Based on a recent FDA analysis of clinical trials conducted by drug manufacturers, it has been determined that many drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can cause hallucinations in children, even when taken in their prescribed dosage.
Many of the children affected demonstrated no prior risk factors for hallucinations or psychotic episodes. Some children believed worms, bugs, or snakes were crawling on them. Another child started running around very fast and then inexplicably stopped, falling down. She claimed she had run into a wall, even though there was no wall in the vicinity.
Some of the drugs found to cause hallucinations include Ritalin and Adderall, two of the most commonly prescribed ADHD drugs on the market. It is important to note that the incidence of hallucinations in children is still somewhat rare. However, it is a noticeable enough trend for the FDA to determine that warning labels are warranted for these drugs.
According to Dr. Harold Koplewicz of the New York University Child Study Center, children under age 10 are especially prone to developing hallucinations. He has also noted that once children are taken off the medication, the hallucinations generally stop.
Approximately 3-7% of children in the United States have been diagnosed with ADHD, and millions of children are currently taking prescription drugs to treat symptoms associated with the disorder.
If your child has suffered any adverse affects from taking ADHD medication, you should consult an experienced defective drug attorney immediately. You may be eligible to receive compensation for your child’s injuries.
If you live in the Chicago, Illinois area and have a defective drug claim, please contact the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. today to schedule a consultation.
