Abuse of methylphenidate in Germany: data from spontaneous reports of adverse drug reactions

Psychiatry Res. 2014 Jan 30;215(1):252-4. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2013.11.008. Epub 2013 Nov 18.

Abstract

To retrieve insights into abuse/dependence of methylphenidate (MPH) in Germany, a query of a pharmacovigilance database was performed (observation interval: 1993 until 2012). From 1190 reports of any ADR related to MPH, n=23 (2%) cases of MPH abuse were identified (mean age 29 years; male sex 78%; mean daily MPH-dosage 111 ± 126.6 mg). As oral application was predominant (70%), the majority of reported cases of MPH abuse might be due to pharmacologic neuroenhancement.

Keywords: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; Neuroenhancement; Pharmacovigilance.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems
  • Amphetamine-Related Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / drug therapy*
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / therapeutic use*
  • Child
  • Databases, Factual
  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Female
  • Germany
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methylphenidate / therapeutic use*
  • Middle Aged
  • Pharmacovigilance
  • Prevalence
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Central Nervous System Stimulants
  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Methylphenidate