This article was first published on February 27, 2024. It was last reviewed, updated, or edited on February 27, 2024.
Some clinicians and family members have mixed feelings about using stimulant medications to treat attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
In discussing the potential benefits of treating ADHD with a stimulant medication, all concerned may focus on the clinical benefits of being able to focus on reading or work, getting more things done, and so on. I recommend that when we encounter ambivalence about the medications, we should also take into consideration other potential benefits of treating ADHD with stimulant medications that are not typically discussed in clinical settings.
Treatment of ADHD with stimulant medications appears to reduce the risk of:
– Premature death (Schiavone et al., 2022; London and Landes, 2016; Dalsgaard et al., 2015)
– Serious traffic accidents (Chang et al., 2014a)
– Dying in a traffic accident (Dalsgaard et al., 2015)
– Substance use disorders (McCabe et al., 2024; McCabe et al., 2016; Chang et al., 2014b; Faraone and Wilens, 2007)
– Depression (Chang et al., 2016)
– Suicidal behavior (Rice et al., 2024; Chang et al., 2020; Chen et al., 2014)
– Criminal convictions (Lichtenstein et al., 2012)
– Violent reoffending (Lichtenstein et al., 2012)
Related Pages
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Tips for managing abuse potential of medications for ADHD
Important interactions when using two medications for ADHD
How should ADHD be treated in persons with stimulant (including cocaine) use disorder
Stimulant medications—General
How are methylphenidate and amphetamines metabolized?
A dozen tips to manage loss of appetite due to a stimulant (in adults)
Converting stimulants: Equivalent doses
Pros and cons of short-acting preparations of psychostimulants
Tips for managing abuse potential of medications for ADHD
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What to look for in stimulant withdrawal (including a physical sign that is little known)
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Amphetamine preparations
Amphetamine preparations: Index and links
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Converting from OROS methylphenidate to amphetamine is a two-step process
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Amphetamine extended-release orally disintegrating tablets (Adzenys XR-ODT): Basic information
What is the maximum dose of mixed amphetamine salts?
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Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine®): Basic Information
Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse®): Basic Information
Mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall®, Adderall XR®): Basic Information
Mixed salts of a single-entity amphetamine product (Mydayis®): Basic information
Triple-bead preparation of mixed amphetamine salts (Mydayis®)
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Methylphenidate/ dexmethylphenidate preparations
Methylphenidate preparations: Index and links
OROS methylphenidate extended-release (Concerta®): Basic information
Should we prescribe dexmethylphenidate (Focalin) rather than methylphenidate (Ritalin)?
Converting from OROS methylphenidate to amphetamine is a two-step process
Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Ritalin SR®, Ritalin LA®): Basic information
Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin®, Focalin XR®): Basic Information
A psychostimulant preparation that is taken in the *evening* (Jornay PM®)
Combining stimulants with other medications
Combine a stimulant and atomoxetine?
Going from atomoxetine to an antipsychotic
Combining guanfacine and stimulants for ADHD
Can stimulant and antipsychotic medications be used together?
Changing from an antipsychotic to a stimulant
When a stimulant and an antipsychotic are used together and then the stimulant is stopped
Can a dopamine agonist (pramipexole, ropinirole) and a stimulant be combined?
Can stimulant medications be used along with buprenorphine or methadone?
References
Chang Z, D’Onofrio BM, Quinn PD, Lichtenstein P, Larsson H. Medication for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Risk for Depression: A Nationwide Longitudinal Cohort Study. Biol Psychiatry. 2016 Dec 15;80(12):916-922. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2016.02.018. Epub 2016 Feb 23. PMID: 27086545; PMCID: PMC4995143.
Chang Z, Lichtenstein P, D’Onofrio BM, Sjölander A, Larsson H. Serious transport accidents in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and the effect of medication: a population-based study. JAMA Psychiatry. 2014a Mar;71(3):319-25. doi: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2013.4174. PMID: 24477798; PMCID: PMC3949159.
Chang Z, Lichtenstein P, Halldner L, D’Onofrio B, Serlachius E, Fazel S, Långström N, Larsson H. Stimulant ADHD medication and risk for substance abuse. J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2014 bAug;55(8):878-85. doi: 10.1111/jcpp.12164. Epub 2013 Oct 25. PMID: 25158998; PMCID: PMC4147667.
Chang Z, Quinn PD, O’Reilly L, Sjölander A, Hur K, Gibbons R, Larsson H, D’Onofrio BM. Medication for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Risk for Suicide Attempts. Biol Psychiatry. 2020 Sep 15;88(6):452-458. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2019.12.003. Epub 2019 Dec 13. PMID: 31987492; PMCID: PMC7292769.
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Dalsgaard S, Østergaard SD, Leckman JF, Mortensen PB, Pedersen MG. Mortality in children, adolescents, and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a nationwide cohort study. Lancet. 2015 May 30;385(9983):2190-6. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(14)61684-6. Epub 2015 Feb 26. PMID: 25726514.
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