Ritalin Paper Database
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Visual Abstract
Effect of methylphenidate in patients with cancer-related fatigue: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Effect of methylphenidate on cancer-related fatigue
November 4, 2024
author
Gong S, Sheng P, Jin H, He H, Qi E, Chen W, Dong Y, Hou L
journal
PLoS One
Date Published
January 8, 2014
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Study Summary
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What They Studied
They studied the effect and safety of methylphenidate on cancer-related fatigue.
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What They Found
They found that methylphenidate showed a therapeutic effect on cancer-related fatigue, especially with longer treatment duration.
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What This Means
These findings align with current evidence suggesting methylphenidate may benefit fatigue, but more research is needed due to limited evidence.
Study Summary
Study Overview
Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) can be a serious issue for cancer patients, affecting their day-to-day lives. The study aimed to explore the usefulness of methylphenidate, which might help manage CRF. It looked into how different patient traits could influence the treatment's success.
The findings suggested that while some data support methylphenidate's effectiveness, additional thorough studies are essential. Understanding which patients might benefit most could help customize treatment options better.
The findings suggested that while some data support methylphenidate's effectiveness, additional thorough studies are essential. Understanding which patients might benefit most could help customize treatment options better.
Abstract: background
This meta-analysis was aimed at assessing the effect and safety of methylphenidate on CRF.
On the Impact of CRF
"Cancer-related fatigue is a debilitating symptom that affects a large portion of cancer patients, significantly impacting their daily lives and functioning more than other symptoms like pain, depression, or nausea."
Need for Targeted Research
"Previous studies on methylphenidate's efficacy for CRF have largely been based on non-randomized trials or extrapolated from studies on other diseases, highlighting the need for more targeted research in this area."
Understanding Patient Characteristics
"Subgroup analysis and recent trials underscore the importance of treatment duration and patient characteristics in methylphenidate's effectiveness, pointing to the need for personalized treatment approaches."
Study Summary
Methods
To gather relevant studies, researchers conducted a thorough search across several medical databases, such as Pubmed and EMBASE. Their goal was to find previously published data examining methylphenidate's effects on CRF.
They specifically looked at studies that discussed not only fatigue but also other aspects like mood changes, mental functioning, and any adverse reactions patients encountered while on the drug.
They specifically looked at studies that discussed not only fatigue but also other aspects like mood changes, mental functioning, and any adverse reactions patients encountered while on the drug.
Abstract: methods
We comprehensively searched the Pubmed, EMBASE, PSYCHInfo and the Cochrane databases in order to identify published studies on the effect of methylphenidate on CRF. Primary outcomes included fatigue. Secondary outcomes included depression, cognition ...more
Study Summary
Results
The meta-analysis reviewed five studies involving 498 patients. Even though a placebo effect was present, the data indicated that methylphenidate might help reduce CRF. The drug showed more effectiveness with prolonged use.
However, methylphenidate did not significantly affect depression or cognition related to CRF. Side effects like dizziness, anxiety, appetite loss, and nausea were more common with methylphenidate compared to placebo.
However, methylphenidate did not significantly affect depression or cognition related to CRF. Side effects like dizziness, anxiety, appetite loss, and nausea were more common with methylphenidate compared to placebo.
Abstract: results
A meta-analysis was conducted on five randomized controlled trials and 498 patients were enrolled. Despite a large placebo effect observed in the studies included, pooled data suggested therapeutic effect of methylphenidate on CRF. Subgroup Analyses ...more
Study Summary
Conclusions
Research so far offers limited support for using methylphenidate to treat CRF. The evidence doesn't strongly suggest it as a recommended treatment. The number of studied trials is still considered small.
Additional studies are necessary to better understand its impact and establish safety before making solid treatment guidelines for CRF with methylphenidate. More robust data is required to draw definitive conclusions.
Additional studies are necessary to better understand its impact and establish safety before making solid treatment guidelines for CRF with methylphenidate. More robust data is required to draw definitive conclusions.
Abstract: conclusions
Existing trials of methylphenidate on CRF provided limited evidence for the use of methylphenidate to treat CRF. The absolute numbers still remain small, and further confirmation is needed before firm recommendations on their usage and safety can be ...more
Background Information
Patient Guide
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Methylphenidate's Off-Label Benefits
Used off-label for cancer-related fatigue, geriatric depression, and cognitive enhancement.
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Mechanism of Action
It increases norepinephrine and dopamine concentration by blocking their reuptake.
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Risk Profile
Can worsen symptoms of psychosis or bipolar disorder and should be used cautiously.
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Diverse Formulations
Available in various forms such as tablets, chewables, solutions, and transdermal patches.
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Monitoring for Safety
Monitoring for side effects like cardiovascular issues and psychiatric reactions is essential.
Professional Guide
Expert Opinion: Effect of methylphenidate on cancer-related fatigue
The findings suggest that methylphenidate may offer some benefits in treating cancer-related fatigue but highlight its off-label use, reminiscent of its applications in other conditions.
While methylphenidate shows limited to moderate efficacy in fatigue, its use is linked with several side effects, including cardiovascular and psychiatric symptoms.
Patients require careful monitoring for dependence and specific adverse effects, especially given its contraindications in certain cardiac conditions.
While methylphenidate shows limited to moderate efficacy in fatigue, its use is linked with several side effects, including cardiovascular and psychiatric symptoms.
Patients require careful monitoring for dependence and specific adverse effects, especially given its contraindications in certain cardiac conditions.
Evidence Summary
Enhanced Focus and Behavior with Modified-Release Methylphenidate
Modified-release methylphenidate demonstrates significant improvements in attention and behavior for both children and adults facing ADHD challenges. Participants in the study reported enhanced focus and better control over hyperactivity after using this medication. By evaluating the impact of this specific formulation, researchers aim to provide insight into how effectively it can alleviate symptoms associated with ADHD across different age groups.
The results highlight the medication's role in addressing critical aspects of ADHD, indicating that it may provide a reliable option for managing symptoms and enhancing daily functioning.
The results highlight the medication's role in addressing critical aspects of ADHD, indicating that it may provide a reliable option for managing symptoms and enhancing daily functioning.
Evidence Summary
How Methylphenidate Influences Impulsivity
Three studies explore methylphenidate’s effects on impulsivity, focusing on behavior and decision-making. Each study examines different ways this medication, known as Ritalin or Concerta, might influence impulsive actions.
Results vary across the studies, showing both potential benefits and some limitations in using methylphenidate to manage impulsive behavior, reflecting a complex picture of its impact on impulsivity.
Results vary across the studies, showing both potential benefits and some limitations in using methylphenidate to manage impulsive behavior, reflecting a complex picture of its impact on impulsivity.
Evidence Summary
Methylphenidate: Enhancing Decision-Making in ADHD
Methylphenidate, commonly used for ADHD, improves decision-making by boosting attention and control over impulses. Patients experience greater mental clarity, allowing them to make more thoughtful and effective choices.
Research shows that this medication enhances brain function, specifically helping with attention and impulse control. These changes contribute to better decision-making, which is particularly beneficial for those with ADHD.
Research shows that this medication enhances brain function, specifically helping with attention and impulse control. These changes contribute to better decision-making, which is particularly beneficial for those with ADHD.
