Is ADHD Medication Safe for Children?

Plain-language summary

Research suggests that ADHD medications generally have a good cardiovascular safety profile for children, adolescents, and adults. However, some studies indicate potential temporary, small increases in blood pressure and heart rate, and there's ongoing research to understand long-term effects more fully, particularly with methylphenidate. It's important to have these discussions with a healthcare professional to weigh the benefits and risks for each individual.

Key findings

• Research consistently shows that ADHD medications are not associated with a major increase in serious cardiovascular events like heart attack or stroke in children and adolescents.
• Some studies indicate that ADHD medications can cause small, temporary increases in blood pressure and heart rate.
• Long-term studies on specific medications like lisdexamfetamine dimesylate and methylphenidate have supported their overall safety profiles, although continuous monitoring for cardiovascular health is recommended.
• The benefits of ADHD medication in managing symptoms often outweigh the potential risks, especially when treatment is carefully monitored by a doctor.

Studies cited (7)

1. Comparative cardiovascular safety of medications for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children, adolescents, and adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis — Farhat LC, Lannes A, Del Giovane C (2025, The lancet. Psychiatry, meta-analysis)

   DOI: 10.1016/S2215-0366(25)00062-8

2. Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases Associated With Medications Used in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis — Zhang L, Yao H, Li L (2022, JAMA network open, meta-analysis)

   DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.43597 PMCID: PMC9685490

3. Comparative efficacy and tolerability of medications for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children, adolescents, and adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis — Cortese S, Adamo N, Del Giovane C (2018, The lancet. Psychiatry, meta-analysis)

   DOI: 10.1016/S2215-0366(18)30269-4 PMCID: PMC6109107

4. A systematic review of the safety of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate — Coghill DR, Caballero B, Sorooshian S (2014, CNS drugs, systematic-review)

   DOI: 10.1007/s40263-014-0166-2 PMCID: PMC4057639

5. Long-term safety of methylphenidate in children and adolescents with ADHD: 2-year outcomes of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Drugs Use Chronic Effects (ADDUCE) study — Man KKC, Häge A, Banaschewski T (2023, The lancet. Psychiatry, other)

   DOI: 10.1016/S2215-0366(23)00042-1

6. Practical considerations for the evaluation and management of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults — Weibel S, Menard O, Ionita A (2020, L'Encephale, other)

   DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2019.06.005

7. Long-term safety of stimulant medications used to treat children with ADHD — Lerner M, Wigal T (2008, Journal of psychosocial nursing and mental health services, other)

   DOI: 10.3928/02793695-20080801-06