August 04, 2009
/24-7PressRelease/ --
Concerns Grow Over Potentially Dangerous ADHD Meds
Article provided by Holman Schiavone, LLC
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In June, the federal Food and Drug Administration issued a statement linking drugs used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and sudden, fatal heart problems in children taking the medications.
The FDA stated that because the study is limited in scope, it doesn't justify a change in the agency's safety recommendations for doctors prescribing the stimulants to kids.
The study was of two groups of 564 children; one group was of otherwise healthy kids who died of sudden cardiac failure and the other was a group of children killed in motor vehicle accidents. Researchers examining the data gathered between 1985 and 1996 found that 10 children who died of sudden cardiac disturbances were taking stimulant medications prior to their deaths, whereas only two in the car accidents were taking the medications.
The FDA currently urges physicians to consider a child's personal and family history of cardiovascular disease before prescribing medications such as Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate, Methylin, Dexedrine, Dextrostat and Adderall. The doctors are urged to conduct a physical examination with a focus on the cardiovascular system and consider further tests, including a screening electrocardiogram and echocardiogram.
Over three million American children use ADHD drugs. Some estimates place usage of ADHD medications as high as 10 percent among 10-year-old American boys. Many critics believe the drugs are overprescribed; often for children for whom the associated risks outweigh the benefits.
The FDA is co-sponsoring a large study of the potential for danger in ADHD medications in partnership with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. It will evaluate the potential increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular disturbances associated with the use of stimulants in children.
Findings from this study are expected later this year.
Article provided by Holman Schiavone, LLC
Visit us at
www.kdh-law.com---
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