Ritalin for gait issues and freezing episodes?

[Mimi828]

I’ve been researching things that supposedly help with gait issues and freezing episodes and I came across some articles about Ritalin being very helpful for this amongst other symptoms that come with Parkinson’s. Anyone know if this is something that works? Is it worth giving it a try? I’m getting a little desperate. Thanks for your input.

[Boscoejean]

supposedly used along with some other type of therapy in advanced Parkinson's

"Methylphenidate improved gait hypokinesia and freezing in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease receiving subthalamic nucleus stimulation. Methylphenidate represents a therapeutic option in the treatment of gait disorders at the advanced stage of Parkinson's disease."

thelancet.com/journals/lane....

"What is the downside of Ritalin?

Some severe side effects of Ritalin include: cardiovascular reactions, including sudden death, stroke, and heart attack. increased blood pressure. increased heart rate (tachycardia)"

medicalnewstoday.com/articl...

[Boscoejean]

Ritalin is a controlled substance with the capabilities of becoming addictive so I am not offering this information because I think it is a good idea.

"What are the neurological effects of Ritalin?

Effects of Ritalin on the Body

Ritalin influences both dopamine and norepinephrine activity in your brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that affects pleasure, movement, and attention span. Norepinephrine is a stimulant. Ritalin increases the action of these neurotransmitters by blocking their reabsorption into your brain's neurons."

healthline.com/health/adhd/....

"Mental health risks

Stimulant drugs, like methylphenidate and the methylphenidate-based drugs, can make you feel overconfident and disinhibited, induce feelings of anxiety, panic, confusion, paranoia, and even cause psychosis, which can lead you to put your own safety at risk."

talktofrank.com/drug/methyl...

[CuriousMe12]

I think gait just needs hard work on posture. Work starts on sitting and standing straight, keeping head/chin up. Start trying to walk slowly at first. Ive heard nordic walking poles help. Music you like with a good beat helps.

[Likii]

By all means give Ritalin a try for gait and freezing - and other PD symptoms.

I've monkeyed with small doses very occasionally for years (and have written a bit about my experiences on this forum). Just 5 or 10 mg may be enough for you to get undeniable positive effects. It kicks in after about 20 minutes and lasts about 3.5 - 4 hours.

It's not going to hook you in a one or two-off trial!

And when it works it's the quintessential rescue drug. 👍

I still rarely use it. Only when I need to focus or want to have an exceptional workout - or just want to feel more positive/capable.

YOLO. 😉