Anyone ever taken these drugs--Xanax, Nuvigil, Ritalin?

[agate]

The trip to the neuro resulted in an order for more lab work, an order for PT, an order for an MRI, and 3 suggested rx's--Xanax, Nuvigil, and Ritalin.

I know Ritalin is the drug given to hyperactive kids but I've never asked anyone about any of these drugs. If anyone here takes or has taken any of them, I'd like to know your opinion.

I hesitate to take any drug other than those I've been taking for years.

[Cherie]

I have taken ritalin for fatigue. It actually made me more fatigued. Eons ago I took Xanax when I was under a LOT of stress. Can't say I remember it helping and I never refilled the script. Haven't taken Nuvigil.

[SuzE-Q]

I've taken all 3.

Xanax is a benzo, so, you need to be aware of its ability to create strong dependency and withdrawal effects, so needs to be tapered if taken long term. It relaxes or can have a sedative effect.

On the other hand, the other 2 help reduce excessive sleepiness. Not sure those 2 should be taken together since both are for the same issue, one alone may help, and you'll never know which one if tried together. Ritalin, I think, is typically off label, whereas the other is specifically for excess sleepiness, and I think has clinical evidence of efficacy in MS.

For me, ritalin was less effective.

Like Cherie, I've just spent a long time tapering off a benzo, so I'd be hesitant to go back on one for anything but very short term.

[Howie]

But Joan, aren't you a hyperactive kid?

Sorry, I was just busting to tease you a bit. I've never taken any of those!

[Lazarus]

I love Ritalin

The trip to the neuro resulted in an order for more lab work, an order for PT, an order for an MRI, and 3 suggested rx's--Xanax, Nuvigil, and Ritalin.

I know Ritalin is the drug given to hyperactive kids but I've never asked anyone about any of these drugs. If anyone here takes or has taken any of them, I'd like to know your opinion.

I hesitate to take any drug other than those I've been taking for years.

Hi Agate
I have talked about Ritalin many times in the past. It is used in people with MS to help us think more clearly. It worked very well for me. When friends say they are tired I will ask if they mean their brain is tired or their body is tired. If the real problem is being too tired to think, Ritalin can be a godsend
After my diagnosis I continued teaching for 8 years and that would have been impossible without Ritalin.
Linda

[Virginia]

Agate, that is a lot to take in at one time. Xanax I know can be tricky and I do know that if you are on it, you should not come off without help from your Doctor. Ritalin of course I have heard of, mostly in kids, and Nuvigil only sounds familiar. I guess you have to trust the Doctor and also know how you respond to medications. I have not personally had experience with any of the above drugs.

I know a couple of people who declare by Xanax but both say they take it in very small doses just when they need it. I know one person who was on it for a period of time and got busy and did not get their prescription filled and had a seizure. I guess you have to judge your own individual case and make a decision from there.

[agate]

I'm pretty sure that it's an either/or situation: Ritalin or Nuvigil. I can try one and then the other.

The Xanax rx is already here but, as Virginia said, taking it in small doses to be taken only when needed sounds good. The pharmacy has already cut the pills in half for me, which I really appreciate.

[Gary]

I have some Xanax as when I do roids I have MAJOR roid rage. And if I have an infection going The anxiety become almost unbearable. I never take more than a half of a pill as all a whole one does is knock me out usually for 24 hours not necessarily sleeping but no interest in doing anything and even reaching waaay over to get the remote to change the channel requires more effort than I want to put forth.

To my knowledge Medicare doesn't pay for any of the 3 of them. Medicaid does though. I think the last time I got Xanax it was about $17.00 for 30 of them. And that was at least a couple of years ago. The last time I looked into Nuvigil and another one that slips my mind at the moment they were really expensive.

[nuthatch]

My brother was prescribed Xanax for panic attacks. Highly addictive drug to be used only when needed.

[ssusan]

Love Ritalin. Both helps burn off the fog and helps give me energy. Days like tomorrow could not happen without it. I help Linda at the farmers' market in the morning, then in the late afternoon I have a Roshashona party

[Lazarus]

I am the Linda that SSusan mentioned....and she was a great help at the farmers' market on Saturday. It was great fun with lots of visiting dogs! And customers too!

[Sunshine]

I took Concerta which is a 12 hour form of Ritalin, for fatigue and loved it. Xanax is very habit forming and best for short term use. Klonopin may be a better choice for anxiety. Or psychotherapy.