Cardiovascular Evaluation Before Starting Adderall

Introduction to Cardiovascular Risks

• The American Heart Association recommends ECG monitoring for certain psychotropic medications, such as phenothiazines that prolong QT intervals, but notes that amphetamines do not typically cause clinically significant QT prolongation 1, 2

Approach to Patients with Cardiac Risk Factors

• For patients with cardiac risk factors, a baseline EKG should be obtained before initiating Adderall therapy, and consideration should be given to cardiology consultation for interpretation and further evaluation, as recommended by guidelines from organizations such as the American Heart Association 1, 2