February 9th, 2006

"Potentially Fatal Risks Associated With ADD Drugs"

The Food and Drug Administration is examining the safety of attention deficit disorder (ADHD) drugs like Adderall and Ritalin following the reported deaths of 51 people in the U.S. This is not the first time federal regulators and medical professionals have expressed concern over the growing frequency of heart attacks, high blood pressure, strokes, sudden death, and other possible severe ADHD drug side effects.

While the FDA has commented that these findings do not prove a casual link between Adderall, Ritalin and cardiovascular complications, doctors should be wary of patients experiencing any serious Adderall or Ritalin side effects.

The information regarding the possible hazardous side effects of the drugs was released today, just one day before an organized FDA advisory panel meeting in which the medications Adderall and Ritalin will be evaluated for safety and risk factors.

Shire Pharmaceuticals Group Plc, the maker of Adderall, and Novartis, maker of Ritalin, have released statements alleging that no direct link between the deaths or any other cardiovascular problems has been found in association with the medications. Shire spokesman Matthew Cabrey expressed his company''s support of the FDA''s continued investigation of the subject.

ADHD drugs have been harshly criticized by parents and doctors who claim that ADHD drugs are over-prescribed, without proper evaluation of the drug''s safety and appropriateness for a given individual. These drugs have become a panacea for many undesirable behaviors, particularly in children who were acting out or performing poorly in school. These drugs are also notorious for their high potential for abuse and addiction.

Between the years of 1999 and 2003, 24 deaths were reported among patients taking Adderall for ADHD, in addition to 16 other deaths reported in 2003 among patients taking Ritalin or other methylphenidate drugs. Eleven additional deaths were reported in association with drugs similar to Adderall. Another 30 people died when taking Adderall or similar drugs, but these deaths fell outside the time of the study or involved non-US citizens.

This makes for a total of 51 people who have possibly died due to serious Ritalin and Adderall side effects.

The FDA has commented, “Conclusions about the relative safety of these two stimulant therapies cannot be made on the basis of this analysis.” However, investigations will continue to determine if the drugs pose a serious health risk.

Health officials in Canada temporarily suspended the use of Adderall in 2005 after the reported deaths of 20 people who were taking the medication. Adderall was placed back on the market, however, after authorities were not able to prove that the drug posed no greater risk than a number of other available drugs.

The FDA will also be investigating claims alleging links between the attention deficit disorder drugs and psychiatric illness.

The FDA has taken a “disjointed” approach to ADHD drugs over the past year, argues Iowan Senator Charles Grassley. He has urged a comprehensive review of all ADHD medicines, particularly Ritalin and Adderall.