Understanding the risk of using medications for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder with respect to physical growth and cardiovascular function.
The effects of stimulant medications and atomoxetine on physical growth and on cardiovascular function are reviewed in light of the most recent data, with attention to clinical implications and research needs. Although these medications have a favorable benefit/risk profile and do not induce clinically significant changes in growth or cardiovascular function in the majority of cases, careful patient monitoring is needed to identify individuals at risk for negative outcomes. More research is needed to elucidate the mechanism of growth suppression to estimate better the risk for rare but life-threatening events and test the effectiveness of monitoring procedures.
Vitiello
Benedetto
B
Child and Adolescent Treatment and Preventive Intervention Research Branch, Division of Services and Intervention Research, National Institute of Mental Health, Room 7147, 6001 Executive Boulevard, Bethesda, MD 20892-9633, USA. bvitiell@mail.nih.gov
D000293:Adolescent; D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001066:Appetite / Q000187:drug effects; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects*; D001827:Body Height / Q000187:drug effects*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D018849:Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic; D016757:Death, Sudden, Cardiac / Q000209:etiology*; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000187:drug effects*; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011437:Propylamines; D012307:Risk Factors
D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D011437:Propylamines; D008774:Methylphenidate; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride