RITALIN, DEXADRINE FOR ADD/HD? THINK TWICE!
There are finally worrisome realizations that, in addition to producing little long-term benefits, the drugs used to treat ADD and ADHD can have dangerous heart risks for children and adults. In February of 2006, an FDA advisory panel looked at the existing studies and data and listened to the FDA’s own medical officers’ presentations that contained dire warnings. And instead of recommending further research, the panel feels the risks are so great that it immediately recommends the strongest warning label (the ‘black box’) be used for Ritalin, Dexedrine, Adderall, Concerta and other drugs in the same class. The risks are serious: these drugs can increase blood pressures that could lead to strokes, heart attacks. Canada recently banned Concerta after 24 deaths were reported. The FDA’s own reviews showed 25 sudden deaths, mostly children. (Keep in mind that FDA receives only a fraction of reported problems annually.) According to the FDA’s own Medical Officers, these drugs can elevate blood pressures, and high blood pressure has been clearly proven to be linked directly to deaths from heart problems. Furthermore, these stimulants have similar chemical structures to ephedrine, which is known to increase heart risk. Thus, the drugs are not only expensive, ineffective, but also dangerous. As discussed elsewhere in this website, a skill-deficiency, behavioral approach still remains the best and safest treatment.
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