Methylphenidate-Induced Visual Hallucinations

M. C. Porfirio; G. Giana; S. Giovinazzo; P. Curatolo

doi:10.1055/s-0031-1275738

Neuropediatrics, Table of Contents

Neuropediatrics 2011; 42(1): 30-31
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1275738

Short Communication

Methylphenidate-Induced Visual Hallucinations

M. C. Porfirio¹ , G. Giana¹ , S. Giovinazzo¹ , P. Curatolo¹

¹Department of Neuroscience, Child Neurology Unit, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy

Abstract

An 11-year-old boy with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) presented with visual hallucinations several years after starting methylphenidate (MPH). The hallucinations resolved upon discontinuation of the drug. Reports of toxic hallucinosis during treatment with MPH are rare. Although the pathogenetic mechanism is unclear, the occurrence of hallucinations may be explained by a chronic increase in synaptic dopamine. Clinicians should be aware of this possible rare adverse manifestation occurring at therapeutic doses.

Key words

methylphenidate - hallucinations - ADHD

Full Text

References

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Correspondence

Paolo Curatolo

Department of Neuroscience

Pediatric Neurology Unit

Tor Vergata University of Rome

via Montpellier 1

00133 Rome

Italy

Phone: + 39/06/41400 129

Fax: + 39/06/41400 343

Email: curatolo@uniroma2.it