New Warning on ADHD Medications: Agitation and Hallucinations
On September 21, 2006, Health Canada announced that it is revising the labelling of all ADHD medications for a new warning - including rare events of: agitation and hallucinations in children.
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?
- Do not stop ADHD medications without speaking to your child’s doctor.
- 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.
- Please remember that these are very rare side effects, and they will not affect the vast majority of children taking ADHD medicines.
- If the medication is taken as prescribed the risk is very low.
- If the medication is abused, then the risk of agitation and hallucinations is higher.
- 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.
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Written by Dr. Kenny Handelman - The ADHD Doctor
To find get a FREE special report on ADD/ADHD Medication, visit: Medication Mastery
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