Could ritalin sharpen your mind if you have epilepsy?
NCT ID NCT04419272
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether methylphenidate (Ritalin), a drug used for ADHD, can improve attention and memory in adults with epilepsy. 226 participants will be randomly assigned to take either the drug or a placebo for 8 weeks, then all can take the drug for another 8 weeks. The goal is to see if it safely helps with cognitive problems common in epilepsy.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a safe, FDA-approved medication to help with memory and attention problems in people with epilepsy.
What could go wrong
This is a phase 4 trial, but it's still uncertain if methylphenidate helps epilepsy-related cognitive issues. Stimulants can have side effects like anxiety or insomnia.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Miami VA Healthcare System, Miami, FL
RECRUITINGMiami, Florida, 33125, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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VA Boston Healthcare System Jamaica Plain Campus, Jamaica Plain, MA
RECRUITINGBoston, Massachusetts, 02130-4817, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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VA NY Harbor Healthcare System, New York, NY
RECRUITINGNew York, New York, 10010-5011, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Contact
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR
RECRUITINGPortland, Oregon, 97207-2964, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••