ADHD Drug Errors Among Kids Have Quadrupled in 20 Years

• Cara Murez HealthDay Reporter
• September 18, 2023
• Full Page

Over 3 million American children now take medication for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but new research shows medication errors have spiked nearly 300% in the past two decades for these kids.

The increase in ADHD medication errors parallels the increas...

Amid Shortages, Federal Agencies Ask Drugmakers to Boost Output of ADHD Meds

• Cara Murez HealthDay Reporter
• August 2, 2023
• Full Page

While demand for prescription stimulants is surging, a shortage of the drugs persists, so federal officials have stepped in and asked drug companies to ramp up production of the medications.

Officials from both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Drug Enfo...

Taking ADHD Meds Won't Raise a Kid's Odds for Drug Abuse Later: Study

• Cara Murez HealthDay Reporter
• July 6, 2023
• Full Page

Stimulant medications like Ritalin are commonly prescribed to help treat the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, but there have been concerns the drugs may lay the groundwork for later substance abuse.

New research may now set those worries at ease.

For Folks Without the Condition, Taking ADHD Meds to Get 'Smarter' Could Backfire

• Dennis Thompson HealthDay Reporter
• June 14, 2023
• Full Page

So-called “smart drugs” meant to enhance brain performance are more likely to leave users ineffectually spinning in place, a new study has found.

These stimulants, typically used to treat ADHD, increased study participants' motivation in solving problems.

But t...

Use of Ritalin, Other Stimulants Can Raise Heart Risks for Older Adults

• Amy Norton HealthDay Reporter
• October 28, 2021
• Full Page

ADHD medications are increasingly being prescribed to older adults, and they may cause a short-term spike in the risk of heart attack, stroke and arrhythmias, a large new study suggests.

Stimulant medications, such as Ritalin, Concerta and Adderall, are commonly used to ...

Stimulants Like Ritalin May Be Gateway Drugs for College Students

• Cara Murez
• October 8, 2021
• Full Page

Use of stimulants among college students was once thought to be a problem among high achievers seeking energy and focus to study.

Not so, according to new research that links misuse of these so-called "study drugs" to binge drinking and marijuana use. The stereotype of s...

ADHD Meds May Help Keep Some Kids From Thoughts of Suicide

• Amy Norton HealthDay Reporter
• June 8, 2021
• Full Page

ADHD medications might help lessen the risk of suicide in children with serious behavioral issues, a new study suggests.

Researchers found that medications like Ritalin and Adderall, commonly prescribed for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), were linked to ...

ADHD Meds Can Help Preschoolers, But Effects Vary

• Denise Mann HealthDay Reporter
• May 5, 2021
• Full Page

Parents of preschoolers with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be advised to give their child medication to help them concentrate, sit still and/or control impulsive behaviors.

A new study comparing two classes of medications might help them arrive at a...

1 in 3 Young Americans Prescribed a Psychiatric Drug Misuses Them: Study

• Steven Reinberg HealthDay Reporter
• February 3, 2021
• Full Page

Many young Americans are prescribed psychiatric drugs to treat medical conditions, but nearly one-third of them wind up misusing the medications, a new study finds.

"Misuse of prescription substances is alarmingly high among U.S. youth and young adults," said lead resear...

How Ritalin Works in the Brain

• Robert Preidt
• April 1, 2020
• Full Page

A new study dispels a common belief about how stimulants such as Ritalin and Adderall work in the brain.

The drugs are usually prescribed to people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but are sometimes used by otherwise healthy people to boost their...

ADHD Meds May Alter Boys' Brains

• Maureen Salamon
• August 13, 2019
• Full Page

One of the most popular and effective medications used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) appears to alter the brains of boys with the disorder, a new study shows.

While the researchers couldn't say for certain whether the changes were good or b...

ADHD Meds Help Keep Kids Out of Trouble

• Serena Gordon
• July 23, 2019
• Full Page

Some parents may be reluctant to give their kids powerful stimulants to treat the symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but a new review shows the medications bring significant benefits.

In addition to helping kids calm down and concentrate in ...

Risk of Psychosis Varies With ADHD Meds, But Still Small: Study

• Amy Norton
• March 20, 2019
• Full Page

Stimulant drugs used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) carry a small risk of a psychotic episode, but it appears to vary depending on which medication young people use, a new study finds.

Soon after receiving a stimulant prescription, about on...

Animal Study Suggests Ritalin Won't Harm the Heart

• Robert Preidt
• January 9, 2019
• Full Page

Ritalin, a widely used stimulant drug to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), likely poses no risk of heart damage in children, new research in monkeys suggests.

The findings are "very reassuring," said the study's principal investigator, Dr. Steven...