The presence of other medical conditions does not necessarily prohibit the use of ADHD medications. However, individuals should always inform their physician of any existing medical conditions and work closely with their physician to design a treatment plan that meets their unique needs. Many children with ADHD typically have other conditions, some of which require medication.

Stimulants are usually well-tolerated by patients with ADHD and are rarely abused. However, patients with anxiety disorders should take these medications cautiously, as they aggravate the condition. Usually, a physician will choose to treat and control an anxiety disorder before using stimulants to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Stimulants should only be used with caution in patients who have a history of seizures, drug and alcohol abuse, kidney disease, high blood pressure (hypertension) or EEG (brain electricity) abnormalities. Patients with diabetes may have to alter insulin intake while using stimulant drugs.

One stimulant in particular, dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine), has been linked to sudden death in children and teenagers with certain heart problems. U.S. officials have asked the drug’s manufacturer to add a label reflecting this risk to the drug’s packaging. In 2008, the American Heart Association recommended that children should receive cardiac screening, including heart rate, blood pressure check and electrocardiogram (EKG), before they start taking stimulants for ADHD.

Other conditions of concern that may prohibit the use of stimulants include:

• Glaucoma (disease that results in increased pressure in the eye)
  
  
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  
  
• Hyperthyroidism (excessive production of thyroid gland)
  
  
• Liver disease
  
  
• Motor tics
  
  
• Tourette’s syndrome (or family history of this disease)

Conditions of concern for patients taking antidepressants other than bupropion (Wellbutrin) to treat ADHD include:

• Cardiovascular disease
  
  
• Certain blood disorders
  
  
• Glaucoma
  
  
• Hypertension
  
  
• Liver or kidney disease
  
  
• Tachycardia (rapid heart rate)

Bupropion poses an increased risk of seizures. Therefore, individuals with seizure disorders may benefit from an alternative medication.

Conditions of concerns for patients taking norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors to treat ADHD include:

• Cardiovascular disease
  
  
• Hypertension
  
  
• Liver or kidney disease
  
  
• Tachycardia
  
  
• Cardiovascular disease
  
  
• Liver or kidney disease

Conditions of concern for patients taking alpha-2 adrenergic agonists to treat ADHD include:

• Cardiovascular disease and other heart problems
  
  
• Depression
  
  
• Diabetes mellitus
  
  
• Liver or kidney disorders
  

It is important to note that these conditions do not prohibit the use of the alpha-2 adrenergic agonists.