Adderall is a stimulant prescription drug usually prescribed for children over 6-years old and adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit with Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The brain disorders, ADD and ADHD, are diagnosed by psychiatrists and psychologists. ADD and ADHD cause children and adults to have problems focusing in a learning environment, even though they usually have average to above average IQs. No one is quite sure why a stimulant has a calming effect on the brains of ADD and ADHD patients.

In February 2005, Health Canada, the counterpart agency similar to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), suspended the market authorization of Adderall XR(R)(R), a drug prescribed for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children and adults.

Health Canada's decision comes as a result of a thorough review of safety information provided by Shire Pharmaceuticals Group plc, the Pennsylvania manufacturer, which indicated there were 20 international reports of sudden death in patients taking either Adderall (sold in the United States but not in Canada) or Adderall XR (sold in Canada). These deaths were not associated with overdose, misuse, or abuse. Fourteen deaths occurred in children and six deaths in adults. There were 12 reports of stroke, two of which occurred in children. None of the reported deaths or strokes occurred in Canada.

The FDA does not feel that any immediate changes are warranted for Adderall labeling or Adderall warnings.

Why is Adderall prescribed to children?
Adderall is used to treat ADD and ADHD. It is prescribed for the following symptoms in children:

• Moderate to severe distractibility
• Short attention span
• Hyperactivity
• Mood swings
• Impulsiveness

For children taking Adderall
Using Adderall for prolonged periods of time may lead to drug dependence or addiction. Clinical experience suggests that in psychotic children, stimulant drugs like Adderall may exacerbate symptoms of behavior disturbance and thought disorder. Chronic use of Adderall has been associated with sudden death or stroke. Adderall may be associated with growth inhibition. Your child''s physician should be monitoring your child''s growth during Adderall treatment.

Side effects of Adderall abuse:

• suppression of growth in height (if you are still growing)
• excessive sweating
• decreased appetite
• excessive talking
• nervousness
• insomnia
• nausea
• vomiting
• dizziness
• heart palpitations
• headaches
• skin rashes
• itching
• digestive problems
• toxic psychosis
• drug dependence (addiction)
• severe depression upon withdrawal

Call us toll free at 800-753-4257 or contact us online for a free case evaluation.