Medications, particularly stimulants, remain the best documented and most potent treatments for ADHD. But we know that many of our medications, including forms of amphetamine (Adderall, Vyvanse), methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta), atomoxetine (Strattera), and bupropion (Wellbutrin) increase blood pressure and heart rate slightly in the first weeks and months of treatment.
A 2022 meta-analysis of almost four million patients failed to find negative cardiac health impacts from ADHD medications. But a more recent, longer term study (2-7 years), comparing those with ADHD and cardiovascular disease to those with ADHD but no cardiovascular disease, found that ADHD medications were statistically associated with hypertension and arterial disease. Longer use, and higher doses posed the biggest risks. But the medications were not linked to arrhythmias, heart attacks, strokes, heart failure or other serious events with blood clots.
Numerous headlines claimed that the new evidence showed how dangerous ADHD medications are. Although the research has important public health implications, most patients should be reassured by the low risk to any particular individual. Only 4% of the participants had a newly diagnosed cardiovascular condition arise during the years of the study.
References:
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Medications and Long-Term Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases (2023)
jamanetwork.co...
Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases Associated With Medications Used in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (2022)
jamanetwork.co...
Long-term methylphenidate exposure and 24-hours blood pressure and left ventricular mass in adolescents and young adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
www.sciencedir...
Autonomic and endocrine control of cardiovascular function (2015)
www.ncbi.nlm.n....
General:
Psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and author John Kruse, MD, PhD presents practical, actionable, well-researched information about treatment options that scientists and clinicians recommend for adult ADHD and other mental health conditions. Subscribe if you're curious about how neuro-atypical brains can optimize their functioning in our shared, and somewhat strange, world.
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22 сен 2024
