title: A preliminary study of the effect of pyridoxine administration in a subgroup of hyperkinetic children: a double-blind crossover comparison with methylphenidate.
abstract: A small sample of six patients with the putative "hyperkinetic syndrome" participated in a research protocol comparing administration of pyridoxine, methylphenidate, and placeboes. The children had had low whole blood serotonin levels and a history of previous responsiveness to methylphenidate. The results of the double-blind clinical evaluation showed trends suggesting that both pyridoxine and methylphenidate were more effective than placebo in suppressing the symptoms of hyperkinesis. Pyridoxine elevated whole-blood serotonin levels, methylphenidate did not. Clinical and laboratory evidence indicated that the pyridoxine effects persisted after the 3-week period when the vitamin had been given in this experimental design.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006948:Hyperkinesis / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects; D011732:Pyridoxal Phosphate / Q000097:blood; D011736:Pyridoxine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012701:Serotonin / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D008774:Methylphenidate; D012701:Serotonin; D011732:Pyridoxal Phosphate; D011736:Pyridoxine