Are ADHD medications safe?
The American Heart Association (AHA) last week released new guidelines regarding heart screening for children and teens taking stimulant medications for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The recommendations suggest all those taking such medications have a risk screening for family history of heart problems and an EKG.
Stimulant medications are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been used safely for decades. There is, however, a VERY SMALL risk of sudden death when these medications are given to a person who ALREADY HAS a heart problem. Please note that the medications do not CAUSE heart problems in otherwise healthy people.
It is our view, and one shared by the American Academy of Pediatrics, that the AHA recommendations are too aggressive. We agree that screening for a family history of heart problems is important. This is something we do each time we see a new patient and then annually beginning at age 10. However, obtaining an EKG on each person receiving stimulants will produce a large number of tests read as abnormal despite being done on a normal person. This will then result in further testing and a lot of worry for parents and patients before it is ultimately found that everything is fine.
So, if your child is taking medications for ADHD, please don't worry. The medicines are very safe. But let us know if you discover a history of heart problems (other than heart attacks in older folks) in your family. If you are still concerned, give us a call.