Safety of stimulant treatment in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Part I.
BACKGROUND
The safety profile of newer stimulant products is of interest. Because most studies focus on school-age children, there is also an increased interest in the treatment of other populations. Concern continues for the risk of substance abuse in the use of stimulants.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this paper is to review published data on the safety and tolerability of the newer forms of stimulants, treatment in special populations, and the risks of substance abuse and dependence in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.


METHODS
Literature obtained through Medline and Pubmed from 1995 were reviewed as well as key articles referenced in the literature.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of the newer stimulant agents shows a safety profile of frequent, but usually mild side effects. They are generally safe in special populations. The risk of developing long-term substance abuse with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, without co-morbidities, is small and may decrease with proper treatment. More research is needed.
University of Virginia, Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, Charlottesville, 22908, USA. rlm3u@virginia.edu
Richard Lawrence
RL
Merkel
Ajay
A
Kuchibhatla
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000661:Amphetamine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D015897:Comorbidity; D006801:Humans; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012306:Risk; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D055815:Young Adult
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008774:Methylphenidate; D000661:Amphetamine