PEMOLINE IN ADULT ATTENTION-DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER - PREDICTORS OF NONRESPONSE

The psychostimulants are the most widely used treatment modality for a ttention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although positive resp onses to psychostimulants have been demonstrated, 46% of adults with A DHD, on average, are nonresponsive or cannot tolerate the medications because of adverse-effects. We reviewed the charts of 43 students trea ted with pemoline and studied parameters of nonresponse. Sixteen (37%) met the study definition of nonresponse. Of these, 5 (12%) were sympt om nonresponders and 11 (25%) were nonresponders because of adverse ef fects. We found a significant relationship between age and nonresponse resulting from adverse effects, yet no other factors predicted nonres ponse to pemoline. Clinicians should consider using smaller starting d oses of pemoline in adults to minimize adverse effects.