A randomized, 3-phase, 34-week, double-blind, long-term efficacy study of osmotic-release oral system-methylphenidate in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
We conducted a 3-phase, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study design of osmotic-release oral system (OROS)-methylphenidate (MPH) in adults (19-60 years of age) with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder as classified by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition. Phase 1 of the study was a 6-week, acute efficacy trial (n = 223), phase 2 was a 24-week, double-blind continuation study of responders (n = 96), and phase 3 was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, 4-week discontinuation study (n = 23). The mean daily dosage at phase 1 endpoint was 78.4 ± 31.7 mg (0.97 ± 0.32 mg/kg) OROS-MPH and 96.6 ± 26.5 mg (1.16 ± 0.19 mg/kg) placebo (P < 0.0001). Clinical response at phase 1 endpoint was significantly greater in the OROS-MPH group (62%, n = 67 vs 37%, n = 41; P < 0.001) and was maintained throughout 24 weeks of double-blind treatment. With double-blind, placebo-controlled discontinuation, however, there was no statistically significant difference in the rate of relapse between OROS-MPH responders randomized to placebo and those randomized to continue active treatment (18%, n = 2 vs 0%, n = 0; P = 0.1). As expected, decreased appetite, insomnia, being tense/jittery, mucosal dryness, and neurological symptoms were statistically significantly associated with OROS-MPH treatment. More work is needed to be conducted with larger samples being followed to study completion to better understand the long-lasting impact of pharmacotherapy for adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Biederman
Joseph
J
Clinical and Research Program in Pediatric Psychopharmacology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA. jbiederman@partners.org
Mick
Eric
E
Surman
Craig
C
Doyle
Robert
R
Hammerness
Paul
P
Kotarski
Meghan
M
Spencer
Thomas
T
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D008875:Middle Aged; D009995:Osmosis; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D008774:Methylphenidate