A New Study Has Shown That Those Who Take Stimulant Medications Like Adderall Or Ritalin For ADHD Are At An Increased Risk Of Developing Cardiomyopathy Over Time

Stimulant medications help manage ADHD by boosting brain chemicals such as dopamine and norepinephrine, aiding in concentration and reducing impulsivity. Yet, these drugs also have the effect of raising blood pressure by causing the heart to beat more quickly and forcefully.

Earlier studies focusing on short-term use of stimulants, spanning a year or two, did not identify any cardiovascular risks. Considering that many individuals with ADHD begin their medication in childhood and might continue it for many years, the new study aimed to explore the possible long-term impacts.

To conduct their study, the team accessed a medical database that includes information from around 80 hospitals. Next, they located individuals diagnosed with ADHD aged between 20 and 40, both those who were and weren’t prescribed stimulants.

They intentionally left out anyone who already had heart conditions not caused by ADHD medications. Then, for every person using stimulants, they found a non-user who matched closely in terms of demographics and overall health status.

In the wake of the study’s findings, the researchers have advised against becoming alarmed or abruptly discontinuing the use of the medication if it’s effectively managing ADHD symptoms and offering considerable benefits.

“The longer you leave patients on these medications, the more likely they are to develop cardiomyopathy, but the risk of that is very low,” Gerard emphasized.

Still, this study highlights the necessity of diligent monitoring for anyone on a long-term regimen of stimulants. It’s wise to have regular medical check-ups, be vigilant for any signs of heart issues, such as fatigue or difficulty breathing, and consistently monitor blood pressure levels.

Moving forward, the researchers recommend additional studies to determine whether specific groups of patients might face a higher risk and could thus benefit from more thorough screenings prior to beginning stimulant treatment. They are also interested in exploring whether various formulations of stimulant medications are associated with different levels of risk for cardiomyopathy as time goes on.

To read the study’s complete findings, visit the link here.