French Consumption of Methylphenidate in Primary Care From 2016 to 2023, Impact of Prescribing Policy Changes—A Time‐Series Analysis

PURPOSE: In France, methylphenidate, mainly used in the treatment of ADHD, has been subject to prescription restrictions that were relaxed at the end of 2021. This study analyses trends in methylphenidate consumption in France and examines changes following the modification to prescribing rules in 2021. METHODS: This ecological study was based on data from the Medic'AM database, which records reimbursed outpatient drug dispensation in France from January 2016 to December 2023. Methylphenidate sales were expressed as defined daily dose per thousand inhabitants per day (DDD/TID) and expenditure as euros per thousand inhabitants. Time-series analyses were conducted to assess changes in methylphenidate sales and associated expenditure following modifications to prescribing arrangements in September and November 2021. RESULTS: Methylphenidate consumption rose from 0.607 DDD/TID per month in 2016 to 1.457 DDD/TID in 2023, an increase of 84%. Associated expenditure followed a similar upward trend. A more pronounced increase in methylphenidate sales was observed after the end of 2021. CONCLUSION: The study shows a clear increase in methylphenidate sales after 2021, coinciding with changes in prescribing regulations. Given the ecological design, this temporal association cannot be interpreted as causal. The observed trends likely reflect multiple factors, including regulatory changes, increased recognition of ADHD, and evolving clinical practices. These findings highlight how changes in prescribing policies may be associated with variation in healthcare utilization and expenditure.