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ADHD treatment may cause prolonged erection

The FDA today issued a warning that methylphenidate, commonly used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, may cause prolonged and sometimes painful erections known as priapism, according to a press release.

Medication guidelines have been updated to include information about the rare but serious risk. When not treated right away, priapism can lead to permanent damage to the penis. Males at any age are at risk. Priapism occurs when blood becomes trapped in the penis and leads to an abnormally long-lasting and sometimes painful erection. Straterra (atomexetine, Lilly), another drug for the treatment of ADHD, has also been linked to priapism.

Physicians should make patients and caregivers aware of the risk for priapism and stress the need for immediate assistance, should it occur.