Patients Need to Know ADHD Drug Risks

Michelle Zeigler

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After several reports of increased blood pressure, heart rate and sudden death in attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder or ADHD patients, the FDA advised drug makers to amend the labels of the drugs like Ritalin to reflect concerns about cardiovascular and psychiatric problems.

"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."

ADHD, which is characterized by three major symptoms, inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, affects 3 to 7 per cent of schoolchildren and 4 percent of adults. An estimated 2 million people in the U.S. suffer from this condition.