Monday, February 13, 2012

Tuesday, February 17, 2009 Mom in Maryland asks

Q: Effect of Adderall XR on a child's height

I understand that taking Adderall XR can affect a child's ultimate height. Can you describe the current research on this? Thank you.

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Answers (1)
2/18/09 8:30pm

CM

 

Thank you for your question. I have tried to provide you with some information on Adderall and height. According to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration):

 

"

Long-Term Suppression of Growth

 

Careful follow-up of weight and height in children ages 7 to 10 years who were randomized to either methylphenidate or non-medication treatment groups over 14 months, as well as in naturalistic subgroups of newly methylphenidate-treated and non-medication treated children over 36 months (to the ages of 10 to 13 years), suggests that consistently medicated children (i.e., treatment for 7 days per week throughout the year) have a temporary slowing in growth rate (on average, a total of about 2 cm less growth in height and 2.7 kg less growth in weight over 3 years), without evidence of growth rebound during this period of development. Published data are inadequate to determine whether chronic use of amphetamines may cause a similar

suppression of growth, however, it is anticipated that they will likely have this effect as well. Therefore, growth should be monitored during treatment with stimulants, and patients who are not growing or gaining weight as expected may need to have their treatment interrupted."

 

In addition, there are the following articles on ADHDCentral that may also provide information on this subject:

 

ADHD - Do Stimulants Stunt Growth?

 

Do ADHD meds slow a child's growth?

 

I hope this information helps.

 

Eileen

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