Integrative Review of the Effects of Nonprescriptive Methylphenidate Use

This review highlights robust evidence regarding the effects of methylphenidate on attention and readiness, in addition to minimal overall cardiovascular impact. Also, it reveals a significant lack of research on the chronic effects of the medication and lack of standardization in the methods used to measure the stimulant's effects. Limitations include the lack of a meta-analysis and a potentially restrictive search strategy, which may have reduced the number of studies analyzed.