Report: Misuse of ADHD meds on the rise

<p>The improper use of ADHD medications in children is on the rise, according to a new study published in the journal Pediatrics.&nbsp;</p>

News 12 Staff

May 22, 2018, 2:13 AM

Updated 2,164 days ago

Share:

The improper use of ADHD medications in children is on the rise, according to a new study published in the journal Pediatrics.
According to the findings, there was a 64 percent increase in calls to poison control centers between 2000 and 2014 related to the meds.
The study also found that prescriptions for ADHD meds have more than doubled since 2005. But 82 percent of the more than 150,000 poison control calls were considered unintentional exposures. The study also identified three fatal incidents, all involving teenagers.
"These are potentially very dangerous drugs," says Dr. John Zaso, who is a pediatrician.
Zaso says some of the incidents can stem from people using a family member's properly prescribed drugs or from kids accidentally getting into the bottles.
Symptoms of misuse can include elevated blood pressure, heart arrhythmia and the risk of stroke, Zaso says.
Experts say parents should keep close track of any prescription medications they keep in their homes.


More from News 12
2:31
NYPD: Fordham shooting kills 33-year-old man, leaves another man critical

NYPD: Fordham shooting kills 33-year-old man, leaves another man critical

1:56
Early morning showers lead to sun, clouds and breezy conditions for NYC

Early morning showers lead to sun, clouds and breezy conditions for NYC

1:04
DOT adds $6 million to boost overnight and evening deliveries over peak hours

DOT adds $6 million to boost overnight and evening deliveries over peak hours

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:20
MTA service alerts system now includes bridges, tunnels

MTA service alerts system now includes bridges, tunnels

0:23
Police: 2 men wanted for robbing Gamestop store at knifepoint in East Tremont

Police: 2 men wanted for robbing Gamestop store at knifepoint in East Tremont

0:24
NYPD: Suspect at large in West Concourse stabbing that left victim in grave condition

NYPD: Suspect at large in West Concourse stabbing that left victim in grave condition

2:07
Two NYPD officers arrested and facing multiple charges of sexual assault

Two NYPD officers arrested and facing multiple charges of sexual assault

1:57
Security heightened at Bronx Home Depot following customer complaints of uncomfortable encounters

Security heightened at Bronx Home Depot following customer complaints of uncomfortable encounters

DA: 3 teens indicted for killing bystander, wounding 4 in subway shooting

DA: 3 teens indicted for killing bystander, wounding 4 in subway shooting

1:53
Bronx bookworms take part in writing workshop for World Book Day

Bronx bookworms take part in writing workshop for World Book Day

1:57
State taxi federation raises reward for information to help stop carjackings, robberies

State taxi federation raises reward for information to help stop carjackings, robberies

1:42
Irish consulate general joins BP Gibson for a Woodlawn walkthrough

Irish consulate general joins BP Gibson for a Woodlawn walkthrough

1:00
Fordham Road BID discusses local improvements made, offers a look toward the future

Fordham Road BID discusses local improvements made, offers a look toward the future

1:56
MTA meets with riders in Fordham to hear their concerns with current transit system

MTA meets with riders in Fordham to hear their concerns with current transit system

0:59
City now has power to padlock illegal cannabis stores

City now has power to padlock illegal cannabis stores

1:30
NYPD: Shooting suspect linked to death of 24-year-old in Melrose still on the loose

NYPD: Shooting suspect linked to death of 24-year-old in Melrose still on the loose

0:30
Bronx hip-hop star MC Sha-Rock, Bronx Historical Society offering $1,000 scholarship

Bronx hip-hop star MC Sha-Rock, Bronx Historical Society offering $1,000 scholarship

1:44
'I can sleep better.' Longwood resident thanks News 12 for report on Bruckner Expressway construction noise

'I can sleep better.' Longwood resident thanks News 12 for report on Bruckner Expressway construction noise