Safety issues in the use of methylphenidate. An American perspective.
Methylphenidate is the most widely use psychotropic medication in children in the US. It is both well tolerated and efficacious in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and is associated with few serious adverse effects. However, the abuse of methylphenidate for the purpose of experiencing a 'high' is hazardous. The use of methylphenidate in combination with other medications increases the risk of adverse effects and drug interactions. Good communication between the physician, patient and family, together with monitoring, increases the likelihood that methylphenidate therapy will be effective and have no adverse consequences.
Rappley
M D
MD
Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA. Rappley@pilot.msu.edu
D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002648:Child; D018849:Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic; D015259:Dopamine Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004347:Drug Interactions; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D006801:Humans; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014481:United States
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D015259:Dopamine Agents; D008774:Methylphenidate