Methylphenidate

From MEpedia, a crowd-sourced encyclopedia of ME and CFS science and history
Revision as of 23:24, May 10, 2019 by Notjusttired (talk | contribs) (add cat)

Methylphenidate is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, most often used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It has many trade names, the most well-known being Ritalin.

Evidence[edit | edit source]

Methylphenidate has been used with success in a subset of ME/CFS patients. In 2016, Blockmans, et al, concluded that use of methylphenidate by CFS patients with concentration difficulties had a positive effect in about one out of three clinical trial patients.

Dr. Jon Kaiser is performing clinical trials on a pharmaceutical product which he developed called Synergy (KPAX002) that is a combination of a low dosage of methylphenidate hydrochloride and over-the-counter mitochondrial support nutrients. The phase II study concluded that 36% of the patients taking the Synergy treatment had a >20% reduction in overall ME/CFS symptoms after 28 days.

Notable studies[edit | edit source]

Risks and safety[edit | edit source]

Costs and availability[edit | edit source]

Prescription only

See also[edit | edit source]

Learn more[edit | edit source]

  • Wikipedia

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Kaiser, JD (July 15, 2015), "A prospective, proof-of-concept investigation of KPAX002 in chronic fatigue syndrome", International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 8 (7): 11064–11074, PMID 26379906
  2. Blockmans, Daniel; Persoons, Philippe (June 27, 2016). "Long-term methylphenidate intake in chronic fatigue syndrome". Acta Clinica Belgica. 71 (6): 407–414. doi:10.1080/17843286.2016.1200816. ISSN 1784-3286.
  3. Montoya, Jose G; Anderson, Jill N; Adolphs, Danya L; Bateman, Lucinda; Klimas, Nancy; Levine, Susan M; Garvert, Donn W; Kaiser, Jon D (2018), "KPAX002 as a treatment for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): A prospective, randomized trial" (PDF), International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 11 (3): 2890-2900