Prevalence of Headache Due to the Use of Methylphenidate: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a disease that affects the functional and neurological development of individuals and is characterized by hyperactivity and impulsion, it is present in 5% of children and 2.5% of adults across the globe. Its treatment is carried out with methylphenidate which improves the clinical condition of individuals, but this medication also has adverse effects, and in this study we evaluated the headache associated with this medication. Objective: The aim of this study is to define, through an analysis of the literature, the prevalence of headache in methylphenidate users. Methods: A systematic review was conducted with searches on PUBMED and SCIELO. The terms were adapted according to the research platform used, whose combinations involved the following descriptors: ´´attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity``; ´´methylphenidate`` and ´´headache``. The study included randomized clinical trials; studies conducted in humans; studies that analyze headache as a side effect of using methylphenidate; studies carried out in the last 10 years. Results: Of the 44 articles identified, five were included for analysis, totaling 593 participants, with a male predominance. The prevalence of headache ranged from 4.3% to 19.5%, higher than the population that does not use methylphenidate, which reinforces the need to monitor, diagnose and intervene on possible negative impacts of headache caused by methylphenidate. Conclusion: The prevalence of headache resulting from the use of methylphenidate ranged from 4.3% to 19.5%. It is also said that there are few studies that associate headache and methylphenidate. The proportion in which the headache appears in patients using methylphenidate, varies according to the presentation of the drug.