Long-Term Effects of ADHD Medication in Adults

Plain-language summary

Research suggests that ADHD medications can be effective in adults, with different medications having varying degrees of efficacy and tolerability. While there are some concerns about cardiovascular risks, especially with certain types of medication and pre-existing conditions, overall research indicates these risks are relatively low for most individuals when used as prescribed. However, more long-term studies are needed to fully understand the effects of long-term use.

Key findings

• Different ADHD medications show varying levels of effectiveness in adults, with some being more tolerable than others.
• Research indicates that common ADHD medications, including stimulants, generally have a low risk of serious cardiovascular problems for most adults, especially those without pre-existing heart conditions.
• Some specific ADHD medications, like lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, have been found to have a safety profile comparable to other established stimulant medications.
• It is important for individuals to discuss their personal medical history with their doctor to assess any potential cardiovascular risks before starting or continuing ADHD medication.

Studies cited (8)

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. Cannabis and Mental Health: A Review — Kansagara D, Terry GE, Ayers CK (2026, JAMA internal medicine, review)

   DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2025.8215

5. Cardiovascular Effects of ADHD Therapies: JACC Review Topic of the Week — Torres-Acosta N, O'Keefe JH, O'Keefe CL (2020, Journal of the American College of Cardiology, review)

   DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2020.05.081

6. Long term safety of ADHD medication in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders — Luykx JJ, Corbeil O, Kärkkäinen O (2025, Molecular psychiatry, other)

   DOI: 10.1038/s41380-025-03080-3 PMCID: PMC12436181

7. Global, regional, and national burden of epilepsy, 1990-2021: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 — GBD Epilepsy Collaborators (2025, The Lancet. Public health, other)

   DOI: 10.1016/S2468-2667(24)00302-5 PMCID: PMC11876103

8. 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