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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. References: India Travel Times, News, Hotels, Airlines, Indian, Tourism, Tourist, Tour, Ayurveda, Yoga, Hotel |
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