How can stimulant use affect children’s growth?

Stimulant use, particularly in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is known to temporarily suppress growth. This is primarily due to the appetite-suppressing effects of these medications, which can lead to lower caloric intake and, subsequently, reduced weight gain during critical growth periods. While many children may experience this suppression temporarily, it is often not permanent, and most children tend to catch up in their growth after the medication is adjusted or after they stop using stimulants.

This temporary nature of growth suppression, rather than a permanent effect or promotion of faster growth, highlights the importance of monitoring growth patterns in children who are prescribed stimulants and adjusting treatment as necessary to ensure healthy development.