JAMA Netw Open

Stimulant medications linked to increase in adverse events across diverse patient populations

May 16, 2025

Study details: This meta-analysis evaluated the safety of stimulant medications, including methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine, and other amphetamines, across various clinical conditions. The analysis included 93 randomized trials published between 2000 and 2024, focusing on adverse events (AEs) in conditions such as ADHD, depression, binge eating disorder, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, and stimulant use disorders.

Results: Stimulant medications were associated with a significantly increased risk of overall AEs compared with placebo, with a risk ratio (RR) of 1.34 (90% confidence interval, 1.27-1.41). This increased risk was consistent across different stimulant subgroups and trial durations up to 52 weeks; heterogeneity among the included studies was high.

Clinical impact: These findings underscore the importance of careful monitoring for AEs in patients prescribed stimulant medications, regardless of the underlying condition. Weigh the benefits of stimulant use against the potential for increased AEs and consider alternative treatments where appropriate. Authors call for longer longitudinal studies to improve understanding about stimulant misuse risk and inform treatment strategies for ADHD and other psychiatric disorders.

Source:

Oliva HNP, et al. (2025, May 1). JAMA Netw Open. Safety of Stimulants Across Patient Populations: A Meta-Analysis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40343695/