Effect of methylphenidate on vital signs and adverse effects in adults with traumatic brain injury.
OBJECTIVE
To study methylphenidate's adverse effects and impact on vital signs within the adult traumatic brain injury population.


METHODS
Thirty-five adults with traumatic brain injury enrolled in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, 6-wk crossover study of methylphenidate, given in a dose of 0.3 mg/kg/dose, twice a day. Vital signs were taken by trained clinicians and research assistants. Participants filled out weekly questionnaires pertaining to the adverse effects.


RESULTS
Poor appetite was the only adverse effect related to methylphenidate. Other adverse effects commonly associated with methylphenidate, such as insomnia, rapid heart rate, and anxiety, were not found to be significantly related to the medication. The average rise in mean arterial pressure on methylphenidate was 2.5 mm. Methylphenidate showed a stronger impact on pulse, with an average increase of 7 beats/min. Baseline vital signs did not predict the degree of increase on methylphenidate.


CONCLUSIONS
Methylphenidate appears to be safe for the adult population with traumatic brain injury. However, because a few individuals experienced significant changes in vital signs and adverse effects, all patients should be monitored.
Alban
Joseph P
JP
Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute, Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, Philadelphia, PA 19141, USA.
Hopson
Monica M
MM
Ly
Vivian
V
Whyte
John
J
D000328:Adult; D001066:Appetite / Q000187:drug effects; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects*; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008774:Methylphenidate