A new study from the University of Southampton has found that medications used to treat ADHD generally have only small effects on heart rate and blood pressure after a few weeks or months of use.
This is good news for the millions of children and adults who rely on these medications to manage symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
The study is the largest of its kind and was published in the journal The Lancet Psychiatry. It looked at data from 102 clinical trials that included over 22,700 people with ADHD.
These trials were the most reliable kind—called randomized controlled trials—and they showed that while ADHD medications can slightly raise blood pressure and heart rate, the changes are small and not dangerous for most people.
Professor Samuele Cortese, who led the study, said that whenever someone takes medication, doctors and patients should always weigh the risks and benefits together.
In the case of ADHD medications, the benefits—such as better focus, improved school performance, and even lower risk of early death—outweigh the small risks for most people.
The researchers found that most ADHD medications caused small increases in heart rate and blood pressure. However, one medicine, guanfacine, actually lowered these numbers.
Importantly, both types of medications—stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine, and non-stimulants like atomoxetine and viloxazine—had similar effects on the heart.
The findings show that all patients taking ADHD medications should have their blood pressure and heart rate checked regularly, not just those on stimulants.
This is important because many doctors assume only stimulants affect the heart, but this study shows that non-stimulants can also have an impact.
In the UK, about 4% of children are diagnosed with ADHD, and nearly half of them are treated with medication. That’s why it’s important to understand how these medications affect the body.
While the results are reassuring, the study authors say people with existing heart conditions should talk to a heart specialist before starting ADHD medication. Since the trials in this study were mostly short-term, more research is needed to understand the effects of these medications over longer periods.
Professor Alexis Revet, another senior researcher on the study, explained that while the findings help doctors understand average effects in large groups, some individuals might still be at higher risk of more serious heart issues. Right now, it’s not possible to tell who is most at risk, but future research may help answer that question.
The study was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and included researchers from the University of São Paulo in Brazil and the University of Toulouse in France.
In conclusion, this study shows that ADHD medications are generally safe for the heart, but it is still important to monitor people who take them.
With regular checkups and personalized care, most people can continue their medication safely and enjoy the many benefits these treatments can provide.
The study is published in The Lancet Psychiatry.
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