drug free attention difficulties support

ADHD Information


Are AD(H)D drugs safe?

NO. AD(H)D is usually treated with psycho-stimulants. The most commonly used psycho-stimulants are Dexamphetamine and Ritalin (Methylphenidate). Both are subsidised through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Both drugs are officially classified as schedule 8 poisons because of their addictive properties and high potential for abuse.

Dexamphetamine is similar (both chemically and in effect) to methamphetamine (Speed) and Ritalin (methylphenidate) is similar to cocaine. The significant difference is that dexamphetamine and Ritalin are usually taken orally in low doses and Speed and Cocaine are ingested, inhaled or injected into the bloodstream in much higher doses.

A less commonly used drug Strattera is not a stimulant and therefore is not likely to be abused. However, Strattera carries warnings for potentially fatal liver damage and suicide and host a number of other potential adverse side effects.

Dexamphetamine

The following information on warnings and side effects is sourced from the website of Glaxo Smith Kline, the U.S. manufacturers of Dexedrine (Dexamphetamine) at us_dexedrine.pdf

Warnings

  • Serious Cardiovascular Events

  • Sudden Death in Patients with Pre-existing Structural Cardiac Abnormalities or Other Serious Heart Problems

    Children and Adolescents: Sudden death has been reported in association with CNS (Central Nervous System) stimulant treatment at usual doses in children and adolescents with structural cardiac abnormalities or other serious heart problems. Adults: Sudden deaths, stroke, and myocardial infarction have been reported in adults taking stimulant drugs at usual doses for AD(H)D.

  • Psychiatric Adverse Events

    Pre-Existing Psychosis: Administration of stimulants may exacerbate symptoms of behaviour disturbance and thought disorder in patients with a pre-existing psychotic disorder.

  • Bipolar Illness

    Particular care should be taken in using stimulants to treat AD(H)D in patients with comorbid bipolar disorder because of concern for possible induction of a mixed/manic episode in such patients.

  • Emergence of New Psychotic or Manic Symptoms

    Treatment emergent psychotic or manic symptoms, e.g., hallucinations, delusional thinking, or mania in children and adolescents without a prior history of psychotic illness or mania can be caused by stimulants at usual doses.

  • Aggression

    Aggressive behavior or hostility is often observed in children and adolescents with AD(H)D, and has been reported in clinical trials and the postmarketing experience of some medications indicated for the treatment of AD(H)D.

  • Long-Term Suppression of Growth

    Careful follow-up of weight and height in children ages 7 to 10 years who were randomized to either methylphenidate or non-medication treatment groups over 14 months, as well as in naturalistic subgroups of newly methylphenidate-treated and non-medication treated children over 36 months (to the ages of 10 to 13 years), suggests that consistently medicated children (i.e., treatment for 7 days per week throughout the year) have a temporary slowing in growth rate (on average, a total of about 2 cm less growth in height and 2.7 kg less growth in weight over 3 years), without evidence of growth rebound during this period of development.

  • Paediatric Use

    Long-term effects of amphetamines in paediatric patients have not been well established.

  • Clinical experience

    suggests that in psychotic children, administration of amphetamines may exacerbate symptoms of behavior disturbance and thought disorder. Amphetamines have been reported to exacerbate motor and phonic tics and Tourette's syndrome.

Drug Abuse & Dependence

Dextroamphetamine sulphate is a Schedule II controlled substance. Amphetamines have been extensively abused. Tolerance, extreme psychological dependence and severe social disability have occurred.

Adverse Reactions

  • Cardiovascular

    Palpitations, tachycardia, elevation of blood pressure. There have been isolated reports of cardiomyopathy associated with chronic amphetamine use.

  • Central Nervous System

    Psychotic episodes at recommended doses (rare), overstimulation, restlessness, dizziness, insomnia, euphoria, dyskinesia, dysphoria, tremor, headache, exacerbation of motor and phonic tics, and Tourette's syndrome.

  • Gastrointestinal

    Dryness of the mouth, unpleasant taste, diarrhea, constipation, other gastrointestinal disturbances. Anorexia and weight loss may occur as undesirable effects.

  • Allergic

    Urticaria.

  • Endocrine

    Impotence, changes in libido.

Ritalin and other Methylphenidate products

Warnings and side effects are similar for both Dexamphetamine and Ritalin. Both are highly addictive and have a huge range of common side effects and in rare cases can kill.

For full details download the manufacturer Novartis information rtl.pdf

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