CAM: Ritalin for Cancer-Induced Fatigue

devotion10
devotion10 Member Posts: 623 Member
edited April 2013 in Colorectal Cancer #1

Don't know if this technically fits well in the CAM: Complementary and Alternative Therapy title ...

I know that there have been a few here that have been prescribed Ritalin as it relates to their cancer. Seems as a psychostimulant it may be effective at inducing a short-term improvement in energy level and psychomotor activity.  

If anyone could share their positive or negative experiences I would very much appreciate it.

Best -- Cynthia 

Comments

  • annalexandria
    annalexandria Member Posts: 2,571 Member
    #2
    I've never used this,

    but I have known people who had it rx'ed for fatigue.  It seems to really help quite a bit for that.  It is also sometimes prescribed for depression, so might be a helpful mood enhancer.  The only drawback that I can see (based on my ADHD kid's experience of it) is that it tends to kill appetite, which for some cancer patients would not be a good thing.  AA

  • LivinginNH
    LivinginNH Member Posts: 1,456 Member
    #3
    Hi

    Hi,

    Yes, Rick took it for a couple of weeks, but he found that it didn't really help much with his overall fatigue.  But as with most things cancer related, what didn't work for him might work for someone else.   I wish you better success with it.

    Cyn

  • devotion10
    devotion10 Member Posts: 623 Member
    #4
    Thank you AA and Cynthia for your comments.

    The hospital palliative care had suggested a low dose of Ritalin to my husband which he has not accepted.  Instead, we are doing the acupuncture, massage, physical therapy, and some TCM that the Chinese acupuncturist is providing.  Yesterday, he even did a cupping technique on my husband's back that brought him immediate relief from back pain.  My husband described it as sort of the oppposite feeling of massage.  Instead of the muscles and tissues being pressd down, they were brought upward by the suction and it felt very good to him. 

    Best -- Cynthia

  • buckeye2
    buckeye2 Member Posts: 428 Member
    #5
    Vacation Possible

    My husband and I wanted to take our family to Florida at the end of March for a final vacation as he is at the end of his battle with this disease.   I asked the Dr. if he could give him something to improve his lethargy and Ritalin was prescribed.  As a result, he was able to enjoy this week.  We went out to dinner every night and he even felt good enough to have too much to drink one night.  Even though there have been no good days since our return, we had a week I will never forget thanks to Ritalin.  Lisa

  • devotion10
    devotion10 Member Posts: 623 Member
    #6
    LivinginNH said:

    Hi

    Hi,

    Yes, Rick took it for a couple of weeks, but he found that it didn't really help much with his overall fatigue.  But as with most things cancer related, what didn't work for him might work for someone else.   I wish you better success with it.

    Cyn

    Cyn -- I like your new avatar.

    Best -- Cynthia

  • devotion10
    devotion10 Member Posts: 623 Member
    #7
    buckeye2 said:

    Vacation Possible

    My husband and I wanted to take our family to Florida at the end of March for a final vacation as he is at the end of his battle with this disease.   I asked the Dr. if he could give him something to improve his lethargy and Ritalin was prescribed.  As a result, he was able to enjoy this week.  We went out to dinner every night and he even felt good enough to have too much to drink one night.  Even though there have been no good days since our return, we had a week I will never forget thanks to Ritalin.  Lisa

    Lisa, what a nice thing that you and your husband

    could take this final vacation together.  It is a testament that Ritalin can be helpful as I have been reading.  I read your profile and I understand that you had been diagnosed with breast cancer, how are you now doing?  I understand what is is like when the good days diminish with advanced disease as my husband is also stuggling. You have my heartfelt support.  Courage to you and yours. -- Cynthia

  • devotion10
    devotion10 Member Posts: 623 Member
    #8
    buckeye2 said:

    Vacation Possible

    My husband and I wanted to take our family to Florida at the end of March for a final vacation as he is at the end of his battle with this disease.   I asked the Dr. if he could give him something to improve his lethargy and Ritalin was prescribed.  As a result, he was able to enjoy this week.  We went out to dinner every night and he even felt good enough to have too much to drink one night.  Even though there have been no good days since our return, we had a week I will never forget thanks to Ritalin.  Lisa

    Sorry double post.

    Cynthia

  • taraHK
    taraHK Member Posts: 1,952 Member
    #9

    My oncologist recommended it to me as a possibility but I haven't tried yet. I'm trying to cut back on day-time meds which cause drousyness. We'll see. These days, I measure my days by how many naps I take (or baths - but that's a different story!)

     

    Good luck,

    Tara

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