Summary
A new international study led by the University of Southampton found ADHD medications cause small increases in blood pressure and heart rate but offer overall benefits that outweigh these risks.
Researchers emphasized careful monitoring, especially for patients with heart conditions. Both stimulant and non-stimulant medications showed similar cardiovascular effects, except guanfacine, which lowered blood pressure.
Experts noted the drugs improve academic performance, reduce mortality risk, and lower chances of anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.
Prescriptions have surged post-pandemic, but misconceptions about ADHD treatments still persist, experts warned.
Damn. I was on a 2.5mg dose of Focalin which my psychiatrist said is very low, so hopefully I don’t have any issues. But I do not take it every day anymore since I retired recently and I have a lot of days where I can just fuck off and not need that level of focus. I haven’t had any withdrawal effects at all that I’ve noticed after taking it daily for about 18 months.