Comprehensive medication guide to Onyda XR including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$30–$100 copay for commercially insured patients (Tier 3–4); prior authorization is often required. Eligible patients with the Tris Savings Card may pay as little as $25/month. Not covered under standard Medicare Part D for pediatric ADHD.
Estimated Cash Pricing
Approximately $525 retail for a 30-day supply (30 mL); as low as $398 with a GoodRx coupon at participating pharmacies. No generic is currently available. The Tris Savings Card can reduce cost to as little as $25/month for eligible patients.
Medfinder Findability Score
52/100
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Onyda XR (clonidine hydrochloride extended-release oral suspension) is a once-daily, non-stimulant ADHD medication approved by the FDA on May 24, 2024. It is the first and only liquid non-stimulant ADHD medication approved in the United States, and the only approved non-stimulant ADHD medication with nighttime dosing.
Manufactured by Tris Pharma, Inc. using their proprietary LiquiXR® technology, Onyda XR is indicated for the treatment of ADHD as monotherapy or as adjunctive therapy to approved CNS stimulant medications in pediatric patients 6 years of age and older. It contains 0.1 mg of clonidine hydrochloride per mL and comes as an orange-flavored suspension.
Because Onyda XR is not a controlled substance, it can be prescribed via telehealth and dispensed in 90-day supplies, making it more accessible than Schedule II stimulant medications.
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Onyda XR is a centrally acting alpha-2 adrenergic agonist. Clonidine stimulates alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the brain — particularly in the prefrontal cortex, the region responsible for attention, impulse control, and executive function. By activating these receptors, it is thought to regulate the overactive signaling patterns associated with ADHD.
The exact mechanism by which clonidine improves ADHD symptoms is not fully understood. Clonidine also stimulates alpha-2 receptors in the brainstem, reducing sympathetic outflow and lowering blood pressure and heart rate — which is why monitoring vital signs is recommended during treatment.
Unlike stimulant ADHD medications, which increase dopamine and norepinephrine release broadly, Onyda XR acts selectively on alpha-2 receptors to modulate brain signaling — a key reason it is classified as a non-stimulant and does not carry a risk of abuse or addiction.
0.1 mg/mL — extended-release oral suspension
Starting and base dose concentration; 1 mL = 0.1 mg
0.1 mg (1 mL) — daily dose
Starting dose: 0.1 mg once daily at bedtime
0.2 mg (2 mL) — daily dose
Titrated dose after week 1 if clinical response requires
0.3 mg (3 mL) — daily dose
Titrated dose after week 2 if needed
0.4 mg (4 mL) — daily dose
Maximum recommended dose: 0.4 mg once daily at bedtime
Onyda XR can be challenging to find at local pharmacies as of 2026. The medication received FDA approval in May 2024 and became commercially available in the second half of 2024. Many pharmacies have not yet added it to their standard stocking lists, as demand history for new medications takes time to build.
There is no generic equivalent for Onyda XR's specific formulation (extended-release oral suspension), meaning all supply flows through a single manufacturer and distribution chain. Onyda XR is not on the FDA's official Drug Shortage Database, but pharmacy-level stocking issues are common. Larger chain pharmacies and hospital outpatient pharmacies are more likely to have it in stock.
Rather than calling pharmacies one by one, medfinder calls pharmacies near you and texts you which ones can fill your Onyda XR prescription — saving significant time and frustration.
Onyda XR is not a controlled substance, which means it can be prescribed by any licensed prescriber with appropriate scope of practice — without DEA Schedule II requirements. This makes it significantly more accessible than stimulant ADHD medications.
Pediatricians — primary care for children; most common first prescriber for pediatric ADHD
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists — specialists in pediatric mental health and complex ADHD cases
Developmental-Behavioral Pediatricians — specialists in neurodevelopmental conditions including ADHD and autism
Neurologists — particularly for ADHD with comorbid tic disorders or neurological conditions
Primary Care Physicians (PCPs) — family medicine and internal medicine providers
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Physician Assistants (PAs) — in most states, advanced practice providers with prescriptive authority
Because Onyda XR is not a controlled substance, it can also be prescribed via telehealth platforms without the in-person visit requirements that apply to Schedule II stimulants. This makes it accessible to patients in rural areas and those with limited access to pediatric specialists.
No. Onyda XR (clonidine hydrochloride) is not a DEA-scheduled controlled substance. Unlike stimulant ADHD medications such as Adderall (Schedule II amphetamine) or Ritalin (Schedule II methylphenidate), Onyda XR is not known to have a significant risk of abuse, dependence, or addiction.
This has important practical implications: Onyda XR can be prescribed via telehealth without in-person visit requirements, refills can be dispensed on the same prescription, 90-day supplies can be obtained through mail-order pharmacies, and it does not require the same DEA production quota oversight that limits stimulant supply. Prescribers without Schedule II DEA authority can prescribe Onyda XR.
The most common side effects when used as monotherapy (occurring at least 5% more often than placebo):
Somnolence (sleepiness) — most common side effect
Fatigue
Irritability
Nightmares
Insomnia
Constipation
Dry mouth
Hypotension and bradycardia: Dose-related drops in blood pressure and heart rate; watch for dizziness, fainting, or unusual tiredness
Rebound hypertension: Dangerous blood pressure spike from abrupt discontinuation — never stop without tapering
Cardiac conduction abnormalities: Risk of severe bradycardia or AV block, especially with other cardiac medications
Allergic reactions: Hives, swelling of face or throat — seek emergency care immediately
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Kapvay (clonidine ER tablets)
Same active ingredient, twice-daily tablet form, generic available at much lower cost. NOT interchangeable mg-for-mg with Onyda XR — dose adjustment required.
Intuniv / guanfacine XR
Same drug class (alpha-2 agonist), once-daily tablet, generic widely available. Approved for ages 6–17. Typically taken in the morning.
Strattera (atomoxetine)
Non-stimulant SNRI, once or twice daily capsule, generic available. Approved ages 6+. Takes 4–8 weeks for full effect. Boxed warning for suicidal ideation in pediatric patients.
Qelbree (viloxazine XR)
Non-stimulant, once daily, approved for ages 6–17. No generic available. Morning dosing.
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CNS Depressants (alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, sedating antihistamines)
majorPotentiates CNS-depressive and sedating effects; can cause excessive sedation and respiratory depression. Avoid concomitant use.
Digitalis (digoxin)
majorAdditive effects on AV nodal conduction; risk of severe bradycardia and AV block. Avoid use.
Calcium channel blockers (diltiazem, verapamil)
majorAdditive effects on sinus node and AV node; can cause bradycardia and AV block. Use with extreme caution.
Beta-blockers (metoprolol, propranolol, atenolol)
majorAdditive effects on heart rate and conduction; risk of bradycardia. Monitor closely.
Tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline, nortriptyline)
moderateMay reduce hypotensive effect of clonidine and increase blood pressure. Monitor blood pressure closely.
Antihypertensive drugs
moderatePotentiates hypotensive effects of clonidine. Risk of excessive hypotension and syncope. Monitor BP and HR.
Other clonidine products (Kapvay, Catapres, Catapres-TTS)
majorDo not use simultaneously. Additive hypotension and sedation. Stop other clonidine products before starting Onyda XR.
Onyda XR represents a meaningful advancement in pediatric ADHD treatment — the first liquid non-stimulant option with once-daily nighttime dosing. For families whose children struggle to swallow pills, who need a non-stimulant option, or who are managing stimulant-related side effects, Onyda XR offers a clinically validated alternative.
The main challenges in 2026 are availability and cost. Since there is no generic, the retail price is approximately $525 per 30-day supply — though the Tris Savings Card can bring that down to $25/month for eligible patients. Pharmacy stocking is improving as the medication builds its distribution footprint.
If you're struggling to find Onyda XR at your pharmacy, medfinder can help — we call pharmacies near you to check which ones can fill your prescription, and text you the results. No hold music, no repeated explanations. Just answers.
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Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
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