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Abuse and toxicity of methylphenidate
1Research and Education, Maryland Poison Center and Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA. wkleinsc@rx.umaryland.edu
Current Opinion in Pediatrics
|May 1, 2002
Summary
Methylphenidate use for ADHD is rising, increasing overdose risks from errors or abuse. Side effects and overdose symptoms like agitation and seizures are dose-dependent.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Pediatrics
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Therapeutic methylphenidate use for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children is increasing.
- Increased therapeutic use correlates with heightened risks of unintentional overdoses, medication errors, and intentional overdoses due to abuse or suicide attempts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the risks associated with the increasing therapeutic use of methylphenidate.
- To outline the clinical manifestations of methylphenidate overdose and its potential for abuse.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on methylphenidate therapeutic use, overdose, and abuse.
- Analysis of reported side effects and clinical overdose manifestations.
- Discussion of methylphenidate diversion and abuse potential.
Main Results:
- Side effects such as nervousness, insomnia, and tachycardia escalate linearly with methylphenidate dosage.
- Overdose symptoms include agitation, hallucinations, seizures, hypertension, and hyperthermia.
- Methylphenidate can be abused orally, injected, or snorted, though the extent of diversion is debated.
Conclusions:
- The rising use of methylphenidate necessitates careful monitoring due to dose-dependent side effects and overdose risks.
- Understanding the clinical presentation of overdose and abuse potential is crucial for managing methylphenidate therapy.
- Further research is needed to clarify the extent of methylphenidate diversion and abuse among young populations.