Acute Hyperkinetic Movement Disorders as a Multifactorial Pharmacodynamic Drug Interaction Between Methylphenidate...

Acute hyperkinetic movement disorders have been reported with the concomitant use of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) stimulants and antipsychotics in children and adolescents. We analyzed postmarketing reports of suspected acute hyperkinetic movement disorder associated with concomitant use of ADHD stimulants and antipsychotics.

We searched for postmarketing reports of acute hyperkinetic movement disorders associated with concomitant use of ADHD stimulants-antipsychotics in the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System through December 6, 2019. PubMed and EMBASE were also searched for acute hyperkinetic movement reports with the concomitant use of ADHD stimulants-antipsychotics through January 13, 2020.

We identified 36 cases resulting in acute hyperkinetic movement disorder associated with the concomitant use of ADHD stimulants-antipsychotics, 19 of which were also identified in the medical literature. From an ADHD stimulant perspective, methylphenidate products accounted for the largest number of cases (n = 23 [64%]), followed by amphetamine products (n = 9 [25%]) and atomoxetine (n = 4 [11%]). From an antipsychotic perspective, all 36 cases were reported with second-generation antipsychotics, particularly risperidone (n = 20 [56%]). Most of the cases were reported in boys (n = 31 [86%]) aged 6 to 12 years (n = 27 [75%]). Approximately 53% of the cases reported a time to onset within 24 hours of the drug change. Acute dystonic reactions (n = 27 [75%]) were the most frequently reported movement disorder.

As outlined in changes to the US prescribing information for all methylphenidate and risperidone products, health care professionals should be aware that changes to this combination may be associated with a pharmacodynamic drug-drug interaction resulting in acute hyperkinetic movement disorder.