Ritalin???for chronic fatigue/quality of life

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Linn1
Linn1 Member Posts: 47
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
Hi-
My internist wants me to try taking a small daily dose of ritalin to help combat the severe fatigue and pain. I'm currently on neurontin, clonazepam, and trazadone. She said it is being used to help with the chemo toll and lingering fatigue. ACS did have some current research re: this issue and that was helpful. Just wondering if anyone else has tried it. I'm stage 4, 2nd recurrence, just coming off of 9 months of chemo/clinical trial and can't seem to bounce back. I'm really trying tho...exercise when I can, pyschological help, great diet, good friends and I do get out of bed daily. Many days it seems I can function for just a few hours and then, wham. That's it.
Thanks.

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  • Hissy_Fitz
    Hissy_Fitz Member Posts: 1,834
    #2
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    I haven't heard of it, but
    I haven't heard of it, but let us know if it works. I am very easily fatigued, too - even though my last CBC wasn better than it's been in months. I finished my initial chemo at the end of February and am now on monthly maintenance.
  • kayandok
    kayandok Member Posts: 1,202 Member
    #3
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    sounds interesting
    I have never heard of it either, but would be interested to hear if it helps. I sometimes have extreme fatigue, feel like I am walking through gel slow motion sometimes.
    kathleen
  • BonnieR
    BonnieR Member Posts: 1,526 Member
    #4
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    yes
    Hi Linn, I do know others who are or have been on ritalin for fatigue, they say it really helps. I have not taken too much, except for the Ativan occasionally and it helps me not just with nausea but when I cannot sleep. I know the neurotin can make a person very tired also. Keep us posted on how things are going, and as you feel the wham.. listen and nap.. I know it really helps when I do. Hugs ♥ Prayers Bonnie
  • cancer survivor x 4
    cancer survivor x 4 Member Posts: 177
    #5
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    Clonazepam
    Good Morning, Linn1,
    I can only comment about Clonazepam. 13 years ago, my mother died of ovarian cancer and I delivered my 3rd son, all in the same week. A few weeks later I had a full blown panic disorder. I was sent to a therapist. I was told when your brain gets over loaded with stress you can have anxiety attacks. That clonazepam saved my life. It stopped the attacks and I could resume a normal life. I do not know why they would give it to you for fatigue, because it makes you tired. It is a narcotic, but it will help your anxiety level, as far as the cancer is concerned. I finished chemo in Nov. of 2009 and round about the time I finish lunch, I am done for the day. Nap time. Hope this helps you. Thank-You, Paula
  • nancy591
    nancy591 Member Posts: 1,027 Member
    #6
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    Ritalin
    Ritalin is used for ADD, attention deficit disorder, it is a stimulant. I've never used it so I can't speak to that.

    Neurontin is used for seizures but helps with pain, clonazepam (klonopin) is for seizures as well but is also used for panic disorders, trazadone (desyrel) is an antidepressant.
  • nancy591
    nancy591 Member Posts: 1,027 Member
    #7
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    cancer survivor x 4 said:

    Clonazepam
    Good Morning, Linn1,
    I can only comment about Clonazepam. 13 years ago, my mother died of ovarian cancer and I delivered my 3rd son, all in the same week. A few weeks later I had a full blown panic disorder. I was sent to a therapist. I was told when your brain gets over loaded with stress you can have anxiety attacks. That clonazepam saved my life. It stopped the attacks and I could resume a normal life. I do not know why they would give it to you for fatigue, because it makes you tired. It is a narcotic, but it will help your anxiety level, as far as the cancer is concerned. I finished chemo in Nov. of 2009 and round about the time I finish lunch, I am done for the day. Nap time. Hope this helps you. Thank-You, Paula

    Ritalin
    Paula,

    I believe she meant they are recommending ritalin for fatigue, not the other medications.
  • Lisa13Q
    Lisa13Q Member Posts: 677
    #8
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    Ritalin
    Ritalin is a stimulant, most often prescribed for ADHD. Pro-vigil is the same as ritalin (methylphenidate) and is given often for people with chronic illness and/or daytime sleepiness. Ritalin can be addictive and inhibit appetite...but if you're really fatigued it can help a lot. Especially with focus, which is described by many after chemo. I am unaware of the dosage prescribed, but try 5mg and see what you think....that's a small amount and it has a very short half life, so you will feel it gone within 4 hours....Good Luck...if you hate it you dont have to take it again...good luck!

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