Efficacy and Safety of OROS Methylphenidate in Adults With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Parallel Group, Dose-Escalation Study

Abstract

Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of OROS methylphenidate (Concerta; McNeil Pediatrics Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Titusville, NJ) in the management of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults. Methods A randomized, 7-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-escalation, parallel-group study of OROS methylphenidate 36, 54, 72, 90, or 108 mg/d versus placebo was conducted in adults with ADHD. The primary end point was the Adult ADHD Investigator Symptom Report Scale. Other assessments included the Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement scale, a post hoc responder analysis, adverse events, and vital signs. Results Two hundred twenty-six subjects (56.2% male; mean age, 39.0 years; range, 18-65 years) were included in the intention-to-treat population (110 subjects on OROS methylphenidate; 116 subjects on placebo). OROS methylphenidate resulted in greater ADHD symptom improvement than placebo as demonstrated by a statistically significantly lower least squares mean change from baseline in Adult ADHD Investigator Symptom Report Scale total score at the final visit (last observation carried forward [LOCF]; P = 0.012). Subjects on OROS methylphenidate also had a significantly lower least squares mean Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement score at the final visit (LOCF; P = 0.008). A significantly greater proportion of subjects on OROS methylphenidate (36.9%, 38/103 subjects) were responders at the final visit (LOCF) compare…