these guidelines, patients can ensure they receive the full benefits of Jornay PM while minimizing the risk of missed doses or improper administration.

Benefits and Side Effects

ADHD Symptom Management

Jornay PM offers a unique approach to managing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms. It uses a delayed-release and extended-release technology that allows for evening dosing while providing symptom control throughout the following day. This innovative medication has the potential to improve attention, decrease impulsiveness, and reduce hyperactivity in individuals with ADHD.

One of the key advantages of Jornay PM is its ability to offer smooth and steady symptom relief from morning to evening without the need for an additional booster. Patients who take Jornay PM at night can experience symptom management when they wake up, which continues throughout the day, even during homework time. This all-day symptom control can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with ADHD.

Common Side Effects

While Jornay PM can be effective in managing ADHD symptoms, it may also cause some side effects. The most common side effects observed in clinical studies with children ages 6 to 12 include:

1. Trouble sleeping
2. Nausea
3. Decreased appetite
4. Mood swings
5. Restlessness (psychomotor hyperactivity)
6. Vomiting
7. Headache

Other common side effects associated with methylphenidate, the active ingredient in Jornay PM, may include:

1. Stomach pain
2. Irritability
3. Weight loss
4. Anxiety
5. Increased heart rate
6. Dizziness
7. Increased blood pressure
8. Indigestion

Serious Side Effects

While less common, It’s may cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. These include:

1. Heart-related issues: Patients with serious heart disease may be at risk of sudden death. Healthcare providers should carefully check for heart problems before starting it.
2. Increased blood pressure and heart rate: Regular monitoring is necessary during treatment.
3. Mental (psychiatric) problems: This may include new or worsening behavior and thought problems, bipolar illness, or psychotic symptoms.
4. Priapism: Males may experience painful and prolonged erections.
5. Circulation problems in fingers and toes: This condition, known as peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud’s phenomenon, may cause numbness, coolness, or color changes in extremities.
6. Eye problems: Increased pressure in the eye and glaucoma may occur.
7. New or worsening tics or Tourette’s syndrome.

Patients or caregivers should immediately contact their healthcare provider if they notice any signs of these serious side effects. It’s crucial to weigh the potential benefits of Jornay PM against its possible risks when considering this medication for ADHD treatment.

Important Safety Information

Boxed Warning

Jornay PM carries a boxed warning from the FDA, which is the most serious warning issued by the agency. This warning highlights the high potential for abuse and dependence associated with Jornay PM and other CNS stimulants containing methylphenidate. Healthcare providers should assess the risk of abuse prior to prescribing and monitor patients for signs of abuse and dependence during treatment.

Misuse and abuse of Jornay PM can result in serious health risks, including overdose and death. These risks increase with higher doses or unapproved methods of administration, such as snorting or injection. Patients and their families should be educated about the proper storage and disposal of unused medication to prevent misuse.

Drug Interactions

Jornay PM can interact with several medications, supplements, and foods. Some interactions may interfere with the effectiveness of the drug or increase the risk of side effects. Key drug interactions include:

1. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Jornay PM should not be taken with MAOIs or within 14 days of discontinuing MAOI treatment. This combination can cause a dangerous increase in blood pressure, potentially leading to severe complications such as stroke or heart attack.
2. Antihypertensive Drugs: Patients taking medications for high blood pressure should have their blood pressure monitored regularly. Dosage adjustments of the antihypertensive drug may be necessary.
3. Alcohol: Patients should avoid alcohol while taking Jornay PM, as it may cause the medication to be released too quickly and increase the risk of side effects.

Patients should inform their healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products they are taking before starting Jornay PM.

Use in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Limited studies and postmarketing reports on methylphenidate use during pregnancy are insufficient to determine the drug-associated risk of adverse pregnancy-related outcomes. Animal studies have shown some potential for fetal harm at high doses, but these results may not directly translate to human effects.

Methylphenidate, the active ingredient in Jornay PM, passes into breast milk in small amounts.

Women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should discuss the potential risks and benefits of Jornay PM with their healthcare provider.

Conclusion

Jornay PM offers a fresh approach to manage ADHD symptoms, with its unique evening dosing and all-day symptom control. This medication has an influence on attention, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity, potentially improving the quality of life for those with ADHD. However, it’s crucial to weigh the benefits against possible side effects and safety considerations, including the risk of abuse and dependence.

They can help assess individual needs, monitor for side effects, and adjust the treatment plan as needed. Remember, while medication can be a valuable tool in managing ADHD, it’s often most effective when combined with other strategies like behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes to create a well-rounded treatment approach.

FAQs

1. How does Jornay PM function?
Jornay PM is administered in the evening and employs a special combination of delayed-release and extended-release mechanisms. This design delays the medication’s activation for approximately 10 hours after ingestion, ensuring it starts to work upon waking and continues to provide effects throughout the day.

2. What should I follow when taking Jornay PM?
For individuals aged 6 years and older, the initial recommended dose of Jornay PM is 20 mg, taken orally once daily in the evening. It is important not to take Jornay PM in the morning. The dosage can be adjusted weekly by increments of 20 mg, but a daily dose exceeding 100 mg has not been studied and is thus not advised.

3. When is the optimal time to take Jornay PM?
It is best to take Jornay PM between 6:30 PM and 9:30 PM, as it starts to work about 10 hours after ingestion. Coordination with your child’s healthcare provider is recommended to establish the most suitable time for administration.

4. Why should Jornay be taken in the evening?
Jornay PM is taken at night because its formulation includes an outer layer that delays the release of the medication for 10 to 12 hours. This ensures that the patient has an optimal therapeutic level of methylphenidate in their bloodstream by the time they wake up the next morning.