FDA To Examine Risks of ADHD Drugs
Reports of deaths, strokes, heart attacks and hypertension in children and adults taking drugs to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are spurring new government studies into the medications' safety.
Sales of drugs to treat ADHD have increased sharply in recent years, with use growing at a faster rate among adults than children, according to a recent study by Medco Health Solutions, a prescription benefit manager. Spending on ADHD drugs soared from $759 million in 2000 to $3.1 billion in 2004.
The Food and Drug Administration said it had received reports of what it called "serious adverse events" — including deaths — in association with the therapeutic use of the drugs. The agency considers the reports "rare though serious," FDA spokeswoman Susan Bro said Wednesday.
Read the article from the Kansas City Star here.