Ritalin used for Apathy

[Parkiewife]

Hi! Speaking with my husband’s PD specialist today, he mentioned that there is new evidence suggesting that Ritalin can assist PWP’s apathy. Is anyone taking this for apathy or depression and how is it working?

[park_bear]

Based on this study this is not a good idea:

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/214...

Methylphenidate [Ritalin] for gait impairment in Parkinson disease: a randomized clinical trial

"Results: Twenty-three eligible subjects with PD were randomized and 17 completed the trial. There was no change in the gait composite score or treatment or time effect for any of the variables. Treatment effect was not modified by state or study visit. Although there was a trend for reduced frequency of freezing and shuffling per diary, the FOGQ and UPDRS scores worsened in the MPD group compared to placebo. There was a marginal improvement in some measures of depression." [Emphases added]

A marginal improvement in depression does not make up for a worsened UPDRS score which tells you the overall effect.

[Enidah]

I second what Park Bear said. I have a friend who's neurologist prescribed it for her for depression. She did not notice any improvement in the depression and feels better now that she's gone off it.

[Likii]

Ritalin (methylphenidate) rocks. When it works it's at least a temporary game-changer for some. For me even 5 mg often results in an enormous boost in energy, focus, and enthusiasm for life.

As people's so-called "Parkinson's" varies so widely, there is no simple answer to Ritalin yes-or-no. If you think it might help and can get it, try it. The short-term effects are almost immediate so there's no waiting around. Long-term less clear-cut.

The usual caveats apply.