Parents, if you have a male child who is taking the following commonly prescribed drugs: Concerta,Daytrana,Focalin, Focalin XR, Metadate CD, Metadate ER, Methylin, Methylin ER,Quillivant XR, Strattera or Ritalin, Ritalin LA, or Ritalin SR - you might want to have a conversation with your child about this particular side effect and what to do if it happens (seek medical help - note that the issue happens with changes in dosage, so stopping their medication abruptly is NOT a good idea.) "Priapism can occur in males of any age and happens when blood in the penis becomes trapped, leading to an abnormally long-lasting and sometimes painful erection. Younger males, especially those who have not yet reached puberty, may not recognize the problem or may be embarrassed to tell anyone if it occurs. All male patients and their caregivers should be taught the signs and symptoms of priapism and the importance of seeking immediate medical treatment if it occurs."
Keep in mind that the occurrence is very, VERY rare, there's been about 1 case per year reported and over 4 million kids are prescribed this stuff every year - but it would be a good idea to make sure your child knows to tell you if this happens, as ignoring it can mean permanent damage. Kids on the spectrum may be particularly private about this issue, or particularly embarrassed, so I thought it was appropriate to share - not to change anyone's treatment plans, but to make sure that you have opened this line of communication with your child. (Strattera wasn't part of the original only because that side effect was already part of the drug's warnings, but the risk is about the same.)
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/Dru ... ovdelivery
03 Jan 2014, 2:08 pm
