AHA: Kids need EKG before ADHD meds

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 06:59:54 -0400

The American Heart Association isn't making any friends among ADHD drug makers today. The health charity is recommending that kids get an EKG before taking stimulant drugs like Ritalin for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

These meds, of course, can boost blood pressure and heart rate. For most kids that's not a problem, but those with heart conditions could be more vulnerable to sudden cardiac arrest and other problems, the AHA said. The meds already carry warnings of cardiac risks in those with pre-existing heart problems. "We don't want to keep children from being treated," said a pediatric cardiologist who headed the recommendation committee. "We want to do it as safely as possible."

A spokesman for Shire, the U.K. ADHD specialist, said the drugs' labeling already recommends an EKG and cardiac evaluation as necessary, adding, "There's no new information here."

- read the story in the LA Times

Pros use pills to boost brainpower

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 06:59:57 -0400

Fuzzy-headed today? Then pop a pill. Professionals of all kinds are doing it these days, according to a survey taken by Nature. Young, old, you name it--they're taking various meds to boost their concentration and memory. Some 62 percent prefer Ritalin, the ADHD med made by Novartis. Another 44 percent liked Cephlon's Provigil, the "keep-awake" drug. Others used Adderall or another amphetamine, beta blockers, even centrophenoxine, a dementia med.

Now, the survey was open only to Nature subscribers, who tend to be scientists, engineers, or folks like journalists who follow science closely. So it's not a generalized, randomized bit of research. (Of the 1,400-odd people who responded, about 15 percent were biologists and 15 percent engineers; 12 percent were educators, 8 percent worked in the medical field, and 7 percent in the media.) But it does show a clear trend.

Another thing: Almost 80 percent of the respondents said healthy people should be allowed to take cognitive-enhancing drugs if they choose. But even more--86 percent--felt that kids under 16 shouldn't be on any of these meds.

- read the Washington Post story
- check out the item in the WSJ Health Blog

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