The pharmacology of amphetamine and methylphenidate: Relevance to the neurobiology of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and other psychiatric comorbidities

• Published in: Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews Vol. 87; pp. 255 - 270
• Main Author: Faraone, Stephen V.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Ltd 01.04.2018
• Subjects: Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors - pharmacology; Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors - therapeutic use; Amphetamine; Amphetamine - pharmacology; Amphetamine - therapeutic use; Animals; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - complications; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - drug therapy; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - physiopathology; Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; Brain - drug effects; Central Nervous System Stimulants - pharmacology; Central Nervous System Stimulants - therapeutic use; Comorbidity; Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors - pharmacology; Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors - therapeutic use; Humans; Mental Disorders - complications; Mental Disorders - drug therapy; Mental Disorders - physiopathology; Methylphenidate; Methylphenidate - pharmacology; Methylphenidate - therapeutic use; Pharmacology; Pharmacology; Amphetamine; Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; Methylphenidate
• ISSN: 0149-7634; 1873-7528; 1873-7528
• DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.02.001

•This review discusses amphetamine (AMP) and methylphenidate (MPH) pharmacology.•AMP and MPH increase corticostriatal catecholamine availability in different ways.•Catecholamine alterations occur in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).•Differential mechanisms of AMP and MPH may influence individual treatment response.•Considering stimulant effects is vital when treating ADHD with comorbidities. Psychostimulants, including amphetamines and methylphenidate, are first-line pharmacotherapies for individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This review aims to educate physicians regarding differences in pharmacology and mechanisms of action between amphetamine and methylphenidate, thus enhancing physician understanding of psychostimulants and their use in managing individuals with ADHD who may have comorbid psychiatric conditions. A systematic literature review of PubMed was conducted in April 2017, focusing on cellular- and brain system–level effects of amphetamine and methylphenidate. The primary pharmacologic effect of both amphetamine and methylphenidate is to increase central dopamine and norepinephrine activity, which impacts executive and attentional function. Amphetamine actions include dopamine and norepinephrine transporter inhibition, vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT-2) inhibition, and monoamine oxidase activity inhibition. Methylphenidate actions include dopamine and norepinephrine transporter inhibition, agonist activity at the serotonin type 1A receptor, and redistribution of the VMAT-2. There is also evidence for interactions with glutamate and opioid systems. Clinical implications of these actions in individuals with ADHD with comorbid depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, and sleep disturbances are discussed.