Chronic exposure to methylphenidate impairs appendicular bone quality in young rats

► Chronic administration of methylphenidate to young rats adversely affects appendicular skeletal development. ► Chronic administration of methylphenidate to young rats does not affect axial skeletal development. ► The adverse effects of methylphenidate administration to young rats were eliminated within 5 weeks of treatment cessation. ► Adolescents taking methylphenidate may have an increased risk for skeletal problems.