Contrary to a previous concerns, new research shows ADHD medications don’t increase genetic damage and cancer risk.
A new study from Duke University Medical Center and the National Institutes of Health found that two popular medications for treating attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) — methylphenidate (Ritalin LA and Concerta) and amphetamine (Adderall and Adderall XR) — do not lead to an increased risk for developing cancer.
The study counters a previous one that reported an increase in genetic damage in children taking methylphenidate. The genetic damage is associated with an increased risk of cancer.
The new study used a larger sample of children, and did not find increased genetic abnormalities.
The study was published in the November online issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
Read more about the study.
