Cardiac Toxicity of Methylphenidate

Abstract

METHYLPHENIDATE, a cerebrocortical stimulant, has been studied in a wide variety of clinical settings for its mood-elevating effects. Recently, it has been used in the treatment of drug-induced lethargy and oversedation.¹ Mild side effects such as anorexia, flushing, dizziness, palpitations, insomnia, headache and blood-pressure changes in both directions have been observed.^{2 , 3} The episode of a rapid paroxysm of atrial fibrillation that followed the intravenous use of methylphenidate, illustrated in the case reported below, is believed to be the first so documented.Case ReportsCase 1. H.B., a 60-year-old man, was admitted to the Philadelphia General Hospital on August 8, 1961, . . .