8/22/2006 – Several medications for treatment of ADHD will include warning labels indicating that they carry a risk of side effects, including heart attacks, strokes and sudden death.

Several medications used to treated ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) have issued new warning labels highlighting the increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular events associated as a side effect. These serious events may lead to sudden death for adults or children taking the medication.

The warnings were added nearly six months after FDA advisory panels recommended stronger warnings for ADHD side effects.  In May 2006 Canada’s health ministry warned that those with high blood pressure, heart disease or other risk factors of cardiac events should not take ADHD drugs.  However, the recently issued ADHD warnings are not black box warnings (the strongest warning that can be placed on prescription medications) as many experts felt was warranted.

On August 22, 2006, GlaxoSmithKline added new warnings of the heart side effects and other psychiatric side effects to their ADHD medication, Dexadrine.  Similar warnings have been recently added to Concerta (manufactured by Johnson and Johnson) and Adderall (manufactured by Shire PLC).  It is also expected that warning language will be added to Ritalin (manufactured by Novartis AG) and Strattera (manufactured by Eli Lilly & Co.).

The new warnings highlight the reported cases of sudden death, heart attack and strokes in children and adults as a side effect of ADHD medications.  These medications stimulate the heart and blood vessels, which increases the risk of cardiac events.

Other possible side effect of ADHD drugs include psychiatric injuries.  Pre-existing psychotic conditions, such as bipolar disorders, may be exacerbated by ADHD medications.  Other possible ADHD psychiatric side effects may include hallucinations, delusional thinking or mania.

There are no indications that those taking these medications hould stop taking the ADHD drugs before consulting with their physicians.  Families should check with their doctors to evaluate family history of heart problems and to do physical examinations for signs of such issues.

The Law Offices of Saiontz and Kirk is currently investigating and reviewing potential ADHD side effect lawsuit claims for users who have suffered serious injuries following use of the drugs.  If a child or adult has suffered a heart attack, stroke, sudden death or other serious injury, the family can obtain a free consultation and claim evaluation by calling a toll free hotline (800) 522-0102, or may be requested on their website (https://www.youhavealawyer.com/adhd/).