Effectiveness and safety of methylphenidate in adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in patients with epilepsy: an open treatment trial.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of methylphenidate treatment in epilepsy patients with comorbid adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).


METHODS
Six of 156 consecutive patients attending a tertiary epilepsy clinic for diagnostic evaluation of new seizures, 3 patients with epilepsy and 3 patients with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures, were diagnosed with comorbid adult ADHD. These 6 patients entered an open trial of methylphenidate 10 mg twice daily. Clinical improvement was assessed at 6 weeks of follow-up.


RESULTS
Both groups showed clinical improvement of ADHD symptoms during treatment. None of the patients with comorbid epilepsy experienced adverse effects on seizure control or antiepileptic drug use.


CONCLUSIONS
In this open trial methylphenidate was safely used in patients with epilepsy and adult ADHD. It was effective against adult ADHD, and there were no adverse effects on seizure severity and frequency. A randomized study is needed to further establish effectiveness and safety.
van der Feltz-Cornelis
C M
CM
Department of Psychopathology, Netherlands Epilepsy Centre SEIN, Heemstede, and Neurology Department, University of Maastricht, The Netherlands. cfeltz@trimbos.nl
Aldenkamp
A P
AP
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012640:Seizures / Q000139:chemically induced*
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008774:Methylphenidate