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Canadian Journal of Anesthesia, Vol 6, 277-282, Copyright © 1959 by Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society

Ritalin® (Methylphenidate): Clinical Experiences

P. B. PERCHESON M.D., F.R.C.P.(C)1, JOHN J. CARROLL B.A., M.D., C.M.1, and GUY SCREECH M.A., M.B., B.CHIR.2

1 Departments of Anesthesiology of Vancouver Grace Hospital, Essondale Mental Hospital, and the University of British Columbia
2 Department of Anesthesiology of the Vancouver General Hospital, Wyeth Fellow in Anesthesiology

In our experience, Ritalin is effective in antagonizing the actions of barbiturates. The action does not appear to be a specific antagonism but rather an independent central nervous system stimulation which raises the level of alertness or wakefulness. In moderate doses it has little effect on the blood pressure, pulse, and respirations. In larger doses, it would appear to increase the blood pressure without affecting the pulse and respirations. In our one case of severe depression from barbiturate poisoning, it rapidly returned all three to normal.

The high incidence of euphoria, restlessness, mental agitation, and headache following its administration in moderate doses would seem to preclude its routine use for hastening recovery from barbiturate anaesthesia. However, in instances of severe depression from such drugs, Ritalin therapy appears to be safe and effective and its side-reactions become minor considerations.

Note:

An abridgment of this paper was presented by the first author at the Canadian Anaesthetists' Society Annual Meeting, Montebello, Quebec, June, 1958.

The Ritalin used in this series was kindly supplied by Ciba Pharmaceutical, Montreal.






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Copyright © 1959 by the Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society.