Journal of Investigative Medicine High Impact Case Reports (Jan 2014)

Perioperative Outcome of Dyssomnia Patients on Chronic Methylphenidate Use

  • Nicoleta Stoicea MD, PhD,
  • Thomas Ellis MD,
  • Kenneth Moran MD,
  • Wiebke Ackermann MD,
  • Thomas Wilson,
  • Eduardo Quevedo MD,
  • Sergio Bergese MD

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/2324709614521398
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 2

Abstract

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Methylphenidate is frequently prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, narcolepsy, and other sleep disorders requiring psychostimulants. Our report is based on 2 different clinical experiences of patients with chronic methylphenidate use, undergoing general anesthesia. These cases contrast different strategies of taking versus withholding the drug treatment on the day of surgery. From the standpoint of anesthetic management and patient safety, the concerns for perioperative methylphenidate use are mainly related to cardiovascular stability and possible counteraction of sedatives and anesthetics.