Cardiovascular Disease Risk May Increase with Long-Term ADHD Medication Use
December 6, 2023Long-term use of ADHD medications may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in children and adults, according to a new study published in JAMA Psychiatry.1 However, ADHD experts caution against changing ADHD treatment based on these findings.“The substantial improvement in ADHD impairments significantly outweighs the study’s risk, which is easily monitored and addressed by the prescribing clinician,” David W.
Goodman, M.D., LFAPA, assistant professor in psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, told ADDitude. “I hope that patients and prescribers don’t overemphasize the study’s findings by stopping effective medication or not prescribing when clinically indicated.”The case-control study suggests that the potential for cardiovascular disease increases by an average of 4% each year a patient takes ADHD medication (stimulants and non-stimulants).
The percentage rose to 23% for some people who used ADHD medication for more than five years compared with those who did not.1Patients who used methylphenidate (brand names: Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin, etc.) and lisdexamfetamine (brand name: Vyvanse) had a higher risk of hypertension and arterial disease compared with people who did not take ADHD medication.
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