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Dr. Jennifer Ashton Discusses New Research Linking Stimulant Drugs and Sudden Death
Research released Monday by The American Journal of Psychiatry gives more support to the claim that stimulant drugs usually prescribed for ADHD could increase the risk of sudden unexplained death in children.
On The Early Show Monday, CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton what the study might mean for the 2.5 million children taking medication for the disorder.
The study found the rate of stimulant use in children and adolescents who died suddenly or from cardiac dysrhythmia was 1.8 percent, compared to 0.4 percent for youth who died as passengers in motor vehicle accidents.
Ashton said all the drugs commonly prescribed to children with ADHD are amphetamines. While amphetamines have been shown to give children the ability to keep focus and attention, Ashton said they can increase heart rate and blood pressure.
“(Amphetamines) do have very potent effects on the body,” she said.