According to the analysis by Medco Health Solutions, Inc. the number of younger adults aged 20 to 44 prescribed ADHD medications skyrocketed more than 139 percent from 2000 to 2005, outpacing increases in children 19 and younger by 82 percent.
This latest round of studies confirms earlier trends identified by a Medco analysis released last year that found increases in ADHD medication use among adults was greater than it was for children in a four-year period ending in 2004.
Dr. Robert Epstein, chief medical officer, Medco says, "This new research indicates that we're seeing a growing trend in the use of ADHD medications among adults; in 2005 the numbers continued upward from 2004, as they have every year since the beginning of this decade."
He continues, "While there is a growing acceptance that ADHD is not just a childhood disease and can impair adults as well as children, the possible cardiovascular issues associated with ADHD drugs should be weighed very seriously when prescribing these drugs for adults since they're at a greater risk of heart disease and stroke than children."
An FDA advisory committee recommended earlier this year that ADHD drugs carry a "black box" label warning for increased risk of sudden death and serious cardiovascular problems, the strongest warning the FDA can apply.
