Symptom control in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder on switching from immediate-release MPH to OROS® MPH. Results of a 3-week open-label study

Aim The aim of this study was to assess the impact of switching from immediate-release (IR) methylphenidate (MPH) to OROS® MPH (CONCERTA®), a once-daily long-acting MPH formulation, in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods Subjects with ADHD aged 6–16 (n=105),who were stably maintained on their current IR MPH regimen (10–60 mg/day), were switched to 18, 36 or 54mg OROS® MPH once daily for 21 days, depending on pre-study daily MPH dose.ADHD symptoms were assessed by parents, teachers and investigators. Results By Day 21, parent/caregiver IOWA Conners ratings had decreased from baseline by 2.7 points to 5.2 (I/O), and by 1.8 points to 5.0 (O/D). Teacher IOWA Conners ratings were maintained. Decreases in IOWA Conners ratings are indicative of ADHD symptom improvement. Approximately 75% of parents and investigators rated therapy as good or excellent. OROS® MPH therapy was well tolerated. Conclusions Switching from IR MPH to OROS® MPH maintained and may have improved symptom control in children and adolescents with ADHD, during the course of this study. The changes in parent/caregiver IOWA Conners ratings suggest that OROS® MPH improves symptom control in the after-school period. This is consistent with the 12-h duration of action previously demonstrated for OROS® MPH