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

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Methylphenidate-Induced Visual Hallucinations

M. C. Porfirio1 , G. Giana1 , S. Giovinazzo1 , P. Curatolo1
  • 1Department of Neuroscience, Child Neurology Unit, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
Further Information

Publication History

received 04.11.2010

accepted 24.03.2011

Publication Date:
15 April 2011 (online)

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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

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