No Correlation Between ADHD Medications and Serious Cardiac Events

Risk for serious adverse cardiovascular events in children and young adults was similar among current users, nonusers, and former users of ADHD drugs.

Reports of serious adverse cardiac events associated with stimulant medication use in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have led to considerable controversy about the safety of ADHD medications. Three FDA advisory committees recommended black box warnings for stimulants, and the American Heart Association stated that obtaining electrocardiograms (ECGs) was “reasonable” in children who were starting ADHD stimulant treatment (JW Pediatr Adolesc Med Apr 30 2008). However, because data supporting the use of ECG for screening is limited, several pediatric organizations recommended that ECGs should be used at the discretion of clinicians. To address uncertainty among clinicians who treat children and yo…

Reviewing Author

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics