Ritalin anyone?

MJo · 11-13-2008, 02:25 PM

My journey continues to improve my cognitive functioning. I am now taking 5mg of Focasil, which is second generation Ritalin. Isnt someone else taking Ritalin here?

Believe51 · 11-14-2008, 06:30 AM

Ed is on Ritalin but does not have to take it on a consistant basis. Some weeks are worse than others for his fatigue level. He sometimes takes 10mg per day during that stretch but normally the 5mg gives him that extra ummph he needs. He is on very few drugs right now, except for pain, Zometa and Faslodex. Feel pretty confident saying that he has few side effects, if any, from Ritalin. Hope this helps a bit.

Nice seeing your face.>>Believe51

MJo · 11-14-2008, 11:45 AM

Yes, thanks. I'm always leery of a new drug, wondering how it will interact with Femara, or will it tax my heart, which has endured adriamycin and herceptin, etc. etc. Probably I'm overly fearful, but I think that's post-traumatic stress!! Good to know Ed has few or no side effects. I'm taking only 5 mg. Blessings...

Donna · 11-14-2008, 11:52 AM

Hi MJo,

There is a prescription drug named Provigil (also known as Modafinil) which is a non-stimulant used sometimes for ADD when stimulants become a problem - it's first line use is for narcolepsy. I take 1/2 tab when fatigue or cognitive issues surface and it works way better than the stimulants for me. If the "jitters" of stimulant use prove to be a problem, this is something worth a try.

Best to you!

Donna

TSund · 11-14-2008, 03:39 PM

Hi Donna,

I wasn't aware that Armidx can also cause thickened uterine tissue, I thought it was just Tamoxifen that sometimes did that.

Guess I was mistaken!?

TRS

Donna · 11-14-2008, 07:15 PM

Yep, yep and yep - the Dr.'s concluded that the thickening of my uterine tissue was directly caused by the Arimidex - bummer. My general practitioner warned me about it before my oncologist sent me to a specialist and I figure if my GP knew about it, it must be fairly common.

Arimidex also wreaked havoc on my joints - I am soooooo happy to have switched to Femara.

Have a great weekend!

Chelee · 11-14-2008, 11:38 PM

MJo, I've heard of studies & clinical trials being done to find drugs to help combat the fatigue and cognitive problems cancer patients have to deal with. I'm always surprised I don't hear about more women on Ritalin or other drugs to help with fatigue and cognitive function.

But a couple yrs ago I did see trials for cancer patients for the drug Donna is taking, "Provigil". It caught my attention because I was always so tired and I still have what I consider major chemo brain. It should be getting better but it seems worse to me. If I thought Ritalin or Provigil would help I would certainly give it a try.

MJo, usually your doctor will start a patient on the lowest dose possible to see if it gets the desired results...so I think you will be ok. If you start bouncing all over the walls I would stop taking it. lol (Just kidding.)

But in all seriousness...I've love to hear if it helps you. Looking forward to your update.

Chelee

MJo · 11-17-2008, 08:23 AM

I've only been on Focalin one week. Last week I tried 2.5 mg in the morning and mid-day. This week I am going to try 2.5 mg in the morning only, because I woke up several times during the night instead of my usual once. I feel alert, more focused and calmer. The psych nurse I'm seeing suggested I read some books about Adult ADD in women. Possible I've always been ADD, or chemo intensified mild ADD in me. Don't know. It's all new to me and I need to do some adjusting.

StephN · 11-17-2008, 12:51 PM

Hi MJO -
I did take Ritalin for a couple of months when I was having fatigue/memory issues, but I think it was disturbing my sleep after a while. Plus I could not tell if it was really working or if I was just naturally getting stronger from a healthy lifestyle after chemo.

I take an herbal supplement called NEUROZYME - Supercritical Mental Clarity from New Chapter. I like it and feel it has helped me.

I have a friend who does not have cancer, but DOES have Adult ADD. She has been taking Ritalin for a few months now and is definitely doing better.
In her case, she has her own business and is really scattered in where her attention needs to go and can be easily derailed from one task to another.

She feels that hormonal changes are a big part of her problem, made worse by her choice of "retirement" business. She is trying to pare down and get better organized, but does need help as she took on SO much!