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Title: New doubts about the therapeutical use of psychostimulants in ADHD
Author: Ludolph, AG; Fegert, JM
Abstract: Due to still permanently increasing numbers of prescriptions there is a hot discussion about the therapeutical use of psychostimulants in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in childhood, adolescence and in adulthood. News from abroad will kindle it. Lost year, Health Canada, the Canadian pendant to the US American Food and Drug Administration (FDA), suspended marketing of Adderall XR (R) - a compound of different amphetamine salts - from the Canadian market for about half a year due to reports of sudden unexplained deaths in children taking Adderall (R) and Adderall XR (R). A Texan study gave hints on cytogenetic and therefore possibly mutagenic effects of methylphenidate in children. In February 2006, the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee of the US American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended a "black box warning" about possible risk of heart attacks, strokes and sudden death. This short review will 1) point out the differences in dealing with psychostimulants between the US and Germany concerning approvals and prescription rates; 2) comment on the unexplained deaths of children treated with amphetamines and methylphenidate, 4) raise the question on the possible ramifications of the study on 12 children in which cytogenetic effects during the treatment with methylphenidate were found. It will be discussed if the need arises to change the attitude to the therapeutical use of psychostimulants in Germany.
Source: NERVENHEILKUNDE
Publication Year: 2006
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