Experts: Doctors need to be more careful with ADHD drugs

It is well known in the medical profession that ADHD preparations containing lisdexamfetamine, sold in Sweden under the brand name Elvanse, can trigger psychosis in sensitive people. This is the opinion of several experts that SVT has spoken to.

– This means that every doctor needs to be aware of the possible risks that exist, and assess each individual patient based on their own history and take that into account, says Åsa Lindh, psychiatrist and investigator at the Swedish Medicines Agency.

Elvanse is a so-called second-line preparation, which can be tested if other ADHD medicines do not work. It is also more expensive than other preparations. Nevertheless, use has increased sharply in Sweden in recent years.

– Patients often say they want Elvanse, which is more potent than methylphenidate. They have read about other people’s experiences online, and then they want what they think is best, says Herman Holm, psychiatrist.

He is worried about the increased prescription of lisdexamfetamine, and believes that there may be more people who have suffered serious side effects than the high-profile cases in Västerås. There, a man attacked several people and a woman burned down a grocery store, in what is suspected to be drug-induced psychosis.

Government: Investigate ADHD care

Last week, the government commissioned the Medical Products Agency to investigate ADHD care. The mission is to look at whether the care is equal, to review what is the best treatment, but also to look at the consequences if more than psychiatric specialists prescribe medications.

– We are at the top in Europe now when it comes to prescribing centrally stimulating drugs and it is clear that it is not without risk. I think it’s time to ease off the gas pedal, says Herman Holm.

“The risk of psychosis increases if you have slept very poorly” Hear psychiatrist Herman Holm answer three questions about side effects of ADHD medication in the clip.