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Stimulants researched for chemo brain?

Page last modified on: December 3, 2008
Question from Post: My oncologist is researching Focalin (chemical name: dexmethylphenidate), a cousin to Ritalin (chemical name: methylphenidate), to combat chemo brain. The study is still in process, but my doctor has provided access to this drug for some patients. Speaking only for myself, Focalin has been a miracle. My mental clarity and focus has improved beyond all expectations. Yet I never hear anything about this drug therapy. What is your perspective?
Answers —Christina Meyers, Ph.D., A.B.P.P.: We started a course with Ritalin, the old standby stimulant, but it can have side effects especially for people who tend to be anxious or have high blood pressure. But Focalin sounds very interesting.
George Sledge, M.D.: Our group did publish a paper on Ritalin for patients who had fatigue after adjuvant chemotherapy and it was effective in relieving fatigue. It also had a high level of side effects. Methylphenidate is the chemical name of this drug, more commonly known as Ritalin, and it can cause elevated blood pressure and make the patient feel hyper. This belongs to the class of drugs known as "speed" so this type of agent may have real benefit, but there are some real side effects. They also tend to not be a permanent fix — in our experience, while the patients were on the agents, they saw real benefit but as soon as they stopped, that benefit disappeared.

On Wednesday, October 15, 2008, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Managing Chemo Brain. Christina Meyers, Ph.D., A.B.P.P. and George Sledge, M.D. answered your questions about how long chemo brain can last, what treatments can be helpful, and current research on cognitive effects of breast cancer treatment.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Christina Meyers, Ph.D., A.B.P.P. is a board certified neuropsychologist. She created the Neuropsychology Service in the newly formed Department of Neuro-Oncology at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in 1984.

George Sledge, M.D.George Sledge, M.D. is the Ballvé-Lantero Professor of Oncology at Indiana University at Indianapolis, where he co-directs Indiana University Simon Cancer Center's Breast Cancer Program.

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