Health Canada ADHD April 1 2015 Website Post 500 x 500

“STRONGER, CLEARER WARNINGS ON THE RISK OF SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIOURS ARE BEING INCORPORATED INTO THE PRESCRIBING INFORMATION FOR DRUGS USED IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD).” – HEALTH CANADA

NHPPA observes 80 years of “benefits still outweighing risks”.

In 1937, a Dr. Bradley in Providence, RI, reported that a group of children with behavioural problems following encephalitis improved after being treated with stimulant medication. By 1960 the patented stimulant drug methylphenidate (Ritalin) began to steadily increase for use in treating children.

 In 1975, premoline (Cylert) was approved to compete in the ADHD market but was pulled from the market after 27 years due to liver failure in children (death).

By 1999, several delivery systems were developed including a coated pellet, to provide fewer doses throughout the day (school friendly).

In 2003, a non-stimulating drug was approved for ADHD called atomoxetine (Strattera).

By 2007, the success of the nicotine patch inspires a new ADHD patch for children while a new amino acid bonding of Ritalin-type drugs is developed to prevent crushing and snorting of the pills by children and adults to get high.

2013, US FDA directs the manufacturers of all drug products approved for the treatment of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to develop patient Medication Guides to alert patients of possible cardiovascular risks and risks of adverse psychiatric symptoms associated with the medicines, and to advise them of precautions that can be taken.

In 2015, Health Canada updates ADD / ADHD drug warning information to professionals referring to the drugs all as increasing suicidal thoughts.

March 30, 2015 Health Canada’s e-Notice: http://tiny.cc/hedfwx

New York Times, “The Selling of Attention Deficit Disorder” article: http://tiny.cc/hgdfwx

Toronto Star, “Health Canada issues “stronger, clearer” warnings about suicide risks linked to ADHD drugs” article: http://tiny.cc/4gdfwx

Dr. Zoltan Rona, MD, MSc, “KIDS ON DRUGS? – There’s a Better Approach to ADHD”: http://tiny.cc/didfwx

Patrick Holford, BSc, DipION, FBANT, NTCRP, “ADHD”: http://tiny.cc/sidfwx

True Hope Research Study, “Improved mood and behavior during treatment with a mineral-vitamin supplement: an open-label case series of children”: http://tiny.cc/dojfwx