James R. Latronica, DO; Taylor J. Clegg, BS; Wen Jan Tuan, DHA, MPH, MS; Curtis Bone MD, MHS
Corresponding Author: James R. Latronica, DO; Department of Psychiatry - Department of Family Medicine; University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Email: latronicajr3@upmc.edu
Section: Original Research
Publication: 11/11/2021
Background: Prescription amphetamines are the most common pharmacological treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and use among older age groups is increasing. The purpose of this study is to assess risk of adverse cardiovascular events among individuals older than sixty-five. Methods: We conducted a retrospective matched cohort study utilizing TriNetX database with propensity score matching (PSM) to assess odds of cardiovascular event among individuals with ADHD that were exposed to amphetamine compared to individuals with ADHD who were not exposed to this medication. During the index period of January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2020, there were 13,233 individuals over age 65 (average age of 69) that met study criteria. Results: The cohort exposed to amphetamine had increased blood pressure and increased odds of cardiovascular events (OR 6.16; absolute risk difference = 3.31%) when compared to the control group. Conclusions: Amphetamines have clear safety data in younger age cohorts, however, this safety data may not generalize to older populations. Additional research is warranted to further clarify exposure and subpopulation level risk factors associated with adverse cardiovascular events among older patients.