Drugs for ADHD Increase Risk of Suicidal Thoughts Among Users

Health Canada, the National Public Health Department of Canada, has reported that stronger warnings have been added on all drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors are being added toprescribing information. Suicide-related events in patients taking ADHD medications, such as thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts and in a small number of cases, suicide, were reported.

In 2005, an increased risk of suicide ideation and suicidal behavior was identified with the use of the drug Strattera but emerging information suggests the risk may apply to all other ADHD drugs.

The benefits of the drugs in managing ADHD continue to outweigh their risks, but Health Canada emphasizes that mood swings, behaviors, thoughts and emotions need to be monitored. Patients taking an ADHD medication should immediately report any suicidal thoughts to their doctor even after ADHD therapy has been stopped.

Source-Medindia