Strattera gets black box warning

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a controversial disease and almost all medications for it have been found to have serious side effects. Adderall, a highly popular drug, was recalled in Canada, though Health Canada later on changed its decision. The main reason was that the drug was found to be linked to higher incidence of suicide among children.

Now another popular drug Strattera will carry a black box warning. FDA is advising health care providers and caregivers that children and adolescents being treated with Strattera should be closely monitored for clinical worsening, as well as agitation, irritability, suicidal thinking or behaviors, and unusual changes in behavior, especially during the initial few months of therapy or when the dose is changed (either increased or decreased).

Strattera, manufactured by Eli Lilly, has been on the market since 2002 and has been used in more than two million patients. FDA is currently reviewing all other drugs for ADHD treatment, including Ritalin and Concerta, for adverse side effects.