Unsafe Drugs: ADHD Drug Warnings Too Late for Many

Even though manufacturers of drugs used to treat attention disorders have known for a long time about the serious health risks linked to the medications, it was not until February 21, 2007 that the Food and Drug Administration finally mandated that drug companies develop Patient Medication Guides in order to teach patients about adverse psychiatric effects associated with Adderall, Concerta, Daytrana, Desoxyn, Dexedrine, Focalin, Metadate CD, Methylin, Ritalin, Strattera, and the patch and chewable versions of these drugs.

ADHD Drug Warnings Come Too Late For Many

Between January 2000 and June 30, 2005, the FDA saw about 1,000 cases of psychosis or mania that could be linked to the ADHD drugs in its database and in the databases from the drug companies. A large number of the cases were seen in children who were under 10 years old; hallucinations are rare in this age group. "The predominance in young children of hallucinations, both visual and tactile involving insects, snakes and worms is striking, and deserves further evaluation," noted an FDA report called "Adverse Events Associated with Drug Treatment of ADHD."