"genius drug" helps alleviate cognitive problems caused by chemo, "Chemobrain"

theresaw · 06-07-2007, 07:56 PM

Has anyone tried this drug...it would be great, i have gone back to work and i sometimes feel like i am fading out..putting it nicely!!!

Hopeful · 06-07-2007, 08:12 PM

but also estrogen deprivation that can cause some cognitive function problems. I wonder if this drug would be useful there, also?

Hopeful

Lani · 06-08-2007, 12:08 AM

We still don't really know why we sleep (a truly basic question)

Until we know how it works, how are we going to understand how hormones and drugs influence it.

Until now, the best we could do is notice what SEEMS TO HAPPEN under the influence of drugs and what parts of the brain have increased blood flow under different circumstances or influences.

AlaskaAngel · 06-08-2007, 09:54 AM

Forgive me, but... perhaps it is because I've never had any modafinil -- and I'm not PhD, only a somewhat impatient patient -- but my simple-minded guess is that chemo brain is at least in good part caused by the repeated lack of adequate oxygenation to the brain brought on by the toxic effects of chemotherapy on the production of blood cells carrying oxygen to the brain....

AlaskaAngel

Donna · 06-08-2007, 10:33 AM

Hi Amazing Group,

I have taken Provigil, I was taking it when diagnosed. It is a non-stimulant used for Attention Deficit Disorder if you have a progressive doctor since that is an off-label use. It worked well for my ADD although the usual dose of one tab a day was way too much for me and I took 1/2 tab. If you are interested in trying it, email me and I can tell you where to get it without a prescription.

I researched it thoroughly a few years ago so I probably don't have the links anymore, but there are no significant side effects, it's extremely safe to use and has been used extensively for years in Europe with lots of studies done on it. I have no problem recommending it or saying it's okay to do it without a prescription, but you really should check with your oncologist first. They probably won't know what it is.

I personally have stopped taking it temporarily because I am trying to relax and "zone out" while my body heals from all of this. If there is a day I really need to be sharp, I take it. There are no adverse effects from taking it peridocally as opposed to every day. I consider it a miracle that happened in my life.

I am happy to answer questions about this medication, it has really helped me.

Have a great day!

Donna · 07-12-2011, 11:31 PM

Hi Jacey,

I'm sorry I don't have any more articles on Provigil but I am sure there's a slew of them out there to be googled!

Good luck! :-)

Donna

Jaimieh · 07-13-2011, 05:31 AM

I have taken provigil and while I love it, it doesn't love me. I have a sleep disorder that I had to do a ton of testing for and was perscribed provigil for it. It worked great with I was alert, awake but it gave me a headache that was horrible. I felt like I could concentrate, finish sentences, and the biggest thing was finish task but I couldn't handle the headache so I came off of it. Ritalin has the same good effects for me but I limit the amount because of the SE's of the drug

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Jackie07 · 07-13-2011, 05:44 AM

On my neuropsych report in 2009, the neuropsychologist mentioned 'Aricept' being a potential aide to improve my cognitive function.

The medicine has since become a new standard for Alzheimer's Disease http://www.aricept.com/

I've never been 'on' any medicine that interferes with my brain. Every prescription I used, I had to quit it within a couple of days because it simply messes up my brain/body too much.

Exercise is the best way to restore/improve our cognitive function, I've found.