The combination therapy with methylphenidate and American ginseng in cancer-related fatigue.

215 Background: Fatigue is one of common symptoms among patients with cancer. However, little is known about the pathophysiology and effective pharmacologic intervention. Methylphenidate and American Ginseng were recognized for promising results and safe to use as a single therapy. Psycho-stimulants are commonly used and are effective in moderate to severe fatigue. The mechanism behind the evidence for methylphenidate is rebalancing dopamine neurotransmission which is altered in fatigue. The mechanism behind ginseng benefits appears to be improvement in muscle metabolism and reduction in inflammatory responses thought to cause fatigue in cancer. We hypothesized that combination therapy with methylphenidate and American ginseng is superior to single therapy and safe. Methods: We conducted retrospective chart review in the supportive care medicine outpatient clinic between Feb 01, 2015 and Dec 31, 2015. 28 patients were prescribed methylphenidate and American ginseng for 4 weeks. Methylphenidate dosage was ...