Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 17, 2026

Event Related Potentials ERPs and other EEG Based Methods for Extracting Biomarkers of Brain Dysfunction: Examples from Pediatric Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD
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Event Related Potentials ERPs and other EEG Based Methods for Extracting Biomarkers of Brain Dysfunction: Examples from Pediatric Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD

Published on: March 12, 2020

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Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder treatment: what are the long-term cardiovascular risks?

Paul G Hammerness1, Chris Karampahtsis, Ronke Babalola

  • 1Harvard Medical School , Boston, MA , USA.

Expert Opinion on Drug Safety
|February 5, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Long-term stimulant ADHD medication use shows minimal cardiovascular risks in most children and adults, with slight blood pressure and heart rate increases. Serious cardiac events remain uncommon, but further research is needed for vulnerable groups.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Cardiology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is commonly treated with stimulant medications.
  • Long-term cardiovascular safety of these medications requires ongoing evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the long-term cardiovascular risks associated with stimulant medications for ADHD.
  • To compare these risks with the non-stimulant atomoxetine.

Main Methods:

  • Literature search of PubMed for studies on long-term (≥ 12 months) cardiovascular effects of ADHD stimulants.
  • Inclusion of clinical literature, epidemiological reports, post-marketing data, and guidelines.
  • Comparative analysis with atomoxetine.

Main Results:

  • Stimulant therapy for ADHD is associated with minor mean increases in blood pressure (≤ 7 mmHg) and heart rate (≤ 10 bpm) in healthy individuals.
  • A significant minority may experience greater elevations or clinically significant changes.
  • No increase in serious cardiac outcomes above age-specific background rates was observed, though subjective complaints may occur.

Conclusions:

  • Long-term cardiovascular risks of stimulants in healthy ADHD patients are generally limited to minor physiological changes.
  • Further investigation into cumulative or latent risks in healthy populations and long-term safety in vulnerable groups is warranted.
Abstract

Keywords:
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disordercardiovascularstimulant

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