Study: Use of methylphenidate-based ADHD medication increases the risk of heart problems

ADHD medication enhances the risk of heart problems in children (Science Nordic): “The risk of developing heart problems is twice as big for children taking medicine for Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) when compared to children not receiving the medicine…The study builds on data from 714,000 children born in 1990–1999…The study covered nearly all types of ADHD medicine. Methylphenidate-based medications account for 98 per cent of treatments. This group of medication is sold under the brands Concerta, Methylin, Ritalin, Equasym XL, Motiron and Medikinet… To make sure that the measured difference was not due to the disorder itself, the scientists compared children with ADHD diagnosis, who were receiving medicine, with other ADHD diagnosed children, who were not receiving medicine.

The scientists found, that the hazard ratio for children receiving ADHD medicine was 120 per cent higher, than children not getting medicine… Tine Houmann emphasises that doctors and parents should not be scared of results like those published in the study. “It is important that we do not become so afraid of rare side effects that we do not give medicine to children with ADHD. Because the problems and risks connected to unmedicated ADHD are severe. It can lead to addiction, crime and developing psychiatric diseases”…Søren Dalsgaard believes that his study confirms that doctors must think twice when prescribing ADHD medicine.” Study: Cardiovascular Safety of St...
Source: SharpBrains - Category: Neurologists Authors: Tags: Attention and ADD/ADHD Health & Wellness ADHD-diagnosis ADHD-medication cardiovascular Concerta Equasym XL heart problems Medikinet Methylin methylphenidate Motiron Ritalin Source Type: blogs