A narcolepsy medication called ALKS 7290 showed improvements in ADHD symptoms in adults during an early-stage trial. The drug is an orexin 2 receptor agonist, a new class of medication that works differently from traditional ADHD stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin.
In a two-week study with 50 adults who have ADHD, patients taking ALKS 7290 showed measurable symptom improvements by day six. By day 14, those on a 20 mg daily dose reduced their ADHD symptom scores by 14 points, while those on 50 mg reduced scores by 19 points, measured on the Adult ADHD Investigator Symptom Rating Scale.
The medication works by activating orexin type 2 receptors in the brain, which regulate alertness and arousal. Unlike stimulants, it does not directly affect dopamine, the neurotransmitter involved in reward and motivation. This difference may lower the abuse potential and side effect burden, says Greg Mattingly, M.D., a consultant on the trial and Associate Clinical Professor at Washington University School of Medicine.
Stimulants remain the standard first-line ADHD treatment for adults. However, many adults experience side effects. According to an ADDitude survey of over 11,000 adults with ADHD, 78% of those taking amphetamines and 70% of those taking methylphenidate reported some side effects, compared to 66% taking non-stimulant medications.
In the ALKS 7290 trial, mild side effects included insomnia, dizziness, changes in sustained attention, and constipation. The medication is still investigational. Results from a Phase 2 trial are expected in 2027. A related orexin agonist called Orzeyful (oveporexton) received FDA approval in August 2026 for narcolepsy type 1, with availability expected in November 2026.