I've saw a few post and some discussion about this, but my Oncologist suggested a low dose of Ritalin to ward off some of the fatigue and brain fog I was having from Firmagon and Zytiga.
I had been reluctant to take "another pill" that comes with more side effects...so I said not for me. I know the real cure for such is exercise, weights etc, but to tell you the truth, the fatigue was so bad, I had no motivation to start such. So I said, ok, let me try it for a few days...the Rx is for one 5g in the morning and one in the evening. I ended up taking one at noon when my fatigue begins...wow! It's been a game changer. I don't even take the night one..afraid it might make my sleep even worse if that's possible.
Its made such a change that it has improved my mood was well. I don't know if will work for others as well, but it has changed everything for me.
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Ron53
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I too was very hesitant. My Palliative Care doc6tor has been giving it to me for about 6 months. I don't take it everyday. But when I need to do something with concentration, and an uptick I take my Ritalin. I'm very glad to have it. Only thing is I do find it expensive on my copay.
There is not a Generic Ritalin [Methylphenidate IR (Immediate Release)] shortage. Adderal (Brand Amphetamine Salts) however has been in short supply. If the Methylphenidate I take for ADHD will help ward off ADT-induced fatigue I will be very happy to get two benefits from 1 medication . (I am only 2 weeks into ADT with Orgovyx and, fortunately, fatigue has not been a problem for me).
Same here Ron, my local MO prescribed it about 3 years ago, definitely helps with Lupron/Xtandi fatigue and improves QOL. Helps with fatigue, brain fog, alertness when driving etc. Game changer.
Also consider Provigil, a methamphetamine alternative. I've been taking it for a year or so. There are no side effects, no addiction, etc. It's very good for focus and energy during the day.
Exercise is vastly superior to stimulant drugs in every way, but obviously fatigue can become a viscous cycle on ADT, so I would never tell someone not to take it.
The risk is that Ritalin to overcome fatigue may seem like a great solution at first, but without exercise it’s a terrible choice. Hopefully you know this. If you don’t, use the newfound energy wisely and start. If you already do, increase the frequency and intensity. It will produce far better results and will enable you to minimize the Ritalin or stop it entirely.
I take Adderall, which is also is in short supply nationally. It is for other issues that cause me fatigue. It has really. helped me. My Rx is for the ER version and so far it is still available. My pharmacy may just be better at finding sources. I take it twice a day. I don't think the side effects at the dose I take have any bad side effects. I can't take the second dose too late though as it will definitely make it harder to get to sleep when I want. I like what it does for me. I can get into projects that I keep avoiding and I have a clearer head. There is evidence that it can be addictive for some and some need to take increasing doses as they develop a "resistance" to it. It is a controlled substance and I can only get a max 30 day supply at a time with a new Rx from the doc for each.
Anything that makes you feel better is worth it! Great job!
I have been taking 1/2 tablet of a Ritalin variant (dexmethylphenidate, Focalin) most mornings, especially before workouts and long walks. Just enough energizing without jitters etc. Clears the fog. No increase of dose required over the long term. It’s good for me.
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