Will Ritalin Become a Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatment?
Based on the results of one small study, two doctors in Spain are calling for a closer look at the ADHD drug methylphenidate (the drug in Ritalin, Methadate and Concerta) for treating the neurocognitive effects of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS or ME/CFS).
On top of study results, the doctors point to the fact that ADHD and ME/CFS have several cognitive symptoms in common, including:
- Trouble concentrating
- Difficulties with short-term memory and thinking
- Impaired attention and slowed processing speed
Also, they say some of the same things appear to be going on in the brains of people with both disorders, such as low dopamine and norepinephrine activity. Methylphenidate, a neurostimulator, boosts both of those neurotransmitters. Two other drugs in its class - Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine) - also have been advocated to improve neurocognitive problems.
Do you think ADHD drugs could be the answer? I’d love to hear from anyone who’s taken them. Have they helped? Share your opinions and experiences here or in About.com’s Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome forum.
Suggested Reading
- Learn about ADHD and neurostimulants, including the drug’s effects and side effects.
- See the Monster List of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms
- Drugs for Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Adrienne Dellwo
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RITALIN for ME/CFS
My son has ADHD and Asphergers, he is on Ritalin for this.
I have ME/CFS and arthritis, I am on antidepressants and painkillers for this.
We both have our medication the same time in the morning. Some time ago when in the confused state I am often in, I had bothe our medication in my hand, the obvious was bound to happen and I took my sons tablet instead of my own (I did not give him mine). I realised my mistake immediately but could not face trying to sick it up. I carried on my day as normal and felt fine, but it wasn’t until later that afternoon that I realised I had accomplished alot more than I usually do and had also had consentration enough to actually conplete tasks I had started. I was also able to make important phone calls and do some paperwork which Im sure you know is such a hard and sometimes impossible task.
I am going to approach my doctor to see if this can be used as a treatment as for the first time in along time I felt I was living and not just existing!
I hope this is of help.