At least 3.3 million Americans currently take medications to ease the symptoms of Attention Deficit
Disorder. The majority of these medications are amphetamine-based stimulants.

The doctors prescribe these drugs, but that does not mean they are necessarily safe, says the
Federal Drug Administration which is currently looking at placing strong warnings on stimulant ADD
medications like Ritalin, Adderall and Concerta. An FDA advisory panel voted in February to
recommend that all stimulant ADHD drugs carry a "black box" warning - the strongest possible safety
warning - to indicate that the drugs may increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes and sudden
death.

Black box warnings are intended to alert physicians and patients that a drug may carry significant
risks. The FDA advisory panel ruled on this black box warning after reviewing data concerning death
and other negative heart problems associated with stimulant drug medication use. Although data
varies between reporting agencies, 25 to 51 deaths have been attributed to ADHD medication use.
Experts estimate that less than 10 percent of serious drug reactions are reported to the FDA, so the
deaths and serious adverse effects are undoubtedly much higher.

Of the reported deaths studied by the advisory panel, 19 were children. Other reports described 54
cases of high blood pressure, chest pain, heart attacks, strokes, irregular heart beats and
fainting. The number of arrhythmia has been surprising. It is believed to be the pathway for the
sudden, unexplained deaths. And because adults have a higher risk of heart disease and stroke to
begin with, any increase in risk caused by these drugs could affect a large number of people.

One committee member stated that not disclosing the risks associated with taking these drugs is
unethical. Because of the gravity of the side effects, namely sudden death, physicians need to be
clearly aware of the serious side effects before prescribing these drugs to their patients. The
panel, while expressing concern about the over prescribing of ADHD medications, stated that they
want physicians to pause before writing prescriptions for stimulant medications. The FDA advisory
committee also unanimously recommended that the FDA include medication guides with all stimulant
ADHD drugs warning about the risks.

FDA is not required to follow recommendations given by the advisory committee, though the FDA
usually does follow recommendations. The FDA awaits advice from its pediatric panel in March before
reaching a decision. The FDA plans to refer the issue to another advisory panel that deals with
psychological problems in children. Additionally, the FDA is planning a new study of ADHD drugs that
will take approximately 18 months to complete. Some are adamant that the FDA should not wait for the
results of this study. The FDA has been criticized in the past for being slow to respond to evidence
of health risks associated with such things as drugs, including painkillers and antidepressants.

At least two million children and one million adults take prescription ADHD medication every month.
Opponents of this black box warning - the strongest warning in the industry -say that they’ve found
less than one death or injury for every 1 million prescription filled. It is true that the number of
deaths caused by ADHD medications make up an incredibly small percent of people using the drug.
However, if that one death is someone you love, that fact is little consolation.

One thought is that a black box warning will help the out of control rate in which doctors prescribe
ADHD drugs. Many experts believe stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin are being over prescribed,
especially to adults, and the public and doctors are largely unaware of the potential risks. They
say the chemical structure of stimulants were structurally similar to drugs like ephedrine, that
have proven cardiovascular risks. Besides the 25-51 deaths reported between 1999 and 2003, the
council also discovered there were 54 cases of cardiovascular problems, which included heart
attacks, strokes, and hypertension.

If you or someone you love is currently taking a stimulant ADHD medication for Attention Deficit
Disorder, you might want to consider alternatives to ADHD medications. These alternatives can
include diet modification, exercise regimes, family therapy, biofeedback and other alternatives that
show promise in easing the symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder.

BIO:

Jeannine Virtue is a freelance writer who focuses on health related issues. For information about
effective and natural treatments for Attention Deficit Disorder and Depression in adults and
children, visit the Attention Deficit Disorder Help Center at http://www.add-adhd-help-center.com

Submitted by:

• Name: Jeannine Virtue
• Date: 03/07/06 at 16:14
• Email: jeannine.athens@verizon.net
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