The FDA was busy last week as it approved two drugs for use in adult disorders. The FDA approved the drug Concerta for use in adult ADHD, and approved the first generic versions of Risperdal (risperidone) tablets to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other psychiatric conditions. Here we will focus on the approval of Concerta for adults with ADHD.

Concerta is a CNS stimulant medication is used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children 6 years of age and older, adolescents, and now adults up to the age of 65. It is thought that stimulants work by helping to increase dopamine and norepinephrine, and perhaps blood flow, in the brain. Read more of the article...

Barron’s Magazine, is a financial weekly published by Dow Jones that keeps a very close eye on the world’s financial news and the corporations that are making news. Recently they ran a short series of articles on Shire Pharmaceuticals and the potential problems ahead for the company.

The reason that these articles are of interest to parents of children with ADHD, is that Shire makes Adderall, Adderall XR, and Vyvanse, all major medications used for ADHD treatment. The problems for Shire may be blessings for parents, so here are some of the details: Read more of the article...

ADHD Stimulant Medication and ER Visits for Heart Problems in Children

Are the risks of heart problems greater in children who are prescribed stimulant medications for ADHD than for children who are not taking such medications? The University of Florida researched this question and published their results in the journal Pediatrics in December, 2007.

What they found was that the use of stimulant medication for ADHD in children and teenagers may be the cause for an increased number of emergency room visits, or visits to the doctor’s office, because of cardiac symptoms such as a racing heart or increased blood pressure. But the study also found that deaths, or serious heart complications, are rare. Read more of the article...

For those of you parents, especially those who have children taking ADHD medications, we want you to be aware of the following information.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) just startled everyone by reporting on a study that estimates that each year cough and cold medicines send about 7,091 children to hospital emergency rooms, which accounts for 5.7% of all emergency room visits for medications in this age group. Read more of the article...

The Associated Press is reporting that the Center for Disease Control (CDC) is estimating that each year cough and cold medicines send about 7,091 children to hospital emergency rooms.

Of these 7,000 cases, about two-thirds of the cases were children who took the medicines unsupervised. Of the remaining 2,600 cases, about 1,600 were were children under the age of 2 years old who were given over-the-counter cough and cold medicines that the FDA considers to be too dangerous for such young children.

However, about one-quarter involved cases in which parents gave the proper dosage and an allergic reaction or some other problem developed, the study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported. Read more of the article...

Just as 2006 and 2007 saw an increase options for delivery systems of medications for ADHD, the next generation of medications for ADHD may be just around the corner in 2008 and 2009. These NextGen medications are known as ProDrugs, and they have the potential to change the way medications are prescribed to individuals with ADHD.

Since there has been a recent explosion of new ADHD drugs such as Strattera, or new delivery systems such as Daytrana, or “old drugs in new dresses” such as Concerta, why in the world is it necessary to develop any more new drugs for ADHD? Why should we care? Read more of the article...

Adderall XR

Question from a Reader:

This summer I took my child off XR adderall, he is not growing and his weight is below average. He is not moody any longer, the ticks are going away and he told me he is not having problems like before with attention. I do not wish to return him to meds.

How can I help him when it comes to school and behavior?

Answer from Editor:

Most of what you mention are things that you have to discuss with your doctor. But I'll do what I can to help you. You may be aware of this week's headlines about stimulants "stunting growth" in kids. I haven't yet read the study yet, but I will soon and it seems that you should too. Read more of the article...

Hello: I just wanted to inform you that I have been giving this medication to my son 10 years old for almost 5-6 months. his condition is still the same he did not get a good grades. his focus problem is still there . I was hoping for good but I am not sure now what to do. I think this does not work with every child. I gave him 2 pills mor and 2 evening but still . Please let me know is their other then attend I can use. Read more of the article...

AHRQ and FDA To Collaborate in Largest Study Ever of Possible Heart Risks with ADHD Medications

Press Release Date: September 17, 2007

Two U.S. Department of Health and Human Services agencies will collaborate in the most comprehensive study to date of prescription medications used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the potential for increased risk of heart attack, stroke or other cardiovascular problems.

Researchers supported by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will examine the clinical data of about 500,000 children and adults who have taken medications used to treat ADHD to determine whether those drugs increase cardiovascular risks.

Because medications used to treat ADHD can increase heart rate and blood pressure, there are concerns about the drugs' potential to increase cardiac risks. It is also thought these risks may be different for adults and children, but more evidence is needed about the long-term effects of using ADHD medications. Read more of the article...

On August 22, 2007, the Food and Drug Administration approved Risperdal, a widely used adult psychiatric drug, for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in children and adolescents. The FDA is permitting use of Risperdal for schizophrenia in youths aged 13 to 17, and for bipolar disorder for children and teens ages 10 to 17. Read more of the article...

ADHD Prescription Drug Use Up in Teens

More teenagers are taking prescriptions medications for ADHD, and for other medical conditions, than ever before, and the sharpest increase is with teenage girls. This is according to a five year study of prescription drug claims by Medco Health Solutions, a company that manages various pharmacy benefits programs.

The increase in prescription drug use may be seen as either good news or bad news. Read more of the article...

Does Ritalin or Other Medication for ADHD Increase the Risk of Drug Use?

This is a debate that has been raging for years - does the use of stimulant medication to treat ADHD, such as Ritalin, increase the likelihood of later drug use? Read more of the article...

For release on June 18, 2007, 11:39:00 AM Read more of the article...

Does Stimulant Treatment for ADHD Increase Risk of Drug Abuse?

Researchers say treatment age and duration can influence outcome; urge further study

Strattera

Strattera is a recent medication, with a lot of publicity, and a lot of marketing money, which makes it seem like the best medication since antibiotics were developed. But its short history is filled with controversy. Read more of the article...

Dexedrine (Dexamphetamine or Dextroamphetamine)

Dexedrine is a central nervous system stimulant used in the treatment of ADHD.

It is from the amphetamine family, and is manufactured in 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg pills, and 5mg, 10mg. or 15mg capsules. Dexedrine comes in a very effective Spansule formula for a longer effective dose (one dose a day gets you through school). Read more of the article...