ADHD Drugs & Suicide/Cardiac Injuries
Increasing numbers of children are being diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) or ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). As a result, doctors are prescribing various medications, including many that can cause serious side effects such as heart attacks and strokes, or that increase the possibility that the patient will commit or attempt to commit suicide. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also received reports that ADHD drugs such as Adderall (amphetamine-dextroamphetamine), Concerta (Methylphenidate), Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine sulfate), Straterra (atomoxetine HCl) and Ritalin (methylphenidate) have been be linked to sudden death, heart attacks, strokes, and hypertension in children and adults. Adderall XR was removed from the market in Canada for six months in response to 20 reported deaths and 12 strokes in adults and children using the drug. In February 2006, the FDA reported that it had been advised of 51 fatalities in patients taking ADHD medications.
The dangers of these drugs are so serious that GlaxoSmithKline changed the prescribing information for Dexedrine to include the following warning: "Misuse of amphetamines may cause sudden death and serious cardiovascular adverse events." The company also updated the "Warnings" section of the prescribing information to include an additional warning: "Sudden death has been reported in association with CNS stimulant treatment at usual doses in children and adolescents with cardiac abnormalities or other serious heart problems."
At Pogust Braslow & Millrood, protecting our clients is our primary goal. We recognize that drug companies are under an obligation to warn about the known risks of their products. When they fail to do so, they may be held responsible for the injuries or deaths that are the consequence of their inaction. In addition, doctors may be responsible when they prescribe a medication for an unapproved condition and the patient suffers a serious side effect.
If your child was prescribed Adderall, Concerta, Dexadrine, Straterra or Ritalin, and has exhibited any of these side effects, you should immediately contact the attorneys at Pogust Braslow & Millrood, where Protecting Consumers Is Our Primary Goal. Just fill out this form, click here to send us an email or call us at (610) 941-4204.
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