Some Doctors Prescribing Adderall "Off Label"

Adderall is one of the most well-known and frequently-used medications for controlling symptoms associated with ADHD. As with any prescription medication, it has side effects – one of which is weight loss. Some doctors have begun prescribing Adderall to young patients who are overweight, even if they don't have ADHD.

"[Dr. Fuad] Ziai says about 90 percent of his patients on Adderall have lost weight. He credits Adderall (along with a prescription for Glucophage, a diabetes medication) with helping [children] avert diabetes."

Prescribing a medication for its side effects (like weight loss) rather for its primary use is called prescribing "off label", and is not uncommon. Though Dr. Ziai stands by his use of Adderall to treat obese children who seem unable to lose weight, others in the medical community question whether such actions are ethical. Read more at CNN.com.