At least 3.3 million Americans currently take medications to ease the symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder. The majority of these medications are amphetamine-based stimulants.
The doctors prescribe these drugs, but that does not mean they are necessarily safe, says the Federal Drug Administration which is currently looking at placing strong warnings on stimulant ADD medications like Ritalin, Adderall and Concerta.
An FDA advisory panel voted in February to recommend that all stimulant ADHD drugs carry a “black box” warning – the strongest possible safety warning – to indicate that the drugs may increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes and sudden death.
Black box warnings are intended to alert physicians and patients that a drug may carry significant risks. The FDA advisory panel ruled on this black box warning after reviewing data concerning death and other negative heart problems associated with stimulant drug medication use. Although data varies between reporting agencies, 25 to 51 deaths have been attributed to ADHD medication use. Experts estimate that less than 10 percent of serious drug reactions are reported to the FDA,...