Utilização de metilfenidato por usuários do sistema público de saúde em município da região Oeste do Paraná

Abstract

The consumption of methylphenidate has been increasing every year, and Brazil is the second largest consumer in the world. This article aims to characterize the use of methylphenidate in a municipality in the western region of Paraná, from the dispensation of the drug by the public pharmacy of special drugs. Descriptive, explanatory, qualitative study with documentary sources. Methylphenidate was prescribed more frequently to males in the age group of seven to 16 years; psychiatrists and pediatricians who prescribed more; specialized units and basic health units, the ones that most request the medication; main diagnoses for methylphenidate prescription were ADHD, generalized anxiety disorder + ADHD and hyperactivity; antidepressants sertraline and fluoxetine and the antipsychotic risperidone were the most dispensed together with methylphenidate; the dose of methylphenidate 10 mg is the most prescribed; the highest frequency of medication withdrawal was one month, with the greatest withdrawal in the months of August, September, October and November. There is evidence of an increase in the number of diagnosed ADHD cases and the prescription of the medication; however, it cannot be said that there is an increase in consumption, since the highest frequency of withdrawal is one month, which shows discontinuity or irregularity in the use of medication.