Children and teens with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) should get careful cardiac evaluation and monitoring - including an electrocardiogram (ECG) - before starting treatment with stimulant drugs, the American Heart Association now says.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that becomes apparent in some children in the preschool and early school years. It is hard for these children to control their behavior and/or pay attention

The Food and Drug Administration has expressed its concern over the recent use of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD drug for tackling the problem of childhood obesity. Since the amphetamine Adderall has the side effects in the form of weight loss in ADHD patients, many doctors are now using the drug for overweight teenagers.

The new controversial approach of prescribing the amphetamine Adderall to teen weight loss has been criticized by FDA as it says patients with previous heart problems have suffered sudden death

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has directed the manufacturers of drugs approved for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to add cautions of possible adverse cardiovascular and psychiatric adverse events to the literature for patients and caretakers.

The FDA advises that the manufacturers must now provide Patient Medication Guides outlining potential risks and precautions for the use of these various ADHD drugs. These guides are provided through the pharmacy when a prescription is filled

The FDA has approved a new drug to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The agency gave its approval to Vyvanse, made by Shire PLC.

A Shire spokesperson said the company is hoping to switch people from the older ADHD medications to Vyvanse

Several drugs used to treat attention deficit disorder, including Dexedrine and Ritalin, must include new warning information, the Food and Drug Administration said Monday. The FDA said the new warnings include possible risk of sudden death, serious heart problems, aggression, mania, psychotic behavior, stunted growth, seizures and vision problems.

Food and Drug Administration spokeswoman Susan Bro told Reuters she could not confirm whether the ADHD drugs Concerta and Strattera will also have to carry the warnings