Side Effects of methylphenidate: A Synthesis of Findings from 19 Studies

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Original Abstract of the Article

Main Research Findings

Methylphenidate (MPH) is a central nervous system stimulant often prescribed for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and symptom control in advanced cancer. While generally considered effective, studies have revealed various side effects associated with MPH, particularly in specific populations such as children, adolescents, and individuals with co-morbidities.

Reasons for Side Effects

MPH's side effects stem from its stimulant action on the brain. It increases the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, which can lead to heightened alertness, focus, and energy, but also contribute to various side effects.

Common Side Effects

Loss of Appetite

MPH can suppress appetite, leading to decreased food intake. 16 , 2 , 4

Insomnia

MPH can cause difficulty sleeping due to its stimulating properties. 2

Anxiety

MPH can induce anxiety and restlessness. 1 , 3

Mood Swings

MPH can contribute to mood changes and irritability. 1

Tics

Some individuals may experience the development of tics while taking MPH. 1

Social Withdrawal

MPH can lead to social isolation in some cases. 1

Cardiac Side Effects

MPH may have cardiac side effects, including changes in heart rate and blood pressure. 10 , 18 ,

Sexual Side Effects

MPH can potentially impact sexual function and desire. ,

Countermeasures for Side Effects

Loss of Appetite

Addressing loss of appetite might involve dietary modifications, nutritional supplements, and consultation with a healthcare professional. 16

Insomnia

Insomnia can be managed with strategies like limiting caffeine intake before bedtime, engaging in relaxation techniques, and ensuring a consistent sleep routine. 2

Anxiety

For persistent anxiety, seeking professional guidance from a physician is recommended, including the potential for anti-anxiety medication. 1 , 3

Tics

If tics become a concern, a medical evaluation is necessary. 1

Social Withdrawal

Social withdrawal should be addressed with professional support. 1

Cardiac Side Effects

Individuals worried about cardiac side effects should consult their physician for evaluation and potentially regular electrocardiogram monitoring. 10 , 18 ,

Comparison Among Studies

Commonalities Among Studies

Multiple studies have concluded that MPH is effective in treating ADHD. However, they consistently report a range of side effects, including loss of appetite, insomnia, anxiety, mood swings, tics, social withdrawal, and cardiac side effects. 17 , 1 , 13 , , 16 , 6 , 3 , 10 , 8 , , , 15 , 14 , 9 , 7 , 19 , 2 , 11 , 4 , 18 , 12 , 5

Differences Among Studies

The occurrence and severity of side effects can vary depending on the study. For example, the research in 1 indicated that children with ADHD and intellectual disabilities might be at an elevated risk for developing tics and social withdrawal. Additionally, the study in 10 showed that children with certain genetic variations may experience an increase in heart rate after MPH administration.

Points to Note Regarding Real-World Applications

While MPH is a valuable medication, it's crucial to recognize the potential for side effects. Children, older adults, and individuals with underlying health conditions should consult with their physician before using MPH and use it cautiously. Implementing measures like dietary adjustments and sleep hygiene can help minimize side effects.

Limitations of Current Research

Current research on MPH side effects is limited. There is a lack of comprehensive studies on long-term side effects, and further investigation is needed. Research is also needed to identify specific risk factors for side effects in individual patients.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on the long-term consequences of MPH use, identifying individual-level risk factors for side effects, and developing novel strategies to mitigate them.

Conclusion

MPH is an effective medication, but understanding the potential for side effects is crucial. Open communication with a healthcare provider is essential, and any side effects should be reported promptly.

Literature analysis of 19 papers
Positive Content
12
Neutral Content
4
Negative Content
3
Article Type
7
0
0
3
19
1.

Adverse side effects of methylphenidate among mentally retarded children with ADHD.

Author: HandenB L, FeldmanH, GoslingA, BreauxA M, McAuliffeS

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder treatment
Motor tics
Social withdrawal

Methylphenidate may increase the risk of motor tics and social withdrawal in mentally retarded children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Controlled Clinical TrialA clinical trial that evaluates the effectiveness of a treatment by comparing a group that receives the intervention with a group that receives a placebo or standard treatment.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Research funding provided by the Public Health Service (PHS).

Language : English

2.

Side effects of methylphenidate in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a systemic, placebo-controlled evaluation.

Author: BarkleyR A, McMurrayM B, EdelbrockC S, RobbinsK

ADHD treatment
Decreased appetite
Headaches
Insomnia
Stomachaches

Methylphenidate was found to be an effective treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, with few, generally mild side effects. The most common side effects reported by parents were decreased appetite, insomnia, stomachaches, and headaches.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

3.

Drug and placebo side effects in methylphenidate-placebo trial for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Author: FineS, JohnstonC

None mentioned
Side effects mistaken for ADHD symptoms

This study highlights the potential for misinterpretation of side effects from methylphenidate, a medication used to treat ADHD. The study found that side effects were reported on both placebo and methylphenidate, and many were similar to ADHD symptoms. This suggests that parents and teachers may mistakenly attribute ADHD symptoms to the medication, which could lead to poor adherence to treatment.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

4.

Short-term side effects of stimulant medication are increased in preschool children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a double-blind placebo-controlled study.

Author: FirestoneP, MustenL M, PistermanS, MercerJ, BennettS

Anxiety
Mood changes

Methylphenidate was generally well-tolerated by preschool children with ADHD, with no children withdrawing due to adverse effects. The most common side effects, generally observed at the higher dose (0.5 mg/kg), included decreased appetite, insomnia, and mood changes. Interestingly, some side effects were associated with improved behavior.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

5.

Can parents believe websites' information about methylphenidate's side effects?

Author: Arsac EnglandTom, TuthillDavid

ADHD treatment
Side effects

This study investigates the information available online about methylphenidate, a first-line treatment for ADHD in the UK, focusing on the information available to families.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

7.

Prediction of sleep side effects following methylphenidate treatment in ADHD youth.

Author: YooJae Hyun, SharmaVinod, KimJae-Won, McMakinDana L, HongSoon-Beom, ZaleskyAndrew, KimBung-Nyun, RyanNeal D

ADHD treatment
Sleep problems

This study aimed to predict sleep side effects of methylphenidate (MPH) treatment in ADHD youth using machine learning. The study included pre-treatment demographic, clinical, environmental, neuropsychological, genetic, and neuroimaging features.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

8.

[Side effects of methylphenidate in children and the young].

Author: EspadasM, InsaI, ChamorroM, Alda-DiezJ A

Growth slowing
Psychostimulant side effects

Psychostimulant use in children and teens has increased significantly. While they are generally safe, concerns remain regarding long-term effects on growth, blood pressure, and heart rate. Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term risks.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : Spanish

10.

Norepinephrine transporter -3081(A/T) and alpha-2A-adrenergic receptor MspI polymorphisms are associated with cardiovascular side effects of OROS-methylphenidate treatment.

Author: ChoSoo-Churl, KimBung-Nyun, CumminsTarrant D R, KimJae-Won, BellgroveMark A

Cardiovascular side effects

Certain norepinephrine gene polymorphisms may be associated with cardiovascular side effects of OROS-MPH in children with ADHD, particularly increases in heart rate and diastolic blood pressure.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

11.

Relation between therapeutic response and side effects induced by methylphenidate as observed by parents and teachers of children with ADHD.

Author: LeeJames, GrizenkoNatalie, BhatVenkataramana, SenguptaSarojini, PolotskaiaAnna, JooberRidha

ADHD treatment
Mood/anxiety side effects

The greater 'mood/anxiety' side effects on methylphenidate and placebo, the less the parents observe improvement of their children while treated with methylphenidate. This suggests that the correlations between 'mood/anxiety' side effects and poor response to treatment may be driven by observer effects rather than biological commonalities between therapeutic and side effects of methylphenidate.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

12.

Methylphenidate side effects in advanced cancer: a retrospective analysis.

Author: LasheenWael, WalshDeclan, MahmoudFade, DavisMellar P, RiveraNilo, KhoshknabiDilara Seyidova

Improved cancer symptoms

Methylphenidate is well tolerated in the treatment of depression and fatigue in advanced cancer. Depression and fatigue improved at doses lower than those recommended in other clinical conditions.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

13.

Side effects of methylphenidate in childhood cancer survivors: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

Author: ConklinHeather M, LawfordJoanne, JasperBruce W, MorrisE Brannon, HowardScott C, OggSusan W, WuShengjie, XiongXiaoping, KhanRaja B

Methylphenidate side effects

Methylphenidate is generally well tolerated by childhood cancer survivors. There is a subgroup at increased risk for side effects that may need to be closely monitored or prescribed a lower medication dose.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

14.

Safety of methylphenidate following traumatic brain injury: impact on vital signs and side-effects during inpatient rehabilitation.

Author: WillmottCatherine, PonsfordJennie, OlverJohn, PonsfordMichael

Increased heart rate

This study found that methylphenidate given at 0.3 mg/kg body weight was safe for inpatients with moderate-severe traumatic brain injury during the inpatient rehabilitation phase. However, it was associated with slightly higher reports of irritability, difficulty sleeping, and total side-effects.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

15.

National survey of adherence, efficacy, and side effects of methylphenidate in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in Taiwan.

Author: GauSusan Shur-Fen, ChenShin-Jaw, ChouWen-Jiun, ChengHelen, TangChing-Shu, ChangHsueh-Ling, TzangRuu-Fen, WuYu-Yu, HuangYa-Fen, ChouMiao-Chun, LiangHsin-Yi, HsuYa-Chen, LuHui-Hua, HuangYu-Shu

ADHD treatment

Children and adolescents with ADHD who take methylphenidate, a medication used to treat ADHD, are more likely to adhere to treatment when the medication is taken in a longer-acting form. Longer-acting forms of methylphenidate, such as OROS methylphenidate, may be associated with better adherence, fewer side effects, and improved control of ADHD symptoms.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

16.

Can we predict short-term side effects of methylphenidate immediate-release?

Author: KarabekirogluKoray, YazganYanki M, DedeogluCeyda

ADHD treatment
Loss of appetite

In children and adolescents with ADHD, methylphenidate (MPH-IR) treatment led to a significant increase in loss of appetite, but a decrease in irritability, proneness to cry, anxiety, nail biting, and euphoria.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

17.

Methylphenidate Abuse and Psychiatric Side Effects.

Author: MortonW Alexander, StocktonGwendolyn G.

Treatment of ADHD
Abuse potential

Methylphenidate, a stimulant drug used to treat ADHD, has an increasing potential for abuse. Intranasal abuse produces effects similar to cocaine, and the clinical picture can be challenging to distinguish from other stimulant abuse.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

19.

Side effects of methylphenidate and dexamphetamine in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a double-blind, crossover trial.

Author: EfronD, JarmanF, BarkerM

Side effects

This study compares the side effect profiles of methylphenidate (MPH) and dexamphetamine (DEX) in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The aim is to distinguish between genuine adverse effects of stimulant medication and pre-existing behavioral characteristics.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

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