If you have a child whos taking ADHD medication, and you have a cat, you'll want to store the medication as far out of feline reach as possible. The National Animal Poison Control Center has found that the ADHD drug Adderall has become one of the most common household causes of feline poisoning:

Most poisoning cases that the ASPCA's center learns about involve dogs, [Sharon] Gwaltney-Brant says, because they're fairly indiscriminate about what theyll eat.

Not cats. Out of curiosity, they might sample a pill or capsule -- but seldom finish it, she says. As soon as they bite in and discover its bland or even objectionable flavor, they tend to walk away.

Except when it comes to Adderall XR. Cats not only bite in but readily finish every bit. [Source: Science News]

Vets don't know what makes the medication so enticing to felines, but just one 20-milligram capsule can be deadly to a curious kitten. Signs of medication poisoning include distressed meowing, anxiety, agitation, pacing and disorientation. A cat that's exhibiting these signs needs to be taken to a vet immediately.

Labels: dangers, safety, adderall

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In a Nov. 5 article in The Daily Kansan (the student newspaper of the University of Kansas), writer Abigail Bolin addressed concerns about the growing abuse of the ADHD medication Adderall on college campuses:

Adderall has a high potential for abuse and dependence, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Services, which explains the concern with its rising illegal use.

"My guess is that most students find it not problematic, having no major side effects, and helpful by being more alert," [Dr. Ty Yoshida, child and adolescent psychiatrist and medical director of Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center] said. "If anything theyre thinking they are getting an edge in academic performance and/or getting 'high.'"

According to [the National Survey on Drug Use and Health], full-time college students who used Adderall without having a prescription were three times more likely to use marijuana, eight times more likely to use cocaine and tranquilizers nonmedically and five times more likely to use pain relievers nonmedically. Ninety percent were also binge drinkers, but the illicit use of Adderall doesnt seem like a dangerous thing to some students.

"I take it to stay up to study for tests," [one UK student] explained. "Or when there are game days because Id like to make it out at night after a whole day of drinking."

Labels: adderall, college, abuse

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Lawrence Diller, a member of the clinical faculty at the University of California-San Francisco, thinks that college students who are misusing the prescription drug Adderall need some guidance. The medication is designed to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, but it often gets used by stressed out students who need a little extra "boost" when studying for exams or finishing projects.

Adderalls most consistent effect is to give users the sense that they are doing better in their tasks ... Therefore, they perform at least a little better in reality, yet not as well as they think

If youre doing Adderall on a regular basis to cope, you may soon also need another drug. Perhaps it will be Xanax ... If youre using Adderall to get high, you are running the same risks of getting truly caught up with one of the worst drug addictions possible. Source: The Crimson (Harvard Newspaper)

Diller goes on to suggest that students who are engaging in Adderall abuse in order to cope with their collegiate workload may be better off re-evaluating their goals and career path. If the track theyre currently on is too much for them to handle with normal coping mechanisms, they may benefit from pursuing a different educational path.

Labels: medications, adderall, college, abuse

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In August, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will release the results of a study on the safety of ADHD drugs. Though several companies sell ADHD medications, Shire relies more than others heavily on the sale of its ADHD drug, Adderall

“In 2005 Adderall was briefly suspended from sale in Canada because of 20 sudden deaths and 12 strokes among mainly child users. However, the product was later allowed back into the market with a ‘black box warning’ about use by patients with underlying cardiovascular problems.” [Source: The Guardian]

The FDA study of ADHD medication began in 2007 as concern over health risks such as heart attacks and strokes began to increase.

 

Labels: medications, adderall, studies

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Officials from George Washington University are warning students about the use of "study drugs" such as Ritalin and Adderall as a means of staying focused. They caution that these drugs could be harmful to those who have not received a prescription, reports, the student newspaper, The George Washington Hatchet.

Drugs, such as Ritalin and Adderall, are stimulants that are used to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Individuals diagnosed with the condition often exhibit impulsivity, difficulties concentrating and excessive talking. However, in those who take the drug without a prescription, "hyper-focused" and allowing them to stay alert for longer periods of time are among the effects experienced.

While this might entice students to take the drug, officials from the school told the news source that the risks of the drug outweigh the benefits. Furthermore, possible side effects include increased blood pressure, panic attacks, and hallucinations.

They added that when students obtain medication from friends or buy them illegally, they do not know the dosage or potential side effects, which puts them at risk of overdosing. Combining stimulants with caffeinated drinks or alcohol could lead to seizures or even death.

According to a 2008 study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, nearly 1.9 million kids between the ages of 12 and 17 used prescription drugs to get high.

Labels: adderall, ritalin, substance_abuse

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A Nov. 16 article by Kate Sikora of The Daily Telegraph has revealed that New South Wales (NSW) now lead all of Australia in the number of children who are receiving medication for ADHD. As Sikora's article indicates, this news has prompted concern from those who believe that ADHD medications such as Ritalin and Adderall are being over-prescribed:

Of the 57,419 Australian children on ADHD medications, more than a third are from NSW.

Figures released by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) show 22,824 children were prescribed Strattera, Dexamphetamine or Methylphenindate last year - up from 18,593 in 2007.

Aggressive marketing and a flood of new ADHD drugs on the market were being blamed for the rise, as well as "enthusiastic" prescribing doctors.

Anti-ADHD drug campaigner, West Australian Labor MP Martin Whitely, said governments and doctors needed to take action. "NSW is the hot spot. It's the ADHD capital," he said.

Labels: medications, adderall, ritalin

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