Res. No. 887

Resolution calling upon the Food and Drug Administration to prohibit the sale of the drug Adderall.

By Council Members Clarke, Barron, Comrie and Stewart

Whereas, Adderall XR is a once-daily treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD); and

Whereas, Adderall XR is a mixture of different amphetamine salts and is thought to act as a dopamine/norepinephrine modulating agent to help restore a balance of chemicals (called neurotransmitters) in those areas of the brain that control the ability to focus and pay attention to tasks; and

Whereas, On October 12, 2001, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the sale of Adderall XR to treat ADHD; and

Whereas, Adderall XR is classified by the FDA as a Schedule II controlled substance, a classification given to medical drugs with the highest abuse potential and dependence profile; and

Whereas, According to the Attention Deficit Disorder Help Center, serious side effects associated with the use of Adderall XR include palpitations, high blood pressure, anemia and sudden death; and

Whereas, on February 9, 2005, Health Canada, the Canadian federal department of health, suspended the market authorization of Adderall XR in Canada after reviewing safety information concerning the use of this drug; and

                     Whereas, According to a health advisory issued by Health Canada, such information included the association of sudden deaths, heart-related deaths and strokes in children and adults taking Adderall XR; and

Whereas, Pursuant to a statement issued by the FDA, while the agency is continuing to evaluate information concerning Adderall XR, it has not acted to disapprove the sale of this drug; and

Whereas, The FDA is responsible for protecting the public health by assuring the safety, efficacy and security of human drugs; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of New York City calls upon the Food and Drug Administration to prohibit the sale of the drug Adderall XR.

JLA

3/16/05

LS# 2499