A study carried out at Columbia University/New York State Psychiatric Institute in New York City and published in the June 15 online edition of the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that there is an increased danger of sudden death for a very small number of children on ADHD stimulant medications.

Stimulants are known to increase blood pressure and can cause change in heart rate so can cause problems for those with underlying heart problems. The researchers call for prescribing doctors to remember that these drugs do have the potential for adverse effects and should only be prescribed when needed and after a full personal and family history has been taken. They should not be taken, as they sometimes are both by adults and teens, for improving focus and enhancing school work.

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Courtesy of Latitudes www.latitudes.org

First published in September 2009

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