ADHD Medication and Increased Risk Of High Blood Pressure and Heart Disease

Dear Reader,

Does someone you love take medication for ADHD?  If so, then please read every word of today’s blog.

Recently, I came across a rather alarming article on NBC that highlighted a growing concern in the medical community about the risk of ADHD medication and its long-term impact on cardiovascular health.  (ADHD and Cardiovascular RISK )

The study published by medical authorities in Sweden followed around 300,000 participants who took ADHD medication for at least five years. The participant’s medical history was tracked for over 14 years.  Those who took ADHD medication for at least five years showed a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including hypertension and arterial disease.  The findings suggested long-term use of ADHD medication was associated with an 80% increase in hypertension and a 50% increase in cardiovascular disease.  Many of these participants had taken these medications as children and now, in their mid to young twenties, showed an alarmingly elevated risk of heart problems when compared to their non-medicated counterparts.

NBC investigator Eun Yang interviewed psychiatrist Dr. Joshua Weiner, who advised caution.  He discussed how medications like Adderall and Ritalin are stimulants with known short-term increases in heart rate and blood pressure.  Until recently, these effects were considered unimportant because they showed no long-term consequences.   This study suggests otherwise.

Dr. Weiner goes on to discuss how ADHD medication can be beneficial to many suffering from mental health concerns. Still, the risk of cardiovascular problems is real, and if you have other risk factors regarding your heart health, you may need to reassess whether these medications are right for you.

The biggest problem is that children are the most likely to be diagnosed with and medicated for ADHD, and most children do not show signs of cardiovascular concerns.  Still, these stimulants appear to put them at greater risk for serious health concerns down the road.

ADHD Medications may be great for improving attention and reducing hyperactivity. Some parents swear by it and credit their child’s success in school to its calming effects.  Still, if your child’s long-term heart health is compromised as a result, this may be a case of the cure being worse than the condition.

As a parent, the choice to medicate your child for ADHD is a decision only you can make alongside your child’s physician, and I would never dream of telling you what medical decision is right for you and your child. Still, I want you to know the facts.

Over my career, I’ve seen countless men, women, and children injured or killed due to a medication that was initially reported as safe and doctor-recommended, only to be later recalled for damaging and, in some cases, lethal effects.

If you or someone you love ever suffers a serious side effect from prescription medication, I urge you to reach out to me at 703-761-4343 or 301-949-1515. You may be entitled to compensation for your loss.

My time is yours, and I’m here to help in every way I can.

Sincerely,

Paul Samakow

Attorney Paul Samakow

703-761-4343 or 301-949-1515