( Two New Studies Highlight Potential Ben...)New Data Suggests Less Abuse-Related Effects For OROS,Methylphenidate,Health

SAN DIEGO, May 23, 2007 /PRNewswire/ -- Stimulant drug abuse remains an ongoing concern for parents and physicians who prescribe medications to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Data presented on Tuesday at the 160th Annual Meeting of the American Psychiatric Association highlighted findings that long-acting OROS(R) methylphenidate had fewer reports of abuse and lower abuse-related effects compared with other long- and short-term stimulant medications for ADHD.

The unique, long-acting OROS(R) methylphenidate formulation initially releases the drug, followed by a more gradual release of the remaining dose in an ascending pattern, compared with an immediate-release, or short-acting, methylphenidate formulation. The data presented Tuesday from two sources - a national review of emergency department visits and a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic study - highlights a possible benefit related to reduced abuse potential that may be associated with the OROS(R) methylphenidate formulation.

"Although methylphenidate is proven to be an effective treatment for ADHD, some physicians may have concerns about the drug due to its abuse potential," said John J. Coleman, Ph.D., president of Prescription Drug Research Center. "Most patients take prescription medications responsibly, however, recent reviews still show that illicit stimulant use among adolescents in the United States remains a concern for physicians, parents and the general public."

About The Data

Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) Review of Drug-Related Emergency Department Visits Among ADHD Treatments (APA Poster Board NR526)

DAWN data, a national health surveillance system that monitors drug-related emergency department visits, was used to examine emergency department visits resulting from the abuse of ADHD medication during a three-year
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