Could ritalin ease PTSD brain fog? VA launches new trial
NCT ID NCT05776056
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.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
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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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Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, AL
RECRUITINGBirmingham, Alabama, 35233-1927, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-••••
Contact Phone: •••-•••-••••
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Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center, Tuscaloosa, AL
RECRUITINGTuscaloosa, Alabama, 35404-5015, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-••••
Contact Phone: •••-•••-••••
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VA Puget Sound Health Care System Seattle Division, Seattle, WA
RECRUITINGSeattle, Washington, 98108-1532, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Contact
Contact
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••