Methylphenidate decreases regional cerebral blood flow in normal human subjects.
To assess the effects of methylphenidate (MP) on cerebral blood flow (CBF), 5 healthy males were studied using 15O-water and positron emission tomography before and after MP (0.5 mg/kg iv). MP significantly decreased whole brain CBF at 5-10 minutes (25 +/- 11%) and at 30 minutes (20 +/- 10%) after its administration. Decrements in CBF were homogeneous throughout the brain (regional decrements 23-30%) and probably reflect the vasoactive properties of MP. The vasoactive properties of MP should be considered when prescribing this drug chronically and/or when giving it to subjects with cerebrovascular compromise.
Wang
G J
GJ
Medical Department, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York, 11973.
Volkow
N D
ND
Fowler
J S
JS
Ferrieri
R
R
Schlyer
D J
DJ
Alexoff
D
D
Pappas
N
N
Lieberman
J
J
King
P
P
Warner
D
D
D000328:Adult; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D002560:Cerebrovascular Circulation / Q000187:drug effects*; D003864:Depression, Chemical; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology*
D008774:Methylphenidate