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Strattera Linked to Suicidal Thoughts in Children

by Jeannine Virtue

Adding to the "Black Box" warning that Strattera can cause liver problems

comes a new warning that Strattera can cause suicidal thoughts in children

taking the ADHD drug.

The FDA is now making the company put a warning label on its product about the

Strattera/child suicide connection. This newest warning, released Sept. 29

2005, is the result of re-analzed trial data. At the request of the FDA, Lilly

re-analyzed its data from trials performed on 1,357 children and adolescents.

Of them, five children reported having suicidal thoughts, including one child

who attempted suicide. Not one child in the 851 children studied in the

placebo group had suicidal thoughts or actions.

About 3.4 million people have used Strattera since it became available in

2003. Of those, about 75 percent are children.Lilly issued its first Black Box

warning - the strongest warning that can be attached to a prescription

medication - in 2004 when studies showed the Strattera caused detrimental

effects on the liver.

At the FDA's request, Lilly will add the "Black Box" warning about suicidal

thoughts, as well as publish a guide for doctors and pharmacists to give to

patients taking Strattera. Lilly will also put the warning label on boxes that

are sold in other countries.

There have been numerous other issues relating to ADHD medications in 2005;

_ In February 2005, Canada pulled Adderall XR from pharmacy shelves after

Adderall manufacturer Shire provided information about 20 sudden deaths in

patients taking this popular ADHD medication. Adderall is also linked to 12

strokes, two of which occurred in children.

_ The FDA plans to strengthen Concerta warnings after finding that Concerta

can cause psychotic behavior and death. Concerta and similar drug treatments

for ADHD. A routine FDA review of Concerta found that there have been dozens

of reports of hallucinations, violence, thoughts of suicide and death. Yes,

death. The FDA found 16 deaths from Concerta since the popular drug was first

introduced five years ago.

_ Strattera's Black Box labeling concerning liver damage warns that severe

liver damage may progress to liver failure resulting in death or the need for

a liver transplant in a small percentage of patients taking Strattera.

_ A study released February 2005 links Ritalin to an increased cancer risk and

other health problems. Researchers of this startling study found that 1 out of

every 12 children using methylphenidate experienced a threefold increase in

levels of chromosome abnormalities, occurrences associated with increased

risks of cancer and other adverse health effects.

_ The FDA is currently conducting a review of the reports of more serious

side-effects including psychotic episodes and suicidal thoughts in children

taking Concerta, a brand-name form of methylphenidate.

The simple fact is that ADHD medications have risks and some of these risks

are quite serious. It is a growing opinion that these high-powered drugs

should be a last resort instead of the first course of treatment in addressing

Attention Deficit Disorder. There are viable options and alternatives to

pharmaceutical medications.

These alternatives include diet modifications, increased exercise - especialy

outdoors exercise, talk therapy, biofeedback, life coaching and nutritional

supplementation.

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