A new study from the University of Sydney has revealed a worrying trend — the number of Australians poisoned by ADHD medications has quadrupled over the past decade.
In 2023 alone, more than 3,200 people were affected, compared to fewer than 800 cases in 2014. Researchers used data from the NSW Poisons Information Centre (NSWPIC), which recorded more than 17,000 reports of ADHD medication poisoning between 2014 and 2023.
Over half of those cases required hospital treatment, and alarmingly, more than 9,000 involved children under the age of 15. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnoses have surged in Australia, more than doubling between 2013 and 2020.
While this explains part of the rise in medication-related poisonings, the study found that one drug, clonidine, appears to be responsible for a disproportionately high number of incidents.
Clonidine was originally developed to treat high blood pressure, but in recent years it has been used to help manage ADHD symptoms, particularly in children. Because the drug is very strong and often prescribed in very small doses — sometimes just a quarter or half of a tablet — small mistakes in measurement can easily lead to accidental overdoses.
Dr. Amy Thomson, a Ph.D. candidate in the School of Pharmacy and lead author of the study published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, said that ADHD medications are highly effective when used correctly, but can be dangerous if misused or taken incorrectly.
She explained that even a small error, such as taking a double dose of clonidine, could send a child to hospital. ‘The sharp rise in poisonings can partly be linked to more people being diagnosed with ADHD, but clonidine poisonings are increasing even faster than diagnosis rates,’ Thomson said.
‘Families and healthcare providers need to be aware of the risks and take extra precautions to prevent accidents.’ The study found that six medications are commonly used to treat ADHD: clonidine, atomoxetine, dexamphetamine, guanfacine, lisdexamphetamine, and methylphenidate (known by the brand name Ritalin).
Of all the medications, clonidine and Ritalin were the most commonly involved in poisoning cases. Each accounted for around 35% of all incidents and were responsible for most hospital admissions.
Children and adolescents were the most at risk. About 72% of accidental poisonings occurred in children under 15, often due to dosing mistakes or misunderstandings at home. Sometimes, parents accidentally give their child an extra dose without realizing the other parent already did.
In other cases, curious children have taken their siblings’ medication out of curiosity. Dr. Thomson said that cutting tablets into quarters or halves can make dosing less precise, especially when families use pills not designed for easy division.
She also emphasized the importance of keeping all ADHD medications securely out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. The research also revealed that not all poisonings were accidental. Around 38% of cases were deliberate, suggesting that some people intentionally misused ADHD drugs.
These medications can have powerful effects on the brain and body, and misuse — especially in teens and young adults — can be dangerous. Because the data relied on self-reports to the poison hotline or hospital admissions, the researchers warned that the real number of poisonings could be even higher.
Many people who experience mild symptoms might not report them, meaning the statistics likely underestimate the true scope of the problem. Dr. Thomson urged both families and healthcare professionals to handle ADHD medications carefully. She said that people should always stick to prescribed doses and never adjust their medication without consulting a doctor.
Pharmacists and doctors also have an important role in educating families about safe storage, proper dosing, and the risks of giving or taking the wrong amount. ‘These medications can change lives for the better when used safely,’ Dr. Thomson said. ‘But even one mistake can have serious consequences.
Awareness and education are the best tools we have to prevent more poisonings in the future.’ This study serves as a reminder that while ADHD medications play a crucial role in managing symptoms, they must be used carefully, especially in households with children.
Simple steps — such as double-checking doses, locking medicines away, and keeping open communication between family members — can make a major difference in keeping kids safe.
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The study is published in Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry.
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