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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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6

ADHD Drugs Linked to Teen Sudden Death

Children, teens who died suddenly likelier to have been on meds that those killed in car crashes

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(Newser) – A new study suggests that taking ADHD drugs like Ritalin puts young people at a higher risk of sudden cardiac death, WebMd reports. Children in the study who died suddenly and inexplicably were six to seven times likelier to have been taking ADHD medication containing stimulants.

The researchers said that while the relative number of deaths involved was very small, their findings highlighted the need for careful screening of young people for heart conditions before they are prescribed ADHD medication. The FDA, citing concerns about the study's methodology, said it was "unable to conclude that these data affect the overall risk-and-benefit profile of stimulant medications used to treat ADHD in children."

The study is the first to rigorously demonstrate a link between stimulant-containing ADHD drugs and sudden death.
The study is the first to rigorously demonstrate a link between stimulant-containing ADHD drugs and sudden death.   (Shutter Stock)
The study signals that ADHD drugs are not innocuous, said Beth Vitiello of the National Institute of Mental Health.
The study signals that ADHD drugs are not innocuous, said Beth Vitiello of the National Institute of Mental Health.   (©dno1967)
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This shouldn’t stop anyone from using medications that can help children. But the clinicians who prescribe these drugs must be vigilant about screening and monitoring their patients. - Lead researcher Madelyn S. Gould

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6 comments
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newzjunkie
Jun 16, 09 3:42 AM CDT
I can't believe it took this long for the FDA to realize that children cannot be given these mind altering drugs just to keep them quiet. There are some kids who may need these or benefit from them but that number is pretty low. This is serious medication. I've known "kids" in their 20s and 30s who took ridlin for years, and they are now drug addicts or alcoholics. And doctors prescribe these things like anti-biotics. Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
2-bits
Jun 16, 09 7:31 AM CDT
I am going to say that you are taking an uninformed position. I know it is overprescribed, but ADD is a genuine problem, diluted by all those who simply just aren't motivated and all the doctors who prescribe these drugs to make a buck. It is really like driving a racecar and being unable to apply the breaks. I don't think I would have made it through school without it (I took Adderall, they had to take me off Ritalin cause of scary stuff). I also know a few people who are drug addicts now who wouldn't be in that position had they had the benefits of a drug like Adderall. (Vyvanse though is really the best thing these days. Doesn't have near the side effects of either.)
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newzjunkie
Jun 16, 09 2:02 PM CDT
2bits, I apologize if I made it seem like ADD wasn't real, I know it is and I know many adults who still have it but have learned to direct it in other directions with the help of Vyanse or Adderall. I was trying to say that doctors use that diagnoses as an excuse for single moms in particular who are having trouble with their wild children. They just write scripts for these strong and dangerous drugs to help keep the kids quiet and settled down, no matter if they have ADD or not. At one elementary school in a small town I lived in more than 50 percent of the students were on it.
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mindgammon
Jun 16, 09 4:01 AM CDT
Adderall is the shit!! Reply
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Derni
Jun 16, 09 10:50 AM CDT
I suggest we look at the stats first and what company diud the testing and was it double bind etc. Many of the drugs we use for other medical puroposes also can result in death-don't make a rush to judgement-look at the methods used for the study and whether or not the person that died had any pre-existing health problems etc. Use your reason not your emotions. Reply
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