Ritalin (Methylphenidate) for Multiple Sclerosis

Overview
Ritalin is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit disorders. Ritalin is sometimes prescribed off-label to treat fatigue associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). Ritalin is also known by its drug name, methylphenidate.

Ritalin is a stimulant of the phenethylamine and piperidine classes. Ritalin is believed to work by increasing transmission between neurons.

How do I take it?
Ritalin should be taken exactly as prescribed.

Ritalin comes in tablet and sustained-release tablet forms.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Ritalin lists common side effects including nervousness, dizziness, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, and abdominal pain.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Ritalin include hypersensitivity reactions, heart problems, increased blood pressure, and neurological symptoms including seizures, aggression, and psychotic or manic behavior.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Ritalin — Novartis
https://www.novartis.us/sites/www.novartis.us/f...

Management of MS-Related Fatigue — National MS Society
https://www.nationalmssociety.org/NationalMSSoc...