- Uncontrolled hypertension (blood pressure [BP] of 170/100 or greater) will exclude patients from the study. For those patients with histories of controlled hypertension (either by diet or medication), methylphenidate may increase resting blood pressure by 5 mmHg. (The patients will have blood pressure, pulse and other vital signs monitored weekly under the auspices of the Genitourinary Clinic, or at home under the instruction of the research nurse, using a blood pressure monitor issued by the study.)