Highlights
Pending Drug Approval
At the time of this report, the FDA was considering approving a methylphenidate skin patch (Daytrana) for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Methylphenidate is the same drug used in Ritalin and other psychostimulants. The patch is designed for children who cannot take pills.
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Drug Safety
- Pemoline (Cylert). Based on reports of liver failure or death in patients taking pemoline, the FDA recommends that doctors switch patients to another drug. Pemoline is a stimulant used as a second-line treatment for patients with ADHD. The rate of reported liver failure in patients taking pemoline is 10 to 25 times greater than that of the general population.
- Atomoxetine (Strattera). The FDA warns that the non-stimulant drug atomoxetine may increase the risk of suicidal thinking in children and adolescents. The risks for suicidal thinking are greatest during the first few months of treatment. Parents should monitor children taking atomoxetine and contact their doctor about any changes in mood or behavior. The FDA did not find evidence that atomoxetine increases suicide risk in adults.
Quality of Life
- Children with ADHD have even a worse quality of life than children with asthma, according to a 2005 study in Pediatrics. The study evaluated children who had recently been diagnosed with ADHD and who had not yet received treatment. Compared to children with asthma and healthy children, ADHD had a more negative impact on the daily lives and activities of patients and their families.
- Adults with ADHD have more problems staying employed and lose more days from work than healthy adults, according to research presented at the 2005 meeting of the American Psychiatric Association. ADHD interferes with educational and professional achievements and can significantly lower earning potential. Experts estimate that ADHD costs the US more than $77 billion in annual lost income.
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