Hyperactivity drug may make kids suicidal

     London: Experts have warned that hyperactivity drugs may give rise to suicidal tendencies in children. Clinical trials of a new hyperactivity medicine called Strattera, used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), showed that kids aged between seven to 12 were at risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviour. Dr June Raine, director of medicines post-licensing at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), said that patients doing well on the drug should not stop using it, but parents should carefully monitor children. "We are advising healthcare professionals that patients should be carefully monitored for signs of depression, suicidal thoughts or suicidal behaviour and referred for alternative treatment if necessary. Children who are doing well on this medication should continue their treatment. Those who experience any unusual symptoms, or are concerned, should speak to their doctor to discuss the best course of action," the Daily Mail quoted her as saying. Researchers compared hundreds of children and teenagers taking the drug with those taking a sugar pill or placebo. They found five cases of a patient having suicidal thoughts, while there was also one suicide attempt where a child took several times the recommended dose. No suicidal behaviour was noticed among the people who took a placebo.
Oct 1, 2005

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