Utilização de Metilfenidato por Sistema Público de Saúde em Município da Região Oeste do Paraná

Abstract

The incorporation of medical practices based on the utilization of prescription drugs to influence human behavior of all ages can be observed in contemporary society, trends which are known as medicalization and medicamentalization. Among the drugs used for such purpose, Methylphenidate can be highlighted, since its use has increased in the recent years in different therapeutic approaches. In this context, the main objective of the present research was to characterize the use of methylphenidate in a municipality in the Western region of the state of Paraná, from the dispensing of the drug by the Municipal Public Pharmacy of Special Drugs. The specific objectives were to identify the number of Methylphenidate users in the Municipal Public Pharmacy of Special Drugs of Cascavel/PR; identify the users’ profile in terms of: age, sex, time of use, quantity of the medicine released and other drugs associated; investigate the medical diagnoses associated with the use of Methylphenidate; and identify the medical specialty of the professionals prescribing the drug. Thus, this research is a descriptive study, with documentary sources, using quantitative methodology. The data was collected on the records of the Municipal Public Pharmacy of Special Drugs of Cascavel/PR from the years 2014 to 2016. Such data was systematized in tables and graphs, and analyzed using scientific production in the area, comparing them to national studies. The researched revealed increase in the prescription of this medicine, with The individuals who most of prescription for methylphenidate use are boys in the age group of 7 to 16 years-old; mostly, psychiatrists and pediatricians are the prescribers; the specialized units and the basic health units are the units that most request the medicine; the main diagnoses for methylphenidate prescription were ADHD, generalized anxiety disorder + ADHD, and hyperactivity; sertraline and fluoxetine and the antipsychotic risperidone were the antidepressants most widely prescribed in combination with methylphenidate; methylphenidate 10 mg is the most prescribed dosage; the highest frequency of withdrawal of the drug is for one month and withdrawal is higher on the months of August, September, October, and November.The increase in the diagnosed cases of ADHD and in the prescription of the drug are noticed; however, it cannot be stated 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 the medication.