Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 5, 2026
03:37
Self-Administration of Drugs in Mouse Models of Feeding and Obesity
Published on: June 8, 2021
5.2K
[The effect of methylphenidate on appetite and weight]
R Bou Khalil1, N Fares2, Y Saliba2
1Département de psychiatrie, faculté de médecine, université Saint-Joseph, campus des sciences médicales de l'USJ, rue de Damas, Achrafieh, BP 17-5208, Mar-Mikhaël, Beyrouth 1104 2020, Liban; Service de psychiatrie, Hôtel-Dieu-de-France, Beyrouth, Liban.
L'Encephale
|March 28, 2017
Summary
Methylphenidate can reduce appetite and weight in children and adolescents initially. However, this effect is temporary, with weight curves normalizing over time in those receiving treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant.
- It affects dopamine and noradrenaline levels in the brain.
- Its impact on appetite and weight requires further clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the medical literature on methylphenidate's effects on weight and appetite.
- To understand the mechanisms behind these effects.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive PubMed search was conducted.
- Keywords included 'methylphenidate', 'weight', and 'appetite'.
- No restrictions on language or publication year were applied.
Main Results:
- Methylphenidate increases synaptic dopamine and noradrenaline by blocking transporters.
- It may dysregulate appetite by stimulating disgust sensation via insular lobe activation.
- Preclinical studies show an anorexigenic effect, but dosages differ from human use.
- Clinical studies indicate initial weight loss in children/adolescents due to reduced appetite (3-6 months).
- Weight trends tend to normalize over time compared to untreated individuals.
Conclusions:
- The appetite-suppressing effect of methylphenidate is not sustained long-term in pediatric populations.
- Weight normalization occurs over several years of treatment.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Regulation of Food Intake
3.0K
Short-term regulation of food intake primarily involves neural signals from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, blood nutrient levels, and GI tract hormones. Communication between the gut and brain via vagal nerve fibers plays a significant role in evaluating the contents of the gut. Clinical studies have shown that protein ingestion produces a more prolonged response in these nerve fibers compared to an equivalent amount of glucose. Additionally, the activation of stretch receptors caused by GI...
3.0K
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
1.1K
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
1.1K
01:28Adrenergic Agonists: Mixed-Action Agents
1.7K
Mixed-action adrenergic agonists, like ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, directly and indirectly affect adrenergic receptors. These agents stimulate adrenoceptors and indirectly release stored neurotransmitters, amplifying the adrenergic response.
Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine lack a catecholamine group, making them less susceptible to degradation by metabolic enzymes. They have increased oral bioavailability and lipophilicity, resulting in a longer duration of action. Their response is reduced by...
Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine lack a catecholamine group, making them less susceptible to degradation by metabolic enzymes. They have increased oral bioavailability and lipophilicity, resulting in a longer duration of action. Their response is reduced by...
1.7K
01:25Adrenergic Agonists: Indirect-Acting Agents
2.9K
Indirect-acting adrenergic agonists potentiate the effects of endogenous catecholamines through different mechanisms without directly binding to adrenoceptors.
One mechanism involves depleting stored catecholamines by displacing them from synaptic vesicles. These agents, known as "displacers," are transported into vesicles at the expense of noradrenaline. Examples include amphetamine and tyramine, which lack a catechol moiety, resulting in prolonged action, improved oral...
One mechanism involves depleting stored catecholamines by displacing them from synaptic vesicles. These agents, known as "displacers," are transported into vesicles at the expense of noradrenaline. Examples include amphetamine and tyramine, which lack a catechol moiety, resulting in prolonged action, improved oral...
2.9K
01:23Antidepressant Drugs: MAOIs and Other Agents
1.1K
Atypical antidepressants, including bupropion (Wellbutrin), mirtazapine (Remeron), nefazodone (Serzone), trazodone (Desyrel), and vilazodone (Viibryd), offer unique mechanisms of action. Bupropion weakly inhibits dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake, aiding depression treatment and smoking cessation, with a low risk of sexual dysfunction. Mirtazapine enhances serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmission, leading to sedation, increased appetite, and weight gain. As a result, it helps treat...
1.1K
01:16Adrenergic Agonists: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship
4.0K
Adrenergic agonists' structure-activity relationship (SAR) determines their selectivity and efficacy. These agonists comprise a phenylethylamine moiety with an aromatic ring and an ethylamine side chain.
Aromatic ring substitutions: Substituting the aromatic ring with –OH groups at positions 3 and 4 yields catecholamines (e.g., epinephrine), which have a high affinity for adrenoceptors. Hydrogen bonding between –OH groups and receptors enhances adrenergic activity.
Separation of...
Aromatic ring substitutions: Substituting the aromatic ring with –OH groups at positions 3 and 4 yields catecholamines (e.g., epinephrine), which have a high affinity for adrenoceptors. Hydrogen bonding between –OH groups and receptors enhances adrenergic activity.
Separation of...
4.0K