Effects of methylphenidate on heart rate and blood pressure among inpatients with acquired brain injury.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of methylphenidate on heart rate and blood pressure in patients with acquired brain injury.


METHODS
The records of 60 consecutive hospitalized patients with acquired brain injury were reviewed for treatment with methylphenidate. Seventeen patients met the inclusion criteria. Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate recordings were compared before and after the introduction of methylphenidate.


RESULTS
There was no significant difference in mean systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate when patients received (118 mm Hg, 74 mm Hg, and 88 bpm) and did not receive (118 mm Hg, 73 mm Hg, and 86 bpm) methylphenidate. It was unclear whether there was a true trend toward medication effect on heart rate and blood pressure during the peak dose period.


CONCLUSIONS
This retrospective study points to safe sympathetic effects of methylphenidate, yet future prospective studies are warranted to clarify the effects of methylphenidate on heart rate and blood pressure in the acquired brain injury population.
Burke
David T
DT
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA.
Glenn
Mel B
MB
Vesali
Fariba
F
Schneider
Jeffrey C
JC
Burke
Joel
J
Ahangar
Brian
B
Goldstein
Richard
R
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects*; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008774:Methylphenidate