ADHDWISE

ADHD Drugs Linked to Sudden Death in Kids

2009-07-10T01:10:00.000-07:00

MONDAY, June 15,2009 (HealthDay News) -- Stimulant medications commonly prescribed to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are associated with an increased risk of sudden death, but those deaths are still rare, new research finds.
Children and teens taking ADHD stimulant medications were seven times more likely to die suddenly than their peers, the study found.

"What we found -- to our surprise -- is that even if you take out confounding factors, the association between stimulant use and sudden death was still significant," said study author Madelyn Gould, a professor of clinical epidemiology in psychiatry at Columbia University/New York State Psychiatric Institute in New York City........Results of the study were published in the June 15 online edition of the American Journal of Psychiatry.

With 2.5 million kids in the U.S. on stimulant medications like Ritalin and Adderall, it's big news when research shows that the incidence of sudden death is 7.4 times higher among this group (aged 7-19). Other possible factors as causes of deaths were ruled out.

The hyperactive children killed by these drugs represent just the tip of the iceberg. You can be sure that many more children are being harmed to different degrees and in varying ways without family or physician awareness. The tragedy is compounded by the fact that the harm could often be avoided if the youngsters were properly examined and treated for nutritional deficiencies as well as allergic and toxic exposures.
Dr. Benedetto Vitiello, chief of child and adolescent treatment intervention at the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health said "It rings a bell for everyone to be more attentive and less cavalier about the use of these drugs."

References:
http://www.kristv.com/Global/story.asp?S=10533236
http://www.hacsg.org.uk/NEWS.htm

ADHD Drugs: Hallucinations Not Uncommon

2009-01-27T07:27:00.000-08:00

FDA Examines Incidence of Psychotic Symptoms in Children Taking ADHD Medications
Jan. 26, 2009 -- Treatment-related hallucinations and other psychotic symptoms in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be more common than previously thought, FDA officials report in the latest issue of the journal Pediatrics
To View Full Article: http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/news/20090126/adhd-drugs-hallucinations-not-uncommon

Study Raises Questions About Diagnosis & ADHD Treatment

2009-01-14T08:05:00.000-08:00

A new UCLA study shows that only about half of children diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, exhibit the cognitive defects commonly associated with the condition.The study also found that in populations where medication is rarely prescribed to treat ADHD, the prevalence and symptoms of the disorder are roughly equivalent to populations in which medication is widely used.The results of the first large, longitudinal study of adolescents and ADHD, conducted among the population of northern Finland, appeared in several papers in a special section of the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry published in December and are currently online. To view full article: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/94801.php

STRATTERA WARNING

2009-01-14T07:36:00.000-08:00

The ADHD drug Strattera CAUSES psychosis, hallucinations, mania and agitation - 12/01/2008-The manufacturer, Eli Lilly, has now changed the label for Strattera in Europe to include warnings that Strattera CAUSES “hallucinations, delusional thinking, mania or agitation in children and adolescents without a prior history of psychotic illness or mania … at usual doses”। Stockholm, Sweden 12/01/2008 09:38 PM GMT (TransWorldNews) - To View Full Article: http://www.transworldnews.com/NewsStory.aspx?id=69298&cat=10

Strattera Safety Questioned

2009-01-14T07:15:00.000-08:00

STRATTERA-Children's suicide attempts raise concerns about ADHD medication - July 3, 2008-New questions are being raised about the safety of a drug used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder amid reports that more than 40 Canadian children have attempted suicide after taking it। To View Full Article: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080703.wadhd03/BNStory/specialScienceandHealth/home

Ritalin Cocaine for Kids? Risks & Benefits

2008-03-09T09:41:00.000-07:00

Ritalin (Methylphenidate) – Overview

According to the Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)
Drug and Chemical Evaluation Section, 1995

Ritalin is a schedule II drug classified in the same category as cocaine, heroin, opium and morphine.

Ritalin & cocaine are used interchangeably in scientific studies. The DEA has reported this and has also stated that it produces cocaine-like effects.

According to DEA Congressional testimony: “neither animals nor humans can tell the difference between cocaine, amphetamines or methylphenidate (Ritalin), when they are administered the same way in comparable doses. In short they produce effects that are nearly identical.”

In addition to Ritalin, other amphetamine or “speed” type drugs include Adderall, Dexedrine & Cylert.

“The data show that methylphenidate has a high abuse potential. It is associated with diversion and trafficking and is abused for its psychic effects. The extent of these activities is similar to other pharmaceutical Schedule II substances.”

“What are some consequences of methamphetamine and amphetamine use?•

Effects of usage include addiction, psychotic behavior, and brain damage .6
• Withdrawal symptoms include depression, anxiety, fatigue, paranoia, aggression, and intense cravings. 7
• Chronic use can cause violent behavior, anxiety, confusion, insomnia, auditory hallucinations, mood disturbances, delusions, and paranoia. 8
• Damage to the brain cause by meth usage is similar to Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and epilepsy.9 “

Ritalin is More Potent Than Cocaine

- Ritalin has a more potent effect on the brain than cocaine.
- Using brain imaging, scientists have found that: in pill form, Ritalin, occupies more of the neural transporters responsible for the 'high' experienced by addicts than smoked or injected cocaine.
- Ritalin has the same pharmacological profile as cocaine
- Even in pill form Ritalin had a greater potency in the brain than cocaine.
- The notion that Ritalin is a weak stimulant is completely incorrect,' said Volkow. A normal dose administered to children blocked 70 per cent of the dopamine transporters. 'The data clearly show the notion that Ritalin is a weak stimulant is completely incorrect,' said Volkow. Cocaine is known to block around 50 per cent of these transporters, leaving a surfeit of dopamine in the system, which is responsible for the hit addicts crave. But now it is known that Ritalin blocks 20 percent more of these auto-receptors.
“'I've been almost obsessed about trying to understand [Ritalin] with imaging,' said Volkow. 'As a psychiatrist I sometimes feel embarrassed [about the lack of knowledge] because this is by far the drug we prescribe most frequently to children.”
To View Full article: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2001/sep/09/health.medicalscience

Long-term effects of Ritalin Have Not Been Studied
The conventional view is that 40+ years of Ritalin use suggests that it is pretty safe stuff. However, 40 years later Ritalin and other stimulants have not been studied for their long-term safety and effectiveness.
According to the Canadian Medical Association the average drug trial for Ritalin is just 3.3 weeks. In contrast, children diagnosed with ADD/ADHD may be taking the medication for years, even decades. Yet the impact of such long term use is not known, which begs the question, why haven’t any long term studies been conducted given Ritalin has been around for over 40 years. For young children, whose brains are still developing, long-term use may lead to permanent neurological changes, stunt kids’ growth and increase the risk of addiction & drug abuse.

Benefits of Ritalin Treatment
Claims that Ritalin appears to help with concentration
Studies indicate improvement is in classroom manageability rather than academic performance. No Scientific evidence that Ritalin is effective (Children’s hospital of Eastern Ontario & Univ. Ottawa meta-analysis Study, 62 studies). A meta-analysis of 62 studies of Ritalin treatment involved close to 3,000 participants for Attention Deficit Disorder. A team of Canadian researchers said it found very little scientific evidence that the drug lives up to its reputation and discovered that studies have played down the negative side-effects and role of placebos. The meta-analysis study included studies conducted over an 18 year span.

Ritalin: Six Common Side Effects

Loss of appetite, weight loss
Growth problems
Trouble falling asleep
Dizziness
Irritability, sadness, moodiness, or agitation 1-2 hours after administering the medication.
Sadness, irritability, or worsening of ADHD symptoms as the drug wears off.

Other Ritalin Side-Effects
Heart beat irregularities, rapid heart beat,
Increased blood pressure
Hallucinations, anxiety, irritability
Restlessness ,agitation Suicidal feelings, personality changes
Nausea/dizziness & muscle cramping
Lack of spontaneity Nervousness , Headaches ,
Upset stomach, Depression, Tics,

References:
ADDitude (ADDitude Magazine) http://www.helpguide.org/mental/adhd_medications.htm#references (Help Guide), http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/what_medications_attention-deficit_hyperactivity_disorder_000030_8.htm (University of Maryland Medical Center), http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/pubs/cngrtest/ct051600.htm (DEA), http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/concern/meth_factsheet.html#6 (DEA), http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2001/sep/09/health.medicalscience ,
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/medicating/drugs/ (The Medicated Child PBS)

Health Canada Advisories & Warnings on ADHD Drugs: Sept. 21/06

2008-03-08T07:31:00.001-08:00

ADHD Drugs & "Uncommon Psychiatric Adverse Events"
OTTAWA - "Health Canada is informing Canadians that the prescribing and patient information for all drugs used for the management of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is being revised to provide information about the potential for psychiatric adverse events, including rare reports of agitation and hallucinations in children..."
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2006/2006_91_e.html

Is Your Child's Brain Starving? Film

2008-03-05T14:38:00.000-08:00

Lecture on how diet can contribute to ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) by Dr. Michael R. Lyon, MD. Shot at Mount Royal College, Calgary, Alberta.
Dr. Lyon - "As the director of a medical & research centre, I have explored a variety of potential treatments to improve brain function in children and adults, without the use of drugs like Ritalin. Although I believe there is promise in certain herbal medicines and in non-drug treatments such as biofeedback, I have seen the most profound improvements in learning and behaviour through an intelligently applied nutritional program."
Dr. Michael R. Lyon, MD is Medical and Research Director of FunctionalMedicine.Ca
Gordon McDowell created the video.

Questions Parents Ought to be Asking Before Deciding to Medicate Their Kids:

2008-03-05T14:06:00.000-08:00

1) Is the medication going to give their child the skills s/he needs to manage for the rest of their lives. And if they decide to stop the medication will the child be better or worse off.

2) Get a drug insert from the local pharmacist or purchase a “Physician’s Desk Reference”(PDR).

3) What are the Alternatives – the answer is there are many ranging from Educational Training & Intervention, Natural Medicine Treatments, Nutrition, Family Counselling, Parent coaching to help parents become more effective parents, teachers, guides, counsellors and advocates for their children

Questions Parents Ought to be Asking Before the Mental Health Experts Interview and Diagnose Their Child

2008-03-05T14:03:00.001-08:00

1) What is the criteria for Normality? What are the expected Normal Behaviors and where has it been written and by whom. Who decides who is Normal and Abnormal? What is the official definition of Normal. What does normal really mean. Is an Olympic athlete normal, is a gifted artist, dancer normal? Is a child with special needs normal?Who might profit from the labeling?

2) Will you be allowed to get a second opinion or more importantly disagree with the label. Can you see the record and enter corrections. Will the record ever be destroyed or will the label follow the child throughout life.

3) What is the very worst thing that the Label will have the power to do to your child or you, if it fell in the hands of your enemies

4) Can you refuse the label and if you do what are the consequences/repercussions

5) What are the results of studies of long-term use of drugs like Ritalin, which has effects on the brain similar to those of cocaine? Where are those studies and how can we have access to them

6) Have any long-term studies been done to look at children from different environments

7) Is ADHD a physical disease with a confirmed physical or chemical abnormality that can be demonstrated within the patient?

8) How many children have they raised and with what outcome?

A Convenient Diagnosis

2008-03-05T13:10:00.000-08:00

When Joshua Lourie was seven, he started acting out in class. His school sent him for a psychological assessment and he was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ....,
Not unusual,
Dr. Sandra Fisman of the Ontario Psychiatric Association, surprisingly, doesn't disagree with Joshua's point of view. She says, "There is a fashion around the diagnosis of ADHD.".....
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20070316/wfive_diagnosis_070317/20070317/

ADHD Drugs "Not Effective" Research Has Shown

2008-03-05T12:57:00.000-08:00

A study obtained by the BBC's Panorama programme says drugs such as Ritalin and Concerta work no better than therapy after three years of treatment.
Treating children who have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) with drugs is not effective in the long-term, research has shown.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7090011.stm

Ritalin stunts growth of children; long-term risk to children's health unknown

2008-03-05T12:54:00.000-08:00

New research published in the August, 2007 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry finds that Ritalin, the amphetamine drug stunts the growth of children. After three years on the psychotropic drug, children are one inch shorter and 4.4 pounds lighter than their peers, researchers have documented
http://www.naturalnews.com/021944.html

Video: Don't Drug Them First - Children, ADHD & Drugs - Dr. Rapp

2008-03-05T12:50:00.000-08:00

Many children with bi-polar and ADHD symptoms can be helped without the use of dangerous off-label drugs. There are fast, easy and inexpensive answers available. Dr. Doris Rapp has dedicated her life to identifying and providing simple solutions to these and other behavior problems. ...

“Repeated scientific studies have shown that as many as many as 66 percent of ADHD-diagnosed children actually have an unrecognized food allergy causing their symptoms. This means that about two-thirds of hyperactive children may not need Class II narcotic drugs such as Ritalin….."
From the book: “Is this Your Child’s World?” By Dr. Rapp

FOOD ADDITIVES & COLORINGS AFFECT CHILDREN’S BEHAVIOR

2008-03-05T12:44:00.000-08:00

Ritalin is More Potent Than Cocaine

2008-03-05T12:32:00.000-08:00

"Even in pill form, Ritalin blocked far more of the brain transporters that affect mood change and had a greater potency in the brain than cocaine. Researchers were shocked by this finding. A normal dose administered to children blocked 70 per cent of the dopamine transporters. 'The data clearly show the notion that Ritalin is a weak stimulant is completely incorrect,' said Volkow. Cocaine is known to block around 50 per cent of these transporters, leaving a surfeit of dopamine in the system, which is responsible for the hit addicts crave. But now it is known that Ritalin blocks 20 per cent more of these auto-receptors. ..."
To View Full Article: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2001/sep/09/health.medicalscience
Analysis of Article: http://www.mercola.com/2001/sep/26/ritalin.htm

ADHD DRUGS TO BE STUDIED FOR HEART RISK

2008-03-05T12:28:00.000-08:00

Drugs used by 5 million children and adults in the U.S. to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder will be studied by U.S. health agencies to determine whether they raise heart risks.
A study will examine data from 500,000 patients who have taken ADHD medications from 1998 to 2005, according to the Food and Drug Administration statement(FDA). The FDA said it is expected that new study will take about two years to complete….
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=a5ap6JbK5NDA

ADD/ADHD Drug Information

2008-03-05T12:13:00.000-08:00

ADHD DRUG INFORMATION
Information about ADD/ADHD Medications Includes: Warnings, Side-Effects, Precautions and Drug Interactions.
http://www.ritalindeath.com/Drug-Info.htm

Ritalin Information: Side Effects, Cautions, Alternatives, ADD, ADHD

2008-03-05T12:10:00.001-08:00

MEDICATE or EDUCATE?
The answers to the question may not be simple --but the most important step is to start asking questions. The following resources hopefully will assist you in asking the questions.
Ritalin, Adderall, & Other Stimulants--Further Resources
http://www.breggin.com/ritalin.html

FDA Directs ADHD Drug Manufacturers to Notify Patients about Cardiovascular & Psychiatric Adverse Events

2008-03-04T12:55:00.000-08:00

FDA Asks Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Drug Manufacturers to Develop Patient Medication Guideshttp://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/ADHD/default.htm

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) directed the manufacturers of all drug products approved for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to develop Patient Medication Guides to alert patients to possible cardiovascular risks and risks of adverse psychiatric symptoms associated with the medicines, and to advise them of precautions that can be taken.

"Medicines approved for the treatment of ADHD have real benefits for many patients but they may have serious risks as well," said Steven Galson, M.D., Director, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER). "In our ongoing commitment to strengthen drug safety, FDA is working closely with manufacturers of all ADHD medicines to include important information in the product labeling and in developing new Patient Medication Guides to better inform doctors and patients about these concerns."

Patient Medication Guides are handouts given to patients, families and caregivers when a medicine is dispensed. The guides contain FDA-approved patient information that could help prevent serious adverse events. Patients being treated with ADHD products should read the information before taking the medication and talk to their doctors if they have any questions or concerns. ADHD is a condition that affects approximately 3 percent to 7 percent of school-aged children and approximately 4 percent of adults. The three main symptoms are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. People with ADHD may have difficulty in school, troubled relationships with family and peers, and low self-esteem. An FDA review of reports of serious cardiovascular adverse events in patients taking usual doses of ADHD products revealed reports of sudden death in patients with underlying serious heart problems or defects, and reports of stroke and heart attack in adults with certain risk factors. Another FDA review of ADHD medicines revealed a slight increased risk (about 1 per 1,000) for drug-related psychiatric adverse events, such as hearing voices, becoming suspicious for no reason, or becoming manic, even in patients who did not have previous psychiatric problems. FDA recommends that children, adolescents, or adults who are being considered for treatment with ADHD drug products work with their physician or other health care professional to develop a treatment plan that includes a careful health history and evaluation of current status, particularly for cardiovascular and psychiatric problems (including assessment for a family history of such problems). As part of the Agency’s ongoing regulatory activity, in May 2006 the FDA directed manufacturers of these products to revise product labeling for doctors to reflect concerns about adverse cardiovascular and psychiatric events. These changes were based on recommendations from the FDA Pediatric Advisory Committee and the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee.
To help patients understand these risks, an additional part of this revised labeling process is the creation of a Patient Medication Guide for each individual product.

The medicines that are the focus of the revised labeling and new Patient Medication Guides include the following 15 products:
Adderall (mixed salts of a single entity amphetamine product) Tablets
Adderall XR (mixed salts of a single entity amphetamine product) Extended-Release Capsules
Concerta (methylphenidate hydrochloride) Extended-Release Tablets
Daytrana (methylphenidate) Transdermal System
Desoxyn (methamphetamine HCl) Tablets
Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine sulfate) Spansule Capsules and Tablets
Focalin (dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride) Tablets
Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride) Extended-Release Capsules
Metadate CD (methylphenidate hydrochloride) Extended-Release Capsules
Methylin (methylphenidate hydrochloride) Oral Solution
Methylin (methylphenidate hydrochloride) Chewable Tablets
Ritalin (methylphenidate hydrochloride) Tablets
Ritalin SR (methylphenidate hydrochloride) Sustained-Release Tablets
Ritalin LA (methylphenidate hydrochloride) Extended-Release Capsules
Strattera (atomoxetine HCl) Capsules

The draft Patient Medication Guides for each product can be found at http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/ADHD/default.htm. For more information please visit http://www.fda.gov/.

Other Risks of Ritalin Treatment

2008-03-04T12:52:00.000-08:00

Tics (Tourette’s syndrome)- occur in 7% to 8% of children
Extreme changes in mood – violent behavior to heavenly bliss
Drug abuse, dependence & addiction
SuicideSudden cardiac deaths in children (186 deaths, 569 hospitalizations)
Harmful long-term effects on brain

ADHD Drug Treatments Benefits & Risks

2008-03-04T12:47:00.000-08:00

Ritalin is currently the “drug of choice”

Other drugs used are: Adderrall, Concerta, Metadate, Daytrana, Desoxyn, Dexedrine, Focalin, Metadate, Methylin, Strattera

ADHD is a North American Phenomenon – over 90% of world’s Ritalin consumed in U.S. & Canada

Ritalin – cocaine for kids?
Ritalin is pharmacologically similar to cocaine. Ritalin is a schedule II drug (controlled substance because of high likelihood of abuse)Ritalin is classified in the same category as cocaine, heroin, opium and morphine

Benefits of Ritalin Treatment
Claims that Ritalin appears to help with concentrationStudies indicate improvement is in classroom manageability rather than academic performance

Side-effects of Ritalin Treatment
Heart beat irregularities
rapid heart beat
Increased blood pressure
Poor growth
Hallucinations
depression,
anxiety,
irritability
Nightmares,
dizziness,
agitation
Weight loss due to loss of appetite
Suicidal feelings,
personality changes
Nausea & muscle cramping

FDA Warnings on ADHD Medications

2008-03-04T12:44:00.000-08:00

Feb. 21,07 – heart attacks, strokes, sudden death & psychiatric problems (hearing voices, manic behavior)

Mar. 23,06 – 1,000 reports of psychosis or mania

Feb.9,06 – “black box” warning issued for Ritalin, Adderall & Concerta – may cause heart attacks, strokes & sudden death

Sept. 29,05 – “black box” warning on Strattera “risk of suicidal thinking”

June 28, 05 – labeling to include side effects of: “visual hallucinations, suicidal ideation (ideas), psychotic behavior & aggression or violent behavior

Dec. 17, 04 – Straterra “severe liver damage may progress to liver failure resulting in death or need for a liver transplant”

AD(H)D Drug Treatments Scientific Research: What We Know So Far

2008-03-04T12:41:00.000-08:00

ADHD Drugs do not improve Academic Performance (Center of Oregon Health & Science University - 2,287 studies were reviewed on ADHD). In September 2005, the evidence based Practice Center of Oregon Health & Science University published a report in which 2,287 studies virtually every study conducted on ADHD drugs was reviewed. The study results showed that no study trial had shown the effectiveness of these drugs and that there was lack of evidence that they could affect “academic performance”, social achievements and risky behaviors.

No Scientific evidence that Ritalin is effective (Children’s hospital of Eastern Ontario & Univ. Ottawa meta-analysis Study, 62 studies). A meta-analysis of 62 studies of Ritalin treatment involved close to 3,000 participants for Attention Deficit Disorder. A team of Canadian researchers said it found very little scientific evidence that the drug lives up to its reputation and discovered that studies have played down the negative side-effects and role of placebos. The meta-analysis study included studies conducted over an 18 year span.

Ritalin causes Genetic Damage, Cancer (Univ. Texas). Researchers at the University of Texas found that just after 3 months every child in the study treated for ADHD with the drug methylphenidate experienced a THREEFOLD INCREASE IN CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITIES. Methylphenidate is the generic name for a group of drugs that includes Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate CD & others.

Stimulants permanently alter animal’s brains – results in learned helplessness. An animal study showed rats exposed to Ritalin as juveniles showed large increases in learned –helplessness behavior- a lessened ability to deal with stressful situations.

The Links Between Diet and Behavior: The influence of nutrition on mental health

2008-03-04T12:19:00.000-08:00

A group of experts including scientists, doctors, nutritionists called for the removal of food colorings and food preservatives. Recommendations included suggestions that doctors be trained in nutrition and that children increase the intake of omega-3 essential fatty acids.
http://www.feingold.org/healthforum.html