Ritalin for Fatigue?

[Keely]

Just wanted to know if any of you have taken Ritalin for fatigue--and, if so, did it help? Did you have any side effects?

My doctor just prescribed Ritalin for my overwhelming MS fatigue. Over the years, I've tried just about everything, including Provigil, and nothing has helped at all.

I'd really appreciate hearing some Ritalin feedback! I hadn't really heard about it being used for MS fatigue until today, but after I spoke to my doctor I did an online search--and there are quite a few references to Ritalin and MS, so it's sounds like he's on to something!

[SNOOPY]

Hi Keeley,

The A.D.D. medications, such as Ritalin, are prescribed for MS fatigue.

I have not used Ritalin but have tried several of the other ADD medications, my daughter used Ritalin at one time for ADD. I am one of those who can not take stimulants, they put me to sleep and increase my fatigue

Ritalin can be taken as needed versus daily if you so choose. A word of caution about Ritalin: it can cause suicidal ideation and depression regardless if it has been taken for a long time or short time.

The side effects of Ritalin is the same as any other stimulant so you may want to do some research about stimulants.

Hope you find releif for your fatigue with Ritalin.

[lorib]

I've tried Ritalin for my MS fatigue. It worked pretty well for me. I decided to take adderall (a similar stimulant) and that seems to be working for me. I hope you get some relief!

[BigA]

Ritalin is a much-abused drug - for good reason! It clears your mind as it wakes you up, you have less hunger and you get a little emotional boost.

What I mean is that it may be effective for your fatigue Millions of kids take it, so it's relatively safe if not abused. I take it as needed and give myself holidays - I don't take it on weekends. But try and see how it works for you.

[Sphynx]

Hi Keely,
Ritalin has been VERY helpful for my MS fatigue. I continue to work full-time (or close to it). Without taking 20mg of Ritalin early afternoon, I may as well pull a cot out and take a nap!

After taking a few other drugs early on for fatigue (amantadine?) and something else, as another MS friend said, it was like popping M&Ms. Nothing...

I started Ritalin 5mg 2x/day, then 10mg, now 20mg 1 or 2x per day. On weekends, I may take one dose. I like the fact that I can take it when needed. Also, it does help my focus and concentration at work--something else that has suffered greatly due to MS.

My Neuro said that she's not a fan of prescribing Ritalin, but she did, since nothing else seemed to work. She wrote a script for Provigil, but the cost to me was exorbitant. At times, I can feel a little "jazzed," but not a big problem--especially considering the alternative!

If you decide to try it, good luck. It works wonders for me!

[Keely]

Thank you Snoopy, BigA, LoriB and Sphynx! I truly appreciate the feedback. And thanks for mentioning dosages, Sphynx--he has me on a small dose for now, can't remember what it was.

Provigil and Amantadine did absolutely nothing for me--I agree that a bowl of M&Ms has more effect and are a lot cheaper!

I'm going to go ahead and try the Ritalin, and in a few days I'll report back and let ya'll know how it works!

[lisa1014]

I take 20mg extended release in the morning and 10 mg in the afternoon. I think it helps with the fatigue and I never miss a dose otherwise I can't function.

Hope it works well for you!

[Debby]

I take Concerta for ADD, but in addition to the ADD benefits, it does help a great deal with fatigue. There are still days when I am just tired, but they are few and far between.

[mercadies25]

I do use ritalin when needed. I stay at home most of the time now. When I have a day out and about shopping or whatever I take my ritalin and it works like a charm.

On bad days nothing helps. No ritalin. No coffee. No nothing I just sleep like my body tells me to.

Good Luck and Best Wishes!!!!!!!!!!

[imrachelk]

I take 40mg Adderall XR because I can't focus on anything - seems the last 2 years have gotten worse ... I called it ADD ...

however, I will tell you this ... if I only get a few hours of sleep I take my Adderall and I make it through the day ... if I don't take my Adderall I need a nap by 11am.

I think Ritalin and Adderall are similar classes of drugs.

Good luck and I hope it helps because being tired all the time is no fun.

[Tawanda]

Been there, done that...

I've tried it along with some other stimulants with so-so results. It wasn't a complete wash out which is about the highest compliment I have had ever given to date for any MS pharmaceutical!

After trying every approach from here to Mars for dealing with my chronic fatigue for the past 10 years, I am sadly pretty certain that an organic approach is best...you guessed it: A healthy diet and exercise! I am not a jock and I love junk food, but for every tweak I make in these areas, I feel so much better MS-wise.

Would I rather simply pop a pep pill? HECK YES! But it isn't nearly as effective in the long run. The worst side effect is the coming down and being twice as fatigued as I was before I popped pill X,Y or Z! No side effects from going to the Y except for good ones...for instance, my butt isn't nearly as saggy as it used to be! A pill couldn't have done that!

Good luck my friend. I feel your pain. It was my M.S. fatigue that forced me into an early retirement and nearly into the Poor House!

[naphappy]

Used Amantadine for years until it quit working. Went off and on it to see if that would help, but nothing.

Tried Provigil, but way tooo expensive with little benefit.

Started Ritalin last fall. I use 5mg/2x in the morning than again in the afternoon. I can take more if I need to.

I like the as needed flexibility of it. I do get jazzed and have to watch my caffeine intake at the same time. But it is short lived.

For now, Ritalin is helping. Hope it continues.

Take Care

[Marie12]

experience with T3 Thyroid Hormone Stimulating Compound

I liked reading about your experiences. I have taken synthroid for about 25 years. I am currently taking 112mcg. I am so 'tired.' I know you have unfortunately experienced this, so I am not going into detail.

My question is, "I've been reading about T3, and that some people take it instead of synthroid. I understand that you cannot give me medical advice. But does anyone here have experience with T3.

I know I keep looking for an answer, but many years ago, I've always found the answer.

[dm0329]

Looking to try it!

As I'm having a bit of trouble maintaining my Provigil rx, I'm looking to try Ritalin or Adderall for my MS fatigue.

My MS fatigue is getting worse. My neuro even checked my B-12 levels, but they're normal. The fatigue is crippling, and I'm looking for help.

What's a typical starting dose? How often a day? Side effects?

Any input is appreciated!

[SNOOPY]

As I'm having a bit of trouble maintaining my Provigil rx, I'm looking to try Ritalin or Adderall for my MS fatigue.

What's a typical starting dose? How often a day? Side effects?

A.D.D. medications are a Schedule II controlled drug. You will need a new prescription each month (no refills allowed). Some Doctors will give you a few prescriptions with each one dated for the next month.

Dosage: it depends on you and your doctor. There are extended release and short acting, each comes in different dosages. How many times a day will also very depending on extended release vs. short acting.

All stimulants carry the same warnings/side effects. For information please refer to the link below:
http://www.cchrint.org/psychiatric-d...ntsideeffects/

Everyone reacts differently to medications and not everyone will experience all, if any, side effects.

I have tried almost all of the A.D.D. medications as well as Provigil. If I was able to use stimulants my preference is Adderall.