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Concerta Suicidal Thoughts

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Concerta and other ADHD drugs, including Ritalin and Adderall XR, may be associated with some disturbing psychiatric side effects, including suicidal thoughts and behavior.

Attorneys Now Investigating Concerta and Suicidal Ideation

The nationwide law firm of Bernstein Liebhard LLP is now investigating the alleged association between Concerta and suicidal thoughts and behavior. Our attorneys are also reviewing similar cases involving Ritalin and Adderall XR. If you or loved one took any of these ADHD medications and experienced suicidal ideation, please contact our legal team by calling (888) 994-5118.

FDA Investigates Concerta Psychiatric Side Effects

In 2005, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) disclosed that a Concerta review had revealed an unexpected number of psychiatric side effects, including suicidal thoughts, hallucinations and violent behavior. A subsequent review of Ritalin and other drugs that contain methylphenidate also uncovered similar reports.  As a result, the agency intended to add stronger label warnings about these potential problems to all methylphenidate-containing medications, including Concerta and Ritalin.   The FDA said it was also investigating other ADHD drugs, including Adderall and Strattera, to determine if they were associated with a similar risk.

Toronto Star Details Suicide Reports, Other Side Effects

In 2012, a Toronto Star investigation revealed that, between 2002 and 2012, nearly 600 Canadian children had suffered serious side effects, including suicidal thoughts and behavior, while using Concerta and other ADHD drugs. Among other things, the report noted that 40% of all cases where a Canadian youth thought about suicide, an ADHD drug is listed as the suspected cause.

Other reported side effects where an ADHD medication was the suspected culprit included:

• Psychotic disorders
• Depression
• Auditory hallucinations
• Overdose
• Strokes
• Convulsions
• Heart problems, including irregular heartbeats, blood pressure spikes, chest pain and one ventricular fibrillation
• Liver complications

Health Canada Warning

Three years later, Health Canada, the agency that regulates prescription drugs in Canada, announced that stronger, clearer warnings regarding the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors would be added to the labels of Concerta and other drugs used to treat ADHD. Health Canada acted as a result of reports that linked the drugs to suicidal behavior, including some completed suicides. Other medications subject to the Health Canada notice included:

• Adderall XR
• Biphentin
• Dexedrine
• Intuniv XR
• Ritalin
• Ritalin SR
• Strattera
• Vyvanse

Legal Help for Those Harmed by Concerta

There is legal help available for those who may have been harmed by Concerta, Ritalin or Adderall XR. To learn more about filing a Concerta lawsuit for suicidal thoughts and behavior, please call (888) 994-5118.