A case of suicide attempt with long-acting methylphenidate (Concerta)

Abstract

The prescribed use of methylphenidate in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is widespread. The intranasal and parenteral abuse of methylphenidate (Ritalin) among teenagers is becoming increasingly more common, and deaths have been reported. Newer medical treatment options of long-acting stimulants offer effective treatment with a lower risk of abuse potential. We describe a case of a 17-year-old girl who had attempted suicide by ingesting 270 mg of Concerta. During the third years of treatment with Concerta, parents of patient reported that the patient had a depressive mood in the last week, and had attempted suicide with five tablets of Concerta 54 mg. She was sent to a local hospital with a diagnosis of long-acting methylphenidate overdose. All of vital and laboratory findings were normal except heart rate, which was 132 beats/min. Since more than 3 h have elapsed after the time of ingestion, activated charcoal administration was not carried out at the hospital. She was only observed for 12 h at the emergency department and later discharged from the hospital. While long-acting stimulants offer lower risk of abuse, their greater availability increases the likelihood of ingestion of this nature. Education of clinicians and families to be aware of this risk should reduce the frequency of this complication of treatment.