Heart Tests Urged for Kids Before Taking ADHD Drugs

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April 22nd, 2008

"Kids Taking Ritalin, Adderall and Strattera Should Get Tested"

The American Heart Association is recommending a thorough heart exam and electrocardiogram test for children who are prescribed attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) drugs like Ritalin, Adderall and Strattera.

Cardiovascular Risks

ADHD drugs have been linked to more than two-dozen sudden deaths in children since 1999, and sales of Adderall were suspended in Canada several years ago when the drug was linked to 20 deaths over the span of a decade.

Shortly thereafter, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration urged the manufacturers of ADHD drugs to include a strong “black box” warning to highlight the serious cardiovascular risks.

The drugs are considered stimulants and can increase blood pressure and heart rate. In children with underlying heart problems, the drugs can potentially cause heartbeat irregularities and cardiac arrest.

Screening May Help

The AHA is hoping that screening for rare or underlying heart disorders will help avoid instances of cardiac arrest and sudden death in children taking one of the drugs.

Over 2.5 million children in the United States take an ADHD drug. Experts estimate that ADHD affects between four and eight percent of American children, though some estimates place the figure as high as 16 percent.

(Source: Wall Street Journal)

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