A Study of Cancer Related Fatigue in Patients With Metastatic Cancer Receiving Anti-PD1 Immunotherapy

Inclusion Criteria: * Part 1: have a diagnosis of metastatic or recurrent cancer and previously received anti PD1 immunotherapy provided that they received therapy up to 1 month prior to enrollment * Part 1: be willing to engage in follow-up telephone calls with a research staff * Part 1: have telephone access so they can be contacted by the research staff * Part 1: hemoglobin level of \>= 8 g/dL within 2 weeks of enrollment \* Packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusions will be allowed to patients with hemoglobin \< 8 g/dl * Part 1: be able to understand the description of the study and give written informed consent * Part 1: able to read, write and speak English * Part 2: have a diagnosis of metastatic or recurrent cancer and previously received anti PD1 immunotherapy provided that they received therapy up to 1 month prior to enrollment * Part 2: be willing to engage in follow-up telephone calls with a research staff * Part 2: have telephone access so they can be contacted by the research staff * Part 2: have a hemoglobin level of \>=8 g/dL within 2 weeks of enrollment \* PRBC transfusions will be allowed to patients with hemoglobin \< 8 g/dl * Part 2: be able to understand the description of the study and give written or verbal informed consent * Part 2: able to read, write and speak English * Part 2: presence of fatigue as defined FACIT-F subscale of =\< 34 on a 0 to 52 scale (in which 52 = no fatigue and 0 = worst possible fatigue) * Part 2: not currently taking methylphenidate, or have taken it within the previous 10 days * Part 2: able to complete the baseline assessment forms * Part 2: able to understand the recommendations for participation in the study * Part 2: can be enrolled directly to part 2 independent of part 1 if on immunotherapy and having a FACIT-F fatigue =\< 34, and able to complete baseline assessment and bloodwork as detailed in Part 1 at baseline and day 14 +/-3 days. Treating Oncologist should agree for participation in the intervention trial Exclusion Criteria: * Part 1: patients will be excluded if (1) have clinical evidence of cognitive failure as evidenced by Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale score of \>= 13 at baseline completed in person, by phone, or via video-conference * Part 2: Patients will be excluded if (1) have clinical evidence of cognitive failure as evidenced by Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale score of \>= 13 at baseline completed in person, by phone, or via video-conference * Part 2: have a major contraindication to MP (e.g., allergy/hypersensitivity to study medications or their constituents), or conditions making adherence difficult as determined by the attending physician * Part 2: on monoamine oxidase inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, or clonidine * Part 2: history of glaucoma * Part 2: history of have severe cardiac disease (New York Heart Association functional class III or IV) * Part 2: tachycardia and/or uncontrolled hypertension * Part 2: currently receiving anticoagulants, anticonvulsants (phenobarbital, diphenylhydantoin, primidone), phenylbutazone, and/or tricyclic drugs (imipramine, clomipramine, or desipramine) * Part 2: patients with Cut Down, Annoyed, Guilty and Eye Opener-Adapted to Include Drugs (CAGE-AID) \>= 2