Depression of Growth in Hyperactive Children on Stimulant Drugs

Abstract

In 29 hyperactive children, dextroamphetamine (10 or 15 mg per day) and methylphenidate (30 or 40 mg per day) caused suppression of weight gain. Mean yearly weight gain of nine children on medication for two years was 1.8 kg as compared to the expected gain of 3.1 kg. Depression of growth in height varied in degree; however, children whose growth was depressed also had proportional depression of growth in height. Thirteen children who took stimulant drugs for nine or more months showed a rebound weight gain when medication was abruptly stopped. Dextroamphetamine inhibition of weight gain was not related to dose and was significantly greater than that observed with methylphenidate. Daily doses of 20 mg of methylphenidate did not inhibit weight gain.