STEVENS POINT, Wis. (WAOW) — Adderall is commonly prescribed to kids for ADHD also known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
But a study from the CDC published to the journal Pediatrics in March revealed some of the highest overdose deaths we’ve seen in the drug.
According to the CDC, 4,777 youth died of a drug overdose in 2019 in the U.S.
With about 700 dying from medications used for anxiety – like Xanax. The same study found 902 died from overdoses of psychostimulants – like Adderall.
It also noted many of them had prescriptions.
Young’s Pharmacy Manager Brian Stieber told News 9, “They are controlled substances for a reason, because they are strong medications. They like to keep very close tabs on what dose they use and who they prescribe it to.”
But some experts say ADHD and Adderall are commonly misunderstood.
They think the study left out some important facts.
“That study highly mischaracterizes the risk. Because there is risk to any medication. That’s not specific to stimulants. They are kind of picking on a controlled substance that’s very effective on treating the real condition, ” Aspirus Psychiatrist Desire Christensen, “They are not comparing the risk with having access to Tylenol to having access to stimulants.”
Dr. Christensen said the only effective treatment for ADHD is medication, unlike most other aspects of mental health where therapy can be effective.
She said it is important to be accurately diagnosed and seek help when managing your emotions.
‘If its effecting daily functioning in school and home, that’s reaching impairment and warrants treating with medication,” said Dr. Christensen.
Adderall can also become a problem if it’s bought off the street.
“That can be an Adderall tablet that might be laced with anything from meth to fentanyl and that could potentially be deadly,” Sieber said.
To get the prescription — people including teens have to go through a string of testing before being diagnosed with the disorder and getting treatment.
Doctors told us the key is — just like any medication — monitor your kids’ access to the medicine cabinet.
