Concerta Review Shows Unexpected Psychiatric
Reactions in Children
The FDA, after a Concerta review, plans to strengthen warnings
about the possible psychiatric side effects of Concerta and
similar drug treatments for ADHD. A routine FDA review of Concerta
found that there have been dozens of reports of hallucinations,
violence, thoughts of suicide and death. Yes, death. The FDA found
16 deaths from Concerta since the popular drug was first
introduced five years ago. Some doctors have been quoted as saying
that parents should not overreact to this report. But, if you are
the parents of any one of those 16 children who died from taking
the drug, you would absolutely argue that point.
The FDA website on Wednesday, June 29, 2005 listed the top 20
reported Concerta complaints found in its Concerta review. Below
is a list of side effects currently not listed on the Concerta
warning label:
Heart complications have also been found in
addition to these unexpected psychiatric reactions in children.
Concerta, a once-daily form of methylphenidate (Ritalin), is now
the most prescribed drug for ADHD. A subsequent review of other
methylphenidate products found similar psychiatric complications.
The FDA plans to conduct a review of Adderall and Strattera to see
whether similar behavior is reported with these ADHD drug
treatments. That review is expected to be complete early in 2006.
Adderall has already been linked to at least 20 deaths. In 2004
the FDA required that Shire Pharmaceutical Group, the makers of
Adderall, provide doctors with warning about sudden cardiovascular
death linked to Adderall. Canadian officials in February 2005
ordered Adderall off the market in Canada after reports of sudden
deaths related to the drug.
Johnson & Johnson, the maker of Concerta, declined to comment on
the FDA Concerta review.
It is natural for parents to question whether taking a powerful
stimulant like Concerta is in their child's best interests.
Stimulants like Concerta are worrisome for many reasons –
predominately because of the potential for harmful Concerta side
effects.
Most doctors believe the side effects of Concerta, and all ADHD
medication, should be carefully weighed against the benefits
before prescribing potentially harmful ADHD medication like
Ritalin, Adderall, Concerta. Since Concerta does not cure ADHD,
but only temporarily controls symptoms, a growing number of health
professionals and parents alike now look to alternatives to ADHD
medication to address the causes of Attention Deficit and
hyperactivity. The more holistic and health-based physicians will
often recommend supplements and lifestyle changes to diminish the
symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder and hyperactivity.
If you are concerned about the health effects of Concerta, or
other ADHD medications, closely review Attend as a safe and
effective alternative to drugs.
There are healthful and effective ways of dealing with
Attention Deficit Disorder,
with
seizure disorders
and with
depression that do not include the use of high-powered medications.
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