Ameritox Data on ADHD Stimulant Prescriptions Uncovers Significant Rates of Illicit Drug Use and Potential Nonadherence to Drug Regimen
WASHINGTON, Jan. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- AmeritoxSM, a national leader in medication monitoring solutions, presented new research showing that in one out of three samples of patients prescribed stimulants to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity (ADHD) disorder the prescribed drug was not detected. Members of Ameritox's Medical Affairs team prepared the data for attendees at the American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders (APSARD) Annual Meeting, held in Washington, where conference organizers highlighted the Ameritox report for attendees.
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Based on samples collected from more than 4,000 patients between July 1, 2014 and June 30, 2015, the Ameritox data showed indications that potential nonadherence to prescription stimulants in the treatment of ADHD is associated with elevated rates of illicit drug use as well as non-medical use of opioids and benzodiazepines. In samples where the prescribed stimulant was not detected, THC was present more than 20 percent of the time. Nearly four in ten samples where the prescribed stimulant was not detected tested positive for some combination of a nonprescribed opioid, nonprescribed benzodiazepine, THC and/or cocaine.
In addition, patients being treated for ADHD with prescription stimulants showed high rates of potential nonadherence across all age groups. Patients over the age of 60 showed the lowest rates of potential nonadherence, with 24.4 percent of samples absent the prescribed drug. Patients between ages 20 and 29 had the highest rates of potential nonadherence, as more than 40 percent of all samples collected from patients in that age range tested negative for their prescribed stimulant.
"Even in the best case scenarios," said Ameritox Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tom Smith, "the potential for diversion or illicit drug use is alarmingly high. The misuse, abuse and diversion of ADHD medications cannot be casually brushed aside when these results suggest that even when the prescribed ADHD medication is found there is a nearly one in four chance that the sample will also test positive for potentially dangerous substances."
About Ameritox
Ameritox helped pioneer the prescription drug monitoring necessary to address the national epidemic of prescription drug misuse, abuse and diversion. As a trusted leader in medication monitoring, Ameritox provides medical and business professionals with health care solutions that can help improve patient care and prevent tragedy. Ameritox, headquartered in Baltimore, Md., has laboratory facilities in Greensboro, N.C.
Visit the Ameritox website at: www.ameritox.com
Follow Ameritox on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ameritox
Contact: Lon Wagner
Director of Communications, Ameritox
(336) 387-7742
Email
Josh Silberberg
30 Point Strategies
202-304-1546
Email
SOURCE Ameritox
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