No Cancer Risk with ADHD Meds

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.