Methylphenidate misuse].

Abteilung für Klinische Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Universitätsspital Basel.

Praxis 2012 Feb 29

Methylphenidate (MPH) is mainly used for treatment of the attention-deficit hyperactivity syndrome (ADHS). Non-medical use of methylphenidate as recreational drug or performance enhancer has increased in recent years. Methylphenidate is also misused in combination with other drugs. Patients with ADHD are also at risk to misuse their prescribed methylphenidate medication. Oral and nasal abuse of methylphenidate is most common and is in general associated with minor or moderate sympathomimetic toxicity. In contrast, severe toxicity has been reported for both intravenous and intraarterial administration of crushed methylphenidate tablets.