Long-term safety of stimulant medications used to treat children with ADHD.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common mental health condition that affects children, adolescents, and adults. Because it is a chronic condition and typically requires effective treatment for several years or more, information on the benefits and risks of long-term pharmacotherapy for ADHD is vital to clinicians. This article reviews the emerging literature on the safety of long-term stimulant medications in ADHD-the most commonly prescribed medications for this condition. Common side effects, including cardiovascular effects, growth effects, and tics, are discussed, as well as treatment of children younger than age 6 and evidence of carcinogenic and reproductive effects.
Lerner
Marc
M
University of California, Irvine, Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, Orange, California 92868, USA. malerner@uci.edu
Wigal
Tim
T
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002908:Chronic Disease; D016903:Drug Monitoring / Q000451:nursing; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000139:chemically induced; D008134:Long-Term Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D018579:Patient Selection; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D017751:Safety Management / Q000458:organization & administration*; D020323:Tics / Q000139:chemically induced; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants