ADHD Drug Should Come With Suicide Risk Warning, Experts Say

The Food and Drug Administration's advisory committee is saying that the attention deficit disorder drug Focalin should include on its label the risk of suicidal thoughts. Focalin is approved for children as young as 6 years old. Over the past six years, there have been 8 documented cases of children and adolescents who have taken the drug and experienced thoughts of suicide. In 4 of those cases, it seems clear that it was a direct result of Focalin.

Some members of the FDA however are not as sure about these alleged risks of Focalin. Suicidal thoughts did not seem to be a side effect in any clinical test of the drug and the numbers of suicidal cases being reported seems too small in number to be concerned about. There has been a tremendous increase in children diagnosed with ADHD recently, with as many documented cases as 5% of children worldwide. Some opponents are saying doctors are too quick to diagnose, and hastily prescribe these serious drugs.

Any time a person is prescribed a drug, it should not be taken lightly. Those taking medications have the right to be adequately informed of the possible health risks it could pose. Often doctors prescribe medications without really knowing how it will affect a child, sort of trial and error, as is the case with many children who have been diagnosed with ADHD. If your child has experienced negative side effects after taking Focalin or a similar drug, you should seek the help of a pharmaceutical injury attorney from our firm immediately. If dangerous drugs have caused you or a loved one harm contact a pharmaceutical injury lawyer from Arnold & Itkin for your free consultation today.