Tuesday, March 01, 2011

Another Drug APPROVED for Kids - NOT A GOOD IDEA

The FDA says it is okay to start prescribing even though it’s effectiveness has not been tested beyond nine weeks.



Intuniv (guanfacine) is now available for children, age 4 to 17, diagnosed with ADHD. Merely using stimulants isn't enough. Now they can prescribe an additional drug that lowers blood pressure.



Side effects include: 30-40% sleepiness; 25% headache; 17% reported upper respiratory tract infection; 10% sedation. Other possible side effects that may be an issue: head injury, suicidal ideation.



In one study, 5 participants out of 262 (1.9%) who took Intuniv experienced syncope, or “temporary loss of consciousness.” In layman’s terms, they fainted or blacked out.


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