Effects of methylphenidate on heart rate and blood pressure among inpatients with acquired brain injury

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of methylphenidate on heart rate and blood pressure in patients with acquired brain injury. Design: The records of 60 consecutive hospitalized patients with acquired brain injury were reviewed for treatment with methylphenidate. Seventeen patients met the inclusion criteria. Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate recordings were compared before and after the introduction of methylphenidate. Results: There was no significant difference in mean systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate when patients received (118 mm Hg, 74 mm Hg, and 88 bpm) and did not receive (118 mm Hg, 73 mm Hg, and 86 bpm) methylphenidate. It was unclear whether there was a true trend toward medication effect on heart rate and blood pressure during the peak dose period. Conclusions: This retrospective study points to safe sympathetic effects of methylphenidate, yet future prospective studies are warranted to clarify the effects of methylphenidate on heart rate and blood pressure in the acquired brain injury population.