The use of methylphenidate in depressed patients after cardiac surgery.

A positive therapeutic response to methylphenidate is described in four depressed patients who developed cardiovascular complications after cardiac surgery that contraindicated the use of tricyclic antidepressants. There was a rapid remission of depressive symptomatology with no adverse side effects. This observation is consistent with the findings of other investigators. Further evaluation of the therapeutic role of psychostimulants in the treatment of medically ill depressed patients is recommended.