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Review and Comparison of the Long Acting Methylphenidate Preparations

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Abstract

The stimulants have been the mainstay of pharmacologic treatment for over fifty years. Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed of the stimulant agents. In the past, one of the main drawbacks of these agents was the abbreviated duration of action. Over the last few years three longer acting methylphenidate preparations have been released to the market. Though all these agents contain the same chemical compound they do vary in a number of ways. In this article we will present how the formulations compare in their technology and the differences in their delivery systems. We will also compare the available literature that focus on head to head comparisons in terms of pharmacokinetics studies and those reports that present efficacy data. Finally, we will suggest based on a theoretical framework on how to approach selecting an agent based on the results of these trials and the individual needs of the patient.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York

    Feng Liu M.D., Ph.D., Haruka Minami B.A. & Raul R. Silva M.D.

  2. Novartis Pharmaceutical, East Hanover, New Jersey

    Rafael Muniz M.D.

  3. NYU School of Medicine, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 550 First Avenue, NBV 21S6, New York, NY, 10016-9196

    Feng Liu M.D., Ph.D.

Authors
  1. Feng Liu M.D., Ph.D.
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  2. Rafael Muniz M.D.
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  3. Haruka Minami B.A.
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  4. Raul R. Silva M.D.
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Correspondence to Feng Liu M.D., Ph.D..

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Liu, F., Muniz, R., Minami, H. et al. Review and Comparison of the Long Acting Methylphenidate Preparations. Psychiatr Q 76, 259–269 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11126-005-2979-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11126-005-2979-0

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