Growth rebound after termination of stimulant drugs

J Pediatr. 1975 Jan;86(1):113-6. doi: 10.1016/s0022-3476(75)80720-7.

Abstract

To explore further the report of an accelerated weight gain following termination of treatment with a stimulant drug, 66 biannual growth measurements were obtained from 1970 to 1973 on hyperactive schoolchildren who were receiving medication. All received either dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate during the school year; some also received it during the summer. The data revealed that those whose stimulant medication was terminated at the start of summer subsequently grew in weight and height at a significantly greater rate than those who continued to receive medication from June to September. In fact, discontinuance of the medication resulted in a growth rebound for this period which was 15-68% above the age-expected increment.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Body Height* / drug effects
  • Body Weight* / drug effects
  • Child
  • Dextroamphetamine / administration & dosage*
  • Dextroamphetamine / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperkinesis / drug therapy*
  • Male
  • Methylphenidate / administration & dosage*
  • Methylphenidate / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Methylphenidate
  • Dextroamphetamine