This was a large study – observing 214,417 ADHD patients taking medication, and 965,668 control kids – not taking ADHD medications. They were observed over a period of 135 days for ADHD medication users, and 609 days in non-users. The specific outcomes which were being observed included sudden cardiac death, myocardial infarction (a ‘heart attack’), stroke, and cardiac arrhythmias (i.e. irregular heartbeats).

During the observational period – the rate of these events were very low in both groups.

In the group taking ADHD medication, there were 28 deaths (incidence 1.79 per 10,000 person-years) and 607 deaths in the control group (incidence 3.00 per 10,000 person-years). There were no validated cases of MI (heart attack) or stroke in the medication group and 11 cases in the group which wasn’t on medication.

This research supports previous studies which showed that kids and teens taking ADHD medications are not at increased risk for cardiac death. The sad reality is that there will be a small number of kids/teens who pass away from cardiac issues (i.e. a heart problem that no one knew about), and ADHD medications don’t seem to worsen that rate.

There is still a warning on ADHD medications – for individuals with structural heart abnormalities (i.e. ‘holes’ in the heart like an ASD or VSD), arrhythmias, or adults with unstable coronary artery disease. If you are concerned about this – by all means talk to the doctor, and a specialist if needed as well (like a cardiologist, or pediatric cardiologist).

Hopefully this study helps to reassure some people with ADD/ADHD who are concerned about this very serious side effect.

Best,

Dr. Kenny

p.s. this study applies to ALL ADHD medications – including: Adderall, Vyvanse, Concerta, Ritalin, Metadate, Biphentin, Strattera, Daytrana, etc.

©2012 ADD ADHD Blog.com. All Rights Reserved.

Technorati Tags: ADHD Medication, Cardiac, Death

I’ve created a free video for you to learn more about this.
You can see it here: ADHD Medication Mastery.

And when you click through to that site – you’ll be given the opportunity to sign up for free ADHD Medication updates. You’ll get more videos with useful tips to help you and the people that you love.

Click through to see the video now (while it’s still fresh in your mind).

Best,

Dr. Kenny

p.s. I’ll be giving you many free videos and lessons on ADHD Medication Treatment in the coming weeks – so make sure to take advantage of it!

©2012 ADD ADHD Blog.com. All Rights Reserved.

Technorati Tags: Daytrana, Focalin

First, let me say that the problem is not due to product safety issues, but rather with the packaging itself. The foil packaging does not meet “release liner removal specification.”

In plain English it means that you may have problems opening the package. Check your prescription, if your box is labeled either lot number 2750211 or
2764111, you may want to call the company’s customer service line at 1.800.828.2088.

The company suggests you also call your local pharmacist.

The company says that the patch is perfectly safe to use unless you’re experiencing problems opening it, or you accidentally damage the patch while you’re opening it.

Peter Brandt, Noven’s, chief executive officer, said in a press release that the root cause of the problem has been identified and Noven is “committed to resolving the release liner issue.”

Representatives of the company say that if you aren’t experiencing problems opening the liners, then you should have no worries about the medication.

The clear patch is normally applied to the hip in the morning and worn for nine hours. Not only that, but the effects of the medication continue to be felt for another three hours after that.

To read the entire story, click here.

Technorati Tags: Daytrana, ADHD, Ritalin Patch, Medication Recall

©2012 ADD ADHD Blog.com. All Rights Reserved.

Today, I saw an article in the British (online) Press, that an inquiry will be requested into how ADHD is diagnosed and treated in the UK. You can read the story here.

My initial reaction, I must admit, was frustration and concern. I was frustrated thinking that they are over reacting to mis-information, and concerned that this would interfere with the help for people with ADHD in the UK.

But then I thought about it…

The truth is… this may lead to more resources and funding for behavioral and non-medication treatments for ADHD. That is a good thing! (Since the best treatment for ADHD is a combination of non-medication and medication approaches).

So, I now consider this positive, and a chance for advocacy.

My suggestions for our British friends (who are advocates for ADHD) is to get actively involved in this process so that the members of the inquiry (if it happens) will have the proper information. This will help children, teens and adults with ADHD.

It would be a tragedy if this inquiry led to more widespread misinformation and restrictions on the access to medications. Hopefully, this will lead to a better understanding of ADHD and access to more resources and comprehensive treatment.

Please share your thoughts and comments below.

Dr. Kenny

©2012 ADD ADHD Blog.com. All Rights Reserved.

Technorati Tags: ADHD Medication, ADD Medication, Concerta, Adderall, Vyvanse

©2012 ADD ADHD Blog.com. All Rights Reserved.

Here are some shocking facts about ADHD.

* 1.5 Million Adults take stimulant
medication for ADD/ADHD. 10% of them are
over age 50.

* More than 20 Million Children Worldwide
have been diagnosed with ADHD, but only 5-
10% of children suffering with ADHD are
estimated to be diagnosed at all.

For lots more fascinating facts about ADHD,
read my special report, which you can get
here:The State of ADD/ADHD Medication.

* ADHD is poised to become the world’s
leading childhood disorder treated with
medication.

* Global use of ADHD medications rose
threefold from 1993 through 2006.

Are all these prescriptions necessary?

I’m an ADHD doctor. See my surprising
answer in my special report, which you can
get here (hint – the devil’s in the
details):
ADHD Medication Special Report.

* The production of Adderall and Dexedrine,
medicines used to treat ADHD, has risen
2,000 % in nine years

* 2004 revenues for ADHD medication were
over $2.4 billion in the U.S.

The drug companies have YOU in their
crosshairs.

But you are not a statistic.

Your best defense against becoming just an
ADHD number is becoming educated and
learning all you can about ADHD.

You can start with this special free report that I’ve just
released for you:
The State of ADD/ADHD Medication.

Best regards,

Dr. Kenny Handelman, MD FRCPC

P.S.
The fact is, your ADHD treatment plan is
controlled by a health care system that may
not have your best interests at heart. YOU
can take control by educating yourself. Is
that the way it should be? Perhaps not.
But learning about ADHD isn’t as hard as you
think. Take the next step with my fr.ee
report:

Get Your report here:

——————————————
ADD/ADHD Medication Special Report <– Click Here Right Now
——————————————

Technorati Tags: ADHD, ADD, Medication, Concerta, Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin, Strattera, Metadate, Biphentin

©2012 ADD ADHD Blog.com. All Rights Reserved.

Ultimately, the current warnings reflect the fact that if someone has a congenital heart defect (i.e. they were born with a physical problem with their heart), have high blood pressure, a family history of sudden cardiac death, etc. then ADHD medications may provide an increased risk, and should either not be used, or should be used with the advice of a cardiologist.

The FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) announced that it will conduct the largest study to date on the cardiac safety of ADHD medications. It will pair up with the AHRQ (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality). They have a database with over 500,000 children, and adults who have taken ADHD medications. This study will help to establish whether there are measurable cardiovascular risks in people taking ADHD medication. The results will likely take approximately two years to become available.

To read more about this study, click here.

When referring to the ADHD medications, these include: Adderall, Adderall XR, Vyvanse, Ritalin, Ritalin LA, Concerta, Metadate, Daytrana, Methylin, Dexedrine, Focalin, and others.

What should you do about this information? If you have any concerns, contact your doctor, and discuss them. And appreciate the fact that we will know more about the safety of these medications in a couple of years.

Dr. Kenny

Technorati Tags: ADHD Medication, FDA, Vyvanse

©2012 ADD ADHD Blog.com. All Rights Reserved.

This study included 27 children, with a mean age of 10, with ADHD and epilepsy. This was a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled, cross over study. In other words, it was very well designed.

In the end the researchers were able to conclude that Concerta does not induce seizures.

This should help to reassure parents of children with ADHD and seizures that Concerta is safe in this combination of disorders.

Of course it is important to review your particular situation with your doctor.

Also, as is always the case in science – replication of studies is important to verify and truly establish facts.

©2012 ADD ADHD Blog.com. All Rights Reserved.

In February 2006, an FDA committee suggested very strong safety warnings on ADHD medication.

After extensive review, the warnings were increased, but not to the level of a ‘black box’, which is the strongest warning possible.

The decision was made to study the ADHD medications further, to clearly establish the risks for side effects like heart attacks and strokes from the stimulant medicines.

It was reported today that the FDA does not have sufficient funding to study the ADHD medications. They may have to stop this study midstream.

It is reported that the FDA has a budget of $1.6 million to fund safety research of medications already on the market. It is estimated by outside experts that the budget that is needed is in the range of $20 million to $100 million annually.

This budget compares to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the US of $28.6 Billion. The NIH funds critically important research to further our understanding of major illnesses.

That’s right: 28.6 Billion to 1.6 Million. Couldn’t the budgets be adjusted to allow for proper safety monitoring of medications? Isn’t that a critically important health issue?

As the number of medications available increases, and as the ‘baby boom’ ages (and may take more medication), shouldn’t this be a priority?

As an advocate for ADHD, I feel that it is crucial to have the proper studies done to establish the safety of these medicines. As a Canadian Doctor, I do not pay taxes into the American system which funds this research. However, when I buy or prescribed medicines manufactured in the US, I do support the overall ‘system’.

If you are an American, please consider contacting your member of congress to encourage the proper research funding be in place to ensure the safety of everyone who takes ADHD medication (or any medication for any medical condition the requires safety monitoring!).

You can find your member of congress quickly and easily here.

©2012 ADD ADHD Blog.com. All Rights Reserved.

Health Canada released the following press release to inform Canadians of their concerns.

This ADHD medication warning applies to all of the ADHD medications available in Canada, including: Ritalin, Ritalin SR, Dexedrine, Dexedrine Spansule, Concerta, Adderall XR, Biphentin, Attenade, and Strattera.

The Health Canada report says:

“ADHD drugs are generally safe and provide benefits for Canadians in their treatment of ADHD when used as directed. Decisions about taking any of these drugs indicated for ADHD should be made in consultation with a physician.”

What does this mean to parents who are concerned about their children taking ADHD medications?

1. Do not stop ADHD medications without speaking to your child’s doctor.
2. If you have any concerns about whether your child should still be taking his/her ADHD medication in light of these warnings, contact your child’s doctor to review it.
3. Please remember that these are very rare side effects, and they will not affect the vast majority of children taking ADHD medicines.
4. If the medication is taken as prescribed the risk is very low.
5. If the medication is abused, then the risk of agitation and hallucinations is higher.
6. If your child has a more complicated ADHD – i.e. with a comorbid bipolar disorder, then there may be a higher risk of these side effects. Talk to your doctor to discuss this if you are concerned.

In summary, this new warning should have little impact on the vast majority of the medication treatment of children with ADHD.

This warning underlines the importance of: proper diagnosis, taking medications as prescribed, and good communication between patients and their doctors.

If you have any concerns about your child’s ADHD medication, contact the prescribing doctor.

This article is not intended as medical advice, and is only intended for educational purposes.

©2012 ADD ADHD Blog.com. All Rights Reserved.