A Wide Variety of Adverse Effects

The stimulant drugs, including all methylphenidate and amphetamine products, produce a wide array of adverse effects on the brain and mind as well as the overall body. Strattera, marketed by Eli Lilly as a nonstimulant, shares most of these adverse effects. Table 11.1 summarizes the adverse drug reaction data from eight controlled clinic trials. Table 11.2 

Study Group Dose mg/kg Duration Salient ADRs 

Firestone et al. (1998) 41, age 4-6 MPH 0.3 and 0.5 BID 7-10 days Marked deterioration from placebo to 0.5 mg in Sad/unhappy (69% of children), Drowsiness (62%), Uninterested in others (62%). Loss of appetite (75%). Severe symptoms increased 12% for Uninterested in others (0-12%) and 28% for Talks less with others (22%-50%). Nightmares increased 35% (28%—62%) tics or nervous movements increased 9% (3% to 12%). 

Borcherding et al. (1990) 46 boys, age 6-12 Average weekly dose MPH 0.5, 0.8, and 1.3 BID. AMPH 0.2, 0.5, and 0.7 BID 3 weeks Studied compulsive and tic ADRs. 58% develop abnormal movements. 51% develop obsessive/compulsive or perseverative ADRs. 1 persistent tic. Many severe OCD ADRs. See Table 11.6. 

Solanto and Wender (1989) 19, age 6-10 MPH 0.3, 0.6 and 1.0 QD 3 separate days Studied cognitive functions. 42% overaroused with cognitive perseveration (overfocused, OCD reaction). 

---