SIDE-EFFECTS OF METHYLPHENIDATE AND DESIPRAMINE ALONE AND IN COMBINATION IN CHILDREN

Objective: To investigate side effects of methylphenidate and desipram ine alone and in combination in hospitalized children with symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and depression. Method: A do uble-blind placebo controlled crossover design was used to investigate each medication alone and in combination. Side effect ratings and EKG s were done weekly. Pulse and blood pressure were monitored daily. Res ults: Nausea, dry mouth, and tremor were present in at least twice as many children on combined methylphenidate and desipramine compared wit h any other condition. Nausea/vomiting, headaches, other aches, refusa l of food, and feeling ''tired'' were significantly more frequent duri ng the combined methylphenidate plus desipramine condition when compar ed with either methylphenidate alone or with baseline. Significantly h igher ventricular heart rate was found on combined methylphenidate plu s desipramine compared with desipramine alone, methylphenidate alone, and baseline. Prolonged PR interval and significantly higher heart rat e occurred during desipramine alone compared with baseline. Conclusion s: During the several-month duration of the study, there were more fre quent side effects during combined methylphenidate plus desipramine tr eatment than with either medication alone. Clinically, side effects pr esent during combined medication appeared to be similar to and no more serious than those associated with desipramine alone.