Abstract
Objective:
Although not so frequent, clinically meaningful cardiac adverse effects, including increase in heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure with its sympatomimetic effect, has been shown in a number of studies with the use of methylfenidate in attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The aim of this study was to assess the effect of methylphenidate on time domain heart rate variability (HRV) in cases with ADHD.
Method:
42 child and adolescent patients with ADHD and 31 non ADHD cases who have been attended for the first time to University of Mersin Faculty of Medicine, Department of Child Psychiatry between January 2003 - January 2004 were included in the study. Time domain HRV findings of 42 patients with ADHD were compared with findings of 31 child and adolescents who are not on any medical treatment.
Results:
No difference was found between the groups for the basal parameters. Following 12 weeks of treatment with an average of 10 mg methylphenidate use, time domain HRV parameters in ADHD group declined compared to basal parameters and the control group.
Conclusion:
Methylphenidate decreased the time domain HRV parameters in ADHD group. Therefore, close cardiac follow-up is necessary for the detection of side effects of methylphenidate especially in patients who are under risk for developing cardiac arythmias and in patients using methylphenidate together with drugs effecting central nervous system.
Keywords: Methylphenidate, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, heart rate variability
