Amphetamine sulfate was approved by the FDA in 1996 and has since sold more the 2.3 million prescriptions. Clinical trials demonstrate that the drug is at least as effective as methylphenidate and last up to two hours longer. It remains important that children receiving this or any drug of its type receive behavioral therapy so that they may eventually discontinue use of the drug. Problems with compliance must also be addressed. Many children fail to take the daytime dose required while they are at school and many schools forbid personnel to administer the drug.
Many teenagers also sell or give the drugs to friends.
For those who find themselves relying regularly on antacids and other drugs to control heartburn, there may be more to be concerned about besides controlling the uncomfortable symptoms. People who have frequent heartburn may be at a greatly increased risk for esophageal cancer. Heartburn is the result of backward flow of stomach acids into the esophagus. It is relatively harmless when it occurs infrequently. For those with chronic heartburn, the cells of the esophagus, which are usually quite soft, must harden themselves to be protected from the frequent onslaught of acid from the stomach.