The Synergy Trial: Methylphenidate Plus a CFS-Specific Nutrient Formula as a Treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Inclusion Criteria: * Subjects must fulfill the 1994 CDC case definition of CFS (Fukuda et al., Ann Intern Med. 1994; 121:953-959) * Subjects must also report alertness and/or concentration deficits * Otherwise in good health based on medical history and screening evaluation * Willingness to NOT take any nutritional or herbal supplements other than the study treatment during the course of the trial * Nutritional supplements that are exempted from this requirement are limited to the following: * Probiotic supplements * Fiber supplements * Fish oil supplements * Digestive enzymes * Melatonin ≤ 10mg per day * Calcium ≤ 600 mg per day * Magnesium ≤ 400 mg per day * Vitamin D ≤ 400 i.u. per day * Willingness to NOT consume any caffeine-containing supplements during the study period (coffee, tea, or chocolate are exempt). These include but are not limited to the following beverages: * Red Bull® * Monster® * Rockstar® * 5-hour® energy shots * Willingness to NOT consume any pseudoephedrine-containing products during the study period * Willingness to practice effective contraception Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy or lactation * Active substance abuse * Major depression as defined by Zung Depression Scale score ≥ 60 * Use of rintatolimod (Ampligen®) within the past 3 months * Currently taking any prescription medication to treat anxiety on a daily basis * Use of more than 3 times/week within the past 3 months of: * Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOs) * Anti-psychotic medications * CNS stimulants (i.e. Provigil®, Nuvigil®, Adderall®, Ritalin®, amphetamines) * Narcotic opioids * Tramadol (i.e. Ultram®, Ultracet®, Conzip®, or Ryzolt®) * Gabapentin (Neurontin®) \> 600mg/day * Pregabalin (Lyrica®) * Duloxetine (Cymbalta®) * Milnacipran (Savella®) * Coumarin anticoagulants (Coumadin®) * Valganciclovir (Valcyte®) * Daily concurrent use of more than one antidepressant medication except if one of the two antidepressant medications are: * Amitriptyline ≤ 30mg at bedtime * Trazodone ≤ 50mg at bedtime * Doxepin ≤ 20mg at bedtime * Active medical conditions to which treatment with methylphenidate hydrochloride or micronutrients may be contraindicated, including: * Glaucoma * Diabetes Mellitus * Current stomach or duodenal ulcer * Uncontrolled hypertension (blood pressure at screening of systolic \>150 or diastolic \>90) * Heart disease (including cardiac arrhythmia, cardiac ischemia, syndrome of Gilles de la Tourette or a past history of myocardial infarction or cerebrovascular event) * Motor tics or family history of psychosis or bipolar disorder * Previous history or seizures * A diagnosis of other conditions that may be in part responsible for the patient's fatigue including, but not limited to: * HIV infection * Chronic Hepatitis B \& C * Cancer (receiving treatment either currently or within the past two years) * Chronic Renal Disease * Clinically significant laboratory test values as determined by the Investigator * Clinically significant ECG abnormalities as determined by the Medical Monitor * Compliance criteria: A subject will not be eligible if he/she, in the opinion of the Investigator, will be unable to comply with any aspect of this study protocol, including the visit schedule.