ADHD drug can increase risk of epileptic fits and abnormal heart rhythm, doctors told

February 20, 2006
by staff reporter

A drug prescribed to children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is to carry a warning that it can increase the risk of epileptic fits and abnormal heart rhythm.

The drugs regulatory body, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), has written to doctors with new advice on Strattera, prescribed last year to 15,000 patients.

The advice follows that of October last year when doctors were told that children on Strattera (atomoxetine) were at risk of having suicidal thoughts.

Since then the MHRA has led a Europe-wide review on the risks and benefits of Strattera.

The MHRA has told doctors that the drug, prescribed to children aged over six, is still beneficial.

Dr June Raine, the MHRA's director of medicines post-licensing, said, “We have written to health professionals to ensure that they are fully aware of the side effects of Strattera to allow them to make informed prescribing decisions.”

MHRA Stattera advice letter to doctors (pdf)

See also:
Feb 14, 2006: ADHD drugs should carry heart attack warning, US scientists recommend - pressure on UK’s drug licensers to issue similar warning likely to mount.
Mental health comment
Feb 14, 2006: Disordered thinking? - the prescribing of ADHD drugs is soaring, while concerns are escalating about dangerous side effects. Is it time the social and family lives of ADHD-diagnosed children are examined as much as their brains, asks Adam James
Jan 31, 2006: Prescribing of drugs to treat ADHD children doubled in six years - figures revealed by National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence as it starts work on ADHD clinical guidelines
Oct 5, 2005: Watch out for suicidal behaviour for children on ADHD drug, regulator warns - new clinical trial data shows increased risk of suicidal tendencies in children on Strattera

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