ADHD: Amphetamine gets special warning as a killer drug

Dexedrine is an amphetamine that, since the 1930s, has had a history of misuse, and along with other ‘recreational’ drugs, is classified as a controlled substance.

Despite this, it is still regularly prescribed to children with attention deficit disorder (ADHD).  In fact, it is seen as the second-best option if Ritalin fails to work.  
Street-smart children may feel this is a pretty good outcome, as the value of the drug in the playground may seriously add to the pocket money coffers.

Sadly, these heady days may soon be a thing of the past.  GlaxoSmithKline, Dexedrine’s manufacturer, has been forced to point out that, among other things, the drug may kill you.  Children with a heart condition have died suddenly while on the drug, and any misuse of the drug may also result in death.

The warning may come as a bit of a jolt to doctors who have been happily prescribing the drug to children for years.  A quick trawl of the Web reveals comments from doctors ranging from ‘well-tolerated’ to ‘quick and easy – one dose a day does the trick’.  

Ah, innocent days.

(Source:  FDA website).


E-news broadcast 24 August 2006 No.286 [Subscribe]