Possible Correlation Between Suicide and ADHD drug

Injuries to Children

7/14/2010
Jackie Wheeler
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Possible Correlation Between Suicide and ADHD drug

Last January, nine-year-old Montana Lance took his own life in a school bathroom. Since that day, many have asked the same question: why?

It's a hard question to answer, but the little boy’s family can't help but wonder if a drug he was taking for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Vyvanse, had something to do with it.

The prescription drug Vyvanse, also known as lisdexamfetaminem, is an amphetamine used to treat ADHD.

So were at least two other children who have also taken their own lives.

It’s hard to conceive the idea of a nine-year-old boy taking his own life by hanging himself in a school bathroom.

When Montana was found dead at Stewart’s Creek Elementary School, no one could believe that a nine-year-old boy would take his own life by hanging himself in a school bathroom.

The autopsy report said amphetamines were found in his blood. Montana's parents declined to go on camera, but confirmed to News 8 that Montana had been prescribed Vyvanse.

Vyvanse went on the market in 2007. In a three-year span there have been more than 130 reports to the FDA concerning correlation between Vyvance and suicide. Reports had been filed by people ranging in age from as old as 54 to children as young as 6.

In 2007, only four people under age 10 committed suicide in the United States. The FDA says 37 of the Vyvanse patients who considered suicide were younger than 10. Two of those patients were seven-year-olds who completed the act.

Dr. Syed Quadri of Texas Health Springwood Hospital prescribes Vyvanse for some of his pediatric patients. He states there is a known risk for all stimulants and ADHD drugs — especially if there are symptoms of bipolar disorder or depression.

"When you don't treat that and you're just treating ADHD, yes, you are going to have somebody who is depressed and irritable, and can commit suicide," Dr. Quadri said.

Shire, the manufacturer of Vyvanse, would not comment on the death of Montana Lance, but sent News 8 this statement:

"It is important to note that simply because there is a specific medication present in a person's system at the time of their passing, it does not mean the medication had any correlation with the cause of their passing."

FDA warns consumers of new psychotic symptoms linked to amphetamines, and tells patients and to tell their doctor about any family history of bipolar disorder, depression, or suicide.

Montana's mother told News 8 she suspected her son was bipolar, but his condition had never been diagnosed.

The FDA says its data on drug reactions are based on reports from doctors. The agency cannot determine that a drug is unsafe based solely on those reports.

The Lance family still believes Montana was bullied into suicide. But they continue to search for other reasons why a nine-year-old would end his own life.

While it seems the FDA currently does not have enough data to declare Vyvance an unsafe drug, I would suggest they start researching the effects more intensely. You never want to hear stories of people taking their own lives, especially children. I believe any drug that has a high correlation with suicide should be looked into further.

ADD and ADHD medications are very serious. If your child is going on these medications make sure you see a child psychiatrist as well as a pediatrician. Drugs can be dangerous and there is no limit to the precautions you should take for your children’s health.

Hopefully the FDA will take a further look into Vyvanse and its effect on children. Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Montana Lance as well as the friends and family of the other children who have taken their own life.

Information and commentary is provided by Mark Anderson Child Injury Attorney. If you have questions about dangerous drugs or injuries to children please contact the Anderson Law Firm. We can be reached toll free at 877.294.1115 or you can contact us online for a free consultation.

Labels: child death Child Injury dangerous drugs FDA suicide Vyvance

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