Methylphenidate

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
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

 * 2015, A prospective, proof-of-concept investigation of KPAX002 in chronic fatigue syndrome. (Full Text)


 * 2016, Long-term methylphenidate intake in chronic fatigue syndrome (Abstract)


 * 2018, KPAX002 as a treatment for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): A prospective, randomized trial (Full Text)

Costs and availability
Prescription only

Learn more

 * Wikipedia