Free Health Updates
Skip to main content
Table of Contents
< All Topics
Print

Can Height Growth Be Affected by Dopamine/Norepinephrine Stimulants in Kids? 

Posted
Updated
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Victoria Rowe, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Stimulant medications that increase dopamine and norepinephrine, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, are commonly prescribed to manage ADHD symptoms in children. These medications help improve attention, focus, and impulse control but have raised concerns about their potential effects on child development, particularly height growth. 

ADHD Assessment for Adults

How Stimulants Affect Growth 

The concern about height growth stems from the possibility that dopamine and norepinephrine stimulants may suppress appetite, leading to reduced caloric intake. This could, in turn, affect a child’s nutrition and growth rate. Additionally, some studies have suggested that stimulant medications could slightly delay growth spurts or slow the rate of height growth in children, especially during the early stages of treatment. However, these effects are typically modest and may not be permanent once the child stops the medication or the body adjusts. 

Pediatric ADHD and Growth Monitoring 

While there is evidence that stimulant side effects like appetite suppression may impact growth, it is generally considered temporary. Most children catch up on growth once they adjust to the medication or switch to an alternative treatment. Pediatricians and healthcare providers closely monitor children on dopamine and norepinephrine stimulants for any signs of growth delay, and in many cases, adjustments to dosage or timing can help mitigate these effects. 

Conclusion 

While there may be some effect on height growth in children using dopamine and norepinephrine stimulants for ADHD, it is usually mild and temporary. Regular monitoring by a healthcare provider can help ensure that growth remains on track while managing ADHD symptoms effectively. 

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations to learn how growth and ADHD treatment are managed in children.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Dopamine and norepinephrine systems.

ADHD Assessment for Adults
Victoria Rowe, MSc
Author

Victoria Rowe is a health psychologist with a Master’s in Health Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She has experience as a school psychologist, conducting behavioural assessments, developing individualized education plans (IEPs), and supporting children’s mental health. Dr. Rowe has contributed to peer-reviewed research on mental health, including studies on anxiety disorders and the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare systems. Skilled in SPSS, Minitab, and academic writing, she is committed to advancing psychological knowledge and promoting well-being through evidence-based practice.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy. 

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS
Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy. 

Categories