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Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease which affects the brain and spinal cord. MS can cause a variety of symptoms, including changes in sensation, visual problems, muscle we...
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Fatigue? Ritalin?
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My Aunt has MS as well as myself. She has fatigue and has tried some of the fatigue drugs. Her doctor is now putting her on Ritalin! Has anyone ever heard of this? Isn't it used as a stimulant for ADD or ADHD patient's who's brains are going too fast, to counter act and calm things down? Why would they put someone who is sluggish on that. Isn't that like putting her on speed? Can she get a tic (head movement) or heart palpitations? Im concerned about it. I know it will make her lose weight very fast and she wants energy and who doesn't want to lost weight with the inactivity that comes with some of us with MS. Who not right? Anybody have any information on this subject. I am worried for her that the side affects are not worth the medication. She could make some life style changes that would give her more sleep but we all know fatigue is more than needing to sleep it is like our bodies are lethargic. Info anyone, experience????Thanks
Dragonflylady200 Posted on 01/21/08, 11:01 pm |
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It seems a bit strange to me, but there must be some valid reason for the doc doing this.
I too would be concerned that it would create too many side effects that with a system already weakened would not be good. Hope that all goes well. Hugs Deb xox 
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Doctors use Adderall for the same thing. . .yet we except that. Have you done a search for other uses on Ritalin? I have heard of this. How old is your aunt? I understand your concern. I searched out Adderall before I took it, and honestly, It scared the crap out of me! Tremors, heart palpatatons, loss of appetite, weight loss, mood swings, highly addictive. . .etc. Sometimes the pro's outweigh the con's. I have not had ANY bad side affects from Adderall. And I'm sure if your aunt is elderly, her doctor will closely monitor her, and it seems like she is very lucky to have a caring niece like you to keep her well being at the top of your list. Let us know how things go.
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My neuro prescribed Ritalin for me for fatigue and it was fine. She won't be jumping off the walls or anything and she won't lose weight rapidly. Or at least she shouldn't. It will probably take about 3 weeks for the full effect to start taking place. More than likely, she'll be fine, but it's like any other drug. Some people will have side effects.
I might add there are many places on the web that talk about the effects of Ritalin, or any other drug. Just do a Google search and you'll get all the information you'll need.
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The Adderall worked great for me. It slowed my brain down enough to finish one thought before starting another. It is really tiring when you never finish a thought or a project.
Didn't lose any weight while on it. Only side effects I had was being more productive during my day. Adderall comes in a XL, extended release 8 hours, or a 4 hour pill.
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yes I have heard of that, my other neuro prescribed me ritalin and I didn't fill it...I felt funny about taking it...I should have spoke up when she wrote out the prescription but I was shy...I am not shy anymore ;)
But from what I have read it does help fatigue in people who don't have ADD or ADHD....so its worth a shot.. many hugs Morgaine
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Thank you everyone for your replies, you have put my mind at ease. Whew, I just read or saw on TV what it can do to people, one boy and he ended up with a tic or something my Aunt is 63 but doesn't need anymore difficulties. Again thanks for taking the time to answer. I love DS, it is so nice to have a place to go where REAL people can give you REAL life experiences with stuff. Cheers,
Mimi
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I was on Provigil, but it was so expensive (esp at the beginning of the yr) so I asked my Dr. if there was anything less expensive, he put me on Ritalin, I actually got the generic form. I looked it up in the Physicians Desk Reference. I don't have a problem taking it. I don't get jittery, or wired, also, didn't lose weight.
Once my deductible is met I switch back to the Provigil (the difference in price of the drugs for me is over $200)
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