HOW SAFE ARE ADHD DRUGS?

Concerned about the risk of sudden death or serious injury associated with Ritalin and other stimulants used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, a federal advisory panel says the drugs should carry the most serious type of warning label. In an 8 to 7 vote the panel proposed a ``black box'' warn-ing that would inform doctors, patients and parents of the uncertainty regarding the risk the drugs may pose to the cardiovascular system. The warnings could be rescinded if future studies fail to definitely establish any risk, officials said. The surprise recommendation has caught the Food and Drug Administration off guard. The regulatory agency isn't obliged to follow the advice of its outside panels of experts but it generally does. Government figures show that as many as 4 million Americans take the medication and about 10% of all 10 year-old boys in the US are using the drugs. Larry Mantle talks with experts about the risks of using these medications and the proliferation of their use.