๐Ÿ›๏ธ Verified NIH Record โ€ข Updated 2026-04-14

Methylphenidate for the Treatment of Epilepsy-related Cognitive Deficits (NCT04419272)

Methylphenidate for the Treatment of Epilepsy-related Cognitive Deficits: a Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial

๐ŸŸข Recruiting Phase4 ๐Ÿ’Š Investigational Drug / Biologic Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development

๐Ÿฉบ Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)

Methylphenidate (MPH) is a stimulant, FDA-approved for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is unknown, however, if stimulants would be of benefit for memory and thinking problems due to epilepsy. In this study, participants will be assigned randomly (i.e., by flip of a coin), to a group that takes MPH and a group that takes a placebo (sugar pill). Participants will not know the group to which they have been assigned. Tests of attention and memory will be completed before taking the study pills and at Week 8. All participants will then have the option of taking MPH for the next two months, and attention and memory will be tested again at Week 16. The study will determine whether methylphenidate is helpful for the treatment of attention and memory problems in adults with epilepsy, and whether the medication is safe and beneficial when taken over an extended time period.

Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.

Location: Miami VA Healthcare System, Miami, FL โ€” Miami, Florida

Age range: 18 Years

๐Ÿงช Interventions in This Study

๐Ÿ“‹ "Do I Qualify?" โ€” 1-Minute Self Screener

Instant Checklist

Full eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria โ†—

๐Ÿ“ All Participating Trial Locations (4 Sites)

  • Miami VA Healthcare System, Miami, FL โ€” Miami, Florida
  • VA Boston Healthcare System Jamaica Plain Campus, Jamaica Plain, MA โ€” Boston, Massachusetts
  • VA NY Harbor Healthcare System, New York, NY โ€” New York, New York
  • VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR โ€” Portland, Oregon

๐Ÿ“ž Contact the Study Coordinator

Phone: (212) 686-7500

Email: beth.leeman-markowski@va.gov

Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.

๐Ÿ’ฐ Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights

  • 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
  • Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA ยง 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
  • Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.

Explore by condition: All Epilepsy clinical trials

๐Ÿ’ก How to Participate

  1. Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
  2. Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
  3. Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
  4. Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.
๐Ÿ›๏ธ View Official NIH Record โ†—