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.
All the power to you! Keep up the good work. Ditto on caffeine. Congratulations on stopping alcohol. I made that decision recently (1 y) though I wasn’t really drinking that much. I am trying to keep active and eat clean but I do feel that with medication I could get a better mileage. Cheers!
Thank you.
Get treated, if applicable. I have seen amazing results with others as well as with myself. Amphetamines have a nasty stigma still, which unfortunately, is probably earned.
Even if Adderall was 100% the cause of my current blood pressure issues, which is highly unlikely, I wouldn’t hesitate to make the decision to get treated again.
Form your own mini support group or find one. Talking with others helps mitigate many social anxieties that are also common.