Researchers have published new studies linking Concerta with teenage and adolescent suicide. Experts estimate as many as 10 percent of all children in the United States have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Many turn to medications like Concerta and Ritalin to help manage the symptoms. Unfortunately, Concerta carries major risks like suicide, especially to children and adolescents. This horrible side effect that can destroy an entire family.
About Concerta
Approved in 2000 by the FDA, Concerta was first made by Alza Corporation before Johnson & Johnson purchased it. The medication was one of the first extended-release versions of methylphenidate (generic Ritalin) to treat ADHD. It is active for 12 hours. This time period helps ensure kids receive the medication during school hours. This extended release replaced the 3 daily doses previously needed.
Concerta Linked to Teen & Adolescent Suicide
There have been multiple studies linking Concerta to teen suicide. The Drug Safety Journal found a 162-fold increase in suicide rates for those under age 14 and taking ADHD medications including methylphenidate (the same active ingredient found in Concerta). However, the suicide rate could be even higher since there is evidence of an underestimation of the prevalence of suicide.
The Indian Journal of Psychiatry published two case reports of suicidal ideation in children taking methylphenidate. In one case, an 8-year-old started saying alarming things in the first week of taking the drug in small amounts. The first day, the child said: “I wish to commit suicide.” On the second day, he said: “don’t cremate me if I die.” After stopping the medication, the child stopped expressing suicidal thoughts. In the second case, a 7-year-old reportedly said, “I want to die,” while lying in bed under several quilts within the first two weeks of taking methylphenidate. Again, the suicidal expressions stopped shortly after the child stopped treatment.
Another study from the journal of Pediatrics saw that 67% of those in the study developed psychosis or mania adverse side effects. The FDA also noticed the risk of teen suicide increased while taking the ADHD drug. As early as 2006, the FDA issued a warning of psychiatric side effects after a routine review found more reports of psychiatric reactions like suicidal thoughts and hallucinations than expected.
Let Us Help Your Family
Suicide can destroy a family. Afterward, many people try to find a reason behind the action. For families of a loved one taking Concerta, the answer is clear. This medication could have caused your child’s suicide. Contact us today for a free and confidential case review. Let us bring justice to your child’s name and help your family find peace.
