Postoperative effects of methylphenidate

A double-blind study is described in which the analgesic and analeptic properties of methylphenidate were investigated in 63 patients following surgery. No effect of methylphenidate on postoperative pain was observed. However, methylphenidate reduced sedation up to 30 min after operation, and improved respiratory function up to 180 min in patients receiving halothane. No conclusive evidence of improvement in mood was obtained, and occasional undesirable behavioural effects of methylphenidate were seen.