Med question - stimulants
 

I know some with MS use A.D.D. meds for fatigue but has anyone heard of or used the meds for cognitive problems and has it helped.

I'm in an interesting position - I am diagnosed with A.D.D. but it's complicated because of MS (congnitive) and PTSD which I have had since I was a kid.

If A.D.D. meds help with MS cognitive problems (not a dx'd symptom for me) then if the med helps I might not know if it really is A.D.D., MS or trauma (anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD which can also cause A.D.D. type symptoms)

I need to make an appointment with my neuro but, in the meantime if you have used any of the A.D.D. meds for MS cognitive problems, not fatigue, I would love to hear your experience.

Don't know Nadda about this subject, just wanted to send you some..:hug::hug::hug:

I don't know whether your doc will prescribe them off label like that. I heard the NPR piece yesterday too, if that's what brought it mind. I use aderral (sp) and I don't find it makes me think all that much better but it does keep me up. You may consider just saying you're tired too.

I am starting Focalin this morning, just took my first dose. Since I have been diagnosed A.D.D. I am not using Focalin off label. I am looking for the med to help with it's intended purpose - concentration, focus, impulse control, organization, ect. I am not using if for fatigue, I don't need it for that.

I am just curious if anyone has used one of the A.D.D. meds for MS cognitive problems.

I don't know anything about the NPR your referring to but would be interested.

I used Provigil for fatigue, but found I was just hyper enough (in a good way of trying to overachieve) and like on a hyper kid, it had an adverse affect of bringing me down. Not being real hyper, made me really tired and found (as in many ADD+H kids (as they told me when older, making their own decisions and quit) clouded their brains. but remember every one is so different.) Have some had sucess with the Alzheimer Drug - Arrocept or something?

I used Provigil for fatigue for a while. It made me very shaky (jittery) and that's a side effect I cannot handle.

A side effect of Provigil (for me) that I like was I found myself more focused, more clear headed. I have heard Provigil is being looked at in the use of A.D.D.

I guess it was just a coincedence. The story was on the number of college students that are using adhd drugs to facilitate or improve their studying. The comparison was made to steroids for athletes in the sense that it may be an unfair advantage to those who choose to use. Not really relative to us but the story did make me think about stimulants. Here's a link

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/s...ryId=103274576

Thank you for posting the link.

This was story was on our local news about 2 weeks ago. I was rather suprised.

I do not take the A.D.D. meds lightly. My DD has been dx'd 10 years with A.D.D. and I have seen the bad side of these meds. After being On Ritalin for a few years she suddenly became suicidal and violent.

I have been told by 3 different mental health professionals since 2004 that I also have A.D.D. but I have choosen to ignore it untl now. A.D.D. can be hereditary.

Part of me wonders if I am dealing with MS cognitive problems and not A.D.D. (denial? :rolleyes:), Hence the reason I am asking if anyone with MS has used these drugs for cognitive problems and has had them help.

Again, thank you.

I use Provigil (sparingly) for fatigue but it actually helps me more with my cognitive problems than it does with my fatigue.

When I take it I'm very focused on whatever I'm doing, I can concentrate even with background noise and my word recall is much better. It also zaps my appetite (just a bonus!). I can still take a nap when I take it but I usually don't as I'm more able to get involved in tasks and projects that I normally wouldn't have been able to do.

It's sooooo expensive (about $700 for a 30 day supply) so I only take them when it's absolutely necessary for me to be alert and focused.

My neuropsych said that she felt strongly that A.D.D. meds would help with my cognitive issues and I do not have A.D.D. at all. She feels that they would combat both the fatigue and the cognitive stuff. I haven't pursued it yet, but I'm still thinking about it. My neuro actually sent me to her to see what her opinion was before he would be willing to rx them off label for MS fatigue.

A friend of mine with MS took Aricept while she was in college full time to help her with cognitive problems. It helped her.

I take provigil, Snoops. I tell you I could not have gotten through full time college without it. I don't take it on weekends and by 2 PM, I am ready for a nap and have problems interacting with my Lab! It definitely helps me.

Holly and Cheryl, thank you.

I just can't take Provigil, it makes me too jittery and my heart races :eek: I was quite disappointed because Provigil helped with clearing my brain fog and I could actually focus.

At this point I am holding my opinion about the Focalin. This is now my 3rd day of using it. I have noticed I'm sleeping better at night and I am getting things accomplished that were starting to be difficult to keep up on - like balancing my check book :eek:

I am extremely med sensitive. The Focalin is 2.5mg (prescribed twice a day) and I have to cut it in half so I am actually only taking half of what I am allowed :rolleyes:

I have had problems with Provigil, too, LeAnn. That is why we are investigating the A.D.D. type meds. I get the heart racing, too, but can still fall asleep on the stuff (100 - 200 mg). It does help me think, though. It's just weird.

Hi Snoopy, Long Time - I have now massive cog prob. Sorry but no answer 4 you. However, Provigil did nothing 4 me. I've got adderall but that is for fatigue. I've not done well on it so far but only took approx 3X. Last time I got the spins....I just took one to see reaction. Get bk to u on that. If it wks it is supposed to improve cog too. just tossing at an idea. Wishing u the best Hun.

Same here, Holly. I could fall asleep using Provigil. The A.D.D. meds can also cause a racing heart and other problems.

Let us know if you try one of the A.D.D. meds.

Hi, Sheena! Where have you been or is it me that hasn't been around ;)
I am sorry your having cognitive problems :(

Did your prescribing doctor start you out at a low dose of Adderall, if not he/she should have. Sometimes you can get better results from the A.D.D. meds if you see a Psychiatrist - these drugs are their specialty.

I am looking at the Focalin to help with cog problems not fatigue. Unfortunately, for me, I don't know the exact source of my cog problems....to many variables in my case.

I usually only take a quarter of a 10mg adderall. It serves the purpose without making me too wired. I've taken halfs on occasion but a whole pill would be really unpleasant.