Lawmaker Asks More Disclosure On Ritalin Use

Sandpoint Rep. John Campbell doesn’t usually partner up with Hillary Clinton on legislative issues, but he’s glad to now.

The first lady unveiled federal requirements this week for more disclosure to parents of the dangers of Ritalin and other behavioral drugs that often are prescribed to young children. That’s exactly what a bill Campbell’s been pushing in the Idaho Legislature this year would have done.

“I’ve said for a long time that this one day will become an issue,” said Campbell, a self-described “hard-headed Republican.” “I think its time has come.”

Campbell has been pushing for more restrictions on Ritalin for several years, driven in part by one of his son’s negative experiences with the drug. After years of prescriptions as a child, he developed problems with illegal drugs as an adult.

Campbell first tried to outlaw the prescribing of Ritalin to kids altogether, making it a felony. That legislation died amid an outcry from parents and doctors.

Campbell came back this year with his disclosure bill, but it has languished in the House Health & Welfare Committee, where it’s never gotten a hearing.

He wonders if the influence of the pharmaceutical industry is a factor.

“I think it is an issue that concerns everyone,” the two-term lawmaker said. “How necessary are these drugs?”

Ritalin and other behavioral drugs typically are prescribed for children suffering from attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder. But critics question whether the use of the drugs has gone beyond that to simply calming disruptive children.

Until recently, Idaho was among the highest states in per capita use of Ritalin, but the growing popularity of other drugs has lowered that figure.

Campbell said bold-faced warnings about side effects, possible long-term effects and the fact that kids who use Ritalin may not qualify as adults to serve in the armed forces might make parents think twice before giving their children the drugs.

“If we send a message, those young parents will look at this and say, `Wait a minute, maybe I should look into this a little bit further.”’

Campbell said he’s gotten lots of calls and letters on the issue. “They’re on both sides,” he said. “There’s a lot of people that absolutely believe it’s a lifesaver to them.”

He said he’s impressed that Clinton is bringing the issue onto the national agenda.

“Her concern finally addresses concerns that a lot of people have in America,” he said. “I don’t think you can just pass a pill to every child in America and help them.”