FDA Panel Urges Strong Warning for ADHD Drugs

February 2006

On the heels of a recent report that prescription stimulant drugs may cause heart problems, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory committee made a surprise move recommending that the drugs carry a “black-box” warning about their cardiovascular risks.

The proposed warning would state that the attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) drugs are linked to an increased risk of blood pressure and heart rate. This could lead to a greater chance of heart attack, stroke or sudden death.

The ADHD drugs suggested to carry the “black-box” warning include:

• Adderall
• Concerta
• Strattera
• Ritalin
• Metadate
• Methylphenidate
• Focalin

Last year alone, doctors wrote more than 31 million ADHD drug prescriptions. Prescribed mostly to children and teens, a growing number of adults are using the drugs. From 1999 to 2003, 25 children and adults taking ADHD drugs died suddenly.

For more information about dangerous drugs, visit the Recalled Drugs and Other Drug Alerts Legal Center.