Reports of serious side effects linked to medications for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have more than tripled over the past six years, with 12 deaths reported since 2019, according to an investigation by the Daily Mail.
The inquiry found that reports of adverse events from Elvanse, also known as lisdexamfetamine, have increased by nearly sixfold since 2019. Experts are calling for immediate action to address the escalating safety concerns.
Professor Joanna Moncrieff, a psychiatrist at University College London, commented on the trend, stating that the surge in deaths appears to reflect a significant increase in ADHD diagnoses. "It doesn't seem right," she remarked regarding the situation.
One case highlighted by the investigation involves Jacob Wooderson, 28, who was diagnosed with ADHD by a private psychiatrist six months before collapsing and dying at his London home in August 2024. While the report does not directly attribute his death to ADHD medication, it places his case within the context of the broader rise in serious side effects being reported.
The investigation examined data showing a sharp increase in reported adverse reactions, including instances of psychosis, alongside the rising mortality figures. These findings have prompted calls from medical professionals for a review of prescribing practices and patient monitoring for individuals taking ADHD medication.