Hyperactive boys almost grown up. III. Methylphenidate effects on ultimate height.

The height of young adults who were treated with methylphenidate hydrochloride in childhood because of hyperactivity (average daily dose, 45 mg; duration of treatment, six months to five years) was studied. There was no significant difference in height between the treated patients (n = 61) and controls (n = 99); both groups were at the national US norm in stature. The findings indicated that methylphenidate therapy does not compromise final height, even when it has an adverse impact on children's growth rate during the active treatment phase. A compensatory growth rate, or growth rebound, appears to occur following discontinuation of stimulant therapy.