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

Abstract

Introduction: This drug safety review provides an update on the long-term cardiovascular risks of therapeutic stimulant class medication for children and adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Areas covered: Relevant literature on the long-term (defined as ≥ 12 months) cardiovascular effects of stimulant class medications for ADHD was sought using PubMed searches for clinical literature, epidemiological reports, as well as reviews of post-marketing data and clinical guidelines/consensus statements. Comparison was made to the non-stimulant atomoxetine.

Expert opinion: Long-term cardiovascular risks of stimulants for healthy children and adults with ADHD are limited to minor mean elevations in blood pressure (≤ 7 mmHg) and heart rate (≤ 10 bpm). In a sizeable minority of individuals these elevations are greater and/or reach a clinical threshold. Subjective complaints may also be anticipated during long-term treatment, yet without an increase in serious cardiac outcomes above background rates per age. Future research is needed on possible latent or cumulative cardiovascular risks in healthy individuals, as well as the longer-term cardiovascular safety in vulnerable populations.

Keywords:

• attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
• cardiovascular
• stimulant

Declaration of interest

In the past 2 years PG Hammerness has participated in CME activities supported by Shire Pharmaceuticals. PG Hammerness has received royalties from two books: Organize Your mind, Organize Your Life, Harlequin Press/Harvard University 2012 and ADHD, Biographies of a Disease, Greenwood Press, 2009. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Notes

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