Hey Terry,

Thanks for speaking to the question of whether those who are already taking stimulants and as well as adults should have an ECG. This is a simple test that is easy to do. I had one when I started the tricyclic antidepressant desipramine in 1990.

Even when the risk is rare, no parent wants their child to be a statistic.

In my 18 years of advocacy experience in my community alone, I know of one person who was hospitalized and put on a liver transplant list for two weeks due to the medication Cylert - (fortunately, her liver recovered). In addition, I know of two deaths due in part to intentional recreational abuse of the stimulant Ritalin. Other factors were involved. These were tragic loses. The families were devasted.

This testing is intended only to prevent deaths in children and adults with a rare but specific heart condition. The cost of the test when compared to the overall cost of taking the medication over a period of years is minimal.

Grandma Lise

Terry Matlen, ACSW, Health Guide

4/24/08 7:31am

Hi GL,

 

Thanks for pointing out those rare but sad statistics. We all need to be prudent about medication and safety but we also don't want parents to be frightened away from using ADHD and other meds. So it's best to stay well informed and discuss concerns with the child's physician.

 

Terry

grandma lise

4/24/08 11:26pm

Hey Terry,

 

Sorry if I scared or anyone. I believe medication, particularly stimulant medication, plays a significant, foundational role in the treatment of ADHD.   

 

With everything in life, there are benefits and risks, medication included. I just like to minimize risk where I can. But at the same time I also recognize that risks are necessary. If we never took risks, we'd have no quality of life. 

 

Thanks again for the highly informative article.

 

Grandma Lise