These observational studies also showed positive correlations between early recognition of the disorder , stimulant treatment during childhood and favorable long-term outcome in adult ADHD patients .
In conclusion , stimulant therapy of ADHD has long-term beneficial effects and is well tolerated .
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) is a common disorder of childhood that often persists into adulthood .
Although stimulant medications are recommended as the first-line treatment for ADHD because of their documented short-term effects in children and adults , less is known about their effects on long-term outcome in adults .
Here we review the long-term efficacy and safety of the stimulant drugs methylpheni date and amphetamine , as well as the related compound atomoxetine .
We performed a systematic review to identify direct and indirect effects of stimulant therapy on long-term outcome in adults .
Long-Term Safety of OROS Methylphenidate in Adults With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: An Open-Label, Dose-Titration, 1-Year Study
Objective : To evaluate the long-term safety of OROS methylpheni date in the management of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) in adults . Methods : This multicenter , open-label , dose-titration , flexible dose study enrolled adults with ADHD for 6 or 12 months of treatment with OROS methylpheni date . Dosing began at 36 mg/d , with titration in 18-mg increments every 7 days until a predefined outcome ( efficacy threshold , maximum dosage of 108 mg/d , or limiting adverse event ) . Dose reduction occurred for prespecified reasons , and the subjects discontinued if unable to tolerate 36 mg/d . Assessment s included ADHD symptoms , adverse events , vital signs , and laboratory results . Results : A total of 550 subjects received treatment ( 52 % were men ; mean age , 39 years ; range , 18 - 65 years ) , and 57 % ( 146/258 ) and 44 % ( 129/292 ) completed their 6 or 12 months of treatment with mean duration s of 128 and 213 days , respectively . The final prescribed dosages were 36 mg/d ( 22.4 % ) , 54 mg/d ( 25.1 % ) , 72 mg/d ( 22.0 % ) , 90 mg/d ( 17.1 % ) , and 108 mg/d ( 13.5 % ) . Modest increases from baseline to final visit were observed in mean systolic ( 2.6 mm Hg ) and diastolic ( 1.9 mm Hg ) blood pressure and pulse ( 4.1 beats per minute ) . The mean weight decreased by 2.3 kg . No clinical ly meaningful changes in laboratory values or electrocardiogram parameters were observed other than increased heart rate . Most common adverse events included decreased appetite ( 26.7 % ) , headache ( 24.0 % ) , and insomnia ( 20.7 % ) . No serious adverse event was considered related to study medication . Several measures of efficacy indicated improvement during the study . Conclusions : OROS methylpheni date , in the flexible dosage range from 36 to 108 mg/d , was well tolerated for up to 1 year in adults with ADHD
These observational studies also showed positive correlations between early recognition of the disorder , stimulant treatment during childhood and favorable long-term outcome in adult ADHD patients .
In conclusion , stimulant therapy of ADHD has long-term beneficial effects and is well tolerated .
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) is a common disorder of childhood that often persists into adulthood .
Although stimulant medications are recommended as the first-line treatment for ADHD because of their documented short-term effects in children and adults , less is known about their effects on long-term outcome in adults .
Here we review the long-term efficacy and safety of the stimulant drugs methylpheni date and amphetamine , as well as the related compound atomoxetine .
We performed a systematic review to identify direct and indirect effects of stimulant therapy on long-term outcome in adults .