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Long-Term Side Effects of Metadate
The long-term side effects of Metadate are not yet fully understood. However, studies show that temporary growth suppression is possible with long-term use of stimulants like Metadate. Research scientists have also begun studying the long-term effects of methylphenidate (the active ingredient in Metadate) and found that changes in brain chemistry were seen in animal studies when the medication was used for an extended period of time.
Metadate ER® (methylphenidate extended-release) is a prescription medication that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Metadate CD® (methylphenidate extended-release) is a longer-acting version licensed to treat ADHD. Although short-term Metadate side effects have been studied, little is known about the long-term side effects of Metadate use.
Before medicines are approved, they must go through several clinical studies in which thousands of people are given a particular medicine and compared to a group of people not given the medicine. In these studies, side effects are always documented. This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine. However, studies for Metadate were short (usually less than three weeks) and did not look at the long-term side effects of Metadate.
Growth suppression in children has been reported as a side effect of long-term use of stimulants (such as Metadate). This slowing down of growth is usually minor (less than an inch and less than two pounds), and children usually catch up to normal growth rates with time. Your child's growth should be monitored while he or she is taking Metadate.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD