Effectiveness and safety of methylphenidate in adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in patients with epilepsy: An open treatment trial

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of methylphenidate treatment in epilepsy patients with comorbid adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).MethodsSix of 156 consecutive patients attending a tertiary epilepsy clinic for diagnostic evaluation of new seizures, 3 patients with epilepsy and 3 patients with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures, were diagnosed with comorbid adult ADHD. These 6 patients entered an open trial of methylphenidate 10 mg twice daily. Clinical improvement was assessed at 6 weeks of follow-up.ResultsBoth groups showed clinical improvement of ADHD symptoms during treatment. None of the patients with comorbid epilepsy experienced adverse effects on seizure control or antiepileptic drug use.ConclusionIn this open trial methylphenidate was safely used in patients with epilepsy and adult ADHD. It was effective against adult ADHD, and there were no adverse effects on seizure severity and frequency. A randomized study is needed to further establish effectiveness and safety.