Methylphenidate in Children—Effect of Dosage

Abstract

A clinical trial in two groups of hyperactive/ aggressive children showed that methylphenidate was superior to placebo for about 2/3 of the children, but that there was little difference in effectiveness between different dosage levels, especially once 0.3 mg/kg is attained. Mild side effects were common at higher dosages. Of a variety of physician, parent, teacher and psychological test and behavioral measures, teacher and physician ratings were the most sensitive to drug effects. No measures including neurological ones discriminated between responders and non-responders. It is concluded that methylphenidate is a useful treatment for hyperactive/aggressive children but that current doses may be too high and side effects more common than stated.