Ritalin for Fatigue?
 

I'm back! I'm sorry I haven't posted in several weeks, but I've been so under the weather--and overwhelmed by fatigue.

I went to a new doctor today and he wants to try me on Ritalin for the fatigue. Has anyone else tried it for MS fatigue, and how has it worked for you?

Some of the other options, such as Provigil, did nothing for me, so I'm hoping that this may help...

Welcome back Keely. :) I don't know anything about
Ritalin. Just wanted to say Hi and so sorry for your
attack of fatigue.

I hope the Ritalin works for you and stay with us..:hug:

Thanks Sally; I'll start posting again in the weight loss thread when I start losing weight again! I've been feeling so bad, I've totally blown my diet for the past couple of months, and I've been ashamed to document my backsliding over the last several weeks!

The new doctor today is hoping that the Ritalin will give me the "get up and go" that I need to start going back on my little daily walks, because they do give me some exercise and help me lose weight.

Ever since Christmas, fatigue and cog fog have just incapacitated me. Provigil doesn't work at all, and I tried other things as well over the years, so we're down to Ritalin or Adderall.

I'm trying to do some research and find out more about Ritalin; I didn't know that it was typically prescribed for MS, but my doctor assures me that it is and I've discovered today, in checking the Internet, that he's right!

My son (who is now an adult) has Asperger's Syndrome and was prescribed Ritalin for ADHD when he was about ten years old. He lost a considerable amount of weight - too much for a growing boy, became incredibly picky with food and had a lot of trouble sleeping (although a lot of that could be attributed to ADHD - but something to be aware of).

Having said that, if you don't have ADHD, the effects are probably quite different and I wish you well with it. I have hear of its use for MS before.

Good luck and let us know how you go.

Cheers

Lyn

Turns out I must be a little hyper (did raising twins fine, I'm the one who organized block parties), when I asked my GCP if she thought I was a little hyper she said "well,yes".

The Ritalin had an adverse (opposite) effect on me and made me more down and tired. My neurologist tried Adderall to be sure and same thing happened. I take Amantadine 2x a day and always say it takes me from dead to half-dead. But that's me. I think I've heard Ritalin helps some MSers, not others. Any meds seem to need trial and error experimentation.

Amantadine--yup, another one I've tried. Provigil and Amantadine had no effect on me...

I'm going to go ahead and try the Ritalin; he's starting me on a miniscule dose. I'll report back and let ya'll know if it works!

I considered Adderall for medrol type effects cause I get so much done & correct on medrol dose pack.

I studied Adderall, know somene that takes it, I changed my mind. No good. Body adjusts just like they say so dose goes up & up. Miss a dose, you're a veggie.

B12 1000mcgs, B100 after lunch, exercise. 2000 of B12 if I want the kick.

When I slacked off exercise last month, i'd almost fall asleep during the day. lol. I'm back to counting sheep er J Lenno.

edit -I vote NO. Keep it on the side, try B12 first.

A.D.D medications can give you a "let down" as it starts to wear off. A.D.D. medictions are a legal form of speed. Those who take Ritalin, Adderall and other A.D.D. medications and who have A.D.D do not get the "high" nor does it speed them up. The medications clears the cobwebs and allows the mind to calm so they can focus.

When used off label it can cause the opposite affect.

I cannot take any stimulant, they put me to sleep and increase my fatigue, I have even tried a non-stimulant A.D.D. medication with the same results. However, it is believed I do have A.D.D.

I take generic Adderall XR 10 mg once a day and I have for over eight or so months. It keeps me alert through the day and really combats the fatigue. At first I was very fidgety with it and had a hard time sleeping but after a few days my body adjusted and now it just keeps me alert enough for fairly normal function and energy.

Thanks to everyone for all the replies!

I've tried B12 and everything else under the sun; the intense fatigue has been a problem for years, and continues to worsen.

Part of the problem is that, in addition to MS, I also have Systemic Lupus and Crohn's disease, so having a triple whammy decreases my fatigue times three!

My doctor says that he has had a lot of success with Ritalin for his other MS patients, so I'm going to try it and see how it goes. I'll be on a very small dosage, so I'm not plunging into mega doses or anything like that!

I'll let ya'll know if it works for me or not!