I know of people who have used Ritalin for purposes other than it was intended (like staying awake for exams, etc.) and it seemed to work very well.  I'd say go for it.

Carolyn

I too know of people who have used ritalin therapy to combat fatigue.

I too say give it a shot.

Quote:

Before anybody else climbs up on their high horse without knowing all the facts, Jon is battling lymphoma right now. I have a tendency to withhold my judgment when it comes to using adjunct chemicals to improve the quality of one's life while bigger battles are going on. You might want to consider doing the same.

Jon asked for an opinion. My opion is there are significant dangers, especially for people with significant health problems.

So let me get this straight...you have a friend whose drug use escalated and eventually killed him, therefore nobody else might derive a benefit from something that might help battle chronic fatigue?

No, you spare ME.

Loopy wrote on Feb 24^th, 2010 at 2:21pm:

Opinion, sure. But you might want to make sure you don't fire from the hip without all the facts. And yes, I have watched somebody do what you describe. It's the difference between use and abuse. Some people actually have this little thing called self-control and USE medications the way they were intended. Don't make the mistake of assuming that anybody using a mood-altering substance is automatically ABusing it.

That's flawed logic, and I'll call you on it every time.

My kids took it for adhd and had no problem going on or off of it.  I think it makes good sense for you to try it and see if it helps you.  Good luck!

Loopy,

Your opinion is valued.  Due to the loss of your friend you have a heightened awareness of the dangers involved, and in typing from your Iphone you were being brief.  That is understood.  It also gave your post a  bit of a stronger flavor than i think you meant it to have when you first posted, based on your later posting.

Jon asked for an opinion, you gave it, Bill having been acquainted with Jon for a long time took it more strongly than was intended.  That stuff happens when we are depending on black squiggles on a phosphor screen and can't see the body language or guage the inflection in a voice.  It is unfortunate, but it happens.  Don't feel unwanted or unneeded because of a misunderstanding between two highly valued people on the board.

Having been put in a situation of being prescribed some quite powerful narcotics when I was first diagnosed with CH and nearly becoming addicted I recognize the danger of medications even when prescribed.  That is the reason I did not answer when I first saw this question.  I have become almost afraid of anything that is addictive and have to think it through before coming to a decision.  Addiction is a terrible thing to watch, and an even more terrible thing to endure and/or try to break out of.

Jerry

Loopy - First of all, you implied that Jon's potential use of Ritalin was "casual." You also told him he would be "playing with fire." I call bullshit on both counts. You have taken what happened to a friend of yours - one friend - and implied that there was a strong possibility it would happen to Jon. Again, bullshit.

My email to you (actually a PM) was only threatening in that I said I would escalate (meaning I would turn it over to the moderators) if you continued to harass my friend. Just so everyone here is clear, I will post the exact text of my PM:

Quote:


I will not stand by idly and allow you to insinuate that I threatened you, thereby giving bystanders the wrong impression.

Jerry, while I appreciate the intent of your intervention, there's really no need for you to defend my actions. I can do that myself.

Jon,
I agree with what Jerry said about being extremely careful using Ritalin.  It is a good drug when used *properly* and under a doctor's supervision.   I know you need to keep working, so maybe this will help you stabilize somewhat.

I watched my friend battle non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and saw what she went through, the debilitating tiredness, no appetite, the nausea (not much fun to eat when you're gonna throw it all back up), the weight loss, etc.  I would have done anything in the world to help her.

Jon, since it's your doctor who suggested it, perhaps maybe it'd be worth a shot.  I know you'd be careful, I just want you to be happy.  Let us know how you're doing, promise?

love ya brother,
mel

I think everyone in this thread made themselves perfectly clear and I know Jon did not want this to become a "shit Storm" but wanted to run this by all of his family here for input. 

If I know Jon like I think I know him..a low-dose of Ritalin prescribed  and monitored by a competant Dr. could be just the thing he is needing right now and in no way will escalate to him taking illegal drugs.