Cardiovascular Safety of ADHD Medications

Stimulant medications, like methylphenidate and amphetamines, have adverse cardiovascular effects, like elevated blood pressure, increasing the risk of cardiovascular events. Join host Geoff Wall as he reviews a new meta-analysis trying to quantify the risk of ADHD medications on cardiovascular outcomes.

The GameChanger
A large meta-analysis did not find an association between medications for ADHD and cardiovascular disease. Several limitations may interfere with the applicability of these results.

Show Segments
00:00 – Introductions
01:38 – Background on ADHD and Stimulant Medications
02:58 – Rationale for Analysis
06:42 – Looking at the Meta-Analysis
11:44 – The GameChanger: Meta-Analysis Findings
17:43 – Connecting to Practice: Addressing Patient Concerns
20:00 – Closing Remarks

Host
Geoff Wall, PharmD, BCPS, FCCP, CGP
Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Drake University
Internal Medicine/Critical Care, UnityPoint Health

References and Resources
Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases Associated With Medications Used in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

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• CME (Physician)

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CE Information

Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this knowledge-based activity, participants should be able to:
1. Describe the purported mechanism of the potential risk of cardiovascular disease in patients taking stimulant medications
2. Discuss the findings of a recent meta-analysis by Zhang et al on cardiovascular disease and stimulant medications

0.05 CEU/0.5 Hr
UAN: 0107-0000-23-016-H01-P
Initial release date: 01/03/2023
Expiration date: 01/03/2024
Additional CPE and CME details can be found here.