Case report: intoxication with high dose of long-acting methylphenidate (Concerta(®)) in a suicidal 14-year-old girl

Atten Defic Hyperact Disord. 2010 Dec;2(4):221-4. doi: 10.1007/s12402-010-0032-0. Epub 2010 Sep 14.

Abstract

A 14-year-old girl with suicidal ideation was presented to the paediatric hospital about 2 h after ingestion of 21 long-acting methylphenidate (MPH) 54-mg tablets (1,134 mg Concerta(®)). At admission signs of sympathomimetic syndrome were observed like agitation, visual hallucinations, slight hypertension, and sinus tachycardia. Treatment included prevention of absorption (30 g activated charcoal orally) and careful observation related to the overstimulation of the sympathic system. Despite the intake of charcoal, the serum concentrations of MPH were 107 and 93 ng/ml 2.5 and 22 h after ingestion of MPH tablets. No support of vital functions was necessary. The girl made a full recovery and was discharged after 3 days of care at the paediatric clinic and referred to the child and adolescent psychiatric department. Exposure to a huge overdose of long-acting MPH exhibited acute sympathomimetic toxicity but no life-threatening symptoms in this patient. Thus this case report suggests that patients intoxicated with high dose long-acting MPH formulations can recover without sequelae when managed properly.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / administration & dosage
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / blood
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / poisoning*
  • Delayed-Action Preparations / pharmacokinetics
  • Delayed-Action Preparations / poisoning*
  • Drug Overdose
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Methylphenidate / administration & dosage
  • Methylphenidate / blood
  • Methylphenidate / poisoning*
  • Suicidal Ideation*

Substances

  • Central Nervous System Stimulants
  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Methylphenidate