Long-term safety of stimulant medications used to treat children with ADHD

J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv. 2008 Aug;46(8):38-48. doi: 10.3928/02793695-20080801-06.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / drug therapy*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / chemically induced
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / adverse effects*
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Chronic Disease
  • Drug Monitoring / nursing
  • Growth Disorders / chemically induced
  • Humans
  • Infertility / chemically induced
  • Long-Term Care / organization & administration*
  • Neoplasms / chemically induced
  • Nursing Assessment
  • Patient Selection
  • Psychiatric Nursing
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • Safety Management / organization & administration*
  • Tics / chemically induced
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Central Nervous System Stimulants