Focalin and MG
 

Does anyone or has anyone taken ADHD medication along with MG medications/treatments. I have had trouble focusing for years...even prior to being diagnosed with MG (late 2008)... I have been taking focalin for several years now...it really helps me to focus...but it does give a little burst of energy at times...it is a miracle drug for adult ADHD. (Since having my hyperthyroid issues and all the distractions and emotional issues with that--focalin has become my lifesaver...):)

My question is that is this drug creating false energy...and possibly allowing for a "crash" period later down the road...I am on a small dose...It really helps me when I am trying to finish a project and/or really stay on task at work.....but I was just wondering if anyone could shed some light on their experiences or thoughts on this. My family doc, both neurologists, and surgeon have not really discussed this medication as we reconcile of all my current meds that I take....no one has mentioned that I needed to stop taking this drug that my family doctor has been prescribing me this for years...(at least since 2004)...

Am I worrying about this for no reason?:Scratch-Head:

If you are on a relatively low dose, do not crave more, etc,
you are not likely to crash.

Since you have used this for 6 yrs with success, and do not feel a depressive crash later in the day, then you probably are okay with it.

Focalin is methylphenidate-- and like other stimulants (amphetamines) changes the dopamine use in the brain.
There have been reports that high dose, long term use of stimulants may create depression later down the road. But your experience seems pretty stable and you claim you don't need increasing doses. Should you stop taking it, you may feel depressed or not depending on your own biochemistry and neurotransmitter status.

There has also been the warning that long term high dose stimulants may lead to Parkinson's in some people. But that hasn't been proven either.
Here is a study to this effect:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19587858
In essence is that while you are on this drug, you may avoid PD if the future holds that for you. Discontinue however, and that may change. Long term studies on children just have not been done or if they have are not released by the drug companies making methylphenidate. So we are sort of in the dark about this topic, still after 50 yrs of this drug being on the market.

Here is another article in that vein:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17982908

Thanks so much for the links and information. I really appreciate it, I have been worried about this. I am definitely going to check the links out! I am on a very small dose and actually only take a half of a 10mg tablet twice a day. I do not crave a higher dose. I do not take it on the weekends...just during the work week. It has been a god send in helping me say on task...especially because I have noticed that my MG has been causing me some cognitive problems at times if I am stressed and extremely tired. This disease is a double edge sword...Unfortunately, I have to work full-time for my insurance to cover all of my MG care...but, I know that I need my rest and pace myself..so I also be fully functionable in my job. :eek: