For those of you parents, especially those who have children taking ADHD medications, we want you to be aware of the following information.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) just startled everyone by reporting on a study that estimates that each year cough and cold medicines send about 7,091 children to hospital emergency rooms, which accounts for 5.7% of all emergency room visits for medications in this age group. Read more of the article...

The Associated Press is reporting that the Center for Disease Control (CDC) is estimating that each year cough and cold medicines send about 7,091 children to hospital emergency rooms.

Of these 7,000 cases, about two-thirds of the cases were children who took the medicines unsupervised. Of the remaining 2,600 cases, about 1,600 were were children under the age of 2 years old who were given over-the-counter cough and cold medicines that the FDA considers to be too dangerous for such young children.

However, about one-quarter involved cases in which parents gave the proper dosage and an allergic reaction or some other problem developed, the study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported. Read more of the article...

Just as 2006 and 2007 saw an increase options for delivery systems of medications for ADHD, the next generation of medications for ADHD may be just around the corner in 2008 and 2009. These NextGen medications are known as ProDrugs, and they have the potential to change the way medications are prescribed to individuals with ADHD.

Since there has been a recent explosion of new ADHD medicationssuch as Strattera, or new delivery systems such as Daytrana, or “old drugs in new dresses” such as Concerta, why in the world is it necessary to develop any more new drugs for ADHD? Why should we care? Read more of the article...

Adderall XR

Question from a Reader:

This summer I took my child off XR adderall, he is not growing and his weight is below average. He is not moody any longer, the ticks are going away and he told me he is not having problems like before with attention. I do not wish to return him to meds.

How can I help him when it comes to school and behavior?

Answer from Editor:

Most of what you mention are things that you have to discuss with your doctor. But I'll do what I can to help you. You may be aware of this week's headlines about stimulants "stunting growth" in kids. I haven't yet read the study yet, but I will soon and it seems that you should too. Read more of the article...

Hello: I just wanted to inform you that I have been giving this medication to my son 10 years old for almost 5-6 months. his condition is still the same he did not get a good grades. his focus problem is still there . I was hoping for good but I am not sure now what to do. I think this does not work with every child. I gave him 2 pills mor and 2 evening but still . Please let me know is their other then attend I can use. Read more of the article...

AHRQ and FDA To Collaborate in Largest Study Ever of Possible Heart Risks with ADHD Medications

Press Release Date: September 17, 2007

Two U.S. Department of Health and Human Services agencies will collaborate in the most comprehensive study to date of prescription medications used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the potential for increased risk of heart attack, stroke or other cardiovascular problems.

Researchers supported by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will examine the clinical data of about 500,000 children and adults who have taken medications used to treat ADHD to determine whether those drugs increase cardiovascular risks.

Because medications used to treat ADHD can increase heart rate and blood pressure, there are concerns about the drugs' potential to increase cardiac risks. It is also thought these risks may be different for adults and children, but more evidence is needed about the long-term effects of using ADHD medications. Read more of the article...