The use of Ginkgo, Prozac and Focalin as a "treatment" for Down syndrome
A combination of drugs recommended for depression and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder is being widely promoted as a "treatment" for Down syndrome. There is no scientific support for the routine use of this protocol by people who have Down syndrome. It is important that families and healthcare professionals are aware of the lack of evidence for safety and benefits from use of this protocol.
Clinicians, scientists and Down syndrome groups across the world have issued a statement about the use of a protocol that is claimed to improve intelligence and behaviour for people with Down syndrome.
Published on Down Syndrome Online today, the statement provides information about the protocol for families and healthcare professionals seeking to evaluate these claims. The statement concludes that there is no reliable evidence of benefit and no clear evidence of safety to support the use of this protocol.
Over 20 clinicians and scientists and 17 organisations have publicly endorsed the statement, offering a clear indication of the wide consensus cautioning families about the risks of the unproven therapy.
Read the statement in full:
- The use of Ginkgo, Prozac and Focalin as a "treatment" for Down syndrome
- La utilización de Ginkgo, Prozac y Focalina como "tratamiento" para el síndrome de Down
- Der Einsatz von Ginkgo, Fluoxetin (Prozac) und Focalin als „Behandlung“ beim Down-Syndrom
- L’utilisation de Gingko, Prozac et Focalin comme « traitement » dans la trisomie 21 (syndrome de Down)
