New Health Warnings Urged for ADHD Drugs

Pharmaceutical companies who make Ritalin, Adderall, Strattera and other ADHD drugs have been advised to give patients and parents additional warnings about the potential for serious psychiatric and heart problems. Patients would be given a 2-page medication guide with each new prescription.

Drug companies are expected to comply with the new requirement within 30 days. The announcement covers 15 drugs, including those offered in extended-release, patch and chewable versions.

Serious side effects for ADHD drugs are rare. However, the new warnings advise calling a physician immediately in case of chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting or hallucinations. A sudden change in behavior should also be noted and promptly reported.

Of the 3.3 million children taking ADHD medications, more than 2,500 went to emergency rooms in 2004. About a fourth of them had serious heart or blood pressure problems, according the Centers for Disease Control. Of the 25 deaths thought to be linked to the drugs, 19 involved children. In the 54 patients who experienced serious heart problems, some had prior heart conditions.

Proposed guidelines are to state that these amphetamine-based drugs have been linked to stroke and heart attacks in adults and sudden death in patients with heart problems or defects. A few children and teens reported hearing voices, growing suspicious or becoming manic while on ADHD medication. About 1 child in 1000 may experience hallucinations.

It is vital that patients give doctors a full history of cardiovascular or mental problems. In addition, they should make it known if they take antidepressants, seizure medications or blood thinners. The FDA emphasizes that persons with heart disease, blood pressure problems, hyperthyroidism or glaucoma should not take ADHD medications.

The FDA emphasizes that new requirement for expanded warnings is precautionary and should not discourage patients from taking these drugs, which are safe in appropriate patients.

Source:  San Francisco Chronicle; Feb. 22, 2007 (article from Baltimore Sun)
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Add comment February 24th, 2007

Tiny Implantable Device May Effectively Lower Blood Pressure

In early studies, an experimental device resembling a tiny pacemaker has been shown to control blood pressure more effectively than medications. For 10 to 15% of patients with high blood pressure, medications are not helpful.

High blood pressure consists of a reading of 140/90 mm Hg or higher. Also called hypertension, high blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease or stroke.

The new “pacemaker-type” device is currently being studied by the chief of vascular surgery at the University Hospital in Berne, Switzerland, in patients who do not respond to available medications.

Surgeons place electrodes outside the carotid artery and implant an internal pulse generator into the chest wall. Using electrical current to stimulate the carotid sinus, messages are sent to receptors in the brain. Preliminary results have shown remarkable results in a swift drop of blood pressure.

The first 16 patients experienced an average drop of 29 millimeters of mercury after receiving the new device. In patients taking drugs, reducing their blood pressure by
9 millimeters is considered an outstanding result. Researchers call the device, developed by Minneapolis-based CVRx, “very promising.”

Source:  Oakland Tribune     November 2006

Add comment November 24th, 2006

Cola Linked to Hypertension in Women but not Coffee

A recent study tracking caffeine consumption of 150,000 women over a 12-year period found that coffee and tea did not cause hypertension (high blood pressure). But for reasons unknown, cola drinks — both sugared and diet colas — have been linked to this condition that can increase risks for heart disease. By cutting back on their intake of cola drinks, women may protect their teeth, gain less weight from “empty calories” and be kinder to their hearts.

The Johns Hopkins Medical Letter, Health After 50, February 2006 (Call 1-800-829-0422 for subscription inquiries.)    

Add comment March 29th, 2006