A double-blind controlled study of medications in 12 children with ADHD at New York University and Stony Brook Schools of Medicine showed that nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, tremor, headache, anorexia, lassitude, and tachycardia occurred more frequently when methylphenidate (20 mg) and desipramine (148 mg/day) were combined in therapy compared to either medication alone. [1]
COMMENT. Behavioral improvements found with tricyclic antidepressants and the positive effects of stimulants on cognitive tasks have prompted combined drug therapy of ADHD. The authors advise larger samples and longer trials before the safety of these drug interactions may be established.