Safety of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Medications in Children and Adolescents

The absolute risk for cardiovascular events in stimulant users was low and did not differ significantly from risk in nonusers.

The American Heart Association recommendation to obtain electrocardiograms in children and adolescents taking stimulants for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) raised concerns about the safety of these drugs (JW Pediatr Adolesc Med Apr 30 2008). In an industry-supported study, investigators analyzed data from two U.S. administrative databases (1999–2006) to compare rates of severe cardiovascular events (sudden death or ventricular arrhythmia, stroke, or myocardial infarction) among 241,417 children aged 3 to 17 years who received a first prescription for amphetamine, atomoxetine, or methylphenidate and 945,668 nonusers (matched for data source, sex, state, and age). Median follow-up was 135 days of active use for users and 609 …

Reviewing Author

Howard Bauchner, MD

Disclosures

Grant / research supportHuman Resources and Services Administration; NIH; NIH-NHLBI; USDA; GlaxoSmithKline

Editorial boardsArchives of Disease in Childhood (Editor-in-Chief)

Howard Bauchner, MD

Disclosures

Grant / research supportHuman Resources and Services Administration; NIH; NIH-NHLBI; USDA; GlaxoSmithKline

Editorial boardsArchives of Disease in Childhood (Editor-in-Chief)