Side effects of methylphenidate

Authors

  • Giuseppe Pastura Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; Instituto de Psiquiatria
  • Paulo Mattos Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; Instituto de Psiquiatria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0101-60832004000200006

Keywords:

Methylphenidate, ADHD, Attention-deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To review main short-term and long-term side effects of methylphenidate in the treatment of Attention-Deficit Disorder in children. SOURCE OF DATA: a 12-year review in Medline and Lilacs. RESULTS: Among those side effects showed in the short-term, anorexia, insomnia, headache and abdominal pain are the most common ones, being the majority self-limited, dose-dependent and of medium intensity. Long-term side effects consist of mild blood pressure and heart rate increase and possible light growth suppression effect. Abuse and dependency are very rare. CONCLUSIONS: Methylphenidate side effects profile is safe and does not seem to justify its restricted use in Brazil, considering its solid benefits widely demonstrated in literature.

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Published

2004-01-01

Issue

Vol. 31 No. 2 (2004)

Section

Reviews of Literature

License

Once accepted for publication, the manuscript becomes permanent property of the Archives of Clinical Psychiatry. This copyright transfer subsumes exclusive and unlimited entitlement of the Archives of Clinical Psychiatry to publish and distribute the full contents of articles in whichever publishing medium, including press and electronic media, in Brazil and abroad.

Manuscripts are accepted with the understanding that the Editor and the editorial staff have the right to make revisions aimed at greater conciseness, clarity, and conformity with Journal style, of course without changing its content.

How to Cite

Side effects of methylphenidate . (2004). Archives of Clinical Psychiatry, 31(2), 100-104. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0101-60832004000200006