Could ritalin ease PTSD brain fog? VA launches new trial

NCT ID NCT05776056

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether the stimulant medication methylphenidate (Ritalin) can improve PTSD symptoms and thinking problems like poor memory and concentration in 70 Veterans. Each participant will switch between the drug and a placebo every 4-5 weeks over 20 weeks, without knowing which they are taking. The goal is to see if methylphenidate helps more than placebo in easing both PTSD and cognitive complaints.

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)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new way to help Veterans with PTSD who struggle with concentration and memory.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial with only 70 participants. The drug may not work better than placebo, and stimulants can cause side effects like insomnia or anxiety.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, inattentive type Brain Injuries, Traumatic post-traumatic stress disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)

Contacts and locations

Locations

Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, AL
RECRUITING

Birmingham, Alabama, 35233-1927, United States
Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center, Tuscaloosa, AL
RECRUITING

Tuscaloosa, Alabama, 35404-5015, United States
VA Puget Sound Health Care System Seattle Division, Seattle, WA
RECRUITING

Seattle, Washington, 98108-1532, United States

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