The Effect of Different Doses of Methylphenidate on Sleep Difficulties in Children with ADHD

Although use of stimulant medication increased sleep problems in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, many children with preexisting sleep problems did not have sleep disturbances on the highest dose.

Stimulant medication can affect sleep in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Prior studies have shown rates ranging from 25% to 70%; however, these studies did not take into account that some children have sleep disturbances before starting stimulants.

Researchers analyzed data for 163 stimulant-naive children (age range, 7–11 years) with ADHD (120 with predominantly inattentive ADHD) who participated in a randomized, controlled, double-blind trial of once-daily long-acting methylphenidate. Each week for 4 weeks, children received placebo or one of three doses of methylphenidate (18, 27, or 36 mg for those ≤25 kg; 18, 36, or 53 mg for those >25 kg). Parents completed weekly reports of side effects that included an …

Reviewing Author

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics