FDA warns on ADHD Drugs

The New England Journal of Medicine has reported on a recent decision by the FDA to require a ‘black box’ label to be applied to a group of medicines frequently used in the treatment of attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder (ADHD). The label is to warn of cardiovascular dangers associated with the medicines.

The group of medicines include the amphetamine Adderall (and other brands), the methylphenidates Ritalin and Concerta (and other brands) and includes the illegal street drug methamphetamine (alias ‘speed’).

In a shock decision, members of the Management Advisory Committee of the FDA voted 8:7 to back the proposal, based upon evidence of adverse side-effects including hypertension, hyperthermia, rhabdomyolysis, myocardial infarction (heart attack), cerebrovascular events (stroke) and sudden death from a variety of unidentified causes.

Readers who wish to read more about this development, including a lucid discussion of the related issues are advised to read the report in the New England Journal of Medicine here: ADHD Drugs and Cardiovascular Risk (Nissen S. E.)
Discuss this

Related Discussions Consensus Panel Warns of Risk of Narrowed Vessels in the leg Some drugs research. 10 Reasons Not To Take Drugs On A Date

Related Articles New Drugs to Clear up Arteries Parkinson’s Drugs Hurt the Heart Heart at Serious Risk from Diabetes Drugs