less than 10 percent of serious drug reactions are reported to the FDA, so the deaths and serious adverse effects are undoubtedly much higher.

Of the reported deaths studied by the advisory panel, 19 were children. Other reports described 54 cases of high blood pressu

At least 3.3 million Americans currently take medications to ease the symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder. The majority of these medications are amphetamine-based stimulants.

The doctors prescribe these drugs, but that does not mean they are necessarily safe, says the Federal Drug Administration which is currently looking at placing strong warnings on stimulant ADD medications like Ritalin, Adderall and Concerta.

An FDA advisory panel voted in February to recommend that all stimulant ADHD drugs carry a "black box" warning - the strongest possible safety warning - to indicate that the drugs may increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes and sudden death.

Black box warnings are intended to alert physicians and patients that a drug may carry significant risks. The FDA advisory panel ruled on this black box warning after reviewing data concerning death and other negative heart problems associated with stimulant drug medication use. Although data varies between reporting agencies, 25 to 51 deaths have been attributed to ADHD medication use. Experts estimate that less than 10 percent of serious drug reactions are reported to the FDA, so the deaths and serious adverse effects are undoubtedly much higher.

Of the reported deaths studied by the advisory panel, 19 were children. Other reports described 54 cases of high blood pressu

the Federal Drug Administration which is currently looking at placing strong warnings on stimulant ADD medications like Ritalin, Adderall and Concerta.

An FDA advisory panel voted in February to recommend that all stimulant ADHD drugs carry a "black box" warning - the strongest possible safety warning - to indicate that the drugs may increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes and sudden death.

Black box warnings are intended to alert physicians and patients that a drug may carry significant risks. The FDA advisory panel ruled on this black box warning after reviewing data concerning death and other negative heart problems associated with stimulant drug medication use. Although data varies between reporting agencies, 25 to 51 deaths have been attributed to ADHD medication use. Experts estimate that less than 10 percent of serious drug reactions are reported to the FDA, so the deaths and serious adverse effects are undoubtedly much higher.

Of the reported deaths studied by the advisory panel, 19 were children. Other reports described 54 cases of high blood pressu

strongest possible safety warning - to indicate that the drugs may increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes and sudden death.

Black box warnings are intended to alert physicians and patients that a drug may carry significant risks. The FDA advisory panel ruled on this black box warning after reviewing data concerning death and other negative heart problems associated with stimulant drug medication use. Although data varies between reporting agencies, 25 to 51 deaths have been attributed to ADHD medication use. Experts estimate that less than 10 percent of serious drug reactions are reported to the FDA, so the deaths and serious adverse effects are undoubtedly much higher.

Of the reported deaths studied by the advisory panel, 19 were children. Other reports described 54 cases of high blood pressu

this black box warning after reviewing data concerning death and other negative heart problems associated with stimulant drug medication use. Although data varies between reporting agencies, 25 to 51 deaths have been attributed to ADHD medication use. Experts estimate that less than 10 percent of serious drug reactions are reported to the FDA, so the deaths and serious adverse effects are undoubtedly much higher.

Of the reported deaths studied by the advisory panel, 19 were children. Other reports described 54 cases of high blood pressu

less than 10 percent of serious drug reactions are reported to the FDA, so the deaths and serious adverse effects are undoubtedly much higher.

Of the reported deaths studied by the advisory panel, 19 were children. Other reports described 54 cases of high blood pressure, chest pain, heart attacks, strokes, irregular heart beats and fainting. The number of arrhythmia has been surprising. It is believed to be the pathway for the sudden, unexplained deaths. And because adults have a higher risk of heart disease and stroke to begin with, any increase in risk caused by these drugs could affect a large number of people.

One committee member stated that not disclosing the risks associated with taking these drugs is unethical. Because of the gravity of the side effects, namely sudden death, physicians need to be clearly aware of the serious side effects before prescribing these drugs to their patients. The panel, while expressing concern about the over prescribing of ADHD medications, stated that they want physicians to pause before writing prescriptions for stimulant medications. The FDA advisory committee also unanimously recommended that the FDA include medication guides with all stimulant ADHD drugs warning about the risks.

FDA is not required to follow recommendations given by the advisory committee, though the FDA usually does follo