Side effects of methylphenidate in childhood cancer survivors: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To investigate the frequency and severity of side effects of methylphenidate among childhood survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and brain tumors and identify predictors of higher adverse effect levels.

Methods

Childhood cancer survivors (N = 103) identified as having attention and learning problems completed a randomized, double-blind, 3-week, home-crossover trial of placebo, low-dose methylphenidate (0.3 mg/kg; 10 mg twice daily maximum) and moderate-dose methylphenidate (0.6 mg/kg; 20 mg twice daily maximum). Caregivers completed the Barkley Side Effects Rating Scale (SERS) at baseline and each week during the medication trial. Siblings of cancer survivors (N = 49) were recruited as a healthy comparison group.

Results

There was a significantly high

SUBMITTER: Conklin HM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2705008 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature